Brain CSF clearance measured by phase-contrast MRI and dynamic 18F-MK-6240 PET in Alzheimer's disease

Motivation: Beta-amyloid (Aβ) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is caused by decreased glymphatic clearance function. As the main source of CSF in glymphatic system, the mechanism of CSF dynamic in ventricle system is of great importance. Goal(s): Use dynamic 18F-MK-6240 PET and PC-MRI to study the relationship of CSF clearance in lateral ventricle (LV) and aqueduct. Approach: CSF turnover rate in LV is derived from dynamic 18F-MK-6240 PET. Aqueduct parameters were calculated using PC-MRI data. Linear regression analysis was performed between PET and PC-MRI measurements. Results: The CSF clearance measurements from both PET and MRI are consistent and show diagnostic group difference. Impact: 18F-MK-6240 PET derived CSF turnover rate and phase-contrast MRI produced aqueduct CSF measurements are highly correlated. The data reveals diagnostic group difference after controlling for age and sex, indicating that the decreased CSF clearance is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.