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Network Analysis of the Default Mode Network Using Functional Connectivity MRI in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Published on: August 5, 2014
Diffusion tensor imaging in medial temporal lobe epilepsy
Ai-hong Yu1, Kun-cheng Li, Chun-shui Yu
1Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China.
Background:
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a noninvasive imaging technique for the assessment of the integrity of cerebral tissues. This study was undertaken to assess the changes of diffusion indices of hippocampal formation (HF) in patients with medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE).
Methods:
Fourteen patients with MTLE and 14 healthy subjects were evaluated. Mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) from the symmetrical-voxel sampling regions of the anterior HF were calculated in all subjects. The MD and FA values were compared across the groups.
Results:
No significant differences of MD and FA values were noted between right and left HF in the controls. In the patient group, MD significantly increased in the HF ipsilateral to the lesioned side [(9.27 +/- 1.09) x 10(-4) mm(2)/s], compared with the values in the contralateral HF [(8.20 +/- 0.59) x 10(-4) mm(2)/s] (t = 4.479, P = 0.001) and healthy subjects [(7.58 +/- 0.51) x 10(-4) mm(2)/s] (P < 0.001), but no significant differences were found in FA. When compared with the controls, patients had a significantly higher MD in the contralateral HF (P < 0.05), but the difference in FA was not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
DTI could detect hippocampal abnormality in patients with MTLE. This technique may be helpful for preoperative evaluation of such patients.
Insights
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reveals increased mean diffusivity in the hippocampus of patients with medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). This technique aids in detecting hippocampal abnormalities for preoperative evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) assesses cerebral tissue integrity noninvasively.
- Medial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (MTLE) affects brain tissue, particularly the hippocampus.
- Changes in diffusion indices may indicate hippocampal abnormalities in MTLE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate alterations in diffusion indices of the hippocampal formation (HF) in MTLE patients.
- To compare diffusion indices between MTLE patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- 14 MTLE patients and 14 healthy subjects underwent DTI scans.
- Mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of the anterior HF were calculated.
- Diffusion indices were compared between groups and between hemispheres.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in MD or FA between right and left HF in controls.
- MTLE patients showed significantly increased MD in the ipsilateral HF compared to contralateral HF and controls.
- Patients had significantly higher contralateral HF MD than controls, but FA showed no significant differences.
Conclusions:
- DTI can detect hippocampal abnormalities in MTLE patients.
- DTI may assist in the preoperative assessment of MTLE.
- Increased MD is a key indicator of hippocampal changes in MTLE.
