Diffusion tensor imaging combined with nerve fiber bundle tracing in acute cerebral infarction

Objective: The early diagnosis and judgment of clinical prognosis directly affect the treatment effect and rehabilitation of cerebral infarction. This study aims to observe the corticospinal tract (CST) condition and its relationship with motor function in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Methods: A total of 21 patients with unilateral acute cerebral infarction diagnosed by conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were included in this study. The fractional anisotropy (FA) and diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) maps were reconstructed to determine the specific FA and DCavg values. The correlation between the FA and DCavg value and the modified Edinburgh Scandinavian scale score (MESSS) was analyzed. Results: The FA and DCag values in the cerebral infarction area were (0.18 +/- 0.09) and (5.16 +/- 1.06) 10-3 mm2/ s, respectively. These values were significantly lower than that of corresponding parts on the healthy side (P < 0.05). The FA and DCavg values in bilateral cerebral peduncles have no statistical significance (P > 0.05). The CST on the lesion side shows compression, displacement, deformation, and interruption. The degree of injury of the CST is related to clinical neurological symptoms. The FA (r = 0.772) and DCag values (r = 0.827) in the cerebral infarction area had a high positive correlation with the MESSS. Conclusion: The DTI can noninvasively display the injury degree of the CST in cerebral infarction, which helps judge the impairment of motor function and predict the prognosis.

Automated summary

This study aimed to observe the condition of the corticospinal tract (CST) and its relationship with motor function in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Through magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging, the FA and DCavg values were analyzed and correlated with the modified Edinburgh Scandinavian scale score. The results showed that the FA and DCavg values in the cerebral infarction area were significantly lower than the healthy side, while the FA and DCavg values in the bilateral cerebral peduncles had no statistical significance. Conclusion: Diffusion tensor imaging can noninvasively display the degree of CST injury in cerebral infarction, helping to assess motor function impairment and predict prognosis.