A new approach to corpus callosum anomalies in idiopathic scoliosis using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Purpose Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a frequent 3D structural deformity of the spine with a multi-factorial aetiology which remains largely unclear. In the last decade, human magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) morphometry studies (e.g. cortical thickness, 2D shape of the corpus callosum) have aimed to investigate the potential contribution of the central nervous system in the etiopathogenesis of IS. Recent developments in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) allow us to extend the previous work to the study of white matter microstructure. Here, we hypothesized that part of the corpus callosum could show a difference in white matter microstructure in IS patients as compared to healthy controls.Methods We acquired DTI in 10 girls with IS and in 49 gender-matched controls to quantify the fractional anisotropy (FA) along the corpus callosum. Results Despite a very similar pattern of FA along the corpus callosum (maxima in the splenium and the genu and minimum in the isthmus), we found a significantly lower FA in the body in patients with IS as compared to control subjects. This region is known to connect the motor and premotor cortices of the two hemispheres. Conclusion This first diffusion magnetic resonance imaging brain study in IS patients, suggests that differences in white matter development, such as synchronization of axonal myelination and pruning could be involved in the etiopathogenesis of IS.

Electrophysiological and histological changes of paraspinal muscles in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

“…In AIS, some authors have concentrated on muscle and peripheral nerve disturbances, but in other studies impairment of the spinal cord and different pattern of brain activation has been published [7][8][9]. These observations demonstrate that central nervous system involvement with abnormal sensorimotor integration may underlie the pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis [5,10].…”

Diffusion Tensor Imaging Shows Corpus Callosum Differences between High‐Grade Gliomas and Metastases

“…5,39 Therefore, our results suggest that the patients' brains have decreased myelination and fiber orientation in the body of the CC. These overall differences in DTI characteristics between healthy subjects and our patient population provide evidence that the CC is impacted by distal neuropathologies, [25][26][27][28][29][30] potentially due to Wallerian Degeneration caused by the tumors. 30,31 However, between each patient group, the differences in DTI characteristics suggest an altered response in the patients' brains that is determined by the type of the tumor.…”

“…Therefore, our results suggest that the patients’ brains have decreased myelination and fiber orientation in the body of the CC. These overall differences in DTI characteristics between healthy subjects and our patient population provide evidence that the CC is impacted by distal neuropathologies, potentially due to Wallerian Degeneration caused by the tumors …”

Altered White Matter Microstructure in the Corpus Callosum and Its Cerebral Interhemispheric Tracts in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Diffusion Tensor Imaging Analysis

“…A previous DTI study of the spinal cord and hindbrain showed lower FA values in the medulla oblongata and cervical spinal cord. 4 Another DTI study by Joly et al 15 found a significant decrease in FA values in the midbody of the CC, which possibly suggests abnormal brain development in AIS.…”

“…We also conducted the left-right comparison, which was not performed in the previous 2D study. 15 FA values were compared between the left and right sides of the CC, summarized in Fig 5 and Table 3. Lower FA values were found significantly on the left side of splenium (corrected P ϭ .012) and in the left genu (corrected P ϭ .03).…”