Morphofunctional organization in three patients with unilateral polymicrogyria: combined use of diffusion tensor imaging and functional magnetic resonance imaging

Brain Dev. 2006 Jul;28(6):405-9. doi: 10.1016/j.braindev.2005.12.003. Epub 2006 Feb 28.

Abstract

We examined the fiber organization of the brain in three patients with unilateral polymicrogyria (PMG) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in combination with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). DTI revealed altered fiber tract architecture in patients with PMG. Long projection fibers, such as the corticospinal tract, were reduced the most, whereas long association fibers were less affected. The diminution of the fiber tracts was relevant to the loss of functionality of the PMG-affected cortex. Our preliminary study suggests that the combination of DTI and fMRI reinforces the clinical assessment of functionality in PMG.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain Diseases / pathology*
  • Brain Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cerebral Cortex / abnormalities*
  • Child
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Pyramidal Tracts / abnormalities*