Motor outcome prediction using diffusion tensor tractography in pontine infarct

Ann Neurol. 2008 Oct;64(4):460-5. doi: 10.1002/ana.21444.

Abstract

We investigated whether the integrity of the corticospinal tract classified by diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) can predict the motor outcome in 25 patients with pontine infarct. DTTs were obtained in the early stage of stroke (5-30 days) and were classified into two groups (type A: the integrity of corticospinal tract was preserved around the infarct; type B: corticospinal tract was interrupted). DTT type A patients showed better motor function than the type B patients at 6 months after onset. DTT obtained at the early stage of pontine infarct appears to have predictive value for motor outcome in patients with pontine infarct.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Brain Infarction / pathology*
  • Brain Infarction / physiopathology*
  • Brain Mapping
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Extremities / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Pons / pathology*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Pyramidal Tracts / pathology
  • Pyramidal Tracts / physiopathology