Binswanger's disease and quantitative fractional anisotropy

To study the integrity of the white matter in Binswanger's disease (BD) patients with quantitative fractional anisotropy (DTI-FA). Controls (12) and patients with BD (12) were included. Scans performed with MR (GE Signa Horizon/1.5T). Fazekas's score=6 with white matter hyperintensities extension >75% assessed on FLAIR scans. Standard parameters for DTI-FA were used. ROIs placed in symmetrical regions on two axial planes, data pooled in anterior (frontal) and posterior (temporo-parieto-occipital) regions. Analysis with Functool. Statistics for anterior and posterior regions comparison. DTI-FA showed reduction of anisotropy, reflecting axonal damage and demyelination of fibers, more prominent in anterior in relation to posterior region, in BD patients in comparison to controls. Loss of integrity of fiber tracts reflects interruption of neural networks that subserve cognitive, behavioral, and motor integration. The more severely affected frontal region is related to executive dysfunction, a characteristic feature of Binswanger's disease.