Migraine with aura is associated with neuroimmune activation/neuroinflammation, a new study found. Thirteen migraineurs with aura and 16 healthy controls received integrated PET/MRI brain scans with [ 11C]PBR28, a radioligand that binds to the 18 kDa translocator protein, a marker of glial activation. Standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) was compared between groups. Researchers found:
- Compared to healthy controls, migraineurs demonstrated SUVR elevations in nociceptive processing areas, as well as in areas previously shown to be involved in cortical spreading depression.
- SUVR levels in frontoinsular cortex, primary/secondary somatosensory cortices, and basal ganglia were correlated with frequency of migraine attacks.
Albrecht DS, et al. Imaging of neuroinflammation in migraine with aura: A [11C]PBR28 PET/MRI study. [Published online ahead of print March 27, 2019]. Neurology. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000007371.