A novel histological staging of hippocampal sclerosis that is evident in gray matter loss in vivo.

INTRODUCTION

Hippocampal sclerosis of aging (HS) is defined by end-stage histological findings, strongly associated with limbic-predominant age-related TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) encephalopathy (LATE). We aimed to characterize features of early HS to refine the understanding of its role within combined pathology.

METHODS

We studied 159 brain donations from the multimodal Vallecas Alzheimer's Center Study. A staging system (0 to IV) was developed to account for HS progression and analyzed in relation to pre-mortem cognitive and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data.

RESULTS

Our HS staging system displayed a significant correlation with disease duration, cognitive performance, and combined neuropathologies, especially with LATE. Two-level assessment along the hippocampal longitudinal axis revealed an anterior-posterior gradient of HS severity. In vivo MRI showed focally reduced hippocampal gray matter density as a function of HS staging.

DISCUSSION: The association of this staging system with clinical progression and structural differences supports its utility in the characterization and potential in vivo monitoring of HS.

HIGHLIGHTS: The definition of hippocampal sclerosis of aging (HS) is currently limited to an end-stage pathological fingerprint. We characterize early HS histological features to define a complete staging system. The proposed staging displays a parallel but not identical progression to limbic-predominant age-related TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) encephalopathy (LATE). The proposed staging also reflects the expected demographic and cognitive differences associated with HS. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed focal hippocampal gray matter loss as a function of HS staging.