Abstract #2999

Significant Reductions in Brain Cortical Volumes and Regional Cerebral Blood Flows after Playing College Football 2 to 3 Years

David C. Zhu¹, Sally Nogle², Scarlett Doyle¹, Doozie Russell³, and David I Kaufman³

¹Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States, ²Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States, ³Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States

There has been growing concern over sports-related brain injuries and their long-term effects. However, the cumulative effect of sub-concussive hits on the brain is still poorly understood. Twenty-one male Division I collegiate football athletes completed T₁ volumetric and arterial spin labeling MRI scans at freshman year with follow-up 2-3 years later. Significant reductions in both brain global and regional cortical volumes were observed. Interestingly, cerebral blood flow was significantly reduced in regions associated with the default-mode network. These changes point to potential long-term effects of sub-concussive hits on the brain.

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