Choroid plexus calcifications and biomarkers of systemic inflammation: A population study focused on their potential association.

Abstract

Introduction: While small-scale studies have linked calcifications to functional impairment of the choroid plexus, their association with systemic inflammation remains uncertain. This study investigates the relationship between choroid plexus calcifications (CPC) and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), a reliable biomarker of systemic inflammation, in middle-aged and older adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional, population study of 814 adults aged ≥40 years quantified CPC volumes using CT and automated segmentation. SII was calculated from blood cell counts. Non-parametric and linear regression models assessed the association between CPC and SII.

Results: Participants had a mean age of 54.5±11.6 years (59% women), with mean CPC volume of 651.2±373.3 µL, and mean SII of 446.8±247.2 x 10⁹ L. Non-parametric regression indicated a weak negative association between CPC volume and SII. All models showed non-significant negative coefficients, suggesting CPC may reflect a resolved inflammatory state rather than active dysfunction.

Conclusions: Study results challenge prior assumptions linking calcifications to choroid plexus dysfunction and systemic inflammation. Although CPC volume was not associated with SII, further research incorporating advanced imaging and broader biomarkers is needed to clarify the role of CPC in inflammatory processes.