X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: correlation between Loes score and diffusion tensor imaging parameters.
OBJECTIVE
The present study was aimed at evaluating the correlation between diffusion tensor imaging parameters and Loes score as well as whether those parameters could indicate early structural alterations.


METHODS
Diffusion tensor imaging measurements were obtained in 30 studies of 14 patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and were correlated with Loes scores. A control group including 28 male patients was created to establish agematched diffusion tensor imaging measurements. Inter- and intraobserver statistical analyses were undertaken.


RESULTS
Diffusion tensor imaging measurements presented strong Pearson correlation coefficients (r) of -0.86, 0.89, 0.89 and 0.84 for fractional anisotropy and mean, radial and axial diffusivities (p < 0.01). Analysis of changes in diffusion tensor measurements at early stage of the disease indicates that mean and radial diffusivities might be useful to predict the disease progression.


CONCLUSIONS
Measurements of diffusion tensor parameters can be used as an adjunct to the Loes score, aiding in the monitoring of the disease and alerting for possible Loes score progression in the range of interest for therapeutic decisions.
Master, MD, Radiologist at Clínica DAPI - Diagnóstico Avançado por Imagem, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
Sergio Eiji
SE
Ono
PhDs, Associate Professors, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Radiologists at Clínica DAPI - Diagnóstico Avançado por Imagem, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
Arnolfo
A
de Carvalho Neto
PhD, Research Productivity Scholar - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Course of Post-graduation in Medicine (Radiology), Department of Radiology, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Emerson Leandro
EL
Gasparetto
Titular Member of Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem (CBR), MD, Radiologist at Clínica DAPI - Diagnóstico Avançado por Imagem, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
Luiz Otávio de Mattos
LO
Coelho
PhDs, Associate Professors, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Radiologists at Clínica DAPI - Diagnóstico Avançado por Imagem, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
Dante Luiz
DL
Escuissato
MD, Hematologist, Coordinator for the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Program at Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná (HC-UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
Carmem Maria Sales
CM
Bonfim
MD, Hematologist, Fanconi Anemia Clinica at Service of Bone Marrow Transplant, Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná (HC-UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
Lisandro Lima
LL
Ribeiro
Diffusion tensor imaging; Loes score; Magnetic resonance imaging; X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy