What indicates the presence of CTE in brain imaging?

The presence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in brain imaging is indicated by wider grooves and smaller ridges. CTE is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder often found in individuals with a history of repetitive brain injuries, such as athletes involved in contact sports.

In the case of CTE, the brain undergoes various structural changes. The accumulation of abnormal tau protein can lead to the atrophy of certain brain regions, which, in turn, causes the sulci (grooves) in the brain to become wider due to the loss of surrounding tissue. As the neural tissue degenerates, the gyri (ridges) can appear smaller. This distinctive pattern observed in brain imaging is significant for diagnosing CTE, as it reflects the structural changes that happen as the disease progresses.

Understanding the implications of wider grooves and narrower ridges helps in recognizing the relationship between structural brain changes and neurodegenerative diseases like CTE, allowing for better evaluation and potential intervention strategies.