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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
White matter microstructural integrity in youth with type 1 diabetes
Jo Ann V Antenor-Dorsey1, Erin Meyer, Jerrel Rutlin
1Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. joann@wustl.edu
Diabetes
|November 10, 2012
Summary
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in youth is linked to white matter integrity changes, particularly in the superior parietal lobule, hippocampus, and thalamus. Glycemic extremes during development may affect brain structure.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Radiology
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with reduced brain volumes in youth.
- The impact of hyperglycemia on white matter integrity during brain development remains under-quantified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess white matter integrity in youth with T1DM using diffusion tensor imaging.
- To investigate the association between glycemic control (chronic hyperglycemia, severe episodes) and white matter microstructural alterations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with region-of-interest and voxelwise tract-based spatial statistics.
- Retrospective analysis of a large cohort of T1DM youth and controls.
- Estimated glycemic exposure using medical records, HbA1c, and interviews.
Main Results:
- Lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in the superior parietal lobule and reduced mean diffusivity (MD) in the thalamus were observed in the T1DM group.
- A history of three or more severe hyperglycemic episodes correlated with reduced FA and increased MD in the superior parietal lobule.
- Increased diffusivity in the hippocampus was also associated with severe hyperglycemic episodes.
Conclusions:
- White matter microstructural integrity is altered in youth with T1DM, adding to known structural brain changes.
- The superior parietal lobule, hippocampus, and thalamus show vulnerability to glycemic extremes during brain development.
- Further longitudinal studies are needed to track age-related changes and the impact of ongoing glycemic exposure.
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