gms | German Medical Science

Objective: Most studies focus on the visualization of tracts using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). However, this is already processed data. And although the depiction e.g. of the CST and its relation to the tumor is of great value for the preoperative planning, valuable information may have been lost. For this reason we analyzed the source images (before 3D reconstruction) of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) statistically in regards to parameters such as fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) using commercially available navigation software.

Method: We prospectively collected data of 20 subjects with diagnosis of primary subcortical glioma and preoperative motor deficits. The quantitative analysis of FA and ADC and volumetric reconstruction of CST were performed on both hemispheres with navigation software using preoperative magnetic resonance DTI sequences. All the parameters were evaluated with descriptive statistic and correlative analysis.

Results: There was a positive correlation between the shift of CST and ADC values (overall and local). Overall and local FA, ADC and sagittal diameter of CST were significantly different between the two sides (p<0.05). Moreover CST volume of the affected hemisphere and preoperative duration of motor deficits (p<0.05) correlate significantly.

Conclusions: The present study shows, using commonly available neuronavigation software, a significant difference of DTI quantitative parameters of the CST between affected and a non-affected hemisphere in patients affected by subcortical glioma. Our preliminary data indicates a correlation between DTI parameters and CST function.