Morphological Brain Changes after Climbing to Extreme Altitudes--A Prospective Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Findings of cerebral cortical atrophy, white matter lesions and microhemorrhages have been reported in high-altitude climbers. The aim of this study was to evaluate structural cerebral changes in a large cohort of climbers after an ascent to extreme altitudes and to correlate these findings with the severity of hypoxia and neurological signs during the climb.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were performed in 38 mountaineers before and after participating in a high altitude (7126 m) climbing expedition. The imaging studies were assessed for occurrence of new WM hyperintensities and microhemorrhages. Changes of partial volume estimates of cerebrospinal fluid, grey matter, and white matter were evaluated by voxel-based morphometry. Arterial oxygen sa

SUBMITTER: Kottke R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4625036 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature