Aberrant Pyramidal Tract in Comparison with Pyramidal Tract on Diffusion Tensor Tractography: A Mini-Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuroanatomy
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• The pyramidal tract (PT) is crucial for voluntary motor control.
• The aberrant pyramidal tract (APT) is a collateral pathway of the PT.
• Understanding the APT's role is vital for neuro-rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) studies on the aberrant pyramidal tract (APT).
• To explore the prevalence and characteristics of the APT in normal subjects.
• To investigate the APT's potential contribution to motor recovery in brain injury patients.

Main Methods:

• Mini-review of eight diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) studies.
• Analysis of studies on normal subjects and patients with cerebral infarct, traumatic brain injury, and cerebral palsy.

Main Results:

• The APT occurs in 17-18% of hemispheres in normal subjects, with distinct characteristics from the PT.
• Studies suggest the APT may play a role in motor recovery following various brain injuries.
• The APT's involvement in motor recovery has implications for developing scientific rehabilitation strategies.

Conclusions:

• Further research on the APT in normal subjects is needed.
• Encouraging studies with larger patient cohorts across diverse brain pathologies is recommended.
• Understanding the APT's function can enhance neuro-rehabilitation approaches for motor recovery.