scholarly journals Widespread Disruptions of White Matter in Familial Multiple Sclerosis: DTI and NODDI Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeinab Gharaylou ◽  
Mohammad Ali Sahraian ◽  
Mahmoudreza Hadjighassem ◽  
Mohsen Kohanpour ◽  
Rozita Doosti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Quantitative Mri ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
White Matter Integrity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sporadic Group ◽  
Diffusion Parameters ◽  
Patient Groups

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a noninvasive, quantitative MRI technique that measures white matter (WM) integrity. Many brain dimensions are heritable, including white matter integrity measured with DTI. Family studies are valuable to provide insights into the interactive effects of non-environmental factors on multiple sclerosis (MS). To examine the contribution of familial factors to the diffusion signals across WM microstructure, we performed DTI and calculated neurite orientation dispersion plus density imaging (NODDI) diffusion parameters in two patient groups comprising familial and sporadic forms of multiple sclerosis and their unaffected relatives. We divided 111 subjects (49 men and 62 women: age range 19–60) into three groups conforming to their MS history. The familial MS group included 30 participants (patients; n = 16, healthy relatives; n = 14). The sporadic group included 41 participants (patients; n = 10, healthy relatives; n = 31). Forty age-matched subjects with no history of MS in their families were defined as the control group. To study white matter integrity, two methods were employed: one for calculating the mean of DTI, FA, and MD parameters on 18 tracts using Tracts Constrained by Underlying Anatomy (TRACULA) and the other for whole brain voxel-based analysis using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) on NDI and ODI parameters derived from NODDI and DTI parameters. Voxel-based analysis showed considerable changes in FA, MD, NDI, and ODI in the familial group when compared with the control group, reflecting widespread impairment of white matter in this group. The analysis of 18 tracts with TRACULA revealed increased MD and FA reduction in more tracts (left and right ILF, UNC, and SLFT, forceps major and minor) in familial MS patients vs. the control group. There were no significant differences between the patient groups. We found no consequential changes in healthy relatives of both patient groups in voxel-based and tract analyses. Considering the multifactorial etiology of MS, familial studies are of great importance to clarify the effects of certain predisposing factors on demyelinating brain pathology.

scholarly journals Multiple sclerosis and depressive manifestations: can diffusion tensor MR imaging help in the detection of microstructural white matter changes?

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Talaat A. Hassan ◽  
Shaima Fattouh Elkholy ◽  
Bahaa Eldin Mahmoud ◽  
Mona ElSherbiny
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Limbic System ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Uncinate Fasciculus ◽  
White Matter Tracts ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Right

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis is one of the commonest causes of neurological disability in middle-aged and young adults. Depression in MS patients can compromise cognitive functions, lead to suicide attempts, impair relationships and reduce compliance with disease-modifying treatments. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the microstructural changes in the white matter tracts of the limbic system in MS patients with and those without depressive manifestations using a diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) technique. Methods This study included 40 patients who were divided into three groups. Group 1 comprised of 20 patients with relapsing-remitting MS with depressive symptoms and group 2 comprised 10 MS patients without symptoms of depression. The third group is a control group that included 10 age-matched healthy individuals. All patients underwent conventional MRI examinations and DTI to compare the fractional anisotropy (FA) values in the white matter tracts of the limbic system. Results We compared the DTI findings in MS patients with and those without depressive symptoms. It was found that patients with depression and MS exhibited a significant reduction in the FA values of the cingulum (P < 0.0111 on the right and P < 0.0142 on the left), uncinate fasciculus (P < 0.0001 on the right and P < 0.0076 on the left) and the fornix (P < 0.0001 on both sides). No significant difference was found between the FA values of the anterior thalamic radiations in both groups. Conclusion Patients with depression and MS showed more pronounced microstructural damage in the major white matter connections of the limbic pathway, namely, the uncinate fasciculus, cingulum and fornix. These changes can be detected by DTI as decreased FA values in depressed MS patients compared to those in non-depressed patients.

scholarly journals Evaluation of white matter in patients with multiple sclerosis through diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging

2007 ◽  
Vol 65 (3a) ◽  
pp. 561-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel E. Maia de Andrade ◽  
Emerson L. Gasparetto ◽  
Luiz Celso Hygino Cruz Jr. ◽  
Fabiana Brito Ferreira ◽  
Roberto Cortês Domingues ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Statistical Treatment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Normal Appearing White Matter ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Normal White Matter

OBJECTIVE: To study the white matter of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with diffusion tensor magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (DTI). METHOD: Forty patients with clinical-laboratorial diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS and 40 age- and sex-matched controls, who underwent conventional and functional (DTI) MR imaging, were included in the study. The DTI sequences resulted in maps of fractional anisotropy (FA) and regions of interest were placed on the plaques, peri-plaque regions, normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) around the plaques, contralateral normal white matter (CNWM) and normal white matter of the controls (WMC). The FA values were compared and the statistical treatment was performed with the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The mean FA in plaques was 0.268, in peri-plaque regions 0.365, in NAWM 0.509, in CNWM 0.552 and in WMC 0.573. Statistical significant differences in FA values were observed in plaques, peri-plaque regions and in NAWM around the plaques when compared to the white matter in the control group. There was no significant difference between the FA values of the CNWM of patients with MS and normal white matter of controls. CONCLUSION: Patients with MS show difference in the FA values of the plaques, peri-plaques and NAWM around the plaques when compared to the normal white matter of controls. As a result, DTI may be considered more efficient than conventional MR imaging for the study of patients with MS.

scholarly journals Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and its Relationship with Disability

2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ş. Temel ◽  
H.D. Kekliğkoğlu ◽  
G. Vural ◽  
O. Deniz ◽  
K. Ercan
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Water Diffusion ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Significant Difference

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) can yield important information on the in vivo pathological processes affecting water diffusion. The aim of this study was to quantitatively define water diffusion in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) distant from the plaque, in the plaque, and around the plaque, and to investigate the correlation of these changes with clinical disability. Conventional MRI and DTI scans were conducted in 30 patients with MS and 15 healthy individuals. Fractional anisotropy maps and visible diffusion coefficients were created and integrated with T2-weighted images. Regions of interest (ROIs) were placed on the plaques on the same side, white matter around the plaques and NAWM on the opposite side. Only the white matter of healthy individuals in the control group, and FA and ADC values were obtained for comparison. The highest FA and lowest ADC were detected in the control group at the periventricular region, cerebellar peduncle and at all ROIs irrespective of location. There was a significant difference in comparison to the control group at all ROIs in patients with MS (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). No significant correlation between diffusion parameters and expanded disability state scale (EDSS) scores was found in patients with MS. DTI may provide more accurate information on the damage due to the illness, compared to T2A sequences, but this damage may not be correlated with the clinical disability measured by EDSS score.

Longitudinal Changes in Resting State Connectivity and White Matter Integrity in Adolescents With Sports-Related Concussion

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 781-792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna L. Murdaugh ◽  
Tricia Z. King ◽  
Binjian Sun ◽  
Richard A. Jones ◽  
Kim E. Ono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Acute Phase ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
White Matter Integrity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectives: The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in functional connectivity, white matter integrity, and cognitive abilities due to sports-related concussion (SRC) in adolescents using a prospective longitudinal design. Methods: We assessed male high school football players (ages 14–18) with (n=16) and without (n=12) SRC using complementary resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) along with cognitive performance using the Immediate Post-Concussive Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT). We assessed both changes at the acute phase (<7 days post-SRC) and at 21 days later, as well as, differences between athletes with SRC and age- and team-matched control athletes. Results: The results revealed rs-fMRI hyperconnectivity within posterior brain regions (e.g., precuneus and cerebellum), and hypoconnectivity in more anterior areas (e.g., inferior and middle frontal gyri) when comparing SRC group to control group acutely. Performance on the ImPACT (visual/verbal memory composites) was correlated with resting state network connectivity at both time points. DTI results revealed altered diffusion in the SRC group along a segment of the corticospinal tract and the superior longitudinal fasciculus in the acute phase of SRC. No differences between the SRC group and control group were seen at follow-up imaging. Conclusions: Acute effects of SRC are associated with both hyperconnectivity and hypoconnectivity, with disruption of white matter integrity. In addition, acute memory performance was most sensitive to these changes. After 21 days, adolescents with SRC returned to baseline performance, although chronic hyperconnectivity of these regions could place these adolescents at greater risk for secondary neuropathological changes, necessitating future follow-up. (JINS, 2018, 24, 781–792)

scholarly journals Quantitative MRI Demonstrates Abnormality of the Fornix and Cingulum in Multiple Sclerosis

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie B. Syc ◽  
Daniel M. Harrison ◽  
Shiv Saidha ◽  
Michaela Seigo ◽  
Peter A. Calabresi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Healthy Volunteers ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Magnetization Transfer ◽  
Mean Diffusivity ◽  
Brain Structures ◽  
Quantitative Mri ◽  
Magnetization Transfer Ratio

Objective. To characterize MR signal changes associated with tissue damage in the fornix and cingulum in multiple sclerosis (MS) using quantitative MRI measures and to determine associations with cognitive dysfunction.Background. The fornix and cingulum are white-matter bundles that carry information related to cognition. While cognitive dysfunction is reported in 40–60% of MS patients, the neuroanatomical correlates of cognitive impairment remain incompletely understood.Methods. The cingulum, pillars of the fornix, and corticospinal tract were segmented by fiber tracking via diffusion tensor imaging. Average tract-specific fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) were compared in MS cases and healthy volunteers. Associations with clinical measures and neuropsychological tests were derived by multivariate linear regression.Results. Fornix FA (P=0.004) and MTR (P=0.005) were decreased, and fornix MD (P<0.001) and cingulum MD (P<0.001) increased, in MS cases (n=101) relative to healthy volunteers (n=16) after adjustment for age and sex. Lower fornix FA and MTR, and higher fornix MD andλ∥, were correlated with lower PASAT-3 scores, but not with slower 25FTW times. Lower PASAT-3 scores were associated with lower cingulum FA and higher MD andλ⊥.Conclusions. Cognitive dysfunction in MS may involve damage to a widespread network of brain structures, including white-matter pathways within the limbic system.

Quantitative Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) Analysis Reveals Different Infiltrative Patterns of Oligodendrogliomas and Astrocytomas in Peri-Tumour White Matter

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. E273-E273
Author(s):  
Christopher Murphy ◽  
Erjon Agushi ◽  
Zhangjie Su ◽  
Rainer Hinz ◽  
Federico Roncaroli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Mean Diffusivity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Data ◽  
Primary Brain Tumours ◽  
Diffusion Parameters ◽  
Grade Ii ◽  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging Dti

Abstract INTRODUCTION Gliomas are highly infiltrative primary brain tumours. Glioma infiltration is difficult to identify clinically using conventional diagnostic imaging. We used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to identify glioma infiltration in peritumour white matter (WM) and characterized differences between histological subtypes. METHODS We recruited 8 patients with a histological diagnosis of grade II or III glioma and 10 healthy controls. We compared fractional anisotropy (FA) maps of each patient against the control group using SPM8 (Matlab 2014a) to identify regions of glioma infiltration. The FA and mean diffusivity (MD) of formerly WM matter tumour regions, infiltrated WM and normal appearing WM were compared with a 2-sample t-test and characterized with respect to normal control data. RESULTS Our results have identified radiological evidence of infiltration in the peri-tumour WM of glioma patients. The infiltrated region of oligodendrogliomas extended further than that of astrocytomas. Oligodendrogliomas preferentially infiltrated larger WM tracts, whereas astrocytomas infiltrated more peripheral WM. In all grades, the 3 regions had significantly different diffusion parameters and there were significant differences between oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas. CONCLUSION We identified previously unrecognized study wide significant changes in the peri-tumour WM of gliomas. Despite the known propensity of these tumours to infiltrate WM we found no significant DTI changes distant to the tumour. Our DTI results suggest oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas demonstrate different infiltrative patterns, which highlights the need for astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas to be studied separately.

scholarly journals White Matter Microstructural Differences between Hallucinating and Non-Hallucinating Schizophrenia Spectrum Patients

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 139
Author(s):  
Justyna Beresniewicz ◽  
Alexander R. Craven ◽  
Kenneth Hugdahl ◽  
Else-Marie Løberg ◽  
Rune Andreas Kroken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Qualitative Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Auditory Verbal Hallucinations ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Groups

The relation between auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) and white matter has been studied, but results are still inconsistent. This inconsistency may be related to having only a single time-point of AVH assessment in many studies, not capturing that AVH severity fluctuates over time. In the current study, AVH fluctuations were captured by utilizing a longitudinal design and using repeated (Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale) PANSS questionnaire interviews over a 12 month period. We used a Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Tensor Imaging (MR DTI) sequence and tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) to explore white matter differences between two subtypes of schizophrenia patients; 44 hallucinating (AVH+) and 13 non-hallucinating (AVH-), compared to 13 AVH- matched controls and 44 AVH+ matched controls. Additionally, we tested for hemispheric fractional anisotropy (FA) asymmetry between the groups. Significant widespread FA-value reduction was found in the AVH+ group in comparison to the AVH- group. Although not significant, the extracted FA-values for the control group were in between the two patient groups, for all clusters. We also found a significant difference in FA-asymmetry between the AVH+ and AVH- groups in two clusters, with significantly higher leftward asymmetry in the AVH- group. The current findings suggest a possible qualitative difference in white matter integrity between AVH+ and AVH- patients. Strengths and limitations of the study are discussed.

scholarly journals Aerobic Exercise Intervention Alters Executive Function and White Matter Integrity in Deaf Children: A Randomized Controlled Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuan Xiong ◽  
Li-Na Zhu ◽  
Xiao-xiao Dong ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Jun Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
White Matter Integrity ◽  
Deaf Children ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Behavioral Performance

This study examined the effects of an 11-week aerobic exercise intervention on executive function (EF) and white matter integrity (WMI). In total, 28 deaf children (aged 9–13 years) were randomly assigned to either an 11-week exercise intervention or the control group. All the children had behavioral assessment and diffusion tensor imaging prior to and following the exercise intervention. The behavioral performance results demonstrated that EF was enhanced by exercise. Relative to the control group, WMI of the exercise intervention group showed (1) lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in the pontine crossing tract (PCT) and right cingulum (hippocampus) (CH), genu of the corpus callosum (gCC), right inferior cerebellar peduncle (ICP), left superior corona radiata (SCR), and left superior frontooccipital fasciculus (SFOF); (2) higher mean diffusivity (MD) in the gCC, right CH, right inferior frontooccipital fasciculus (IFOF), and left anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC); and (3) lower MD in the left ICP and left tapetum (TAP). Furthermore, the lower FA in gCC showed a significant negative correlation with improvement in behavioral performance, but the correlation was not significant after FDR correction. These results suggest that exercise can effectively improve deaf children’s EF and reshape the WMI in deaf children. The improved EF by exercise is not related to a reshaping of WMI, but more studies on the relationship between EF and WMI by exercise may be needed.

scholarly journals Longitudinal assessment of gray matter volumes and white matter integrity in patients with medication-overuse headache

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yesim Beckmann ◽  
Sevgin Gökçe ◽  
Nabi Zorlu ◽  
H Sabiha Türe ◽  
Fazıl Gelal
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Gray Matter ◽  
Drug Withdrawal ◽  
Medication Overuse ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Medication Overuse Headache ◽  
White Matter Integrity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
The Brain

Background Medication-overuse headache is a common clinical entity, but neuroimaging studies investigating volumetric and microstructural alterations of the brain in medication-overuse headache are rare. Therefore, in the current longitidunal study we evaluated gray matter volume and white matter integrity in patients with medication-overuse headache before and after drug withdrawal. Methods A prospective study evaluated 27 patients with medication-overuse headache and 27 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy adults. High-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging were obtained from the control group and medication-overuse headache patients before and six months after drug withdrawal. Tract-based spatial statistics of multiple diffusivity indices and voxel-based morphometry were employed to investigate white and gray matter abnormalities. Results No correlation was found between age, gender, education and smoking status in both groups. The most commonly overused medications were simple analgesics (96.3%) and combined analgesics (3.7%). The mean duration of the history of medication overuse and headaches was 56.7 ± 63.5 months. White matter diffusional and gray matter morphological alterations including volume, fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity analyses showed no significant relationship in the patients before and six months after withdrawal of analgesics. Also no difference was observed between the patients versus controls. Conclusion Our data demonstrated no structural alterations within the brain in medication-overuse headache.

scholarly journals Preliminary Evidence for a Relationship between Elevated Plasma TNFα and Smaller Subcortical White Matter Volume in HCV Infection Irrespective of HIV or AUD Comorbidity

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4953
Author(s):  
Natalie M. Zahr ◽  
Kilian M. Pohl ◽  
Allison J. Kwong ◽  
Edith V. Sullivan ◽  
Adolf Pfefferbaum
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Proinflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Soluble Protein ◽  
Subcortical White Matter ◽  
Control Group ◽  
White Matter Volume ◽  
Brain Volumes ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Matter Volume ◽  
Patient Groups

Classical inflammation in response to bacterial, parasitic, or viral infections such as HIV includes local recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages and the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Proposed biomarkers of organ integrity in Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) include elevations in peripheral plasma levels of proinflammatory proteins. In testing this proposal, previous work included a group of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals as positive controls and identified elevations in the soluble proteins TNFα and IP10; these cytokines were only elevated in AUD individuals seropositive for hepatitis C infection (HCV). The current observational, cross-sectional study evaluated whether higher levels of these proinflammatory cytokines would be associated with compromised brain integrity. Soluble protein levels were quantified in 86 healthy controls, 132 individuals with AUD, 54 individuals seropositive for HIV, and 49 individuals with AUD and HIV. Among the patient groups, HCV was present in 24 of the individuals with AUD, 13 individuals with HIV, and 20 of the individuals in the comorbid AUD and HIV group. Soluble protein levels were correlated to regional brain volumes as quantified with structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition to higher levels of TNFα and IP10 in the 2 HIV groups and the HCV-seropositive AUD group, this study identified lower levels of IL1β in the 3 patient groups relative to the control group. Only TNFα, however, showed a relationship with brain integrity: in HCV or HIV infection, higher peripheral levels of TNFα correlated with smaller subcortical white matter volume. These preliminary results highlight the privileged status of TNFα on brain integrity in the context of infection.

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