MRI and glymphatic system

Stroke Vasc Neurol. 2019 Apr 5;4(2):75-77. doi: 10.1136/svn-2018-000197. eCollection 2019 Jul.

Abstract

Glymphatic system is newly discovered pseudolymphatic system in brain and it plays an important role in the removal of interstitial metabolic waste products. We discuss and review the role of glymphatic system in neurological diseases, especially focus on the potential of MRI modelling and its associated challenges to obtain useful new information related to understand the glymphatic system dynamics, pathways, and provide quantitative maps for diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis of the disease. The non-invasive nature of MRI might more readily help with translation of glymphatic measurements from the laboratory to the clinic.

Keywords: diabetes; glymphatic system; magnetic resonance imaging; modeling; neurological diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Glymphatic System / diagnostic imaging*
  • Glymphatic System / metabolism
  • Glymphatic System / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / physiopathology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis