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Diffusion Tensor Tractography Studies for Causes of Dysphagia After Stroke: A Systematic Review
Woo-Hyuk Jang1, Seon-Hee Lee2, Sang-Hyeok Lee2
1Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Science, Kangwon National University, Samcheok-si 25949, Republic of Korea.
Brain Sciences
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) reveals corticobulbar tract damage as a primary cause of post-stroke dysphagia. Reduced DTT metrics correlate with dysphagia severity, aiding diagnosis and rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Dysphagia is a common complication following stroke.
- Understanding the neural underpinnings of post-stroke dysphagia is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) studies investigating the causes of dysphagia after stroke.
- To identify specific neural tracts implicated in post-stroke dysphagia.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect.
- Analysis of seven selected studies utilizing keywords related to stroke, dysphagia, and DTT.
- Correlation analysis between DTT-derived metrics and dysphagia severity.
Main Results:
- Damage to the corticobulbar tract (CBT) was identified as the most frequent cause of dysphagia.
- Evidence suggests involvement of the vestibulospinal tract (VST) and core vestibular pathway (CVP).
- A significant negative correlation was observed between dysphagia severity and DTT metrics (lower fractional anisotropy and tract volume).
Conclusions:
- Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) offers valuable insights into the neural mechanisms of post-stroke dysphagia.
- Identification of affected tracts can improve dysphagia diagnosis accuracy.
- Findings support the development of targeted rehabilitation strategies for post-stroke dysphagia.
