Grey matter volume and fractional anisotropy as biomarkers of cognitive change in traumatic brain injury over a 6-month period

In this study we explored how neuroimaging biomarkers relate to cognitive recovery in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Sixteen participants with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury were enrolled with MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) collected at enrollment and 6 months. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Disability Rating Scale, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were also administered at both time points to evaluate neuropsychological and functional outcomes. Composite RBANS score showed significant increase from study enrollment to 6 month follow up (<i>p</i> = 0.035). Fractional anisotropy (FA) in the genu (r_s = 0.811, <i>p</i> = 0.004) and splenium of the corpus callosum (r_s = 0.744, <i>p</i> = 0.009) was strongly correlated with changes in the RBANS-Attention index score. Left tapetum FA was correlated with changes in the RBANS-Visuospatial/Constructional index score (r_s = 0.744, <i>p</i> = 0.011). Left temporal fusiform cortex grey matter (GM) volume was correlated with changes in the RBANS-Attention index score (r_s = 0.756, <i>p</i> = 0.011). Imaging markers measured at the beginning of the study, such as FA and GM volume, are correlated with 6-month cognitive recovery in TBI, supporting the potential use of neuroimaging to guide rehabilitation strategies.