Diffusion tensor imaging predicts cognitive function change following partial brain radiotherapy for low-grade and...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Radiology
• Neurology

Background:

• Radiation therapy can cause white matter injury, leading to cognitive decline.
• Parahippocampal cingulum white matter is particularly vulnerable.
• Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can detect microstructural changes in white matter.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a predictive model for radiation-induced cognitive changes using DTI.
• To correlate DTI metrics with cognitive function after radiation therapy.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-seven patients undergoing partial brain radiation therapy were studied.
• DTI scans were performed before, during, and after radiation therapy.
• Cognitive testing assessed verbal memory and fluency before and after treatment.

Main Results:

• Decreased axial diffusion (AD) and increased radial diffusion (RD) during RT predicted cognitive decline.
• Increased RD at the end of RT significantly predicted verbal fluency decline 18 months post-RT.
• Baseline neurocognitive scores predicted verbal memory change, but not verbal fluency change.

Conclusions:

• Imaging biomarkers from DTI can contribute to predictive models of cognitive function changes post-RT.
• DTI provides valuable insights into radiation-induced white matter injury and its cognitive consequences.