Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging Reveals Thalamic Microstructural Changes in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Motivation: The thalamus is essential for cognitive function, and microstructural changes identified through Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging (DKI) may facilitate the early detection of cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Goal(s): To evaluate thalamic microstructural changes in patients with cerebral small vessel disease and analyze their relationship with cognition. Approach: 46 CSVD patients and 23 healthy controls were recruited to evaluate thalamic changes via DKI and their correlation with cognition. Results: CSVD patients showed decreased kurtosis parameters in the thalamus, which correlated with cognitive scores. Impact: The microstructural changes in the thalamus observed through DKI technology may represent a significant mechanism contributing to cognitive decline in CSVD patients. This finding provides a new imaging perspective for the early diagnosis of MCI patients.