Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging tractography in progressive supranuclear palsy

Background:: Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging tractography allows quantification of in vivo white matter tract damage. Methods:: Using tractography, diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging metrics were obtained from the superior and middle cerebellar peduncles and major cerebral white matter tracts in 5 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy and 13 controls. Results:: Patients showed severe intrinsic damage to the superior cerebellar peduncle, corpus callosum, and cingulum bilaterally. Only decreased axial diffusivity was found in the left middle cerebellar peduncle. Conclusions:: Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging tractography holds promise for providing accurate in vivo cartography of progressive supranuclear palsy tissue damage.