Primary progressive aphasia patients evaluated using diffusion tensor imaging and voxel based volumetry-preliminary results

• Main Author: Oliveira,Fábio Pascotto de
• Publication Date: 2011
• Other Authors: Costa,Jaderson Costa da, Marroni,Sabine Possa, Silva,Ana Maria Marques da, Barreiro,Sthefanie Hansen, Maeda,Fábio Kunihiro, Portuguez,Mirna Wetters
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Arquivos de neuro-psiquiatria (Online)
• Download full: http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0004-282X2011000400007
• topic: anomia; primary progressive aphasia; DTI; tractography; arcuate fasciculus; language

There are individuals who have a progressive language deficit without presenting cognitive deficits in other areas. One of the diseases related to this presentation is primary progressive aphasia (PPA). OBJECTIVE: Identify by means of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and measurements of cortical volume, brain areas that lead to dysphasia when presenting signs of impaired connectivity or reduced volume. METHOD: Four patients with PPA were evaluated using DTI, and measurements of cortical volumes in temporal areas. These patients were compared with two normal volunteers. RESULTS: There is a trend to a difference in the number and volume of related fibers between control group and patients with PPA. Comparing cortical volumes in temporal areas between groups yielded a trend to a smaller volume in PPA patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with PPA have a trend to impairment in cortical and subcortical levels regarding relevant areas.