Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities with Emerging Alzheimer Disease Therapeutics: Detection and Reporting Recommendations for Clinical Practice

P. M. Cogswell, J. A. Barakos, F. Barkhof, T. S. Benzinger, C. R. Jack, T. Y. Poussaint, C. A. Raji, V. K. Ramanan, C. T. Whitlow

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

SUMMARY: Monoclonal antibodies are emerging disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer disease that require brain MR imaging for eligibility assessment as well as for monitoring for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities. Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities result from treatment-related loss of vascular integrity and may occur in 2 forms. Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities with edema or effusion are transient, treatment-induced edema or sulcal effusion, identified on T2-FLAIR. Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities with hemorrhage are treatment-induced microhemorrhages or superficial siderosis identified on T2∗ gradient recalledecho. As monoclonal antibodies become more widely available, treatment screening and monitoring brain MR imaging examinations may greatly increase neuroradiology practice volumes. Radiologists must become familiar with the imaging appearance of amyloidrelated imaging abnormalities, how to select an appropriate imaging protocol, and report findings in clinical practice. On the basis of clinical trial literature and expert experience from clinical trial imaging, we summarize imaging findings of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities, describe potential interpretation pitfalls, and provide recommendations for a standardized imaging protocol and an amyloid-related imaging abnormalities reporting template. Standardized imaging and reporting of these findings are important because an amyloid-related imaging abnormalities severity score, derived from the imaging findings, is used along with clinical status to determine patient management and eligibility for continued monoclonal antibody dosing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)E19-E35
JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology
Volume43
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities with Emerging Alzheimer Disease Therapeutics: Detection and Reporting Recommendations for Clinical Practice'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this