Wide temporal horns are associated with cognitive dysfunction, as well as impaired gait and incontinence

Sci Rep. 2020 Oct 23;10(1):18203. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-75381-2.

Abstract

The association between morphology of the brain and symptoms of suspected idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is largely unknown. We investigated how ventricular expansion (width of the temporal horns [TH], callosal angle [CA], and Evans' index [EI]) related to symptom severity in suspected iNPH. Participants (n = 168; 74.9 years ± SD 6.7; 55% females) from the general population underwent neurological examination, computed tomography, and neuropsychological testing. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that wide TH was independently associated with all examined iNPH symptoms (p < 0.01) except for fine-motor performance, whereas a narrow CA only was associated to specific motor and cognitive functions (p < 0.05). TH and EI correlated significantly with incontinence (rs 0.17 and rs 0.16; p < 0.05). In conclusion, wide TH was significantly associated with most iNPH-symptoms. This finding potentially reflects the complex nature of the hippocampus, however further studies are needed to demonstrate functional connectivity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Gait*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus, Normal Pressure / diagnostic imaging
  • Hydrocephalus, Normal Pressure / pathology
  • Male
  • Movement Disorders / pathology*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Temporal Lobe / diagnostic imaging
  • Temporal Lobe / pathology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Urinary Incontinence / pathology*