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Diffusion tensor imaging change in crus cerebri in striatocapsular infarction and correlation with upper extremity
Run-Rong Wang1, Cheng Li2, Shuai Zhang3
1Department of Radiology, Yangzhou First People's Hospital of Jiangsu Province, No. 45, Tai-Zhou Road, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China.
La Radiologia Medica
|April 4, 2015
Summary
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reveals early pyramidal tract changes in the crus cerebri after striatocapsular infarction. These diffusion changes correlate significantly with upper extremity motor dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Striatocapsular infarction can cause secondary changes in the pyramidal tract.
- Limited data exists on early diffusion changes in the crus cerebri following this specific infarction type.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate diffusion changes in the crus cerebri using DTI in patients with striatocapsular infarction.
- Analyze the relationship between these diffusion changes and upper extremity motor deficits.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 15 patients with acute striatocapsular infarction and unilateral upper extremity motor dysfunction.
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) performed 2 weeks post-onset.
- Measurement of fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity in the crus cerebri, calculation of asymmetry indices, and correlation with Fugl-Meyer assessment scores.
Main Results:
- Significantly reduced fractional anisotropy in the affected crus cerebri compared to the unaffected side (p < 0.001).
- No significant difference in mean diffusivity between sides.
- A significant negative correlation between the asymmetry index and upper extremity motor function (r = -0.78, p = 0.001).
Conclusions:
- DTI effectively detects early diffusion changes in the crus cerebri following striatocapsular infarction.
- The integrity of the pyramidal tract in the crus cerebri is strongly associated with upper extremity motor function recovery.
