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Payas A, Bal E, Ekinci D, Batın S. The effect of spinal correction surgery on the tractography data of the pain pathway in scoliosis patients: a preliminary report. J Chem Neuroanat 2024; 138:102432. [PMID: 38685392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2024.102432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE Pain in individuals with opered scoliosis is usually evaluated with a postural analysis or questionnaire. In this study, we evaluated pain in individuals with scoliosis who underwent spinal correction surgery by tractography and compared it with individuals with non-opered scoliosis and healthy individuals. DESIGN Fifteen healthy individuals, 15 non-operated scoliosis patients and 15 operated scoliosis patients were included in the study. METHODS All female participants in this prospectively planned study used their right hand as the dominant hand. Bilateral tractography analysis of the pain pathways was performed with DSI Studio software using brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the participants. Statistical analysis of the study was performed with IBM SPSS 23.0 and p<0.05 values were considered significant. RESULTS It was observed that the tractography values of the operated scoliosis group were similar to the control group (p˃0.05). In the non-operated scoliosis group, tractography findings related to nerve conduction velocity such as fiber count, fiber ratio and axial diffusivity (AD) were found to be higher than the other two groups (p<0.05). Fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the unoperated scoliosis group were significantly different between the pain pathways projected from the right/left side of the body (p<0.05). CONCLUSION The fact that the pain path tractography values of patients with scoliosis who underwent surgery were similar to those of healthy individuals may be evidence of decreased pain sensation reaching the brain. Surgery may be a good choice in the treatment of pain in patients with scoliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Payas
- Amasya University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Amasya, Turkey.
| | - Emre Bal
- Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Training Hospital, Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Duygu Ekinci
- Health Sciences University Kayseri City Training and Research Hospital, Department of Child Health and Diseases, Kayseri, Türkiye
| | - Sabri Batın
- Kayseri City Education and Training Hospital, Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Kayseri, Turkey
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Abdel-Salam GM, Afifi HH, Saleem SN, Gadelhak MI, El-Serafy MA, Sayed IS, Abdel-Hamid MS. Further Evidence of a Continuum in the Clinical Spectrum of Dominant PIEZO2-Related Disorders and Implications in Cerebellar Anomalies. Mol Syndromol 2022; 13:389-396. [PMID: 36588752 PMCID: PMC9801318 DOI: 10.1159/000523956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pathogenic variants in the PIEZO family member 2 (PIEZO2) gene are known to cause Gordon syndrome (GS), Marden-Walker syndrome (MWS), and distal arthrogryposis type 5 (DA5). Out of these, MWS has a recognizable phenotype that can be discerned easily, but the distinction between GS and DA5 is less evident. Few children with pathogenic PIEZO2 variants have been reported to show posterior fossa anomalies. Methods and Results By candidate gene targeting guided by proper clinical evaluation and neuroimaging findings, a patient with classic MWS harboring a de novo novel variant (c.8237G>A, p.W2746*) in the C-terminal region of PIEZO2 was identified. In addition, another girl with the typical clinical features of GS is also described carrying the most prevalent reported variant (c.8057G>A, p.R2686H) in PIEZO2. The brain MRI of the 2 patients showed Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM). Diffusion tensor imaging visualized anteroposterior and downward aligned thin middle cerebellar peduncle. The association of DWM with arthrogryposis in the presence of PIEZO2 variants remains quite interesting and provides more evidence that PIEZO2 plays a role in the development of hindbrain although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Moreover, the 2 girls had distinct foot patterning in the form of shortening of the first and fifth toes. Conclusion Phenotype analysis and a comprehensive review of the literature strongly support the previously published data and corroborate the evidence that heterozygous PIEZO2-related disorders represent a continuum with overlapping phenotypic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada M.H. Abdel-Salam
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt,*Ghada M.H. Abdel-Salam,
| | - Hanan H. Afifi
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Mohamed I. Gadelhak
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manar A. El-Serafy
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Inas S.M. Sayed
- Orodental Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S. Abdel-Hamid
- Medical Molecular Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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Duplication of the Pituitary Gland: CT, MRI and DTI Findings and Updated Review of the Literature. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12050574. [PMID: 35624961 PMCID: PMC9139653 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Duplication of the pituitary gland (DPG) is an extremely rare malformation. DPG is associated with a wide variety of midline and central nervous system malformations (DPG-plus syndrome). We present the computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) findings of a rare case of DPG with associated tuberomammillary fusion resulting in a hypothalamic mass-like configuration, oropharyngeal teratoma, cleft palate, hypertelorism, duplicated/broad sella, duplication/low bifurcation of the basilar artery, and craniovertebral midline anomalies. Qualitative interpretation of DTI yielded normal white matter organization of the brain. The duplication of the prechordal plate and the rostral end of the notochordal plate/notochord is thought to be the main factor leading to a duplication of the pituitary primordium and resulting in the formation of two morphologically normal glands. The time of induction of the teratogenic influence, the extent of the prechordal plate and notochordal plate/notochord abnormalities, and the faulty interactions are believed to be the reason for the wide spectrum of associated midline abnormalities.
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Diffusion Weighted and Diffusion Tensor MRI in Pediatric Neuroimaging Including Connectomics: Principles and Applications. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2020; 33:100797. [PMID: 32331613 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2020.100797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Diffusion weighted MRI (DWI) including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) are unique imaging techniques that render qualitative and quantitative information of the central nervous system white matter (WM) ultrastructure. It uses the Brownian movement of water molecules to probe tissue microstructure. It is a noninvasive method, with superb sensitivity to the differential mobility of water molecules within various components of the brain without the necessity to inject contrast agents. By sampling the 3 dimensional shape, direction and magnitude of the water diffusion, DWI/DTI generates unique tissue contrasts that can be used to study the axonal WM organization of the central nervous system. Its application allows to study the normal and anomalous brain development including connectivity, as well as a multitude of WM diseases. This article discusses/summarizes the principles of DWI/DTI and its applications in pediatric neuroscience research.
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Meoded A, Huisman TAGM. Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Brain Malformations: Exploring the Internal Architecture. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2019; 29:423-434. [PMID: 31256863 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an advanced MR imaging technique that provides noninvasive qualitative and quantitative information about the white matter microarchitecture. By measuring the three-dimensional directional characteristics of water molecule diffusion/mobility, DTI generates unique tissue contrasts that are used to study the axonal organization of the central nervous system. Its applications include quantitative evaluation of the brain connectivity, development, and white matter diseases. This article reviews DTI and fiber tractography findings in several brain malformations and highlights the added value of DTI and fiber tractography compared with conventional MR imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avner Meoded
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, 501 6th Avenue South, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA.
| | - Thierry A G M Huisman
- Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, 6701 Fannin Street, Suite 470, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Rollins NK, Booth TN, Chahrour MH. Variability of Ponto-cerebellar Fibers by Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Diverse Brain Malformations. J Child Neurol 2017; 32:271-285. [PMID: 27920266 DOI: 10.1177/0883073816680734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To describe pontine axonal anomalies across diverse brain malformations. Institutional review board-approved review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and genetic testing of 31 children with brain malformations and abnormal pons by diffusion tensor imaging. Anomalous dorsal pontocerebellar tracts were seen in mid-hindbrain anomalies and in diffuse malformations of cortical development including lissencephaly, gyral disorganization with dysplastic basal ganglia, presumed congenital fibrosis of extraocular muscles type 3, and in callosal agenesis without malformations of cortical development. Heterotopic and hypoplastic corticospinal tracts were seen in callosal agenesis and in focal malformations of cortical development. There were no patterns by chromosomal microarray analysis in the non-lissencephalic brains. In lissencephaly, there was no relationship between severity, deletion size, or appearance of the pontocerebellar tract. Pontine axonal anomalies may relate to defects in precerebellar neuronal migration, chemotactic signaling of the pontine neurons, and/or corticospinal tract pathfinding and collateral branching not detectable with routine genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy K Rollins
- 1 Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,2 Department of Radiology, Children's Health System of Texas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Timothy N Booth
- 1 Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,2 Department of Radiology, Children's Health System of Texas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Maria H Chahrour
- 3 Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Gupta SN, Gupta VS, White AC. Spectrum of intracranial incidental findings on pediatric brain magnetic resonance imaging: What clinician should know? World J Clin Pediatr 2016; 5:262-272. [PMID: 27610341 PMCID: PMC4978618 DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v5.i3.262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracranial incidental findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain continue to generate interest in healthy control, research, and clinical subjects. However, in clinical practice, the discovery of incidental findings acts as a “distractor”. This review is based on existing heterogeneous reports, their clinical implications, and how the results of incidental findings influence clinical management. This draws attention to the followings: (1) the prevalence of clinically significant incidental findings is low; (2) there is a lack of a systematic approach to classification; and discusses (3) how to deal with the detected incidental findings based a proposed common clinical profile. Individualized neurological care requires an active discussion regarding the need for neuroimaging. Clinical significance of incidental findings should be decided based on lesion’s neuroradiologic characteristics in the given clinical context. Available evidence suggests that the outcome of an incidentally found “serious lesion in children” is excellent. Future studies of intracranial incidental findings on pediatric brain MRI should be focused on a homogeneous population. The study should address this clinical knowledge based review powered by the statistical analyses.
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Fiori S, Poretti A, Pannek K, Del Punta R, Pasquariello R, Tosetti M, Guzzetta A, Rose S, Cioni G, Battini R. Diffusion Tractography Biomarkers of Pediatric Cerebellar Hypoplasia/Atrophy: Preliminary Results Using Constrained Spherical Deconvolution. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2016; 37:917-23. [PMID: 26659337 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Advances in MR imaging modeling have improved the feasibility of reconstructing crossing fibers, with increasing benefits in delineating angulated tracts such as cerebellar tracts by using tractography. We hypothesized that constrained spherical deconvolution-based probabilistic tractography could successfully reconstruct cerebellar tracts in children with cerebellar hypoplasia/atrophy and that diffusion scalars of the reconstructed tracts could differentiate pontocerebellar hypoplasia, nonprogressive cerebellar hypoplasia, and progressive cerebellar atrophy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifteen children with cerebellar ataxia and pontocerebellar hypoplasia, nonprogressive cerebellar hypoplasia or progressive cerebellar atrophy and 7 controls were included in this study. Cerebellar and corticospinal tracts were reconstructed by using constrained spherical deconvolution. Scalar measures (fractional anisotropy and mean, axial and radial diffusivity) were calculated. A general linear model was used to determine differences among groups for diffusion MR imaging scalar measures, and post hoc pair-wise comparisons were performed. RESULTS Cerebellar and corticospinal tracts were successfully reconstructed in all subjects. Significant differences in diffusion MR imaging scalars were found among groups, with fractional anisotropy explaining the highest variability. All groups with cerebellar pathologies showed lower fractional anisotropy compared with controls, with the exception of cerebellar hypoplasia. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the feasibility of constrained spherical deconvolution to reconstruct cerebellar and corticospinal tracts in children with morphologic cerebellar pathologies. In addition, the preliminary results show the potential utility of quantitative analysis of scalars of the cerebellar white matter tracts in children with cerebellar pathologies such as cerebellar hypoplasia and atrophy. Further studies with larger cohorts of patients are needed to validate the clinical significance of our preliminary results.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Fiori
- From Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Stella Maris Foundation (S.F., R.D.P., R.P., M.T., A.G., G.C., R.B.), Pisa, Italy
| | - A Poretti
- Section of Pediatric Neuroradiology (A.P.), Division of Pediatric Radiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - K Pannek
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (K.P., S.R.), Centre for Computational Informatics, Brisbane, Australia Department of Computing (K.P.), Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - R Del Punta
- From Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Stella Maris Foundation (S.F., R.D.P., R.P., M.T., A.G., G.C., R.B.), Pisa, Italy
| | - R Pasquariello
- From Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Stella Maris Foundation (S.F., R.D.P., R.P., M.T., A.G., G.C., R.B.), Pisa, Italy
| | - M Tosetti
- From Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Stella Maris Foundation (S.F., R.D.P., R.P., M.T., A.G., G.C., R.B.), Pisa, Italy
| | - A Guzzetta
- From Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Stella Maris Foundation (S.F., R.D.P., R.P., M.T., A.G., G.C., R.B.), Pisa, Italy Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (A.G., G.C.), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Rose
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (K.P., S.R.), Centre for Computational Informatics, Brisbane, Australia
| | - G Cioni
- From Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Stella Maris Foundation (S.F., R.D.P., R.P., M.T., A.G., G.C., R.B.), Pisa, Italy Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (A.G., G.C.), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - R Battini
- From Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Stella Maris Foundation (S.F., R.D.P., R.P., M.T., A.G., G.C., R.B.), Pisa, Italy
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic ataxia, greater than two months in duration, is encountered relatively commonly in clinical pediatric neurology practise and presents with diagnostic challenges. It is caused by multiple and diverse disorders. Our aims were to describe the neuroimaging features and the value of repeat neuroimaging in pediatric chronic ataxia to ascertain their contribution to the diagnosis and management. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective charts and neuroimaging reports review was undertaken in 177 children with chronic ataxia. Neuroimaging in 130 of 177 patients was also reviewed. RESULTS Nineteen patients had head computed tomography only, 103 brain magnetic resonance imaging only, and 55 had both. Abnormalities in the cerebellum or other brain regions were associated with ataxia. Neuroimaging was helpful in 73 patients with 30 disorders: It was diagnostic in 9 disorders, narrowed down the diagnostic possibilities in 14 disorders, and revealed important but non-diagnostic abnormalities, e.g. cerebellar atrophy in 7 disorders. Having a normal magnetic resonance imaging scan was mostly seen in genetic diseases or in the early course of ataxia telangiectasia. Repeat neuroimaging, performed in 108 patients, was generally helpful in monitoring disease evolution and in making a diagnosis. Neuroimaging was not directly helpful in 36 patients with 10 disorders or by definition the 55 patients with unknown disease etiology. CONCLUSIONS Normal or abnormal neuroimaging findings and repeat neuroimaging are very valuable in the diagnosis and management of disorders associated with pediatric chronic ataxia.
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Review of diffusion tensor imaging and its application in children. Pediatr Radiol 2015; 45 Suppl 3:S375-81. [PMID: 26346143 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-015-3277-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Diffusion MRI is an imaging technique that uses the random motion of water to probe tissue microstructure. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can quantitatively depict the organization and connectivity of white matter. Given the non-invasiveness of the technique, DTI has become a widely used tool for researchers and clinicians to examine the white matter of children. This review covers the basics of diffusion-weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging and discusses examples of their clinical application in children.
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11
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Kwan S, Boudes E, Gilbert G, Saint-Martin C, Albrecht S, Shevell M, Wintermark P. Injury to the Cerebellum in Term Asphyxiated Newborns Treated with Hypothermia. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2015; 36:1542-9. [PMID: 26138137 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Until now, most studies of brain injury related to term neonatal encephalopathy have focused on the cerebrum and ignored the cerebellum. We sought to evaluate whether cerebellar injury occurs in term asphyxiated neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS Asphyxiated neonates treated with hypothermia were enrolled prospectively. Severity of brain injury in the cerebrum was scored on each MR imaging obtained during the first month of life; cerebellar injury was recorded when mentioned in the imaging or autopsy report. In addition, for some of the neonates, the ADC and fractional anisotropy were measured in 4 regions of interest in the cerebellum. RESULTS One hundred seventy-two asphyxiated neonates met the criteria for hypothermia. Cerebellar injury was visible only on conventional imaging of 4% of the neonates for whom brain imaging was available, but it was reported in the autopsy report of 72% of the neonates who died. In addition, 41 of the asphyxiated neonates had a total of 84 ADC and fractional anisotropy maps. Neonates with brain injury described only in the cerebrum demonstrated ADC and fractional anisotropy changes similar to those of the neonates with brain injury in the cerebrum and cerebellum--increased ADC around day 10 of life and decreased fractional anisotropy on day 2-3 of life, around day 10 of life, and around 1 month of age. CONCLUSIONS The cerebellum may be injured in term neonates after birth asphyxia. These cerebellar injuries are only rarely visible on conventional imaging, but advanced neuroimaging techniques may help to identify them.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kwan
- From the Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics (S.K., E.B., P.W.)
| | - E Boudes
- From the Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics (S.K., E.B., P.W.)
| | - G Gilbert
- MR Clinical Science (G.G.), Philips Healthcare, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - S Albrecht
- Department of Pediatric Pathology (S.A.)
| | - M Shevell
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics (M.S.), Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - P Wintermark
- From the Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics (S.K., E.B., P.W.)
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Fiori S, Pannek K, Pasquariello R, Ware RS, Cioni G, Rose SE, Boyd RN, Guzzetta A. Corticopontocerebellar Connectivity Disruption in Congenital Hemiplegia. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2015; 29:858-66. [PMID: 25613985 DOI: 10.1177/1545968314568726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crossed cerebellar diaschisis is the disruption of functional connectivity between cerebrum and cerebellum after hemispheric unilateral brain lesions. In adults and to a lesser extent in children, crossed cerebellar diaschisis has been largely investigated by functional connectivity and demonstrated to influence paretic hand function. OBJECTIVE We aim to demonstrate a disruption in structural corticopontocerebellar (CPC) connectivity in children with congenital brain lesions and examine its correlation with paretic hand motor function. METHODS Thirty-six children (Manual Ability Classification System: I, n = 21; II, n = 15) with unilateral brain lesions and 18 controls were analyzed in a case-control study, and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired at 3T. High angular resolution diffusion imaging probabilistic tractography was employed for the region of interest-based reconstruction of CPC tracts. To identify statistical differences in structural cerebrocerebellar connectivity between case and control groups, an asymmetry index based on the number of streamlines of CPC tracts was used. In the case group, the correlation between asymmetry index and hand function measures was also determined. RESULTS Projections through the middle cerebellar peduncle to the contralateral cerebral cortex showed greater asymmetry in children with congenital unilateral brain lesion compared to controls (P = .03), thus indicating a disruption of structural cerebrocerebellar connectivity. The degree of asymmetry index showed a correlation (P < .03; r = -0.31) with impaired hand abilities in bimanual tasks. CONCLUSIONS Disruption of structural cerebrocerebellar connectivity is present in patients with congenital unilateral brain injury and might be related to impaired hand function in bimanual skills, with potential implication in tailoring early intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Fiori
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Kerstin Pannek
- Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia The Australian e-Health Research Centre, CSIRO, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rosa Pasquariello
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Robert S Ware
- School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Queensland Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Giovanni Cioni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stephen E Rose
- The Australian e-Health Research Centre, CSIRO, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Roslyn N Boyd
- Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrea Guzzetta
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Poretti A, Meoded A, Rossi A, Raybaud C, Huisman TAGM. Diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tractography in brain malformations. Pediatr Radiol 2013; 43:28-54. [PMID: 23288476 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-012-2428-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an advanced MR technique that provides qualitative and quantitative information about the micro-architecture of white matter. DTI and its post-processing tool fiber tractography (FT) have been increasingly used in the last decade to investigate the microstructural neuroarchitecture of brain malformations. This article aims to review the use of DTI and FT in the evaluation of a variety of common, well-described brain malformations, in particular by pointing out the additional information that DTI and FT renders compared with conventional MR sequences. In addition, the relevant existing literature is summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Poretti
- Division of Pediatric Radiology, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Nelson Basement, B-173, Baltimore, MD 21287-0842, USA
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