Resumen

YANEZ S, Paulina et al. TRACTOGRAPHY AND DIFFUSION TENSOR IMAGING IN THE STUDY OF THE MEDIAN NERVE BY MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING: A CASE REPORT. Rev. chil. radiol. [online]. 2009, vol.15, suppl.1, pp. 59-64. ISSN 0717-9308.  doi: 10.4067/S0717-93082009000400009.

Introduction: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an essential tool for the study of central nervous system disorders. Several studies consider the application of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography in the study of peripheral nerves. Methodology: We performed tractography and DTI in two female patients, one with a confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome and the other in good health conditions. Valúes of fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were recorded. Results: The average FA valué of the fiber was 0.461 (case) and 0.632 (control). No differences were reported between the average valúes of the ADC of the fiber. Discussion: We were able to represent the tract of the median nerve by using a software fortractography reconstruction. The morphology and valúes of quantitative analysis of DTI depend directly on the reconstruction algorithm used, mainly on the mínimum FA valué of the fiber to be reconstructed. The valué of the FA, obtained by zone, was the most constant variable, being lower for the case.

Palabras clave : Apparent diffusion coefficient; Diffusion tensor imaging; Fractional anisotropy; Tractography.