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Case Reports
. 2014;23(2):174-6.
doi: 10.1159/000353463. Epub 2013 Aug 13.

Does diffusion tensor tractography of the corticospinal tract correctly reflect motor function?

Zhi-gang Min  1 , Netra Rana, Chen Niu, Huan-mei Ji, Ming Zhang
Affiliations
Case Reports

Does diffusion tensor tractography of the corticospinal tract correctly reflect motor function?

Zhi-gang Min et al. Med Princ Pract. 2014.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the consistency of diffusion tensor tractography of the corticospinal tract on motor function. CLINICAL PRESENTATIONS AND INTERVENTION: Three patients with brain tumor were admitted to our hospital with impaired motor function. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography were performed in these patients to assess their affected corticospinal tract. The corticospinal tract showed interruption with moderately impaired motor function in 2 patients. The third case had significantly weakened muscle strength on the left upper limb but an intact right corticospinal tract.

Conclusion: These cases showed that the corticospinal tracts obtained by DTI with tractography were inconsistent with motor function. Hence, DTI should be interpreted with caution.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Case 1: DTI-based fiber-tracking displays a reduced and partially interrupted fiber tract (arrow) on the left CST.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Case 2: fiber-tracking displays interrupted fibers (arrow) distal to the right CST.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Case 3. a DTI-based fiber-tracking displays a CST passing through the lesion (arrow) without interruption. b T2-weighted imaging shows lesions involving part of the precentral gyrus (arrowhead). MRS reveals a high choline concentration within the lesion.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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