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01-08-2013 | Neuro

Association between linear measurements of corpus callosum and gait in the elderly

Authors: Harald Brodoefel, Ramesh Ramachandran, Gustavo Pantol, Peter Bergethon, Wei Qiao Qiu, Tammy Scott, Rafael Rojas, Marius Horger, Irwin Rosenberg, Rafeeque A. Bhadelia

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 8/2013

Abstract

Purpose

Segmentation and diffusion-tensor-imaging of the corpus callosum (CC) have been linked to gait impairment. However, such measurements are impracticable in clinical routine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between simple linear measurements of CC thickness with gait.

Methods

Two hundred and seventy-two community-dwelling subjects underwent neurological assessment and brain MRI. Mid-sagittal reformats of T1-weighted images were used to determine CC thickness. The association of measurements with clinical evaluation of gait was assessed by multivariate regression, controlling for numerous clinical and imaging confounders. Differences in CC thickness were, moreover, compared between subgroups with no, moderate or severe impairment of gait.

Results

In univariate analyses, thickness of the genu and body of CC but not the splenium were associated with postural stability (P < 0.01). Multivariate regression revealed thickness of CC genu as the only imaging variable independently associated with gait (P = 0.01). Genu thickness was significantly different between subjects with high and low (P = 0.0003) or high and moderate (P = 0.001) risk of fall.

Conclusion

Atrophy of the CC genu is an imaging marker of gait impairment in the elderly suggesting higher risk of fall. Simple linear measurements of CC can help in MRI evaluation of patients with gait impairment.

Key Points

• Regional atrophy of the corpus callosum reflects disruption of gait regulation

• Genu thickness on cranial MRI is an independent marker of gait impairment

• Findings help in the MRI evaluation of patients with gait impairment

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Title: Association between linear measurements of corpus callosum and gait in the elderly
Authors: Harald Brodoefel
Ramesh Ramachandran
Gustavo Pantol
Peter Bergethon
Wei Qiao Qiu
Tammy Scott
Rafael Rojas
Marius Horger
Irwin Rosenberg
Rafeeque A. Bhadelia
Publication date: 01-08-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 8/2013
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-013-2818-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Association between linear measurements of corpus callosum and gait in the elderly

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

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