Alterations in Brain Glymphatic Function and White Matter Microstructural Properties in patients with IBD

Motivation: The mechanisms underlying brain structural changes and its relationship with neuropsychological symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain unclear. Goal(s): To explore the relationship between the function of the glymphatic system, changes in white matter microstructure, and clinical symptoms in patients with IBD. Approach: Diffusion along perivascular spaces (DTI-ALPS) and tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) techniques were used. Results: The observed alterations in white matter microstructure and decreased clearance rate of the glymphatic system in IBD may be an external manifestation of neuroinflammation. These abnormalities are related to sleep disorders and pain in IBD patients. Impact: Neuroinflammation is known to have adverse effects on glymphatic flow. The changes in diffusion MRI indicators suggest glymphatic dysfunction in IBD. Chronic visceral pain reduces the diffusion rate. The changes in diffusion MRI indicators are associated with poor cognitive performance.