Evaluation of the changes of GABA and T2 mapping in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment

Motivation: Exploring alterations in brain microstructure and neurotransmitter content in post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). Goal(s): To investigate the influence of T2 mapping and MEGA-PRESS on brain microstructure and neurotransmitter content in PSCI individuals. Approach: MRI scans were performed on 14 patients from the PSCI group and 11 healthy volunteers. GABA and Glx spectra were gathered, followed by T2 mapping. Results: The study found lower GABA+/Water ratios in the prefrontal cortex of the PSCI group than the healthy group. Additionally, the PSCI group showed significantly higher T2 values in the right frontal and left occipital lobes. Impact: This study confirmed that the combined measurement of brain GABA content and relaxation using MEGA-PRESS and T2 mapping sequence has clinical value. This provides a clinical idea for exploring the occurrence and development of cognitive disorders such as PSCI.