Meningeal CSF transport varies across parasagittal dura subregions with age in humans

초록

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) transport along meningeal pathways contributes to brain fluid homeostasis and is thought to change with aging, yet quantitative, region-resolved measurements across lifespan remain limited. We hypothesized that meningeal CSF transport dynamics exhibit region-specific age associations rather than uniform decline. We applied non-contrast time-spatial labeling inversion pulse (Time-SLIP) MRI combined with a bi-component analytical model to characterize CSF transport dynamics in a healthy, activity-controlled cohort of 64 adults aged 19-86 years. Signal increase ratio time courses were decomposed into a fast Gaussian bulk-displacement and a slower Gamma-variate perfusion-like component. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess regional and age-related effects. Model fits were robust across all participants (R2 = 0.97). CSF transport metrics differed significantly across parasagittal dura subregions and the superior sagittal sinus. Age associations were heterogeneous: the perfusion-like component declined with age in upper parasagittal dura, increased in lower parasagittal regions, and remained relatively stable within the superior sagittal sinus. Additional timing and amplitude parameters exhibited region-specific age trajectories. These findings demonstrate regionally heterogeneous aging effects on meningeal CSF transport dynamics and suggest age-related redistribution rather than uniform decline, providing a noninvasive framework for assessing physiological remodeling of CSF transport with aging.

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