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01-07-2008 | Functional Neuroradiology

Cerebral white matter damage in frontotemporal dementia assessed by diffusion tensor tractography

Authors: Koushun Matsuo, Toshiki Mizuno, Kei Yamada, Kentaro Akazawa, Takashi Kasai, Masaki Kondo, Satoru Mori, Tsunehiko Nishimura, Masanori Nakagawa

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 7/2008

Abstract

Introduction

We used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to study white matter integrity in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Methods

The subjects comprised 20 patients (9 men, 11 women) with FTD and 17 age-matched healthy controls (9 men, 8 women). Based on the data obtained from DTI, we performed tractography of the major cerebral pathways, including the pyramidal tracts, genu and splenium of the corpus callosum (CC), bilateral arcuate fasciculi (AF), inferior longitudinal fasciculi (ILF) and uncinate fasciculi (UF). We measured the values of fractional anisotropy (FA) in each fiber and statistically compared the findings in patients with those in controls.

Results

We found a significant decrease in FA values in the selected association fibers as well as anterior fibers of the CC in the patients with FTD. The greatest decrease in mean FA of the UF was seen in advanced FTD. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in FA in the bilateral pyramidal tracts.

Conclusion

The features of FTD from the view point of cerebral white matter damage were revealed by tractography based on DTI. DTI is therefore considered to be a useful method, and may provide clues to elucidating the pathogenesis of FTD.

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Title: Cerebral white matter damage in frontotemporal dementia assessed by diffusion tensor tractography
Authors: Koushun Matsuo
Toshiki Mizuno
Kei Yamada
Kentaro Akazawa
Takashi Kasai
Masaki Kondo
Satoru Mori
Tsunehiko Nishimura
Masanori Nakagawa
Publication date: 01-07-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 7/2008
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-008-0379-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Cerebral white matter damage in frontotemporal dementia assessed by diffusion tensor tractography

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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