Iron Deposition Characteristics in Normal-appearing White Matter: A Community Study Using Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping Method

Motivation: The factors that influence iron deposition in the normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) of the brain have yet to be thoroughly examined. Goal(s): This study aimed to measure brain iron levels in a community population and identify factors affecting NAWM iron levels. Approach: Brain iron load was assessed using quantitative susceptibility mapping. Results: Age, hypertension, T2DM, smoking, BMI, and APOE4 affect iron metabolism in certain NAWM brain regions. Moreover, the mean susceptibility values of the corpus callosum are significantly related to some cognitive tests. Impact: We could identify the potential factors that could affect iron levels in the white matter and accurately map iron in this part of the brain. This information could help us better control confounding variables in future research.