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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
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Thalamic involvement in paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia: a combined structural and diffusion tensor MRI analysis
Ji Hyun Kim1, Dong-Wook Kim, Jung Bin Kim
1Department of Neurology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Human Brain Mapping
|December 16, 2014
Summary
Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) is linked to thalamic abnormalities. This study found reduced thalamic volume, shape changes, and altered white matter integrity in PKD patients, supporting the thalamus's role in the disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuit alterations are implicated in paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) pathophysiology.
- Previous research suggests a potential role for the thalamus in PKD development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate macrostructural and microstructural brain changes in patients with idiopathic PKD.
- To identify neuroanatomical correlates of PKD within the basal ganglia-thalamocortical pathway.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including structural and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
- Employed cortical thickness analysis, automated volumetry, shape analysis, tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS), and region-of-interest (ROI) analysis.
- Studied 25 idiopathic PKD patients and 25 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- PKD patients showed reduced bilateral thalamic volume and regional shape deformation in the anterior and medial thalamus.
- Increased fractional anisotropy (FA) in bilateral thalami and the right anterior thalamic radiation was observed in patients.
- DTI ROI analysis confirmed increased FA in bilateral thalami of PKD patients.
Conclusions:
- Evidence of concomitant macrostructural (volume reduction, shape deformation) and microstructural (increased FA) thalamic abnormalities in PKD patients.
- Findings support a causal relationship between thalamic dysfunction and PKD development.
- Provides a neuroanatomical basis for thalamic involvement in the basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuit in PKD.
