Lateralized glymphatic system impairment in acute ischemic stroke: a DTI–ALPS study of upper limb motor function
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By
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Zilong Zhu
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Zhilong Zhao
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Lihua Zhou
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Junfeng Xiong
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Tianrui Zhang
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Chunling Wei
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Jianbin Zhang
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May 28, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Impairment of the Glymphatic System in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Insights from a DTI-ALPS Analysis of Upper Limb Motor Function
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
| Condition | Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) |
| Key Mechanisms | Impairment of the glymphatic system (GS) affecting waste clearance and neurological function. |
| Target Population | Patients aged 40-85 years with first-ever unilateral ischemic stroke. |
| Care Setting | Single-center study conducted in a hospital setting. |
Key Highlights
- Glymphatic system impairment is associated with acute ischemic stroke.
- Left hemisphere DTI-ALPS index correlates with motor function in stroke patients.
- DTI-ALPS provides a non-invasive assessment of glymphatic function.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke according to the Chinese Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke 2023.
Management
- Assessment of neurological and motor functions using NIHSS and FMA-UE scales.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Monitoring glymphatic function through DTI-ALPS imaging.
Risks
- Potential risks associated with MRI and patient cooperation.
Patient & Prescribing Data
69 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 34 healthy controls.
Glymphatic function may serve as a biomarker for motor function assessment in acute stroke.
Clinical Best Practices
- Utilize DTI-ALPS for non-invasive evaluation of glymphatic system function.
- Correlate DTI-ALPS indices with clinical assessments for comprehensive patient evaluation.
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