Volumetric Assessment of Corticospinal Tract Infiltration by Astrocytoma Using Diffusion Tensor Tractography

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DOI: 10.4236/ojmi.2014.42009    3,584 Downloads   4,741 Views  

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess volumetric Corticospinal Tract infiltration by Astro-cytoma using Diffusion Tensor Tractography. Material and Methods: Preoperative, anatomic (T1- and T2-weighted) and diffusion tensor MRI were performed in 9 patients with supratentorial gliomas (WHO grade II and III). The tumors were manually segmented from the T1- and T2-weighted MRI, and their volume calculated. A three-dimensional tractography was performed in each case. A second segmentation and volume measurement was performed on the tumor regions intersecting adjacent white matter fiber tracts. Results: We identified that white matter tracts were infiltrated by 6 Astrocytoma tumors. The median tumor volume (±standard deviation) in our patient population was 33 ± 26.82 ml. The median tumor volume (±standard deviation) infiltrating white matter fiber tracts was 4.15 ± 9.23 ml. The median fraction of tumor volume infiltrating white matter fiber tracts was 26.3% ± 10.1%. Conclusions: Diffusion tensor MR Tractography is a reliable preoperative assessment tool since it detects extensive white matter infiltration by Astrocytoma irrespective of brain tumors volume. Recommendations: Prospective large population studies are required to clarify how infiltration relates to tumor location.

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Shaaban, M. , Alloush, T. , Ibrahim, M. , Abd el bar, A. and Morad, S. (2014) Volumetric Assessment of Corticospinal Tract Infiltration by Astrocytoma Using Diffusion Tensor Tractography. Open Journal of Medical Imaging, 4, 65-71. doi: 10.4236/ojmi.2014.42009.

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