The value of MR diffusion tensor imaging in evaluating diffuse axonal injury

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical value of MR diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in evaluating diffuse axonal injury (DAI). Methods The DTI imaging data of DAI patients and healthy volunteers were analyzed retrospectively. Fractional anisotropy (FA) values were measured in corpus callosum, etc. The serum myelin basic protein (MBP) was detected. Results Compared to the control group, the FA values were lower in genu of corpus callosum, splenium of corpus callosum, anterior limb of the internal capsule, posterior limb of the internal capsule and thalamus in DAI group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The mean FA values of two groups were negatively correlated with serum MBP levels (r=-0.755, P=0.001). Conclusions DTI can noninvasively reflect the damages of white matter fibers in DAI patients, and it has importantly clinical significance in evaluating prognosis and therapeutic effect of DAI patients. Key words: Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging; Diffuse axonal injury/RA