Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Brain Sciences Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Application of MRI in Brain Diseases

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurotechnology and Neuroimaging".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 6 November 2025 | Viewed by 7357

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Carlo A. Mallio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Research Unit of Radiology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Roma, Italy
Interests: neuroradiology; oncologic imaging; contrast media; artificial intelligence
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Gianfranco Di Gennaro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Interests: epidemiology; advanced biostatistics; statistical modelling; neuroradiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Andrea Elefante

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: oncologic imaging; advanced imaging; diagnostic imaging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to generate pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes inside the body. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio waves to form images of the organs in the body. The technology continually evolves as groundbreaking innovations and applications emerge. For example, some researchers use non-contrast MRI surveillance of craniopharyngiomas; some researchers found that by employing the spherical mean MRI technique, they can detect the IDH status in brain gliomas; and some researchers utilize generative artificial intelligence to transform grayscale MRI images into colour. This helps us to better understand multiple sclerosis, among other diseases.

This Special Issue, "Application of MRI in Brain Diseases", explores the forefront of this discipline. In an era marked by technological advancements, this collection of articles spotlights the transformative impact of MRI on diagnostics, treatment, and research in brain diseases.

This Special Issue delves into the vanguard of MRI, providing fresh insights and new avenues for clinicians, researchers, and practitioners.

Dr. Carlo A. Mallio
Dr. Gianfranco Di Gennaro
Prof. Dr. Andrea Elefante
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
medical imaging
neurological disorders
mental disorders
brain diseases
diagnosis
treatment

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

13 pages, 718 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Analysis of Intracranial Atherosclerosis and Its Correlation with Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease and Prognosis

by Jingjing Cai, Sizhan Chen, Shiyu Hu, Lijie Ren and Gelin Xu

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15091009 - 18 Sep 2025

Viewed by 443

Abstract

Background: Intracranial atherosclerosis disease (ICAD) represents a significant etiology of stroke. This study aimed to evaluate correlations between intracranial atherosclerotic burden and risk of ischemic events. Methods: In this prospective observational study, all enrolled patients underwent High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance vessel wall Imaging (HR MR-VMI) within two weeks of onset, or of enrollment. Baseline assessments included modified American Heart Association plaque type, stenosis degree, intra-plaque hemorrhage (IPH), plaque thickness, plaque length, and vessel wall enhancement. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was followed with one-year treatment in adherence to the guidelines. Comparative analyses were conducted between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, culprit versus non-culprit plaques, and favorable versus poor prognosis groups. Results: The study included 129 symptomatic and 42 asymptomatic patients. Hypertension, diabetes, and smoking were more prevalent in patients in the symptomatic group. Vulnerable plaque (97.7% vs. 64.3%, p = 0.003), IPH (17.8% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.022) and higher stenosis degree (χ² = 2.675, p = 0.008) were significantly more prevalent in the symptomatic group. Culprit plaques were predominantly located in the superior wall of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) (χ² = 15.561, p = 0.001) and the left wall of the basilar artery (χ² = 34.138, p = 0.008). Factors associated with poor prognosis included older age (63.63 ± 8.19 vs. 55.63 ± 13.15, p = 0.001), presence of IPH (31.82% vs. 14.29%, p = 0.037), and elevated D-dimer levels (0.77 ± 0.60 vs. 0.40 ± 0.36, p = 0.022). Conclusions: Vulnerable plaque, specific lesion locations, and higher stenosis degree are significantly associated with ischemic events in ICAD. While plaque enhancement and stenosis correlate with stroke occurrence, they show no clear association with prognosis. Neither the length nor the thickness of plaques manifests a significant correlation with either stroke events or the prognostic outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of MRI in Brain Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5186 KB

Open AccessArticle

Abnormal Cerebral Perfusion and Functional Connectivity in Women with Overactive Bladder

by Shichun Chen, Zongpai Zhang, Yakun Zhang, Kenneth Wengler, Steven Weissbart, Weiying Dai, Xiang He and Justina Tam

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(7), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15070689 - 27 Jun 2025

Viewed by 710

Abstract

Background: Overactive bladder (OAB) has been linked to abnormal cerebral blood flow (CBF) and functional connectivity (FC). However, findings related to CBF and FC changes in OAB remain inconsistent across the literature. Methods: This feasibility study employed arterial spin labeling (ASL) to investigate abnormal CBF and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) FC in individuals with OAB, both at rest and during bladder filling. ASL images were collected from twenty-two female participants (twelve with OAB and ten healthy controls) at bladder filling volumes of 0, 50, 100, 200, 350, and 500 mL. For OAB participants, scans were obtained both at baseline and following a single-session treatment. ASL images were categorized into low-urge and high-urge conditions based on participants’ subjective urge rating during bladder filling. A flexible factorial design was implemented with three factors: subject, group (control, OAB at baseline, and OAB posttreatment), and urge state (low vs. high). Results: Compared to controls, OAB participants exhibited significant decreases in ΔCBF (high urge minus low urge) in the medial prefrontal cortex and increases in ΔCBF in the supramarginal region. Additionally, ΔPCC FC with the insula was reduced in OAB participants. Posttreatment, OAB participants showed increased ΔPCC FC with the postcentral and parietal (PocP), regions associated with the sensorimotor network. Notably, changes in ΔPCC-PocP FC were associated with improvements in OAB symptoms. Conclusions: These findings support the feasibility of using ASL to probe dysfunctional brain–bladder control mechanisms and treatment-related changes in OAB participants, highlighting the involvement of sensory processing and attention regulation in this condition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of MRI in Brain Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5895 KB

Open AccessArticle

Brain Structural Correlates of EEG Network Hyperexcitability, Symptom Severity, Attention, and Memory in Borderline Personality Disorder

by Andrea Schlump, Bernd Feige, Swantje Matthies, Katharina von Zedtwitz, Isabelle Matteit, Thomas Lange, Kathrin Nickel, Katharina Domschke, Marco Reisert, Alexander Rau, Markus Heinrichs, Dominique Endres, Ludger Tebartz van Elst and Simon Maier

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(6), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15060592 - 31 May 2025

Viewed by 1350

Abstract

Introduction: Previous neuroimaging studies have reported structural brain alterations and local network hyperexcitability in terms of increased slow-wave electroencephalography (EEG) activity in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). In particular, intermittent rhythmic delta and theta activity (IRDA/IRTA) has drawn attention in mental health contexts due to its links with metabolic imbalances, neuronal stress, and emotional dysregulation—processes that are highly pertinent to BPD. These functional disturbances may be reflected in corresponding structural brain changes. The current study investigated cortical thickness and subcortical volumes in BPD and examined their associations with IRDA/IRTA events per minute, symptom severity, and neuropsychological measures. Methods: Seventy female BPD patients and 36 age-matched female healthy controls (HC) were included (for clinical EEG comparisons even 72 patients were available). IRDA/IRTA rates were assessed using an automatic independent component analyses (ICA) approach. T1-weighted MRI data were obtained using a MAGNETOM Prisma 3T system and analyzed with FreeSurfer (version 7.2) for subcortical structures and CAT12 for cortical thickness and global volume measurements. Psychometric assessments included questionnaires such as Borderline Symptom List (BSL-23) and Inventory of Personality Organization (IPO). Neuropsychological performance was evaluated with the Test for Attentional Performance (TAP), Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFT-20-R), and Verbal Learning and Memory Test (VLMT). Results: Between-group comparisons exhibited no significant increase in IRDA/IRTA rates or structural abnormalities between the BPD and HC group. However, within the BPD group, cortical thickness of the right isthmus of the cingulate gyrus negatively correlated with the IRDA/IRTA difference (after minus before hyperventilation, HV; p < 0.001). Furthermore, BPD symptom severity (BSL-23) and IPO scores positively correlated with the thickness of the right rostral anterior cingulate cortex (p < 0.001), and IPO scores were associated with the thickness of the right temporal pole (p < 0.001). Intrinsic alertness (TAP) significantly correlated with relative cerebellar volume (p = 0.01). Discussion: While no group-level structural abnormalities were observed, correlations between EEG slowing, BPD symptom severity, and alertness with cortical thickness and/or subcortical volumes suggest a potential role of the anterior cingulate cortex, temporal pole, and cerebellum in emotion regulation and cognitive functioning in BPD. Future research employing multimodal EEG-MRI approaches may provide deeper insights into the neural mechanisms underlying BPD and guide personalized therapeutic strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of MRI in Brain Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5211 KB

Open AccessArticle

Alterations in the Temporal Variation and Spatial Distribution of Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability Following Electromagnetic Pulse Radiation: A Study Based on Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI

by Kexian Wang, Haoyu Wang, Ji Dong, Li Zhao, Hui Wang, Jing Zhang, Xinping Xu, Binwei Yao, Yunfei Lai and Ruiyun Peng

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(6), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15060577 - 27 May 2025

Viewed by 715

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have suggested that electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can induce openings in the blood–brain barrier (BBB). However, the temporal variation and spatial distribution of BBB permeability after EMP radiation are difficult to assess using conventional histopathological approaches. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is a valuable tool for the in vivo evaluation of BBB permeability. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the temporal variation and spatial distribution of BBB permeability after EMP radiation in rats using DCE-MRI. Methods: The dose of EMP was estimated through simulations utilizing a digital rat model comprising 16 distinct brain regions. Then, the changes in BBB permeability of the different rat brain regions at different time points (3 h and 24 h) after EMP radiation were evaluated using quantitative DCE-MRI. Furthermore, the spatial difference in BBB permeability was assessed 3 h after exposure. Finally, the dose–effect relationship between the electric field strength and the BBB permeability was also investigated. Results: The results demonstrated that the changes in the values of volume transfer constant (ΔK^trans) significantly increased in several rat brain regions at 3 h after 400 kV/m EMP radiation. These changes vanished 24 h after exposure. Meanwhile, no significant spatial differences in BBB permeability were observed after EMP radiation. Moreover, Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive linear relationship between BBB permeability and the electric field strength within an external electric field strength range of 0 to 400 kV/m at 3 h after EMP radiation. Conclusions: EMP radiation can induce a reversible increase in BBB permeability in rats. Moreover, no significant differences in BBB permeability were found across different brain regions. Additionally, the degree of BBB permeability was positively correlated with the regional electric field strength of EMP radiation within an external electric field strength range of 0 to 400 kV/m at 3 h after EMP radiation. These results indicate the promising potential of employing EMP for transient openings in the BBB, which could facilitate clinical pharmacological interventions via drug delivery into the brain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of MRI in Brain Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

32 pages, 1492 KB

Open AccessReview

Quantitative MRI in Neuroimaging: A Review of Techniques, Biomarkers, and Emerging Clinical Applications

by Gaspare Saltarelli, Giovanni Di Cerbo, Antonio Innocenzi, Claudia De Felici, Alessandra Splendiani and Ernesto Di Cesare

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15101088 - 8 Oct 2025

Viewed by 603

Abstract

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) denotes MRI methods that estimate physical tissue parameters in units, rather than relative signal. Typical readouts include T1/T2 relaxation (ms; or R1/R2 in s⁻¹), proton density (%), diffusion metrics (e.g., ADC in mm²/s, FA), magnetic susceptibility (χ, ppm), perfusion (e.g., CBF in mL/100 g/min; rCBV; K^trans), and regional brain volumes (cm³; cortical thickness). This review synthesizes brain qMRI across T1/T2 relaxometry, myelin/MT (MWF, MTR/MTsat/qMT), diffusion (DWI/DTI/DKI/IVIM), susceptibility imaging (SWI/QSM), perfusion (DSC/DCE/ASL), and volumetry using a unified framework: physics and signal model, acquisition and key parameters, outputs and units, validation/repeatability, clinical applications, limitations, and future directions. Our scope is the adult brain in neurodegenerative, neuro-inflammatory, neuro-oncologic, and cerebrovascular disease. Representative utilities include tracking demyelination and repair (T1, MWF/MTsat), grading and therapy monitoring in gliomas (rCBV, K^trans), penumbra and tissue-at-risk assessment (DWI/DKI/ASL), iron-related pathology (QSM), and early dementia diagnosis with normative volumetry. Persistent barriers to routine adoption are protocol standardization, vendor-neutral post-processing/QA, phantom-based and multicenter repeatability, and clinically validated cut-offs. We highlight consensus efforts and AI-assisted pipelines, and outline opportunities for multiparametric integration of complementary qMRI biomarkers. As methodological convergence and clinical validation mature, qMRI is poised to complement conventional MRI as a cornerstone of precision neuroimaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of MRI in Brain Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2352 KB

Open AccessReview

A Comprehensive Overview of Subacute Combined Degeneration: MRI Diagnostic Challenges and Treatment Pathways

by Caterina Bernetti, Laura Cea, Andrea Buoso, Federico Greco, Mariagrazia Rossi, Fabio Pilato, Rosalinda Calandrelli, Gianfranco Di Gennaro, Vincenzo Di Lazzaro, Bruno Beomonte Zobel and Carlo Augusto Mallio

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(9), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15090972 - 10 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1126

Abstract

Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) is a neurological disorder primarily caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. This condition leads to progressive demyelination and axonal damage, predominantly affecting the dorsal and lateral columns of the spinal cord. This review provides a comprehensive overview of SCD, detailing its complex etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation. We highlight the critical role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnostic process, discussing both the characteristic spinal cord findings and the more subtle intracranial abnormalities. Furthermore, we address the diagnostic challenges presented by conditions that mimic SCD in MRI, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We conclude by outlining current treatment pathways and identifying key areas for future research, including the use of advanced neuroimaging techniques and the potential for new therapeutic approaches. This updated synthesis aims to provide a clear framework for clinicians and researchers to better understand and manage SCD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of MRI in Brain Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1065 KB

Open AccessReview

Multimodal Neuroimaging of Obesity: From Structural-Functional Mechanisms to Precision Interventions

by Wenhua Liu, Na Li, Dongsheng Tang, Lang Qin and Zhiqiang Zhu

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(5), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15050446 - 25 Apr 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1894

Abstract

Purpose: Obesity’s metabolic consequences are well documented; however, its neurobiological underpinnings remain elusive. This systematic review addresses a critical gap by synthesizing evidence on obesity-induced neuroplasticity across structural, functional, and molecular domains through advanced neuroimaging. Methods: According to PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched (2015–2024) across PubMed/Web of Science, employing MeSH terms: (“Obesity” [Majr]) AND (“Neuroimaging” [Mesh] OR “Magnetic Resonance Imaging” [Mesh]). A total of 104 studies met the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria required the following: (1) multimodal imaging protocols (structural MRI/diffusion tensor imaging/resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)/positron emission tomography (PET)); (2) pre-/post-intervention longitudinal design. Risk of bias was assessed via the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Key Findings: 1. Structural alterations: 7.2% mean gray matter reduction in prefrontal cortex (Cohen’s d = 0.81). White matter integrity decline (FA reduction β = −0.33, p < 0.001) across 12 major tracts. 2. Functional connectivity: Resting-state hyperactivity in mesolimbic pathways (fALFF + 23%, p-FDR < 0.05). Impaired fronto–striatal connectivity (r = −0.58 with BMI, 95% CI [−0.67, −0.49]). 3. Interventional reversibility: Bariatric surgery restored prefrontal activation (Δ = +18% vs. controls, p = 0.002). Neurostimulation (transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) enhanced cognitive control (post-treatment β = 0.42, p = 0.009). Conclusion: 1. Obesity induces multidomain neural reorganization beyond traditional reward circuits. 2. Neuroimaging biomarkers (e.g., striatal PET-dopamine binding potential) predict intervention outcomes (AUC = 0.79). 3. Precision neuromodulation requires tripartite integration of structural guidance, functional monitoring, and molecular profiling. Findings highlight neuroimaging’s pivotal role in developing stage-specific therapeutic strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of MRI in Brain Diseases)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Application of MRI in Brain Diseases

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI