14 DAY TRIAL // While studying former professional athletes, a team of researchers discovered that MRS – a specialized imaging technique called magnetic resonance spectroscopy, could help diagnose a disorder caused by repeated head trauma called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Until now, CTE could only be definitively diagnosed after an autopsy.
Previous studies have proved that people who repeatedly suffer from brain trauma, are more likely to develop progressive problems like permanent brain damage and even long-term disability.
Alexander P. Lin, PhD, a principal investigator at the Center for Clinical Spectroscopy at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, carried out this study along with the Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (CSTE).
Five ex-pro male athletes from football, boxing and wrestling, who were suspected for CTE, and five other controls, with matching age and size, all aged between 32 and 55, passed an MRS exam.
MRS is like a virtual biopsy, and it consists of a clinical MR scanner which emits powerful magnetic field and radio waves in order to extract data about the chemicals within the body.
The test results revealed that the brains of former athletes with suspected CTE had very high levels of choline – a cell membrane nutrient that indicates the presence of damaged tissue, and glutamate/glutamine, or Glx.
The five individuals also had altered levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), aspartate, and glutamate in their brains.
Control subjects had normal chemical compounds, according to the MRS.
Dr Lin said that “the devastating effects of brain injuries suffered by pro football players who repeatedly suffered concussions and sub-concussive brain trauma during their careers have put the spotlight on CTE.
“However, blows to the head suffered by all athletes involved in contact sports are of increasing concern.
“By helping us identify the neurochemicals that may play a role in CTE, this study has contributed to our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disorder,” Dr. Lin added.
It is important to be able to diagnose CTE, because it would help “athletes of all ages and levels, as well as war veterans who suffer mild brain injuries, many of which go undetected.”
In the US, there are an estimated 3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions occurring every year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Furthermore, injuries that have similar effects as concussions do, but cannot be diagnosed this way (subclinical concussions), often remain unidentified.
“Cumulative head trauma invokes changes in the brain, which over time can result in a progressive decline in memory and executive functioning in some individuals,” explained Dr. Lin.
“MRS may provide us with noninvasive, early detection of CTE before further damage occurs, thus allowing for early intervention.”
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated brain trauma, indicated by a buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain.
It has been linked to memory problems, impulsive and unpredictable behavior, depression and even dementia.
The results of the study were presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).