Cross-sectional and longitudinal assessment of iron levels in the white matter of the limbic system in preeclampsia patients

Motivation: Preeclampsia may affect a wide range of brain regions, leading to cognitive and emotional changes during pregnancy. Goal(s): To examine cross-sectional and longitudinal alterations in iron levels in the white matter (WM) fibers of the limbic system in preeclampsia patients via quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and explore their influencing factors. Approach: Brain iron of all subjects was assessed using QSM. Results: The recovery of WM damage caused by increased brain iron levels in preeclampsia patients may be long-term or even irreversible. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies revealed that increased HIF-α is a risk factor for preeclampsia. Impact: Changes in susceptibility values in the Papez circuit provide more information for understanding the pathological mechanism of cognitive decline in preeclampsia patients.