Quantitative assessment of iron and magnetic susceptibility in cortical regions of the same older adults

Motivation: Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is a promising in-vivo marker of iron levels in the brain. However, the relation of cortical magnetic susceptibility with iron in older adults remains uncertain, making it difficult to use in-vivo QSM to predict iron levels. Goal(s): This study aims to establish the relationship between cortical magnetic susceptibility with iron in community-based older adults by addressing a number of limitations plaguing previous efforts. Approach: This study in community-based older adults combined in-vivo QSM, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry at autopsy, and short antemortem intervals. Results: Linear relationship between magnetic susceptibility and iron levels was established for older adult brain. Impact: The present study established the relation of cortical magnetic susceptibility with iron levels in community-based older adults. This relationship may be used to estimate iron levels in-vivo based on QSM, thereby enhancing our understanding of iron dysregulation in neurodegenerative diseases.