While the paramagnetic properties of Mangnaese (Mn) make it useful as a contrast agent for MRI, little is known about the spatial distribution of Mn deposition in the human brain due to occupational Mn exposure. Using a novel approach to analyze and visualize whole brain Mn deposition in welders, Mn was elevated in motor and cognitive associated networks, consistent with respective reports on impaired neuropsychological function. Our Mn maps even reveal the diffusion of Mn along white matter tracts for the first time in humans. These findings help explain how Mn exposure affects the function of particular brain networks.
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