Application of DTI and fMRI in moyamoya disease

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Cerebrovascular Diseases
• Neurology

Background:

• Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic, progressive cerebrovascular disorder characterized by stenosis or occlusion of major intracranial arteries near the Circle of Willis.
• Cognitive impairment is a significant consequence of the microstructural and functional brain changes associated with MMD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the principles and applications of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) in evaluating white matter integrity in MMD.
• To review the principles and applications of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) in assessing gray matter function in MMD.
• To discuss the current challenges and future directions for DTI and fMRI in the study and management of Moyamoya disease.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature focusing on the application of DTI for white matter microstructure analysis.
• Review of scientific literature focusing on the application of fMRI for gray matter function assessment.
• Synthesis of findings regarding the utility and limitations of these neuroimaging techniques in Moyamoya disease.

Main Results:

• DTI provides insights into white matter damage, a key factor in cognitive decline in MMD.
• fMRI reveals alterations in brain activity and functional connectivity related to gray matter changes in MMD.
• Both techniques offer valuable, yet challenging, approaches to understanding MMD's impact on the brain.

Conclusions:

• DTI and fMRI are crucial neuroimaging tools for characterizing the structural and functional brain abnormalities in Moyamoya disease.
• Understanding the capabilities and limitations of DTI and fMRI is essential for advancing research and clinical care for MMD patients.
• Further research is needed to overcome current challenges and optimize the use of these advanced imaging techniques in MMD.