Diffusion tensor imaging in the diagnosis of primary lateral sclerosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of MR diffusion tensor imaging in diagnosing primary lateral sclerosis (PLS).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Five patients who met clinical criteria for a diagnosis of PLS, and two patients with possible PLS of less than three years duration and eight normal volunteers were studied using MR diffusion tensor imaging.

RESULTS

All seven patients showed decreased diffusion anisotropy and increased diffusion constant in the PLIC, with complete separation from a normal control group, including patients early in the course of the illness.

CONCLUSION

Quantitative diffusion tensor imaging appears to be a useful test to detect upper motor neuron damage and hence to help to establish the diagnosis of PLS.