Perivascular Space as Biomarker for Iron Dysregulation: Evidence from 7T QSM Paramagnetic and PVS Mapping in Aging

Motivation: Identifying a structural MRI-based marker to easily monitor iron dysregulation in the brain. Goal(s): This study specifically examines whether PVS-VF can serve as an indicator of iron deposition in the brain. Approach: The study includes 104 healthy participants with 7T MRI data (3D-T1-weighted and QSM). PVS maps were generated using the Frangi filter, while iron load was assessed using QSM decomposition. Statistical analysis examined the relationship between PVS volume and iron deposition. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between PVS-VF and iron load in brain regions associated with the Default Mode, Salience, and Sensorimotor networks. Impact: The results provide insights into the potential of PVS mapping, offering an easy-to-compute marker for assessing iron dysregulation. This study lays the groundwork for future research on the link between PVS and iron load in cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.