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Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Fiber Tracking to Characterize Diffuse Perinatal White Matter Injury: A Case Report

Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California

Michal Ben-Shachar, PhD

Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, Department of Linguistics and Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel

Roland Bammer, PhD

Department of Radiology Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California

Heidi M. Feldman, MD, PhD

Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, hfeldman{at}stanford.edu

Prematurity is associated with white matter injury. Diffusion tensor imaging, a new magnetic resonance imaging technique, identifies white matter fiber tracts and quantifies structural properties. We used diffusion tensor imaging fiber tracking to compare white matter characteristics in a 12-year-old born prematurely and full-term control. We divided fibers passing through the corpus callosum into 7 segments based on cortical projection zones and analyzed them for fractional anisotropy, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity. We also compared corticospinal and somatosensory tracts in the participant and control. The participant had decreased factional anisotropy in every callosal segment, particularly in superior and posterior parietal projections. Fractional anisotropy of the corticospinal and somatosensory tracts was not lower in the participant than control. Fiber tracking allowed precise localization and visualization of white matter injuries of the corpus callosum associated with prematurity. Quantitative measures suggested myelin deficiencies across the corpus callosum, particularly in parietal projections.

Key Words: white matter injury • diffusion tensor imaging • prematurity • fiber tracking

This version was published on July 1, 2009

Journal of Child Neurology, Vol. 24, No. 7, 795-800 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0883073808331080


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