INTRODUCTION: We investigated the functional and structural integrity of the corticospinal tract (CST) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and the triple stimulation technique (TST) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS: Fourteen patients with ALS, 13 healthy controls (HCs), and 6 patients with lower motor neuron (LMN) syndrome underwent DTI and TST. RESULTS: The mean diffusivity was higher in ALS patients than HCs (P < 0.01). The TST ratio was lower in ALS patients compared with HCs (P < 0.001) and in LMN patients compared with HCs (P < 0.05). The increase in the mean diffusivity was correlated with the decrease in the TST ratio (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Significant correlations exist between the DTI and TST results, indicating both structural and functional involvement of the CST in patients with ALS.
INTRODUCTION: We investigated the functional and structural integrity of the corticospinal tract (CST) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and the triple stimulation technique (TST) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS: Fourteen patients with ALS, 13 healthy controls (HCs), and 6 patients with lower motor neuron (LMN) syndrome underwent DTI and TST. RESULTS: The mean diffusivity was higher in ALSpatients than HCs (P < 0.01). The TST ratio was lower in ALSpatients compared with HCs (P < 0.001) and in LMN patients compared with HCs (P < 0.05). The increase in the mean diffusivity was correlated with the decrease in the TST ratio (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Significant correlations exist between the DTI and TST results, indicating both structural and functional involvement of the CST in patients with ALS.
Authors: Ana Filipa Geraldo; João Pereira; Pedro Nunes; Sofia Reimão; Rita Sousa; Miguel Castelo-Branco; Susana Pinto; Jorge Guedes Campos; Mamede de Carvalho Journal: Neuroradiology Date: 2018-03-22 Impact factor: 2.804