Abstract Details

Recent  consensus research criteria have been published for TES, which is intended to represent the clinical syndrome for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.   It is unknown if TES differentiates a group with unique imaging or cognitive features. 

To identify imaging and cognitive differences between those with and without Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome (TES) in a cohort of professional fighters. 

176  boxers and mixed martial artists, 35 years of age and older, comprised the study group.  Each participant was classified into TES or non-TES categories based on NINDS consensus criteria for TES and utilizing data obtained from the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study.  Participants underwent longitudinal MRI brain imaging, with regional volume segmentation using Freesurfer v.6. Cognitive assessments were obtained using CNS Vital Signs computerized battery.  Analyses were performed to determine the differences between the TES and non-TES groups on MRI regional volumes and cognitive function at baseline and longitudinally. 

There were 72 TES  and 104 non-TES participants. The non-TES group was younger (mean 43.1 years  v. 47.6), more educated (mean 13.7 years v. 12.7, started fighting at a later age (18.8 years v. 14 ) and had less competitions (23.2 pro bouts v. 38.9).  At baseline, the TES group had lower regional volumes bilateral  thalami and hippocampi; posterior corpus callosum; total white matter volume; subcortical and total gray volume; and elevated lateral ventricular volume. At baseline, slower responses were seen in simple and choice reaction time, trails A & B, and psychomotor and processing speed.  The TES group also demonstrated longitudinal volume decline in bilateral  thalami and hippocampi and longitudinal enlargement of lateral ventricular volume. Longitudinal decline in choice reaction time and processing speed was observed in the TES group. 

The recent NINDS consensus criteria for TES does identify a group with significant differences in imaging and cognitive findings at baseline and subsequent   trajectories.