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Updated: Feb 18, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Phase Difference-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging (PADRE) Technique for the Detection of Age-Related
Yasuko Tatewaki1,2,3, Tatsushi Mutoh1, Benjamin Thyreau2
1Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology, Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND The optic radiation (OR) is a white-matter bundle connecting the lateral geniculate body and the visual cortex. Phase difference-enhanced imaging (PADRE) is a new MRI technique that is able to achieve precise delineation of the OR. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age on the volume and signal intensity of the OR using PADRE, and to establish a volumetric reference of the OR from a healthy population, compared with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-nine healthy volunteers underwent MR imaging with PADRE and DTI sequences on a 3.0-T scanner. For the volumetric analysis with PADRE, the OR corresponding to the external sagittal stratum was manually traced, while an automated thresholding method was used for the DTI-based volumetric analysis of the OR. RESULTS The mean right and left OR volumes measured from the PADRE images were 1469.0±242.4 mm³ and 1372.6±310.2 mm³, respectively. Although OR volume showed no significant correlation with age, the normalized OR signal intensity showed a linear correlation with increasing age (r²=0.50-0.53; P<0.01). The OR signal intensity on PADRE and DTI-related quantitative parameters for the OR showed significant correlations (r²=0.46-0.49; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The PADRE technique revealed exceptional preservation of OR volume, even in later life. Moreover, PADRE was able to detect age-related changes in signal intensity of the OR and may contribute to future analyses of pathological neurodegeneration in patients with glaucoma and multiple sclerosis.
Insights
Phase difference-enhanced imaging (PADRE) MRI shows optic radiation (OR) volume is preserved with age. PADRE detects age-related signal intensity changes in the OR, aiding future neurodegeneration studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- White Matter Tract Analysis
- Radiology
Background:
- The optic radiation (OR) is a critical white matter pathway connecting visual processing centers.
- Phase difference-enhanced imaging (PADRE) offers precise OR delineation.
- Understanding age-related changes in the OR is vital for neurodegenerative disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of aging on optic radiation (OR) volume and signal intensity using PADRE MRI.
- To establish a normative volumetric reference for the OR in a healthy population.
- To compare PADRE findings with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for OR analysis.
Main Methods:
- 39 healthy volunteers underwent 3.0-T MRI with PADRE and DTI sequences.
- Manual tracing was used for PADRE-based OR volumetric analysis.
- Automated thresholding was employed for DTI-based OR volumetric analysis.
Main Results:
- Mean right and left OR volumes were 1469.0±242.4 mm³ and 1372.6±310.2 mm³ respectively.
- OR volume did not significantly correlate with age.
- Normalized OR signal intensity showed a significant linear correlation with increasing age (r²=0.50-0.53; P<0.01).
- PADRE and DTI quantitative parameters for the OR showed significant correlations (r²=0.46-0.49; P<0.01).
Conclusions:
- PADRE MRI demonstrates excellent preservation of optic radiation (OR) volume across age groups.
- PADRE is sensitive to age-related alterations in OR signal intensity.
- This technique holds promise for future investigations of neurodegenerative conditions like glaucoma and multiple sclerosis.
