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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Cerebral diffusion tensor MR tractography in tuberous sclerosis complex: correlation with neurologic severity and
A M Wong1, H-S Wang, E S Schwartz
1Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Keelung, Linkou, Taiwan, Republic of China.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|April 13, 2013
Summary
Tuberous sclerosis complex patients with less white matter showed more severe neurologic issues. Diffusion tensor imaging revealed reduced white matter integrity in these patients compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)
Background:
- White matter tract integrity in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is not well understood.
- Diffusion tensor tractography (DTI) can identify residual cerebral white matter tracts.
Purpose of the Study:
- Correlate white matter tract quantity with neurologic impairment in TSC patients.
- Compare white matter integrity between TSC patients and controls using DTI and voxelwise analysis.
Main Methods:
- 16 TSC patients and 12 controls underwent DTI.
- Reconstructed major white matter tracts (PF, CF, MWT) and assessed quantity (NOP, NOF).
- Calculated neurologic severity score and correlated with white matter quantity; used tract-based spatial statistics for group comparisons.
Main Results:
- TSC patients had significantly lower NOP and NOF for CF, PF, and MWT compared to controls (P < .05).
- Neurologic severity score negatively correlated with white matter quantity (r values ranging from -.66 to -.75).
- Tract-based spatial statistics showed widespread reduction in fractional anisotropy (FA) and axial diffusivity in TSC patients.
Conclusions:
- Reduced residual white matter in TSC is linked to more severe neurologic deficits.
- Decreased FA and axial diffusivity in TSC patients suggest compromised axonal integrity.
