Diffusion tensor imaging detects white matter abnormalities and associated cognitive deficits in chronic adolescent TBI

Abstract

Primary objective: This study examined long-term alterations in white matter microstructure following TBI in adolescence using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). It was hypothesized that white matter integrity would be compromised in adolescents with TBI and would correlate with measures of executive functioning and cognitive abilities. Research design: This study employed whole-brain, voxel-wise, statistical comparison of DTI indices in youth of 12-17 years old (mean = 15.06) with TBI vs an age-and gender-matched cohort (mean age = 15.37). Methods and procedures: This study scanned 17 adolescents with complicated-mild-to-severe TBI, 1-3 years after injury, and 13 healthy adolescents. Tract-Bas..