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Updated: Apr 29, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Spinal Cord Compression
Published on: May 7, 2019
Central Motor Conduction Time and diffusion tensor imaging metrics in children with complex motor disorders
Daniel E Lumsden1, Verity McClelland2, Jonathan Ashmore3
1Complex Motor Disorder Service, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, UK; Rayne Institute, King's College London, UK.
Insights
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) metrics did not correlate with Central Motor Conduction Time (CMCT) in children with motor disorders. DTI and CMCT offer complementary insights for clinical assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurophysiology
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Complex motor disorders in children present diagnostic challenges.
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and Central Motor Conduction Time (CMCT) are potential biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate correlations between DTI metrics and CMCT in pediatric complex motor disorders.
- To assess the utility of DTI and CMCT in clinical evaluation.
Main Methods:
- 49 children evaluated for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) underwent CMCT assessment.
- Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) analyzed DTI metrics comparing normal and abnormal CMCT groups and explored correlations.
Main Results:
- No significant correlations were found between DTI metrics and CMCT.
- No differences in DTI metrics were observed between children with normal and abnormal CMCT.
Conclusions:
- Current DTI metrics may not fully explain the tissue properties influencing CMCT.
- DTI and CMCT provide complementary information for assessing children with complex motor disorders.
Objectives:
To explore potential correlations between Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) metrics and Central Motor Conduction Time (CMCT) in a cohort of children with complex motor disorders.
Methods:
For a group of 49 children undergoing assessment for potential Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, CMCT was derived from the latency of MEPs invoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation of the contralateral motor cortex and from peripheral conduction times. Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) was used to compare Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) metrics between children with normal and abnormal CMCT. TBSS was also used to look for correlations between these metrics and CMCT across the group.
Results:
Median age at assessment was 9years (range 3-19years). For 14/49 children a diagnosis of primary dystonia had been made. No correlation could be found between DTI metrics and CMCT, with no difference in metrics found between children with normal and abnormal CMCT.
Conclusions:
DTI metrics did not differ between children with normal and abnormal CMCT. Tissue properties determining CMCT may not be explained by existing DTI metrics.
Significance:
DTI and CMCT measurements provide complementary information for the clinical assessment of children with complex motor disorders.
