Anna E. Nidecker1, Firouzeh Tannazi1, Siamak Ardekani, Moody Wharam, Jr2, Mark Mahone3, Alena Horska1
1Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; 2Radiation Oncology, Johns Hopkins University; 3Kennedy Krieger Institute
The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate FA and ADC values in specific gray matter regions among children who have received brain radiation, which is associated with toxicity which may affect learning and memory. The ADC and FA of five gray matter regions of the brain (thalamus, globus pallidus, putamen, caudate, and parahippocampal region) were calculated in five pediatric patients and five healthy controls. ADC was significantly higher in patients than controls in all five regions. These results suggest that DTI can detect changes in deep gray matter integrity associated with RT, possibly before they become clinically apparent.