Reduced white matter integrity in primary open-angle glaucoma: a DTI study using tract-based spatial statistics

J Neuroradiol. 2013 May;40(2):89-93. doi: 10.1016/j.neurad.2012.04.001. Epub 2012 Jul 12.

Abstract

Background and purpose: The present study was designed to map the alteration of white matter in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) by applying tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis.

Methods: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data from MRI brain scans were collected from 15 POAG patients and 15 gender- and age-matched non-glaucoma controls using a SIEMENS Trio 3.0-Tesla scanner. For the white-matter analysis, DTI images were processed using FSL software (http://www.fmrib.ox.ac.uk/fsl/index.html). Fractional anisotropy (FA) between the POAG and control groups was compared by TBSS analysis corrected for multiple comparisons using threshold-free cluster enhancement (TFCE).

Results: Compared with non-glaucoma subjects, the occipital white matter in POAG patients had significantly lower FA values (p<0.05, corrected).

Conclusion: The change in white-matter FA may indicate atrophy of the visual cortex that may be important in the diagnosis and treatment of POAG patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Algorithms
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Diffusion Tensor Imaging / methods*
  • Female
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / pathology*
  • Occipital Lobe / pathology*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Visual Cortex / pathology*
  • Young Adult