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Abstract #3405

Effects of Brain Tumor on Corticospinal Tract and Motor Function: Analysis of Tract Stretch Using Diffusion Spectrum Imaging Tractography

Yu-Yang Yeh1, Su-Chun Huang2, W-Y. Chiang1, F-C. Yeh1, J-C. Tsai3, H-M. Tseng3, Wen-Yih I. Tseng1,4

1Center for Optoelectronic Biomedicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; 2Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; 3Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; 4Department of Medical Imaging, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan


This study used diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) tractography to assess the morphological change of corticospinal tracts (CST) in patients with brain tumors and investigated its correlations with the tumor properties and clinical presentation of motor function. The morphological change of CST, as quantified by tract stretch, at the internal capsule was found to be correlated with the muscle power impairment. Our results suggest that the tumor stretch of the CST at the internal capsule may impose significant impact on the motor function.