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Updated: May 15, 2026
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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Diffusion tensor imaging and brain volumetry in Fabry disease patients
Teemu Paavilainen1, Virva Lepomäki, Jani Saunavaara
1Medical Imaging Centre of Southwest Finland, Turku University Hospital, PO Box 52, 20521 Turku, Finland. teempaa@utu.fi
Neuroradiology
|January 8, 2013
Summary
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reveals early white matter microstructural damage in Fabry disease patients, even before significant lesions appear on MRI scans. This finding aids in understanding disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Fabry disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder causing globotriaosylceramide accumulation.
- It leads to severe cerebrovascular, kidney, and heart disease.
- White matter integrity disturbances are suspected in Fabry disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate white matter integrity in Fabry disease patients.
- Utilize voxelwise diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) analysis.
- Identify early microstructural changes in the brain.
Main Methods:
- Compared DTI and structural MRI data from 12 Fabry disease patients and 13 healthy controls.
- Performed voxel-based analysis of DTI parameters.
- Conducted region of interest analysis and brain volume measurements.
Main Results:
- Fabry disease patients showed reduced fractional anisotropy and increased mean diffusivity in white matter.
- Region of interest analysis confirmed reduced fractional anisotropy in affected areas.
- No significant differences in normalized brain tissue volumes were observed.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest microstructural damage in the white matter of Fabry disease patients.
- DTI can detect these changes before extensive white matter lesions are visible on conventional MRI.
- Early detection of white matter damage is crucial for Fabry disease management.
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