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Neuropediatrics 2003; 34(5): 247-252
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-43259
Original Article

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Correlation of Corpus Callosal Morphometry with Cognitive and Motor Function in Periventricular Leukomalacia

C. Davatzikos 1 , A. Barzi 1 , T. Lawrie 3 , A. H. Hoon 2 , 3  Jr. , E. R. Melhem 1
  • 1Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, USA
  • 2Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, USA
  • 3Department of Pediatrics, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Received: January 3, 2003

Accepted after Revision: June 5, 2003

Publication Date:
04 November 2003 (online)

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Abstract

Purpose

We aim to correlate size and shape of corpus callosum with severity of motor and cognitive impairments in children with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).

Methods

Children with PVL were stratified based on the severity of their motor and cognitive impairments. An age-matched control group was established. The corpus callosum was identified on mid-sagittal T1-weighted spin-echo (TR/TE: 550/15) MR images. The shape characteristics of the corpus callosum were measured with respect to a template via a shape transformation. The degree of callosal-shape transformation was quantified by a deformation function, which in turn was compared, using point-wise t-tests, for controls versus patients, diplegic versus quadriplegic patients, and patients with mild versus severe cognitive impairment.

Results

29 children with spastic cerebral palsy and PVL and 32 age-matched controls were identified. In the PVL group, the entire corpus callosum was significantly smaller than in the control group (p value = 0.001). Significant differences existed in the shape of the corpus callosum between patients with diplegic versus quadriplegic and between patients with severe versus mild cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

Global and regional corpus callosal morphology can be quantified using deformation functions.

Key words

Corpus callosum - morphometry - cognitive function - motorfunction - periventricular leukomalacia - cerebral palsy

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M. D. Elias R. Melhem

Department of Radiology
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

3400 Spruce Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104

USA

Email: emelhem@rad.jhu.edu