Correlation of Corpus Callosal Morphometry with Cognitive and Motor Function in Periventricular Leukomalacia

PURPOSE: We aim to correlate size and shape of corpus callosum with severity of motor and cognitive impairments in children with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). METHODS: Children with PVL were stratified based on the severity of their motor and cognitive impairments. An age-matched control group was established. The corpus callosum was identified on mid-sagittal T (1)-weighted spin-echo (TR/TE: 550/15) MR images. The shape characteristics of the corpus callosum were measured with respect to a template via a shape transformation. The degree of callosal-shape transformation was quantified by a deformation function, which in turn was compared, using point-wise T-tests, for controls versus patients, diplegic versus quadriplegic patients, and patients with mild versus severe cognitive impairment. RESULTS: 29 children with spastic cerebral palsy and PVL and 32 age-matched controls were identified. In the PVL group, the entire corpus callosum was significantly smaller than in the control group (p value = 0.001). Significant differences existed in the shape of the corpus callosum between patients with diplegic versus quadriplegic and between patients with severe versus mild cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: Global and regional corpus callosal morphology can be quantified using deformation functions.