[Evaluation of brain in myotonic dystrophy using diffusion tensor MR imaging].

In many cases of myotonic dystrophy, high-intensity areas are seen in the cerebral white matter on T2-weighted imaging. Brain MRI was performed in 15 patients with myotonic dystrophy using diffusion tensor imaging, which is sensitive to the detailed structure of white matter, and the results were compared with those of normal controls. FA (anisotropic diffusion) values in the cerebral white matter of myotonic dystrophy patients were significantly lower than those of normal controls (p< 0.01), even if the hyperintense lesion was not seen on T2-weighted imaging. Values of trace (isotropic diffusion) in myotonic dystrophy patients were significantly higher than those of normal controls (p< 0.05), except in the posterior limb of the internal capsule. Diffusion tensor imaging could detect pathological change of the cerebral white matter in myotonic dystrophy patients, and may be useful for quantification and detection of subtle pathological change.