Diffusion tensor tractography measurement of the distance between corticospinal tracts in patients with spontaneous intraventricular haemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: The difference in the widest distance between corticospinal tracts (CST) on diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) in stroke patients with hydrocephalus was investigated retrospectively. METHODS: Distances were measured on an axial slice of the corona radiata, which provided the widest distance between CSTs. Two distances were measured, the absolute distance – the distance between the most medial point of the CSTs and the relative distance – calculated as a percentage of the absolute distance. RESULTS: The absolute distances of CSTs were 55.34 mm for the patient group and 46.75 mm for the control group. The relative distances of the CSTs were 44.12% and 35.96% for the patient group and the control group. Significant differences in the absolute and relative distances of CSTs were observed between the patient and the control group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the absolute and relative distances between CSTs might be used to diagnose hydrocephalus in stroke patients.