Diffusion tensor imaging of the subcortical auditory tract in subjects with long-term unilateral sensorineural hearing loss
Journal
Audiology and Neurotology
Journal Volume
14
Journal Issue
4
Pages
248-253
Date Issued
2009
Author(s)
Abstract
Several indices including axial diffusivity (λII), radial diffusivity (λ·), mean diffusivity, and fractional anisotropy (FA) along the auditory pathway were extracted from diffusion tensor magnetic resonance images in 19 patients with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Two regions of interest were selected bilaterally for evaluation: the lateral lemniscus and inferior colliculus. A significant decrease was observed in FA on the contralateral side in patients with SNHL due to an increase in λII while λ· remained unchanged. Although the orientation of neural fibers along the subcortical auditory pathway appeared to be intact, the reduction in FA and increase in λ· on the contralateral side might be attributed to axonal loss and/or demyelination. Copyright ? 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Subjects
Axonal injury; Demyelination; Diffusion tensor imaging; Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; anisotropy; article; auditory nervous system; axonal injury; child; clinical article; controlled study; demyelination; diffusion tensor imaging; female; human; inferior colliculus; male; medial lemniscus; perception deafness; priority journal; school child; unilateral hearing loss; adolescent; biological model; brain stem; demyelinating disease; diffusion weighted imaging; hemispheric dominance; inferior colliculus; middle aged; myelinated nerve; pathology; Adolescent; Adult; Auditory Pathways; Brain Stem; Child; Demyelinating Diseases; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Female; Functional Laterality; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Inferior Colliculi; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Neurological; Nerve Fibers, Myelinated; Young Adult
Type
journal article