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Updated: May 25, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Widespread microstructural white matter involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a whole-brain DTI study
M Cirillo1, F Esposito, G Tedeschi
1Department of Neurological Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
Background And Purpose:
The extensive application of advanced MR imaging techniques to the study of ALS has undoubtedly improved our knowledge of disease pathophysiology, even if the actual spread of the neurodegenerative process throughout the central nervous system is not fully understood. The present study aimed to detect WM patterns of microstructural abnormalities to better investigate the pathologic process in ALS, within but also beyond CSTs, in a whole-brain analysis.
Materials And Methods:
DTI was performed in 19 patients with ALS and 20 matched healthy controls, by using whole-brain TBSS and VOI analyses.
Results:
We observed a significant decrease of FA in the body of CC of the ALS group (P < .05). At the VOI level, both FA decrease and RD increase in the body of CC significantly correlated with the UMN score (P = .003 and P = .02). Additionally, significant voxelwise positive correlations between FA and the ALSFRS-R were detected in the WM tracts underneath the left premotor cortex (P < .05).
Conclusions:
The correlations between reduction of FA and increase of RD in the body of CC with the UMN score indicate that the WM degeneration in the CC is strictly related to the ALS pyramidal impairment, while the correlation between FA and ALSFRS-R in the associative tracts underneath the left premotor cortex might reflect the progressive spread of the disease from the motor toward the extramotor areas.
Insights
This study reveals white matter degeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients, particularly in the corpus callosum, correlating with upper motor neuron scores and disease progression beyond motor areas.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- White Matter Diseases
Background:
- Advanced MR imaging enhances understanding of ALS pathophysiology.
- The full extent of neurodegeneration in ALS remains unclear.
- Investigating white matter (WM) abnormalities is crucial for understanding ALS progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect WM microstructural abnormalities in ALS.
- To analyze patterns within and beyond the corticospinal tract (CST).
- To conduct a whole-brain analysis of pathological processes in ALS.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) was used.
- 19 ALS patients and 20 healthy controls were included.
- Whole-brain Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) and region of interest (VOI) analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in fractional anisotropy (FA) was observed in the corpus callosum (CC) of ALS patients.
- In the CC, decreased FA and increased radial diffusivity (RD) correlated with the upper motor neuron (UMN) score.
- Positive correlations between FA and the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) were found in WM tracts under the left premotor cortex.
Conclusions:
- WM degeneration in the CC is linked to pyramidal impairment in ALS.
- Correlations suggest disease spread from motor to extramotor regions.
- Findings highlight the role of WM abnormalities in ALS progression and extent.
