In vivo brain iron concentration in healthy individuals at 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging: a prospective cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To quantify iron deposits in the basal ganglia and to evaluate its relation to age, sex, body mass index and brain laterality. Methods: Prospective observational study. Data were collected from the patients’ electronic medical records. The concentration of iron deposits in the brain was assessed using whole-brain MRI at 3.0 Tesla. Results: 138 participants were selected, 69.6% were female and the mean age was 47 ± 19 years. The κ coefficient was very strong (k = 0.92, p < 0.001). Age showed a moderate correlation between iron deposits in the caudate and putamen nuclei, on both right and left sides. In overall and right-handed individuals, a significantly higher iron concentration was observed on the left side for the caudate nucleus, putamen, thalamus, globus pallidus, and centrum semiovale, and for left-handed individuals, it was also observed in the left side-for the putamen and centrum semiovale. A weak correlation was shown between body mass index and left and right substantia nigra, left caudate nuclei, left putamen and right globus pallidus. Conclusion: Our results showed a significantly higher iron deposit on the left side in most brain regions. In addition, the body mass index may also be related to iron overload, especially in the caudate nucleus. Advances in knowledge: Brain iron deposits may be normal, owing to aging, or be pathological, such as neurodegeneration. Thus, it is important to know how much is expected of iron deposition in the brain of healthy populations.