Abstract #4600

Altered corticospinal tract microstructure is associated with motor performance in adolescents with congenital heart disease

Melanie Ehrler¹, Michael von Rhein^1,2, Oliver Kretschmar³, Beatrice Latal¹, and Ruth O'Gorman Tuura⁴

¹Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland, ²Developmental Pediatrics, Cantonal Hospital Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland, ³Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland, ⁴Center for MR Research, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland

Children with congenital heart diseases (CHD) undergoing open-heart surgery are at an increased risk of motor impairment, but little is known about the neuroanatomical correlates of these deficits. The purpose of the present study was to examine the link between corticospinal tract (CST) microstructure, assessed with diffusion tensor MRI, and motor function in a cohort of adolescents with operated CHD. Compared to age-matched controls, adolescents with CHD showed lower CST anisotropy which correlated with worse fine motor function and poorer movement quality. CHD may therefore lead to alterations in motor tract development, increasing the risk of persistent motor impairments.

How to access this content:

For one year after publication, abstracts and videos are only open to registrants of this annual meeting. Registrants should use their existing login information. Non-registrant access can be purchased via the ISMRM E-Library.

After one year, current ISMRM & ISMRT members get free access to both the abstracts and videos. Non-members and non-registrants must purchase access via the ISMRM E-Library.

After two years, the meeting proceedings (abstracts) are opened to the public and require no login information. Videos remain behind password for access by members, registrants and E-Library customers.

Click here for more information on becoming a member.