title: Diffusion tensor imaging detects white matter abnormalities and associated cognitive deficits in chronic adolescent TBI.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined long-term alterations in white matter microstructure following TBI in adolescence using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). It was hypothesized that white matter integrity would be compromised in adolescents with TBI and would correlate with measures of executive functioning and cognitive abilities.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study employed whole-brain, voxel-wise, statistical comparison of DTI indices in youth of 12-17 years old (mean = 15.06) with TBI vs an age- and gender-matched cohort (mean age = 15.37).
  
  
  METHODS
  This study scanned 17 adolescents with complicated-mild-to-severe TBI, 1-3 years after injury, and 13 healthy adolescents. Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) was employed for DTI analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall diffusivity elevations were found in the TBI group with increases in axial diffusivity in the right hemisphere. White matter integrity was associated with word reading, planning and processing times in the TBI group, but not healthy controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The detected abnormalities in axial diffusivity may reflect neuronal regeneration and cerebral reorganization after injury. These findings provide tentative evidence of persistent white matter alteration following TBI in adolescence. Associations of DTI indices with cognitive performance following TBI provide tentative support for links between white matter integrity and performance post-TBI.
authors.affiliation: Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute , Parkville, Australia.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Adamson
authors.forename: Weihong
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Yuan
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Babcock
authors.forename: James L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Leach
authors.forename: Marc L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Seal
authors.forename: Scott K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Holland
authors.forename: Shari L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Wade
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D056784:Leukoencephalopathies / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests