Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging Tractography in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Background: Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging tractography allows quantification of in vivo white matter tract damage. Methods: Using tractography, diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging metrics were obtained from the superior and middle cerebellar peduncles and major cerebral white matter tracts in 5 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy and 13 controls. Results: Patients showed severe intrinsic damage to the superior cerebellar peduncle, corpus callosum, and cingulum bilaterally. Only decreased axial diffusivity was found in the left middle cerebellar peduncle. Conclusions: Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging tractography holds promise for providing accurate in vivo cartography of progressive supranuclear palsy tissue damage. (C) 2011 Movement Disorder Society