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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Microstructural white matter changes in metabolic syndrome: a diffusion tensor imaging study.
B Segura1, M A Jurado, N Freixenet
1Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Neurology
|August 12, 2009
Summary
Metabolic syndrome is linked to brain damage, specifically microstructural white matter alterations, primarily in the frontal lobe. These changes, detected via diffusion tensor imaging, are not tied to individual risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Metabolic syndrome is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
- Specific brain damage associated with metabolic syndrome remains under-investigated.
- White matter (WM) integrity is crucial for brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and white matter alterations.
- To utilize diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and a voxel-based approach for assessing WM changes.
- To identify specific patterns of brain damage in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed on 19 patients with metabolic syndrome (aged 50-80) and 19 age-matched controls.
- Fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured.
- A voxel-based analysis was employed to compare WM integrity between groups.
Main Results:
- Patients with metabolic syndrome exhibited an anterior-posterior pattern of WM deterioration.
- Reduced FA and increased ADC values were observed in the WM of patients compared to controls.
- These WM changes were not attributable to any single vascular risk factor.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates microstructural white matter alterations in patients with metabolic syndrome.
- The observed damage predominantly involves the frontal lobe.
- The precise mechanism underlying this white matter damage requires further investigation.
