Related Experiment Videos
Exploring white matter tracts in band heterotopia using diffusion tractography.
Sofia H Eriksson1, Mark R Symms, Fergus J Rugg-Gunn
1MRI Unit, National Society for Epilepsy, Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
Annals of Neurology
|September 3, 2002
Summary
Diffusion tractography reveals white matter tracts traversing band heterotopia, a brain malformation. This study confirms anatomical connectivity within the heterotopia, explaining functional connectivity and lack of deficits in patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Band heterotopia is a cortical malformation with gray matter bands in white matter.
- Previous studies suggested white matter tracts and functional activation within heterotopia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical connectivity of band heterotopia using diffusion tractography.
- To determine if white matter tracts traverse the heterotopic gray matter in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Whole brain diffusion tensor imaging in five patients with band heterotopia and five controls.
- Calculation of anisotropy maps and use of fast marching tractography.
- Tract tracing from seed points in the corpus callosum and parietal lobe.
Main Results:
- Eigenvectors aligned and passed through the band heterotopia.
- Connectivity patterns were similar between patients and controls.
- High connectivity observed within heterotopia and distal cortical areas, suggesting tracts traverse or terminate within the malformation.
Conclusions:
- Diffusion tractography demonstrates white matter tracts traversing band heterotopia.
- Findings support histopathological studies and explain functional connectivity and absence of focal deficits.