Study of diffusion tensor imaging on temporal stem in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

Objective To reveal the changing features of parameters of diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)and to study the value of DTI measurements in temporal stem to lateralize the epileptogenic lesion in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy(TLE).Methods Forty-two interictal patients of TLE and 32 healthy volunteers received conventional and DTI scanning.The DCavg,FA,1-VR and RA of bilateral temporal stems were measured respectively and the data underwent post-processing.Results There were no significant differences of DCavg,FA,1-VR and RA between right and left temporal stems in the control.The DCavg in ipsilateral side was higher than contralateral side and control group,but no significant difference of DCavg existed between contralateral side and control group.The FA,1-VR,RA in temporal stem had significant differences among the three groups(ipsilateral side contralateral side control group,P0.001).The overall correct lateralization rate of interictal DTI parameters in temporal stem was 71.4%(30/42).Conclusion Diffusion changes in the temporal stem are helpful for understanding white matter injury in TLE and lateralizing the epileptogenic lesion.