Exploring microstructural changes in patients with vascular cognitive impairment using multi-b-value diffusion and T2-relaxometry MRI

Local increases of interstitial fluid (ISF) predates axonal damage in white matter hyperintensities (WMH). However, it is challenging to disentangle these processes on T2w-MRI. By using multi-b-value diffusion and multi-echo T2-relaxometry imaging, we aimed to quantify markers of ISF volume and mobility in patients with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and healthy controls (HC). A trend for a higher mobility and volume of ISF was found in VCI patients compared to HC. Moreover, in VCI, elevated mobility of ISF was already present in perilesional tissue compared to normal-appearing white matter, suggesting that it might be an early marker of WMH development.