Ventricular stroke volume is linked with thalamic volume in normal adult brains

Motivation: Impaired cardiac function has been associated with cognitive deterioration. However, the correlation of cardiovascular function to cerebral structures remains unclear. Goal(s): We studied whether the ventricular function is associated with measures of subcortical volumes in a general patient population. Approach: All participants were imaged using a 3T MRI systems. Cardiac 2D SSFP CINE was acquired for cardiac function. Brain structural images were acquired using a 3D MPRAGE. Results: Among seven subcortical structures examined in 101 healthy adults, only the thalamic volume demonstrated a positive association with left ventricular stroke volume and right ventricular end diastolic volume. Impact: In healthy adults, the thalamic volume demonstrated a positive association with left and right ventricular stroke volume.