The value of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging for predicting functional recovery in cerebral infarction patients / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the changes in fractional anisotropy (FA) among cerebral infarction pa-tients using MR diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and to verify the relationship between any FA changes and functional recovery. Methods Thirty-eight cerebral infarction patients were divided into two groups according to their recovery level using Brunnstrom's criteria. All the patients accepted routine MR and DTI examination, and FA values were measured during the acute, subacute and chronic stages of their recovery. Results Average FA values in the lesion area were significantly lower than in the corresponding contralateral area, and were highest daring the acute stage.There was no significant difference between the subacute and chronic stages. Conclusions The FA values of cere-bral infarction patients change during the different stages of recovery with a certain regularity. This may be valuable for clinical treatment and prognosis.