Estimating the Spatial Distribution of Iron in Deep Gray Matter Nuclei over the Lifespan Using Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping

Motivation: Studies have demonstrated that iron accumulation rates in various gray matter nuclei are different throughout an individual’s lifetime, yet no study has quantitatively evaluated how the spatial distribution of brain iron might evolve with normal physiological development and aging. Goal(s): This study was to investigate the change trajectories of spatially distribution of iron in the deep gray matter nuclei as a function of ageing using QSM. Approach: 3D texture analyses were performed on QSM maps to calculate the texture features using the GLCM. Results: The quadratic regression results characterized differential age-dependent trajectories of texture features in gray matter of basal ganglia, midbrain and cerebellum. Impact: Quantitatively evaluated the spatial distribution properties of brain iron during lifespan might provide critical information for understand the brain development and aging, as well as predicting cognitive or neurodegenerative diseases.