Diffusion tensor imaging reveals normal geniculocalcarine-tract integrity in acquired blindness

Brain Research
Yan ZhangXuelin Zhang

Abstract

We investigated optic nerve and geniculocalcarine tract (GCT) in acquired blindness (AB) using routine cranium magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging. Twenty individuals with AB were compared with 20 normally sighted (NS) individuals. The transverse diameters of optic nerves in NS were significantly bigger than the AB participants in T(1)WI maps. AB participants had higher mean diffusivity and transverse diffusivity and lower fractional anisotropy and primary diffusivity in the optic nerve. This pattern of diffusion change suggests axonal degeneration or atrophy of nerve fibers. No diffusion-index alterations in the GCT were found between AB participants and NS controls. White matter integrity remained normal in the GCT. Thus, the GCT may not rely on visual afferent input to maintain integrity after development.

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Citations

May 28, 2013·Neural Plasticity·Dawei WangChunshui Yu
Jun 8, 2018·Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Cognitive Science·Patrice Voss
Mar 1, 2017·International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience·Rong WangLixin Jin

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