Application of MRI in Brain Diseases

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurotechnology and Neuroimaging".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 6 November 2025 | Viewed by 394

Special Issue Editors


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Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Interests: epidemiology; advanced biostatistics; statistical modelling; neuroradiology
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Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: oncologic imaging; advanced imaging; diagnostic imaging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to generate pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes inside the body. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio waves to form images of the organs in the body. The technology continually evolves as groundbreaking innovations and applications emerge. For example, some researchers use non-contrast MRI surveillance of craniopharyngiomas; some researchers found that by employing the spherical mean MRI technique, they can detect the IDH status in brain gliomas; and some researchers utilize generative artificial intelligence to transform grayscale MRI images into colour. This helps us to better understand multiple sclerosis, among other diseases.

This Special Issue, "Application of MRI in Brain Diseases", explores the forefront of this discipline. In an era marked by technological advancements, this collection of articles spotlights the transformative impact of MRI on diagnostics, treatment, and research in brain diseases.

This Special Issue delves into the vanguard of MRI, providing fresh insights and new avenues for clinicians, researchers, and practitioners.

Dr. Carlo A. Mallio
Dr. Gianfranco Di Gennaro
Prof. Dr. Andrea Elefante
Guest Editors

 

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Keywords

  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • medical imaging
  • neurological disorders
  • mental disorders
  • brain diseases
  • diagnosis
  • treatment

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

18 pages, 1065 KiB  
Review
Multimodal Neuroimaging of Obesity: From Structural-Functional Mechanisms to Precision Interventions
by Wenhua Liu, Na Li, Dongsheng Tang, Lang Qin and Zhiqiang Zhu
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(5), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15050446 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 264
Abstract
Purpose: Obesity’s metabolic consequences are well documented; however, its neurobiological underpinnings remain elusive. This systematic review addresses a critical gap by synthesizing evidence on obesity-induced neuroplasticity across structural, functional, and molecular domains through advanced neuroimaging. Methods: According to PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched [...] Read more.
Purpose: Obesity’s metabolic consequences are well documented; however, its neurobiological underpinnings remain elusive. This systematic review addresses a critical gap by synthesizing evidence on obesity-induced neuroplasticity across structural, functional, and molecular domains through advanced neuroimaging. Methods: According to PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched (2015–2024) across PubMed/Web of Science, employing MeSH terms: (“Obesity” [Majr]) AND (“Neuroimaging” [Mesh] OR “Magnetic Resonance Imaging” [Mesh]). A total of 104 studies met the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria required the following: (1) multimodal imaging protocols (structural MRI/diffusion tensor imaging/resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)/positron emission tomography (PET)); (2) pre-/post-intervention longitudinal design. Risk of bias was assessed via the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Key Findings: 1. Structural alterations: 7.2% mean gray matter reduction in prefrontal cortex (Cohen’s d = 0.81). White matter integrity decline (FA reduction β = −0.33, p < 0.001) across 12 major tracts. 2. Functional connectivity: Resting-state hyperactivity in mesolimbic pathways (fALFF + 23%, p-FDR < 0.05). Impaired fronto–striatal connectivity (r = −0.58 with BMI, 95% CI [−0.67, −0.49]). 3. Interventional reversibility: Bariatric surgery restored prefrontal activation (Δ = +18% vs. controls, p = 0.002). Neurostimulation (transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) enhanced cognitive control (post-treatment β = 0.42, p = 0.009). Conclusion: 1. Obesity induces multidomain neural reorganization beyond traditional reward circuits. 2. Neuroimaging biomarkers (e.g., striatal PET-dopamine binding potential) predict intervention outcomes (AUC = 0.79). 3. Precision neuromodulation requires tripartite integration of structural guidance, functional monitoring, and molecular profiling. Findings highlight neuroimaging’s pivotal role in developing stage-specific therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of MRI in Brain Diseases)
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