Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tractography in Parry-Romberg syndrome
1Department of Radiology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
We report a case of Parry-Romberg syndrome in a 32-year-old woman presenting with intermittent headache and mild sensory disturbance. MR imaging revealed minimal asymmetric atrophy of the right hemisphere with a few nonspecific white matter hyperintensities. Diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tractography, however, demonstrated clear fiber derangement, especially in the sensory tract of the right cerebral white matter.
Insights
Parry-Romberg syndrome, a rare neurological condition, was identified in a woman with headaches. Advanced imaging revealed subtle brain changes and significant fiber disruption in sensory pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Parry-Romberg syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by progressive hemifacial atrophy.
- Clinical presentation can be variable, sometimes including neurological symptoms.
- This case highlights potential neuroimaging findings beyond external atrophy.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old woman presented with intermittent headache and mild sensory disturbance.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed minimal right cerebral hemisphere atrophy and non-specific white matter hyperintensities.
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and fiber tractography were employed for detailed microstructural analysis.
Findings:
- DTI and tractography revealed significant fiber derangement in the white matter of the right cerebral hemisphere.
- The observed fiber disruption was particularly evident in the sensory tracts.
- These findings suggest underlying white matter abnormalities not fully captured by conventional MRI.
Implications:
- Advanced neuroimaging techniques like DTI can detect subtle white matter microstructural changes in Parry-Romberg syndrome.
- These findings may contribute to understanding the pathophysiology of neurological symptoms in PRS.
- Further research is warranted to explore the correlation between DTI findings and clinical manifestations.
