Quantitative study of changes in the hippocampus after radiotherapy via multisequence magnetic resonance imaging radiomics

Motivation: In Alzheimer's disease , the hippocampus undergoes dynamic changes in volume and structure, paralleling similar changes observed post whole brain radiotherapy（WBRT）. Goal(s): Multisequence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomic features were used to analyze dynamic changes in the hippocampus after radiotherapy. Approach: Seventy-five patients were enrolled, and multi-sequence MRI radiomics —including T1WI, CE-T1WI, T2WI, T2 FLAIR, and DWI —assessed hippocampal alterations pre- and post-WBRT. Radiomic features, analyzed with RT-Mind software, were grouped into two categories based on MRI stage differences. Results: Findings showed specific features from T1WI, CE-T1WI, and T2WI reflect microscopic changes, underscoring radiomics as a valuable tool for monitoring hippocampal injury over time following WBRT. Impact: This study highlights the potential of multi-sequence MRI radiomics as a valuable tool for detecting and tracking hippocampal changes following WBRT, offering new insights for early intervention and improved management of cognitive decline in brain metastases patients.