RSNA 2011 

Abstract Archives of the RSNA, 2011


SSK11-02

Usefulness of Coronal Image in Evaluation for Spinocerebellar Degeneration: “Quarter Note” in the Brainstem

Scientific Formal (Paper) Presentations

Presented on November 30, 2011
Presented as part of SSK11: Neuroradiology (Neuroradiology Movement Disorders)

Participants

Tomoko Ochi, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose
Toshiaki Taoka MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Toshiaki Akashi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Toshiteru Miyasaka MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Masahiko Sakamoto MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Kimihiko Kichikawa MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Takeshi Wada MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the morphological change of superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP) and middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) in spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD) cases by observing “quarter notes” on the coronal image. The “quarter notes” stand for the shape of SCP and MCP on coronal images at the base of the fourth ventricle. We also made diffusion tensor analysis for evaluating the degree of degeneration in the MCP.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

We examined 19 cases of SCD cases and 24 controls. We measured SCP angle (angle between bilateral SCP on coronal plane at level of middle point of the base and top of fourth ventricle: Figure) by observing “quarter notes”. We also measured sectional area of MCP on coronal plane and thickness of MCP on axial plane. We obtained diffusion tensor images and measured apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) along MCP. We assessed the relationship among SCP angle, sectional area, thickness, ADC and FA of MCP. We also compared them between SCD cases and controls.

RESULTS

There was statistically significant correlation between SCP angle and sectional area of MCP on coronal plane. The SCP angle showed statistically significant correlation to ADC and FA of MCP. There was no statistically significant correlation between thickness of MCP on axial plane and ADC or FA of MCP. There were statistically significant decrease in sectional area of MCP and FA of MCP in SCD group, and statistically significant increase ADC of MCP in SCD group. The SCP angle showed statistically significant larger value in SCD group than controls.

CONCLUSION

The larger SCP angle tended to be seen in the case with more severe degeneration of MCP. The SCP angle by observing “quarter notes” on coronal plane may be a simple and convenient index to evaluate the degree of degeneration of MCP.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION

In the clinical practice, the SCP angle by observing “quarter notes” may be a simple and convenient index to evaluate the degree of degeneration of MCP in SCD cases.

Cite This Abstract

Ochi, T, Taoka, T, Akashi, T, Miyasaka, T, Sakamoto, M, Kichikawa, K, Wada, T, Usefulness of Coronal Image in Evaluation for Spinocerebellar Degeneration: “Quarter Note” in the Brainstem.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11011214.html