Structural abnormalities in thalamo-prefrontal tracks revealed by high angular resolution diffusion imaging predict working memory scores in concussed children.

Structural abnormalities in thalamo-prefrontal tracks revealed by high angular resolution diffusion imaging predict working memory scores in concussed children. Brain Struct Funct. 2020 Jan 01;: Authors: Guberman GI, Houde JC, Ptito A, Gagnon I, Descoteaux M Abstract Because of their high prevalence, heterogeneous clinical presentation, and wide-ranging sequelae, concussions are a challenging neurological condition, especially in children. Shearing forces transmitted across the brain during concussions often result in white matter damage. The neuropathological impact of concussions has been discerned from animal studies and includes inflammation, demyelination, and axonal loss. These pathologies can overlap during the sub-acute stage of recovery. However, due to the challenges of accurately modeling complex white matter structure, these neuropathologies have not yet been differentiated in children in vivo. In the present study, we leveraged recent advances in diffusion imaging modeling, tractography, and tractometry to better understand the neuropathology underlying working memory problems in concussion. Studying a sample of 16 concussed and 46 healthy youths, we used novel tractography methods to isolate 11 working memory tracks. Along these tracks, we measured fractional anisotropy, diffusivities, track volume, apparent fiber density, and free water fraction. In three tracks connecting the right thalamus to the right dorsolateral p...
Source: Brain Structure and Function - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: Brain Struct Funct Source Type: research