Diffusion tensor imaging correlates with lesion volume in cerebral hemisphere infarctions.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Large lesion volume and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) abnormalities independently predict poor prognosis after cerebral infarction.
• This study investigates the relationship between lesion volume and DTI metrics in patients with right-sided cerebral infarction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the association between lesion volumes and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters in patients with right-sided cerebral infarction.
• To determine if infarct size correlates with chronic-phase white matter changes.

Main Methods:

• Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to measure lesion volumes in 33 patients.
• Chronic-phase fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values were measured at infarct sites and white matter tracts.
• Neurological assessments and DTI lateralization were performed, with correlations analyzed using Spearman's rho and Bonferroni correction.

Main Results:

• Positive correlations were found between lesion volumes and mean diffusivity (MD) values in the right hemisphere.
• Negative correlations were observed between lesion volumes and fractional anisotropy (FA) values.
• Neurological test scores (MMSE, NIHSS) also correlated with lesion volume.

Conclusions:

• A larger infarct volume is associated with more significant tissue modifications in the chronic stage.
• These modifications are evident through altered mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values.
• Infarct size is a key determinant of long-term tissue changes after cerebral infarction.