Usefulness of diffusion tensor imaging for evaluation of motor function in patients with traumatic brain injury: three case studies.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can detect diffuse axonal injury, and to evaluate the association of DTI findings with motor function in patients with traumatic brain injury.


METHODS
Three case studies.


METHODS
An inpatient rehabilitation unit in Korea.


METHODS
Three patients with traumatic brain injury in whom conventional neuroimaging showed normal-appearing white matter.


METHODS
Patients were studied with DTI. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was measured from 3 different anatomic locations on both sides of the corticospinal tract. Motor function was evaluated using the motoricity index.


RESULTS
Fractional anisotropy tended to be reduced in normal-appearing corticospinal tracts that were remote from the involved segment. Diffusion tensor imaging showed reduction of FA in areas consistent with motor dysfunction.


CONCLUSIONS
Fractional anisotropy of the corticospinal tract may be used in the detection of diffuse axonal injury. The association between decreased motoricity index and decreased FA suggests that DTI may be useful in evaluating patients with traumatic brain injury.
Lee
Jung Woo
JW
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Choi
Choong Gon
CG
Chun
Min Ho
MH
D000328:Adult; D016880:Anisotropy; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D011712:Pyramidal Tracts / Q000473:pathology*