Whole Brain Amide Proton Transfer Weighted Imaging in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Motivation: Investigations of amide proton signal changes in the brain of children with OSA may provide imaging markers for early diagnosis. Goal(s): To explore the APTw signal changes in children with OSA and to evaluate the association of APTw signal in different brain regions with the cognitive impairment. Approach: Forty-six children with mild to severe OSA and 20 HV underwent whole brain APTw imaging scan. Statistical analysis was performed for inter-group comparison and correlation analysis. Results: The APTw signals in some brain regions in children with moderate-severe OSA were significantly lower than that of HV. The APTw signals were significantly associated with cognitive scores. Impact: APTw imaging could be used for assessment of neurocognitive impairment in children with OSA.