Does quantitative susceptibility mapping elucidate age-related alterations in deep gray matter iron deposition? A systematic review.
Maryam Helfi, Haniyeh Baniasadipour, Ali Kharazmi et al.
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In 30 seconds
This PRISMA-guided systematic review examined QSM studies of brain iron in healthy aging, synthesizing evidence from 12 studies involving 2,178 participants. Across studies, magnetic susceptibility increased consistently with age in the caudate nucleus and putamen, indicating iron accumulation. Most studies also found increases in the red nucleus, substantia nigra, and dentate nucleus, whereas findings for the hippocampus and thalamus varied. Because QSM acquisition and processing methods differed substantially, the authors used a narrative synthesis and call for standardized protocols and longitudinal research.
Key findings
- The review included 12 studies with 2,178 participants.
- Age-related susceptibility increases were consistent in the caudate nucleus and putamen.
- Most studies reported increased susceptibility in the red nucleus, substantia nigra, and dentate nucleus.
- Hippocampal and thalamic patterns varied, and methodological differences contributed to variability across studies.
Why it matters
QSM may help characterize iron-related changes in deep gray matter during healthy aging, providing a potential imaging measure for research on brain aging and neurodegenerative risk. However, variable findings across regions and differences in acquisition and processing limit comparability. Better standardization and longitudinal evidence are needed before age-related patterns can be interpreted consistently.
What to keep in mind
Methodological heterogeneity across studies required narrative synthesis and contributed to variability; the review also identifies a need for longitudinal studies.