Magnetic resonance brain imaging in survivors of intimate partner violence: a scoping review and implications for radiology practice and research

Abstract Background Intimate partner violence is recognised by the World Health Organisation as a major global public health and human rights concern. Repeated head trauma and strangulation associated with intimate partner violence may result in traumatic brain injury and long-term neurological and cognitive impairments. Neuroimaging modalities such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are used to assess these injuries, with magnetic resonance imaging considered the gold standard for detecting subtle brain abnormalities. This scoping review aims to map the existing evidence on magnetic resonance brain imaging findings among survivors of intimate partner violence. Method A scoping review was conducted following the framework by Arksey and O’Malley. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus and through snowballing for eligible studies on Google Scholar. A data extraction table was developed in Microsoft Word to systematically record key information from the included studies. Results Seventeen studies were included in the review. Most studies employed high-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, often complemented by functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging, indicating a predominance of structural and connectivity-focused protocols, with limited use of sequences sensitive to vascular and metabolic changes. The themes identified were structural brain alterations, functional brain network alterations, neuroimaging correlation with psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder and cognitive and behavioural correlates of brain alterations. Preliminary evidence from the studies reviewed suggests potential associations between IPV exposure and cortical thinning, reduced grey matter and microstructural white matter alterations. Functional imaging studies reported limbic hyperactivation, disrupted salience network connectivity and default mode network dysregulation. Conclusion Survivors of IPV show structural and functional brain alterations, including cortical thinning, white matter changes and disrupted network connectivity, which are associated with cognitive deficits. Standardised, multimodal magnetic resonance imaging protocols, longitudinal and multisite studies across diverse populations are needed to strengthen understanding and guide management, rehabilitation and intimate partner violence-informed imaging practices. Clinical trial number Not applicable.