Investigating the effect of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura on neurocognitive function using relaxation and myelin water fraction maps

Despite being in remission, patients with immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) experience a variety of cognitive health problems. Quantitative MRI was used to verify the health of white matter in 19 patients. Patients had increased T1 in the cingulate cortex and increased T2 in the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes. These regions correlate with decreased cognitive scores and depression tests taken by patients alongside the MRI scan. Increased T1 and T2 could suggest a variety of tissue pathologies but require further investigation to determine exactly what condition is affecting white matter health.