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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
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White matter involvement beyond the optic nerves in CRION as assessed by diffusion tensor imaging
Ayse Ilksen Colpak1, Asli Tuncer Kurne, Kader Karli Oguz
11Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry.
The International Journal of Neuroscience
|March 5, 2014
Summary
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reveals widespread white matter (WM) abnormalities in chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuropathy (CRION) patients, even when brain MRI appears normal. These findings suggest CRION may affect more than just the optic pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- White Matter Diseases
Background:
- Chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuropathy (CRION) is an optic neuropathy with relapses and remissions, typically showing normal brain MRI.
- It remains unclear if CRION is limited to optic pathways or involves other brain white matter (WM) structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate WM structure in CRION patients using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
Main Methods:
- DTI scans were acquired from six CRION patients and six healthy controls on a 3T scanner.
- Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analyzed DTI data, measuring fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD).
Main Results:
- CRION patients showed distinct WM alteration patterns compared to controls.
- The optic chiasm had higher FA and lower RD, AD, MD in CRION patients.
- Anterior frontal bundles, uncinate fasciculus, and internal capsule showed decreased FA and increased RD in CRION patients.
Conclusions:
- DTI detects widespread WM abnormalities in CRION patients, contradicting normal-appearing brain MRI findings.
- These abnormalities extend beyond the optic pathways, indicating broader WM involvement in CRION.
