Whole brain atlas-based diffusion kurtosis imaging parameters for the evaluation of multiple cognitive-related brain microstructure injuries after radiotherapy in lung cancer patients with brain metastasis.

DKI parameters can be used to detect early microstructure changes and represent important imaging predictors for cognitive decline. The reported 9 regions are more particularly vulnerable to neurocognitive radiation-induced impairment for lung cancer patients with BM, representing potential dose-avoidance targets for cognitive function preservation.