Can the isotropic imaging be used to locating the subthalamic nucleus?

Abstract:

Background: the development of correlation methods for higher confidence in the location of the position of the STN are needed in Functional Neurosurgery. Objectives: To compare with the axial isotropic imaging versus the axial T2 weighted trace images, the position of the subthalamic nucleus with respect to the red nucleus. Thus in order to know the statistical significance among this two imaging methods. Methods: 30 patients were evaluated using the DTI asset protocol in a 3 Tesla MRI (General Electric) with the Functool Software that displays simultaneously the Isotropic and the T2-wieghted images. Measurements were performed using the geometric centers of the nucleus and fixed settings for the isotropic images. The values were compared using a paired T test. In order to verify a higher probability of a nucleus on the spot were the Isotropic and T2 -W indicated, a tractography was performed. Results: With a confidence of 95%, no statistical significance among the Isotropic and the T2-W data acquisition regarding the geometric centers of the STN with respect to the geometric center of the Rn was found. On average and based on the isotropic data, the lateral distance from the geometric center of the Rn to the geometric center of the STN was 4.82 mm (+- 1.24) and 4.90 mm (+- 1.25) for the right and left side respectively and the A-P distance was 6.82 mm (+-1.52) and 6.73 mm (+-1.74) for the right and left side respectively. Conclusions: The lack of statistically significant differences among the isotropic and the T2-W images for the detection of the geometric center of the STN can guide to the assumption that the isotropic imaging technology can be as reliable as the T2-weighted trace for the targeting of the STN. ©INNN, 2007.

Año de publicación:

2007

Keywords:

• Functional neurosurgery
• Location
• Isotropic imaging
• Subtalamic nucleus

Fuente:

scopus