How to measure subtle blood-brain barrier leakage with MRI

Dr Michael Thrippleton and members of the HARNESS Initiative, led by Professor Joanna Wardlaw (both Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences), have recently published an in-depth review and position statement on MRI measurement of subtle blood-brain barrier leakage in clinical research studies.

This opportunity arose from a Joint Programme for Neurodegenerative Diseases-funded international collaborative workgroup. The review focuses on cerebral small vessel disease, which gives rise to approximately a quarter of strokes, as well as being a cause of memory problems and dementia. It aims to provide information and consensus recommendations for researchers and investigators who wish to study blood-brain barrier leakage and failure in cerebral small vessel disease and dementia, with the use of MRI.