Abstract #2707

Hardy P, Andersen A, Powell D, Gash D, Smith C, Xuan L

Primary lateral Sclerosis (PLS) is a rare neurologic disease characterized by progressive weakness in voluntary muscle. PLS is associated with upper motor neuron and corticospinal tract degeneration. Early diagnosis of PLS is difficult because its symptoms are similar to several other neurologic diseases. Quantitative diffusion tensor imaging could provide a useful evaluation of white matter changes associated with motor neuron degeneration and hence help to establish the diagnosis of PLS. In this study, fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient within the posterior limb of the internal capsule and the centrum semiovale are compared between normal controls and PLS patients.