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Increased brain apparent diffusion coefficient in children with neurofibromatosis type 1.
J D Eastwood1, D J Fiorella, J F MacFall
1Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808, Durham, NC 27710, USA. eastw004@mc.duke.edu
Radiology
|April 27, 2001
Summary
Children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF 1) show increased brain water diffusibility in multiple brain areas and in hyperintense lesions. These findings highlight altered brain microstructure in NF 1.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Pediatric Neurology
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Background:
- Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF 1) is a genetic disorder that can affect brain development.
- Altered brain water diffusibility may indicate underlying microstructural changes in NF 1.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare brain water diffusibility in children with NF 1 versus controls.
- To examine diffusibility changes in specific brain regions and associated with basal ganglia lesions in NF 1.
Main Methods:
- Studied 20 pairs of children with NF 1 and matched controls.
- Measured apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in five brain locations.
- Analyzed T2-hyperintense globus pallidus lesions retrospectively.
Main Results:
- NF 1 group showed significantly increased ADC values in all five locations.
- Greatest increases observed in globus pallidus and brachium pontis.
- Increased ADC values were present in hyperintense lesions and normal-appearing NF 1 brain areas.
Conclusions:
- Children with NF 1 exhibit widespread increases in brain water diffusibility.
- Both hyperintense lesions and normal-appearing brain tissue show altered diffusion in NF 1.
- These findings suggest microstructural abnormalities in the NF 1 brain.