Clinical application of diffusion tensor tractography in patients with brain gliomas involving pyramidal tracts

Objective To explore the role of diffusion tensor tractography(DTT) in preoperative planning and functional outcom evaluation of the patients with brain gliomas involving pyramidal tracts.Methods Ten patients with brain gliomas involving pyramidal tracts were included.They underwent routine MRI examination and DTT.The exact relationship between the pyramidal tracts and tumors was demonstrated,which was used to optimize the preoperative planning.After operation,DTT was performed again to evaluate the influence of the pyramidal tracts by surgery.The preoperative and postoperative KPS were respectively acquired to evaluate the functional condition of patients.Results The relationship between the pyramidal tracts and the tumor was successfully displayed.In 10 patients,2 cases were simple displacement,the pre-KPS and post-KPS were 80 and 90,respectively.2 cases were simple disruption,the pre-KPS and post-KPS were 70 and 85,respectively.Other 6 cases were displacement with disruption,the pre-KPS and post-KPS are 71 and 76,respectively.Conclusion Diffusion tensor tractography can display the exact relationship between pyramidal tracts and tumors.It was a beneficial technique not only in neurosurgical planning but also in postoperative assessment.