Diffusion tensor imaging of white matter injury in a rat model of infantile hydrocephalus

Objective  

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a non-invasive MRI technique that has been used to quantify white matter (WM) abnormality in both clinical and experimental hydrocephalus (HCP). However, no DTI study has been conducted to characterize anisotropic diffusion properties in an animal model of infantile HCP. This DTI study was designed to investigate a rat model of HCP induced at postnatal day 21, a time developmentally equivalent to the human infancy.     

Selective vulnerability of cerebral white matter in a murine model of multiple sclerosis detected using diffusion tensor imaging

In this study, axial (lambda(parallel)) and radial (lambda(perpendicular)) diffusivities derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were used to evaluate white matter injury in brains of mice affected by experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Sixteen female C57BL/6 mice were immunized with amino acids 35-55 of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG(35-55)). Three months after immunization, optic nerve and tract were severely affected with 19% and 18% decrease in lambda(parallel) respectively, suggesting the presence of axonal injury. In addition, a 156% and 86% increase in lambda( perpendicular) was observed in optic nerve and tract respectively, suggestive of myelin injury. After in vivo DTI, mice were perfusion fixed and immunohistochemistry for the identification of myelin basic protein (MBP) and phosphorylated neurofilament (pNF) was performed to verify the presence of axonal and myelin injury. The present study demonstrated that the visual pathway is selectively affected in MOG(35-55) induced murine EAE and these injuries are non-invasively detectable using lambda(parallel) and lambda( perpendicular).     

首次发病未用药老年抑郁症患者脑白质完整性的弥散张量成像研究

Objective To explore the white matter integrity by using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in first-episode, medication-naive geriatric patients with major depressive disorder.Methods Fifteen first-episode, medication-naive depressive patients and fifteen healthy controls underwent DTI scan.Fractional anisotropy (FA) of white matter was compared between the two groups using voxel-based approach.Results Compared with healthy controls, geriatric depressive patients showed significantly lower FA in left anterior cingulate (cluster size = 106 voxels, t = 3.21 ), right anterior cingulate ( cluster size =60 voxels, t = 2.71 ), right subgenual cingulate ( cluster size = 63 voxels, t = 3.37 ) and left brainstem ( cluster size = 62 voxels, t = 3.25 ) ( level of significance was uncorrected single-tailed P ＜ 0.01, threshold of cluster size ＞ 50 voxels).Conclusion Decrease of white matter integrity in bilateral anterior cingulate and right subgenual cingulate are present in the early stage of geriatric depression.Lesions of neural pathways by way of these regions may be involved in the pathophysiology of geriatric depression.     

首次发病未用药老年抑郁症患者脑白质完整性的弥散张量成像研究

目的 使用弥散张量成像探讨首次发病未用药老年抑郁症患者的脑白质完整性.方法 15例首次发病未用药的老年抑郁症患者和15例正常对照组接受脑弥散张量成像扫描,用基于体素的分析方法对脑内所有体素的各向异性分数(FA)逐一进行组间比较.结果 与正常对照组相比,首次发病未用药老年抑郁症患者左侧前扣带(丛集体积=106体素,t=3.21)、右侧前扣带(丛集体积=60体素,t=2.71)、右侧膝下扣带(丛集体积=63体素,t=3.37)、左侧脑干(丛集体积=62体素,t=3.25)白质FA值显著降低(检验水准为未校正的单侧P＜0.01,体素集阈值＞50体素).结论 老年抑郁症发病早期存在双侧前扣带及右侧膝下扣带白质完整性下降,经由该脑区的神经通路损害可能与老年抑郁症的病理机制有关.     

首次发病未用药老年抑郁症患者脑白质完整性的弥散张量成像研究

Objective To explore the white matter integrity by using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in first-episode, medication-naive geriatric patients with major depressive disorder.Methods Fifteen first-episode, medication-naive depressive patients and fifteen healthy controls underwent DTI scan.Fractional anisotropy (FA) of white matter was compared between the two groups using voxel-based approach.Results Compared with healthy controls, geriatric depressive patients showed significantly lower FA in left anterior cingulate (cluster size = 106 voxels, t = 3.21 ), right anterior cingulate ( cluster size =60 voxels, t = 2.71 ), right subgenual cingulate ( cluster size = 63 voxels, t = 3.37 ) and left brainstem ( cluster size = 62 voxels, t = 3.25 ) ( level of significance was uncorrected single-tailed P ＜ 0.01, threshold of cluster size ＞ 50 voxels).Conclusion Decrease of white matter integrity in bilateral anterior cingulate and right subgenual cingulate are present in the early stage of geriatric depression.Lesions of neural pathways by way of these regions may be involved in the pathophysiology of geriatric depression.     

Evaluation of white matter structures in patients with tinnitus using diffusion tensor imaging

Recent functional imaging studies have demonstrated that the sensation of tinnitus is associated with activity in cortical regions functionally linked to subserve the generation, perception and processing of the tinnitus stimulus. Previous functional imaging studies have focused primarily on the cortical centers. However, none of these examined the functional nature of associated white matter interconnecting these cortical centers. In this study, we investigate the integrity of white matter tracts interconnecting the auditory system to the parietal and frontal corticies in tinnitus patients using diffusion tensor imaging. Our preliminary results suggest the possible involvement of associated white matter structures in addition to processing cortical centers in tinnitus patients compared with healthy subjects.     

Quantitative white matter analysis by diffusion tensor imaging and potential functional correlation

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an MRI modality used to measure the thermal motion of water molecules by combining the measured water diffusion with a simple tensor model of a 3 × 3 symmetric matrix. Since there are many structures that restrict the free motion of water molecules in the brain, we can use the diffusion property of water to study the brain anatomy. Because DTI can provide directional information about axonal fiber bundles, this technique may be one of the most effective MR tools for the investigation of the human white matter anatomy in vivo. Along with the qualitative analysis of fiber pathways using tractography, the quantitative analysis using DTI enables researchers to investigate relationships between white matter anatomy and brain functions as well as to identify tract-specific developmental patterns or disease-specific alterations of the fiber tracts. Several methods have been proposed for whole-brain DTI analysis without an a priori hypothesis. Voxel-based analysis (VBA) is one of the most widely used approaches, although it has concerning limitations, especially when isotropic spatial smoothing is applied. Alternative methods such as tract-based spatial statistics and atlas-based analysis have been introduced to overcome the limitations of VBA. Future studies combining the anatomical connectivity illustrated by using DTI and the functional connectivity illustrated by using resting-state fMRI will provide an emerging landscape of human brain connectivity.     

Investigating regional white matter in schizophrenia using diffusion tensor imaging

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to investigate regional white matter in vivo in patients with schizophrenia. DTI is capable of providing information about the organization of white matter tracts and has only recently been used to study schizophrenia. In this study, a voxel based analysis of DTI maps in 14 patients and 19 controls did not reveal any areas of significant differences in DTI measures in white matter. The findings suggest that the structural integrity of white matter in these patients was not disrupted. These results are discussed in relation to previous studies reporting positive findings. It is concluded that further studies using DTI in larger samples, improved and standardised methods of data acquisition and analysis are needed.     

Progressive changes of white matter integrity in schizophrenia revealed by diffusion tensor imaging

Recent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) have suggested reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) in the white matter (WM) of the brain in patients with schizophrenia. We tried to examine whether such reduction in FA exists and whether such changes in FA progress in an age-dependent manner in a Japanese sample of chronic schizophrenia. FA values were compared between 42 patients with chronic schizophrenia and 42 controls matched for age and gender, by using DTI with voxel-by-voxel and region-of-interest analyses. Correlations of FA values with age and duration of illness were examined. Patients with schizophrenia showed lower FA values, compared to controls, in the widespread WM areas including the uncinate fasciculi and cingulum bundles. A significant group-by-age interaction was found for FA in the WM, i.e., age-related reduction of FA was more pronounced in schizophrenics than in controls. A significant negative correlation between FA and duration of illness was also found in the WM. Our data confirmed decreased FA in schizophrenics, compared to controls in the widespread WM areas. Such decreased FA values in schizophrenia might be attributable, at least in part, to progressive changes after the onset of the illness.     

A diffusion tensor imaging study of white matter in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Our objective was to test for differences between subjects with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and healthy controls with respect to white matter architecture within the cingulum bundle (CB) and anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC). We studied eight subjects with active OCD and 10 matched healthy controls using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) at 1.5 T (Tesla). Fractional anisotropy (FA) was evaluated in both CB and ALIC. Both voxelwise and region-of-interest methods of analysis were employed. Within both the left CB and the left ALIC, subjects with OCD exhibited significantly greater FA than healthy controls. In the right CB, subjects with OCD exhibited significantly decreased FA versus healthy control subjects. Additionally, the OCD group exhibited abnormal asymmetry (left > right) of FA in the CB. These results provide preliminary evidence for abnormal architecture within the CB and ALIC in OCD. FA differences in these areas are consistent with the presence of abnormal connections between the nodes linked by these tracts. This could explain why surgically severing these tracts is therapeutic. Additional studies are needed to replicate these findings and to clarify their pathological and clinical significance.     

Abnormal asymmetry of white matter integrity in schizophrenia revealed by voxelwise diffusion tensor imaging

A number of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have revealed morphological cortical asymmetry in the normal human brain, and reduction or inversion of such hemispheric asymmetry has been reported in schizophrenia. On the other hand, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have reported inconsistent findings concerning abnormal asymmetry of white matter integrity in schizophrenia. Our aim was to confirm whether there is reduced or inverted asymmetry of white matter integrity in the whole brain in schizophrenia. For this study, 26 right-handed schizophrenia patients, and 32 matched healthy control subjects were investigated. Voxelwise analysis of DTI data was performed using the tract-based spatial statistics. The fractional anisotropy (FA) images were normalized and projected onto the symmetrical white matter skeleton, and the laterality index (LI) of FA, determined by 2 × (left - right)/(left + right), was calculated. The results reveal that schizophrenia patients and healthy controls showed similar patterns of overall FA asymmetries. In the group comparison, patients showed significant reduction of LI in the external capsule (EC), and posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC). The EC cluster revealed increased rightward asymmetry, and the PLIC cluster showed reduced leftward asymmetry. Rightward-shift of FA in the EC cluster correlated with negative symptom severity. Considering that the EC cluster includes the uncinate and inferior occipitofrontal fasciculi, which have connections to the orbitofrontal cortex, abnormal asymmetry of white matter integrity in schizophrenia may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, through the altered connectivity to the orbitofrontal cortex.     

Brain white matter anatomy of tumor patients evaluated with diffusion tensor imaging

We applied multislice, whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to two patients with anaplastic astrocytoma. Data were analyzed using DTI-based, color-coded images and a 3-D tract reconstruction technique for the study of altered white matter anatomy. Each tumor was near two major white matter tracts, namely, the superior longitudinal fasciculus and the corona radiata. Those tracts were identified using the color-coded maps, and spatial relationships with the tumors were characterized. In one patient the tumor displaced adjacent white matter tracts, whereas in the other it infiltrated the superior longitudinal fasciclus without displacement of white matter. DTI provides new information regarding the detailed relationship between tumor growth and nearby white matter tracts, which may be useful for preoperative planning.     

Evidence of white matter changes on diffusion tensor imaging in frontotemporal dementia

BACKGROUND: Two major clinical variants of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) have been described: frontal variant (fvFTD) and temporal variant (tvFTD). OBJECTIVE: To analyze white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) tissue organization in patients with fvFTD and tvFTD by means of diffusion tensor imaging and voxel-based morphometry, and the correlations with neuropsychological and behavioral variables. DESIGN AND SETTING: Frontotemporal dementia clinic-based cohort and structural magnetic resonance imaging acquisition for voxel-based morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging measurements. Abnormalities were detected by a comparison with healthy control subjects. These variables were also correlated with clinical scores. Patients Thirty-six patients (28 with fvFTD and 8 with tvFTD) in early disease stage and 23 healthy controls who underwent standardized clinical and neuropsychological evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging. INTERVENTIONS: Diffusion tensor imaging and voxel-based morphometry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Neuroimaging analyses resulted in localized GM atrophy and reductions of white matter densities; the latter correlated with behavioral scores. RESULTS: Voxel-based morphometry analysis showed separate patterns of GM atrophy in the 2 groups. Diffusion tensor imaging showed different WM reduction patterns in patients with fvFTD and tvFTD. The fvFTD group showed a selective WM reduction in the superior longitudinal fasciculus, interconnecting the frontal and occipital and the temporal and parietal regions. Conversely, patients with tvFTD were characterized by WM reductions in the inferior longitudinal fasciculus, which affected the connections between anterior temporal and frontal regions. The WM reductions in fvFTD paralleled both behavioral disturbances measured by Frontal Behavioral Inventory and neuropsychological deficits affecting frontal functions. CONCLUSIONS: The fvFTD and tvFTD variants are associated not only with selective local GM reductions but also with significant WM damage in early disease phase. The different WM patterns contribute to the different clinical syndromes in FTD and could be responsible for the further progression of atrophy in the later disease stages.     

Evaluation of white matter changes in agyria-pachygyria complex using diffusion tensor imaging

Associated abnormalities of the white matter in patients with agyria-pachygyria complex have rarely been investigated using new imaging modalities like diffusion tensor imaging. The present study evaluated the white matter changes of 9 children with agyria-pachygyria complex using diffusion tensor imaging. Regions of interest were placed in 17 white matter tracts. Compared with normal controls, the axial diffusivity of the genu of the corpus callosum, corticospinal tract, and fornix in patients with agyria-pachygyria complex was decreased. In the subcortical white matter without changes in T2-weighted image, there were significant decreases in fractional anisotropy and axial diffusivity and increases in radial diffusivity, indicating significant alterations of the white matter. Since axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity reflect changes in the axon and myelin, respectively, the findings here indicate disturbance in both axonal and myelin development in agyria-pachygyria complex.     

Children's reading performance is correlated with white matter structure measured by diffusion tensor imaging

We investigated the white matter structure in children (n = 14) with a wide range of reading performance levels using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), a form of magnetic resonance imaging. White matter structure in a left temporo-parietal region that had been previously described as covarying with reading skill in adult readers also differs between children who are normal and poor readers. Specifically, the white matter structure measured using fractional anisotropy (FA) and coherence index (CI) significantly correlated with behavioral measurements of reading, spelling, and rapid naming performance. In general, lower anisotropy and lower coherence were associated with lower performance scores. Although the magnitude of the differences in children are smaller than those in adults, the results support the hypothesis that the structure of left temporoparietal neural pathways is a significant component of the neural system needed to develop fluent reading.     

Compromised white matter tract integrity in schizophrenia inferred from diffusion tensor imaging

BACKGROUND: Current investigations suggest that brain white matter may be qualitatively altered in schizophrenia even in the face of normal white matter volume. Diffusion tensor imaging provides a new approach for quantifying the directional coherence and possibly connectivity of white matter fibers in vivo. METHODS: Ten men who were veterans of the US Armed Forces and met the DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia and 10 healthy, age-matched control men were scanned using magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging and magnetic resonance structural imaging. RESULTS: Relative to controls, the patients with schizophrenia exhibited lower anisotropy in white matter, despite absence of a white matter volume deficit. In contrast to the white matter pattern, gray matter anisotropy did not distinguish the groups, even though the patients with schizophrenia had a significant gray matter volume deficit. The abnormal white matter anisotropy in patients with schizophrenia was present in both hemispheres and was widespread, extending from the frontal to occipital brain regions. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small sample size, diffusion tensor imaging was powerful enough to yield significant group differences, indicating widespread alteration in brain white matter integrity but not necessarily white matter volume in schizophrenia.     

精神发育迟滞脑白质磁共振弥散张量成像研究

目的:通过检查精神发育迟滞(MR)患者脑白质磁共振弥散张量成像(DTI)来了解该病患者脑白质发育情况,以寻找MR患者新的诊断手段,并探讨发病机制中脑白质纤维束发育障碍的根据.方法:用DTI扫描技术对45例MR患者作了皮质脊髓束、枕额束、扣带束、胼胝体束的检查.结果:45例患者中仅4例未发现异常,枕额束有异常为27例,皮...     

Abnormal brain white matter in schizophrenia: a diffusion tensor imaging study.

Fractional anisotropy and the mean diffusion coefficient were measured in the cerebral volume in 20 schizophrenic and 24 healthy subjects, men and women, using diffusion tensor imaging. In addition, 3D SPGR was used for segmentation of brain tissue into grey and white matter and cerebrospinal fluid. In schizophrenic patients, fractional anisotropy was reduced in the splenium of the corpus callosum and in adjacent occipital white matter. The segmentation revealed no tissue deficits in the volume of reduced fractional anisotropy. The mean diffusion was increased in the total white and grey matter volume of the schizophrenic patients compared with the healthy subjects. The findings support the view that global and regional white matter abnormalities occur in chronic schizophrenia.     

Age-related changes in parahippocampal white matter integrity: a diffusion tensor imaging study

The axons in the parahippocampal white matter (PWM) region that includes the perforant pathway relay multimodal sensory information, important for memory function, from the entorhinal cortex to the hippocampus. Previous work suggests that the integrity of the PWM shows changes in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and is further compromised as Alzheimer's disease progresses. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of healthy aging on macro- and micro-structural alterations in the PWM. The study characterized in vivo white matter changes in the parahippocampal region that includes the perforant pathway in cognitively healthy young (YNG, n=21) compared to cognitively healthy older (OLD, n=21) individuals using volumetry, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in PWM volume in old participants, with further indications of reduced integrity of remaining white matter fibers. In logistic regressions, PWM volume, memory performance and DTI indices of PWM integrity were significant indicator variables for differentiating the young and old participants. Taken together, these findings suggest that age-related alterations do occur in the PWM region and may contribute to the normal decline in memory function seen in healthy aging by degrading information flow to the hippocampus.