Prediction of motor recovery after ischemic stroke using diffusion tensor imaging: A meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neurology
• Radiology

Background:

• Ischemic stroke significantly impacts motor function, necessitating reliable predictors for recovery.
• Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) offers insights into white matter integrity, crucial for motor pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the predictive value of DTI parameters, specifically fractional anisotropy (FA), for motor function recovery in ischemic stroke patients.
• To assess the correlation between FA values and motor outcomes across different stroke phases.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (e.g., CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase) from 1970 to 2016.
• Fifteen studies involving 414 patients were included in the meta-analysis.
• Correlation coefficients (r) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate the relationship between FA and motor function outcomes.

Main Results:

• Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between FA in the subacute phase and motor function recovery (Effect Size = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62-0.87).
• FA in the acute phase (ES=0.51, 95% CI: 0.33-0.68) and chronic phase (ES=0.62, 95% CI: 0.47-0.77) also showed significant correlations.
• The predictive value of FA in the subacute phase was rated as moderate quality according to the GRADE system.

Conclusions:

• Fractional anisotropy (FA) in the subacute phase following ischemic stroke is a valuable predictor of functional motor recovery.
• DTI-derived FA measurements can aid in prognostication and guide therapeutic strategies for stroke rehabilitation.