White matter tract microstructure and cognitive performance after transient ischemic attack

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239116
• Publication Date: 2020-10-23T17:24:07Z
• Authors: Sana Tariq; Adrian Tsang; Meng Wang; Noaah Reaume; Helen Carlson; Tolulope T. Sajobi; Richard Stewart L...; Eric E. Smith; Richard Frayne; Christopher D. d’...; Shelagh B. Coutts; Philip A. Barber
• Keywords: Transient (computer programming)

Background and purpose Patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) show evidence of cognitive impairment but the reason is not clear. Measurement microstructural changes in white matter (WM) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) may be a useful outcome measure. We report WM DTI relationship neuropsychological performance cohort non-TIA subjects. Methods Ninety-five TIA subjects 51 were assessed batteries. Fractional anisotropy (FA) mean diffusivity (MD) maps generated measurements collected from tracts. Adjusted mixed effects regression modelled between groups metrics. Results Transient had age 67.9 ± 9.4 years, 64.9 9.9 years. The group exhibited higher MD values fornix (0.36 units, P < 0.001) lower FA superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) (-0.29 = 0.001), genu (-0.22 0.016), uncinate (UF) (-0.26 0.004). Compared to subjects, scored on Addenbrooke's Cognitive Assessment-Revised (median score 95 vs 91, 0.01) showed no differences scores Montreal Assessment 27 26) or Mini-Mental State Examination 30). memory 44 52, processing speed 45 62, executive function, when compared Lower fornix, SLF, UF associated poorer tests visual function verbal memory. related timed TMT-B (P 0.01), SLF was confirming worse group. Conclusions scans for detecting disease before symptoms develop. parameters, hyperintensities, vascular risk factors underly some altered measures