Usefulness of diffusion tensor imaging in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: potential biomarker and association with the cognitive profile

ABSTRACT

The objective of this preliminary study was to correlate diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) alterations with the cognitive profile of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

This was a case-control study conducted from December 1, 2012 to December 1, 2014. Clinical and demographic data were recorded. A neuropsychological test battery adapted to ALS patients was used. An MRI with DTI was performed in all patients and fractional anisotropy (FA) was analyzed in the white matter using the tract based spatial statistics program.

Results

Twenty-four patients with ALS (15 females, mean age 66.9 + -2.3) and 13 healthy controls (four females, average age 66.9 + - 2) were included. The DTI showed white matter damage in ALS patients vs. healthy controls (p < 0.001).

Discussion

In our preliminary study the alterations of white matter in DTI were significantly associated with cognitive impairment in patients with ALS.

RESUMEN

El objetivo del presente estudio preliminar fue correlacionar alteraciones del Tensor de Difusión (TD) con el perfil cognitivo de pacientes con Esclerosis Lateral Amiotrofica (ELA).

Metodos

Se realizó estudio casos-controles entre el 1 de Diciembre del 2012 hasta el 1 de Diciembre del 2014. Se registraron datos clínicos y demográficos. Se utilizó batería de tests neuropsicológicos adaptada a ELA. Se realizó RMN de cerebro con TD en todos los pacientes, la Fracción de Anisotropía (FA) se analizó en sustancia blanca, utilizando el programa Tract Based Spatial Statistics.

Resultados

Se incluyeron 24 pacientes con ELA (15 mujeres, edad media 66.9 + -2.3) y 13 controles sanos (4 mujeres, edad media 66.9 +-2). El TD mostró daño en sustancia blanca en los pacientes con ELA vs controles (p < 0.001).

Discusión

En nuestro estudio preliminar las alteraciones de sustancia blanca en TD se asociaron significativamente con alteraciones cognitivas en pacientes con ELA.

diffusion tensor imaging - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - biomarkers

Tensor de difusión - esclerosis lateral amiotrófica - biomarcadores

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