Mapping of neurodegenerative changes with Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, 2 and 12 patients

The study assessed changes in brain tissue microstructures in SCA type 1, 2 and 12 patients using diffusion tensor imaging. Our findings exhibited widespread reduced fractional anisotropy (FA), increased radial (RD) and axial diffusivity (AD) in SCA with respect to that in healthy subjects. FA was decreased in SCA1 and SCA2 in the superior and inferior longitudinal fasciculus, anterior thalamic radiation, inferior fronto-occipital fasiculus, forceps minor, corticospinal tract, cingulum, uncinate fasciculus as compared to controls. Abnormal white matter structure may be linked to cognitive and behavioural impairment in SCA 1 and SCA 2 patients.