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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Diffusion MRI findings in Wilson's disease
1Department of Radiology, Ege University Hospital, Bornova, Izmir 35100, Turkey. rnsener@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Six patients having Wilson's disease were studied with diffusion MRI in order to characterize cerebral lesions. Diffusion MRI was obtained using the spin-echo, echo-planar sequence with a gradient strength of 30 mT/m. The trace protocol was used in the axial imaging plane. Heavily diffusion-weighted (b=1000s/mm(2)) images, and the ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) values from automatically generated ADC maps were studied. The ADC values of the normal brain parenchyma were available in 17 age-matched cases for comparison (ADC values, 0.85+/-0.11 x 10(-3)mm(2)/s). In Wilson's disease two distinct diffusion MRI patterns were observed by quantitative evaluations of the ADC maps; cytotoxic edema-like (ADC values, 0.52+/-0.03 x 10(-3)mm(2)/s), and vasogenic edema-like (ADC values, 1.42+/-0.17 x 10(-3)mm(2)/s) patterns. Diffusion imaging appears to be a promising sequence to evaluate the changes in the brain tissue in Wilson's disease at least by revealing two different patterns.
Insights
Diffusion MRI reveals two distinct patterns of cerebral lesions in Wilson's disease patients, differentiating between cytotoxic and vasogenic edema-like changes. This imaging technique shows promise for evaluating brain tissue alterations in this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder causing copper accumulation in organs, particularly the brain.
- Cerebral lesions are a significant manifestation of Wilson's disease, impacting neurological function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize cerebral lesions in Wilson's disease using diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- To identify distinct diffusion MRI patterns associated with brain tissue changes in Wilson's disease.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion MRI was performed on six Wilson's disease patients using a spin-echo, echo-planar sequence.
- Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values were quantified from ADC maps and compared to 17 age-matched controls.
- Two distinct diffusion patterns were analyzed: cytotoxic edema-like and vasogenic edema-like.
Main Results:
- Wilson's disease patients exhibited two distinct diffusion MRI patterns.
- A cytotoxic edema-like pattern showed significantly lower ADC values (0.52±0.03 x 10⁻³ mm²/s) compared to controls (0.85±0.11 x 10⁻³ mm²/s).
- A vasogenic edema-like pattern showed significantly higher ADC values (1.42±0.17 x 10⁻³ mm²/s) compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Diffusion MRI effectively differentiates between two types of cerebral edema patterns in Wilson's disease.
- This technique offers a promising approach for assessing brain tissue changes in Wilson's disease.
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