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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Primary progressive aphasia patients evaluated using diffusion tensor imaging and voxel based volumetry-preliminary
Fábio Pascotto de Oliveira1, Jaderson Costa da Costa, Sabine Possa Marroni
1HUSM, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. fpascotto@hotmail.com
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|July 15, 2011
Summary
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) patients show trends of impaired brain connectivity and reduced temporal lobe volume compared to controls. These findings suggest subtle structural brain changes in PPA.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is characterized by progressive language deficits without other cognitive impairments.
- Understanding the underlying neurobiology of PPA is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify brain areas affected in PPA using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and cortical volume measurements.
- To correlate impaired brain connectivity and reduced volume with language deficits (dysphasia).
Main Methods:
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to assess white matter integrity.
- Cortical volumes in temporal areas were measured.
- Four PPA patients were compared to two healthy volunteers.
Main Results:
- A trend towards differences in fiber number and volume was observed between PPA patients and controls.
- PPA patients showed a trend towards smaller cortical volumes in temporal areas compared to controls.
- These findings suggest impaired connectivity and reduced gray matter volume in PPA.
Conclusions:
- Patients with PPA exhibit a trend of impairment at both cortical and subcortical levels.
- These structural changes in specific brain areas may underlie the language deficits seen in PPA.
