Key Findings
- Purpose
To characterize CBF, ALFF, and resting-state functional connectivity in adults with SCD compared with matched healthy controls, and relate these measures to cognition and pain sensitivity. - Population
Adults with SCD and matched healthy controls, as specified in the study. - Headline Result
- Adults with SCD demonstrated significantly elevated resting CBF compared with controls.
- Cortical ALFF was reduced, indicating lower spontaneous low-frequency activity in gray matter regions.
- White-matter ALFF was increased, reflecting higher low-frequency signal fluctuation within white-matter regions (as measured, without mechanistic interpretation).
- Resting-state analyses showed altered functional connectivity patterns relative to controls.
- These imaging findings correlated with slower processing speed and increased pain sensitivity.
- Why It Matters
These results add to evidence that adults with SCD may experience subtle, chronic alterations in brain activity and connectivity that can influence cognitive efficiency and pain perception — even in the absence of overt cerebrovascular events. Such physiologic patterns may help clinicians better understand cognitive and sensory challenges reported by patients. - Evidence Gaps
Cross-sectional data cannot infer causality; sample characteristics may limit generalizability; and the study does not track longitudinal change, treatment effects, or everyday functional outcomes. ALFF findings describe measured signal differences but do not establish underlying mechanisms.
Source: Journal of Sickle Cell Disease — “Altered cerebral blood flow and functional connectivity in adults with sickle cell disease.”
Regulatory & Guideline Watch
Existing SCD guidelines primarily address stroke prevention and silent infarct monitoring. They do not include recommendations for cerebral perfusion assessment or resting-state functional measures such as ALFF. As more evidence emerges, neurocognitive surveillance in adults with SCD may become an area for future guideline evolution.