Structural brain imaging in diabetes: A methodological perspective

Brain imaging provides information on brain anatomy and function and progression of cerebral abnormalities can be monitored. This may provide insight into the aetiology of diabetes related cerebral disorders. This paper focuses on the methods for the assessment of white matter hyperintensities and brain atrophy on structural brain images, mostly magnetic resonance imaging, in diabetes. These methods range from visual rating scales to advanced semi-automated and automated image processing techniques such as volumetry and voxel-based morphometry. The findings of previous imaging studies in diabetes are discussed from a methodological perspective and recommendations for future research are given. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved