Alterations of amide proton transfer weighted (APTw) signal after revascularization in patients with moyamoya disease

Motivation: Assessing alterations of the brain microenvironment in patients with moyamoya disease after revascularization (MMD) would develop optimal postoperative management and improve the prognosis. Goal(s): This study aimed to explore alterations of amide proton transfer weighted (APTw) signal in patients with MMD after receiving revascularization surgery. Approach: MMD patients who underwent unilateral revascularization surgery were prospectively collected. Baseline computed tomography perfusion (CTP) and APTw imaging were performed. Patients were followed up with CTP and APTw imaging about 1 year after revascularization. Results: APTw values in both surgical and contralateral hemispheres at follow-up were found to be significantly higher than those at baseline. Impact: APTw imaging is a potential assessment tool to quantitatively evaluate alterations of acid-base metabolism in the brain microenvironment of patients with MMD after revascularization, which provides additional information to help neurosurgeons develop optimal postoperative management and follow-up protocols for MMD.