Age-related Vascular Changes in Choroid Plexus Evaluated Using High-resolution USPIO-Enhanced 7T MRI

The choroid plexus (ChP) is a highly vascularized structure that is important in CSF production and waste solute clearance. In this work, USPIO-enhanced 7T imaging was used to detect microvascular changes associated with normal aging. We showed improved susceptibility contrast of ChP vessels and surrounding stromal tissues on high-resolution USPIO-enhanced 2D T2*-weighted MRI. Both age-related sparser vasculature and distended stromal tissues were identified. ChP volume increases with age, whereas the difference between pre-/post-contrast quantitative susceptibility map (QSM) decreases with age (P<0.05); and vascular degenerative change may occur earlier than volume change.