Study of neuroanatomical changes in cerebral white matter resulting from trans-hemispheric diaschisis in cases of unilateral ischemic stroke.

• Grant number: 11/10856-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2011
• End date: August 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Radiology
• Principal Investigator: Li Li Min
• Grantee: Isabela Bruzzi Bezerra Paraguay
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Using statistical and comparative methods of diffusion tensor imaging, this study will analyze MRI scans of patients affected by unilateral ischemic stroke, with the purpose of searching for changes in brain white matter on the contralateral side, caused by trans-hemispheric diaschisis.The chosen methods are the Tract Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) and Voxel Based Morphometry (VBM). The first one will be responsable for examining the integrity of tracts and its abnormalities, as the second one will be used to evaluate the white matter volume and its possible changes. The images obtained by the TBSS will be processed for 3D visualization using the Geraestereo program and auto-stereoscopic screen, in order to facilitate the tracts analysis and determine some connectivity between the trans-hemispheric alterations. By the end of the study we hope to obtain information about relevant statistical abnormalities in the white matter contralateral to the ischemic injury, and establish a pattern of its development in a given period of time.