Microstructural alterations in brain tissue of ME/CFS and long COVID using diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion kurtosis imaging - Scorecard - MDSpire

Investigating Microstructural Changes in Brain Tissue of ME/CFS and Long COVID through Diffusion Tensor and Kurtosis Imaging Techniques

  • By

  • Tanoj Bahadur Singh

  • Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik

  • Leighton Barnden

  • Natalie Eaton-Fitch

  • Tuong Hieu Huynh

  • Maira Inderyas

  • Kiran Thapaliya

  • July 17, 2026

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Clinical Scorecard: Investigating Microstructural Changes in Brain Tissue of ME/CFS and Long COVID through Diffusion Tensor and Kurtosis Imaging Techniques

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionMyalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID
Key MechanismsDiffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging (DKI) to assess brain microstructure
Target PopulationIndividuals diagnosed with ME/CFS and long COVID
Care SettingNeurological assessment using MRI techniques

Key Highlights

  • Distinct microstructural alterations observed in ME/CFS and long COVID
  • ME/CFS participants showed changes in the cingulum and corpus callosum
  • Long COVID participants exhibited alterations in the fusiform and precentral gyrus
  • Direct comparison revealed significant differences in the left corona radiata
  • Study utilized advanced MRI techniques to explore brain tissue microstructure

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis of ME/CFS based on Canadian Consensus Criteria and International Consensus Criteria
  • Diagnosis of long COVID using WHO case definition and detailed medical history

Management

    Monitoring & Follow-up

      Risks

        Patient & Prescribing Data

        37 ME/CFS participants, 19 long COVID participants, and 27 healthy controls

        No specific treatment insights provided in the study

        Clinical Best Practices

        • Utilize MRI techniques for assessing brain dysfunction in ME/CFS and long COVID
        • Consider standardized case definitions for accurate diagnosis

        Related Resources & Content

          Original Source(s)

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