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Abstract #2449

Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Pediatric Optic Nerve: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Pathology Compared to Normal Controls

Joshua Paul Nickerson1, Michael B. Salmela2, Chris John Koski3, Trevor Andrews2, Christopher G. Filippi4

1Radiology, Fletcher Allen Healthcare/The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States; 2School of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States; 3Political Science, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, United States; 4Neuroradiology, Fletcher Allen Healthcare/The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States


MRDTI normative data from the optic nerves in 70 normal children was compared to diffusion parameters in children with lesions both intrinsic and extrinsic to the visual pathway. Significant decrease in FA and increase in ADC was present in intrinsic lesions, while extrinsic lesions where only mass effect on the nerves was present did not affect diffusivity or anisotropy. This may improve presurgical planning for visual pathway lesions.