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Interhemispheric asymmetry of brain diffusivity in normal individuals: a diffusion-weighted MR imaging study
Andrew J Fabiano1, Mark A Horsfield, Rohit Bakshi
1Department of Neurosurgery, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|May 14, 2005
Summary
This study found that water diffusivity in deep gray matter structures, such as the caudate, globus pallidus, putamen, and thalamus, differs between the right and left brain hemispheres in healthy individuals. These findings suggest caution when interpreting interhemispheric differences in deep gray matter lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Diffusion-weighted MRI
- Brain Anatomy
Background:
- Previous neuroimaging studies suggest potential asymmetries in brain diffusivity.
- Understanding normal interhemispheric differences is crucial for accurate clinical interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess interhemispheric differences in water diffusivity within deep gray matter structures in healthy individuals.
- To investigate potential asymmetries in brain diffusivity using diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging.
Main Methods:
- Acquired brain MR imaging in 23 healthy volunteers.
- Calculated mean diffusivity maps from DW imaging data.
- Quantified diffusivity in deep gray matter (globus pallidus, putamen, caudate, thalamus), white matter, and CSF using region of interest analysis.
- Assessed interhemispheric differences using paired sample t-tests.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher mean diffusivity was observed in the left caudate, left putamen, and right globus pallidus compared to their contralateral counterparts.
- The thalamus also showed significant interhemispheric diffusivity differences.
- No significant differences were found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), anterior frontal white matter, or centrum semiovale.
Conclusions:
- Gray matter diffusivity can exhibit statistically significant interhemispheric differences in healthy individuals.
- Careful consideration is needed when analyzing deep gray matter lesions, as observed asymmetries may not always indicate pathology.