VOLUMETRY OF INSULAR CORTEX IN DIAGNOSTICS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

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Aim. In our research, we focused on using MRI for measuring insular operculum and its atrophy progressing with advancing Alzheimer’s disease. We assume that this area could be the next potential biomarker for early diagnosis. Our goal was to prove that assessment of volume of insular operculum would be a step in creating a visual scoring system used in diagnosing AD. Secondarily, we aimed to differentiate AD from other dementias. Material and Methods. The analysis contained MRIs of 15 AD patients and 15 control persons. The areas of insular operculum were measured on multiple following slices (between 20 and 40 slices) giving approximate volume. The measurements were followed by statistical analysis. Results and Discussion. All statistically compared quantities showed significant differences between patients and controls on both sides. The quantities were total volume (p(R)=0.0003 and p(L)=0.0006), average area (p(R)=0.000005 and p(L)=0.00002), and volume of only frontal, or parietal part of insula (showing the same trend). Conclusions. With these results, the volume of insular operculum can now be used as a diagnostic feature for AD. Weaker left-sided significance confirms laterality of the cortical atrophy in AD. The difference in frontal and parietal insular atrophy could serve for differential diagnosis of distinct types of dementia.