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Neurite orientation and dispersion density imaging (NODDI) detects cortical and corticospinal tract degeneration in ALS

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-06, 09:41 authored by Rebecca J Broad, Matthew Gabel, Nicholas DowellNicholas Dowell, David SchwartzmanDavid Schwartzman, Anil SethAnil Seth, Hui Zhang, Daniel C Alexander, Mara Cercignani, Nigel LeighNigel Leigh
Background: Corticospinal tract (CST) degeneration and cortical atrophy are consistent features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We hypothesised that neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), a multicompartment model of diffusion MRI, would reveal microstructural changes associated with ALS within the CST and precentral gyrus (PCG) ‘in vivo’. Methods: 23 participants with sporadic ALS and 23 healthy controls underwent diffusion MRI. Neurite density index (NDI), orientation dispersion index (ODI) and free water fraction (isotropic compartment (ISO)) were derived. Whole brain voxel-wise analysis was performed to assess for group differences. Standard diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters were computed for comparison. Subgroup analysis was performed to investigate for NODDI parameter differences relating to bulbar involvement. Correlation of NODDI parameters with clinical variables were also explored. The results were accepted as significant where p<0.05 after family-wise error correction at the cluster level, clusters formed with p<0.001. Results: In the ALS group NDI was reduced in the extensive regions of the CST, the corpus callosum and the right PCG. ODI was reduced in the right anterior internal capsule and the right PCG. Significant differences in NDI were detected between subgroups stratified according to the presence or absence of bulbar involvement. ODI and ISO correlated with disease duration. Conclusions: NODDI demonstrates that axonal loss within the CST is a core feature of degeneration in ALS. This is the main factor contributing to the altered diffusivity profile detected using DTI. NODDI also identified dendritic alterations within the PCG, suggesting microstructural cortical dendritic changes occur together with CST axonal damage.

Funding

Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging ('NODDI') - A New Approach to Understanding Cellular Pathology in MND; G1404; MNDA-MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSOCIATION; Leigh/Apr14/824-791

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry

ISSN

0022-3050

Publisher

BMJ Publishing Group

Issue

4

Volume

90

Page range

404-411

Department affiliated with

  • BSMS Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-11-01

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2018-11-01

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-11-01

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