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Objective The clinical relevance of gray/white matter contrast ratio (GWR) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remains unknown. This study examined baseline GWR and 3-year follow-up diagnostic status in MCI. Methods Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative MCI participants with baseline 1.5T MRI and 3-year follow-up clinical data were included. Participants were categorized into two groups based on 3-year follow-up diagnoses: 1) non-converters (n=69, 75±7, 26% female), and 2) converters (i.e., dementia at follow-up; n=69, 75±7, 30% female) who were matched on baseline age and Mini-Mental State Examination scores. Groups were compared on FreeSurfer generated baseline GWR from structural images in which higher values represent greater tissue contrast. Results A general linear model, adjusting for APOE-status, scanner type, hippocampal volume, and cortical thickness, revealed that converters evidenced lower GWR values than non-converters (i.e., more degradation in tissue contrast; p=0.03). Conclusions Individuals with MCI who convert to dementia have lower baseline GWR values than individuals who remain diagnostically stable over a three-year period, statistically independent of cortical thickness or hippocampal volume.

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Following operatively managed neck of femur fractures, a CRP value in excess of the threshold defined by the formula 500/d may indicate the presence of a postoperative complication and defines a group with increased mortality. In this context, a prompt wound review and septic screen could promote the early detection and management of infectious postoperative complications.