Associations of lenticulostriate artery geometry and hemodynamics with age, vascular risks, and cognitive decline: A high-resolution 7T study.

Motivation: LSA plays a crucial role in the pathology of small vessel disease. Directly assessing LSA pulsatility and geometry may provide valuable insights into pathology of SVD. Goal(s): To assess LSA pulsatility and geometry using 7T high-resolution MRI techniques in elderly adults and investigate their association with age, vascular risks, and cognitive impairment. Approach: Retrospectively gated dual-VENC PC-MRI and 3D high-resolution TOF were performed on 7T to assess LSA pulsatility and geometry in elderly adults. Results: Our results showed that increased LSA pulsatility and reduced LSA geometric features (LSA stems, branches, length) were correlated with aging, vascular risk factors, and cognitive impairment. Impact: 7T high-resolution MRI including dual-VENC PC-MRI and 3D TOF provide comprehensive assessment of LSA geometry and flow dynamics, offering a class of sensitive imaging biomarkers for small vessel disease and cognitive impairment, and providing valuable insights into SVD pathology.