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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Quantitative brain MR imaging in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Jiří Keller1, Josef Vymazal, Petr Ridzoň
1Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.
Object:
To evaluate the potential of quantitative MR techniques [voxel-based morphometry (VBM), T2-relaxometry, mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA)] in the diagnostics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Materials And Methods:
Thirty-three ALS patients and thirty age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included in the cross-sectional study. T1WI, T2WI and T2 relaxometry sequences were performed at 1.5T. DWI was performed in a subgroup of 12 patients. Disease severity was estimated with the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALS-FRS).
Results:
We detected decreased T2 relaxation rate (R2) in the frontal white matter (FWM) (left and right P < 0.005) and caudate nucleus (left P < 0.005) in ALS patients. R2 in the FWM correlated with age in patients and controls. A correlation (P < 0.01, cluster-level corrected) between atrophy in the corona radiata and the limb ALS-FRS subset was found, as well as a difference between patients and controls in this area. No correlation between FA/MD and ALS-FRS was observed in the T2 hyperintense region of the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC), or in the site of atrophy detected by VBM. No R2 or PD changes in the PLIC were detected. TBSS revealed decreased FA in the corona radiata and callosal body.
Conclusions:
Decreased R2 in the left caudate and bilateral FWM may help in the diagnostic process and disqualifies these regions as internal controls in ALS studies. The PLIC is not a reliable diagnostic marker of ALS.
Insights
Quantitative MRI techniques show promise for diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Decreased T2 relaxation rate in the frontal white matter and caudate nucleus may aid diagnosis, while the posterior limb of the internal capsule is not a reliable marker.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Quantitative MRI
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
- Accurate diagnostic markers for ALS are crucial for timely intervention.
- Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques offer potential for objective disease assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic potential of quantitative MRI techniques, including voxel-based morphometry (VBM), T2-relaxometry, mean diffusivity (MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA), in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study included 33 ALS patients and 30 healthy controls.
- Quantitative MRI sequences (T1WI, T2WI, T2 relaxometry, DWI) were acquired at 1.5T.
- Disease severity was assessed using the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALS-FRS).
Main Results:
- Decreased T2 relaxation rate (R2) was observed in the frontal white matter (FWM) and left caudate nucleus of ALS patients.
- Atrophy in the corona radiata correlated with limb-specific ALS-FRS scores.
- Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) revealed decreased FA in the corona radiata and callosal body.
Conclusions:
- Reduced R2 in the left caudate and bilateral FWM may serve as diagnostic indicators for ALS.
- These regions should not be used as internal controls in ALS research.
- The posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC) is not a reliable diagnostic marker for ALS.
