DT-MRI with the random permeable barrier model shows larger, more heterogeneous muscle fibre diameters in Becker muscular dystrophy patients

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is characterised by progressive muscle damage and weakness. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) represents a promising candidate for studying BMD; the random permeable barrier model (RPBM), in particular, gives estimates of muscle fibre diameters and membrane permeabilities. Here we study DTI and RPBM metrics in BMD patients and controls. Spin-echo and stimulated-echo DTI data were acquired in the lower leg and RPBM metrics calculated. DTI metrics showed time-dependence and intramuscular differences, but no inter-group differences. RPBM analysis, however, successfully showed differences between BMD patients and controls, with fibre diameters being larger and more variable in patients.