Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Diffusion tensor imaging of freezing of gait in patients with white matter changes
Jinyoung Youn1, Jin Whan Cho, Won Yong Lee
1Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Background:
Freezing of gait is a common and disabling symptom of parkinsonism. However, the corresponding anatomic structures have yet to be clearly elucidated.
Methods:
We performed diffusion tensor imaging on 40 subjects with white matter changes. We compared apparent diffusion coefficient values and fraction anisotropy values of 7 candidate anatomic structures between 14 patients with freezing of gait (freezing of gait group) and 26 without freezing of gait (control group).
Results:
Fraction anisotropy values of the bilateral pedunculopontine nucleus, bilateral superior premotor cortex, right orbitofrontal area, and left supplement motor area were significantly lower in the freezing of gait group than in the control group. In contrast, there were no significant differences in apparent diffusion coefficient values between freezing of gait and control groups.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that the bilateral pedunculopontine nucleus, bilateral superior premotor cortex, right orbitofrontal area, and left supplement motor area are closely related to freezing of gait.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging