Abstract #4057

Fixel-based tractometry unravels the structural-functional coupling of vision in children with unilateral cerebral palsy

Ahmed M. Radwan^1,2, Monica Crotti^3,4,5, Lize Kleeren^6,7,8, Nofar Ben Itzhak^3,4, Lisa Mailleux^6,7, Daan Christiaens^9,10, Hilde Feys^6,7, Patrick Dupont^11,12, Els Ortibus^6,13, and Stefan Sunaert^1,2,14

¹Imaging and pathology, translational MRI, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ²Leuven Brain Institute, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ³Department of Development and Regeneration, Locomotor and Neurological Disorders group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ⁴KU Leuven, Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ⁵KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ⁶Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ⁷Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ⁸Rehabilitation Research Centre, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium, ⁹Department of Imaging & Pathology, Translational MRI, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ¹⁰Department of Electrical Engineering, ESAT/PSI, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ¹¹KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ¹²Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ¹³Department of Paediatric Neurology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ¹⁴Department of Radiology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

Synopsis

Keywords: Diffusion Analysis & Visualization, Diffusion Analysis and Visualization, Cerebral palsy

Motivation: This study explores the application of fixel-based analysis (FBA) combined with segment-specific tractometry to investigate differences in visual white matter (WM) bundles between children with right- and left-sided unilateral cerebral palsy (uCP).

Goal(s): Additionally, we explore associations between WM properties and clinical visual test scores, specifically visual acuity and stereoacuity.

Approach: This approach could address challenges posed by crossing fibers, while enabling precise mapping of WM tract segments associated with lesion laterality and with visual outcomes.

Results: Findings highlight specific bundle segments relevant to uCP laterality and visual functions, most notably in the occipital corpus callosum (CC), and superior longitudinal fasciculi (SLF).

Impact: This study leverages advanced fixel-based tractometry (FBT) to explore segment-specific structural-functional relationships in visual pathways of children with unilateral cerebral palsy, potentially providing insights that could guide future research and improve individualized care for visual impairments in this population.

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