# Brain Volume Alterations and Cognitive Functions in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency: Evaluating the Impact of Autoimmunity

## TL;DR

This study finds that patients with a rare immune disorder called CVID have brain volume reductions and cognitive issues, which may be linked to chronic inflammation and autoimmunity.

## Contribution

The study is one of the first to jointly evaluate brain imaging and cognitive function in CVID patients, revealing structural and cognitive impacts.

## Key findings

- CVID patients showed reduced brain volumes in multiple regions and lower cognitive scores.
- Patients with autoimmunity had more widespread brain volume loss.
- Cerebrospinal fluid and ventricle volumes were increased in CVID patients.

## Abstract

Background: Common variable immunodeficiency is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by defects in antibody production and immune dysregulation, associated with infections and autoimmunity. Although structural and cognitive effects of CVID on the central nervous system have attracted attention in recent years, studies jointly addressing volumetric brain imaging and neurocognitive evaluation remain limited. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 35 patients with common variable immunodeficiency and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were evaluated. Cognitive performance was assessed in all participants using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. High-resolution T1-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging scans underwent automated segmentation using the volBrain platform, yielding quantitative volumetric measurements of cortical, subcortical, and cerebellar structures, as well as ventricles and cerebrospinal fluid. Intergroup comparisons were performed using independent t-tests and analysis of variance. Results: MoCA scores were significantly lower in patients with CVID. Volumetric analysis revealed prominent reductions in the volumes of total brain tissue, gray matter, cerebrum, cerebellum, limbic system, thalamus, and basal ganglia. Paralleling these findings, cerebrospinal fluid and lateral ventricle volumes were increased. Additional volume losses were detected in CVID patients with low MoCA scores. In CVID patients with autoimmunity, volume loss affected broader areas. Conclusions: CVID appears to be associated with structural brain changes and cognitive impairments. Chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation may contribute to these neurodegenerative processes. Regular neurocognitive monitoring and further prospective studies are warranted in patients with CVID.