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01-04-2008 | Diagnostic Neuroradiology

Diffusion abnormalities of the uncinate fasciculus in Alzheimer’s disease: diffusion tensor tract-specific analysis using a new method to measure the core of the tract

Authors: Hasina Yasmin, Yasuhiro Nakata, Shigeki Aoki, Osamu Abe, Noriko Sato, Kiyotaka Nemoto, Kunimasa Arima, Nobuo Furuta, Masatake Uno, Shigeo Hirai, Yoshitaka Masutani, Kuni Ohtomo

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 4/2008

Abstract

Introduction

Our aim was to determine diffusion abnormalities in the uncinate fasciculus (UF) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) using a new method for measuring the core of the tract.

Methods

We studied 19 patients with AD and 19 age-matched control subjects who underwent MRI using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). DTT of the UF was generated. The mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of the core of the tract were measured after voxelized tract shape processing. Student’s t-test was used to compare results between patients with AD and controls. Intraobserver correlation tests were also performed.

Results

FA was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) in the UF of patients with AD than of controls. There was no significant difference in MD along the UF between the two groups. Intraobserver reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) for the first and second measurement was r > 0.93 for measured FA and r > 0.92 for measured MD.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that FA reflects progression of AD-related histopathological changes in the UF of the white matter and may represent a useful biological index in monitoring AD. Diffusion tensor tract-specific analysis with voxelized tract shape processing to measure the core of the tract may be a sensitive tool for evaluation of diffusion abnormalities of white matter tracts in AD.

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Title: Diffusion abnormalities of the uncinate fasciculus in Alzheimer’s disease: diffusion tensor tract-specific analysis using a new method to measure the core of the tract
Authors: Hasina Yasmin
Yasuhiro Nakata
Shigeki Aoki
Osamu Abe
Noriko Sato
Kiyotaka Nemoto
Kunimasa Arima
Nobuo Furuta
Masatake Uno
Shigeo Hirai
Yoshitaka Masutani
Kuni Ohtomo
Publication date: 01-04-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 4/2008
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-007-0353-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Diffusion abnormalities of the uncinate fasciculus in Alzheimer’s disease: diffusion tensor tract-specific analysis using a new method to measure the core of the tract

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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