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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Primary lateral sclerosis as progressive supranuclear palsy: diagnosis by diffusion tensor imaging.
Elizabeth A Coon1, Jennifer L Whitwell, Clifford R Jack
1Department of Neurology (Behavioral Neurology), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Summary
Diffusion tensor imaging can differentiate primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). A ratio of corticospinal tract to superior cerebellar peduncle fractional anisotropy effectively distinguishes these neurodegenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) are distinct neurodegenerative diseases.
- Differentiating between PLS and PSP can be challenging due to overlapping clinical features.
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) offers potential for objective assessment of white matter integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in distinguishing primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
- To identify specific white matter tracts and imaging metrics that can serve as biomarkers for differentiating these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-three subjects (3 PLS, 10 PSP, 20 controls) underwent standardized neurological evaluations and DTI.
- Fractional anisotropy (FA) was measured in the corticospinal tract (CST), superior cerebellar peduncles (SCP), and body of the corpus callosum.
- Comparisons of FA values and ratios between groups were performed.
Main Results:
- Both PLS and PSP groups exhibited reduced FA in the SCP and corpus callosum compared to controls.
- Only PLS subjects demonstrated reduced FA in the CST.
- A ratio of CST FA to SCP FA significantly differentiated PLS from PSP (P < .02).
Conclusions:
- The corticospinal tract/superior cerebellar peduncle fractional anisotropy ratio is a promising imaging biomarker.
- This DTI-derived ratio can aid in differentiating primary lateral sclerosis from progressive supranuclear palsy.
