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Title: Diffusion tensor imaging detects rarefaction of optic radiation in glaucoma patients. Author: Engelhorn T, Michelson G, Waerntges S, Struffert T, Haider S, Doerfler A. Journal: Acad Radiol; 2011 Jun; 18(6):764-9. PubMed ID: 21377906. Abstract: RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can depict rarefaction of the optical fibres. Hence, we applied DTI to assess pathological changes of the optic radiation in glaucoma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty glaucoma patients and 50 healthy age-matched controls were examined by a 3T high-field magnetic resonance scanner. Fiber tracts were volume rendered using a semiquantitative approach to assess rarefaction and results were correlated with the extent of optic nerve atrophy and reduced spatial-temporal contrast sensitivity of the retina using established ophthalmological examinations. RESULTS: Twenty-two glaucoma patients (44%) showed significant rarefaction of the optic radiation: the volume was reduced to 67 ± 16% compared with controls. Hereby, the glaucomatous optic nerve atrophy stage correlated with the presence of DTI-derived rarefied optic radiation (Kendall tau-b 0.272, P = .016). Aside, cerebral microangiopathy affecting the optic radiation was significantly higher among glaucoma patients compared to controls (10 patients compared with 2 patients, P < .05). CONCLUSION: In patients with glaucomatous optic nerve atrophy, there is anterograde and-most likely because of microangiopathic lesions within the optic radiation-retrograde transneuronal rarefaction of the optic radiation that can be assessed in vivo using DTI with good correlation to established ophthalmological examinations.[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]