Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) correlates with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) findings in early ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) diagnostic

Abstract

The onset of ALS is insidious and symptoms may be disregarded by the patient for several months. The diagnosis of ALS is based on clinical features and EMG findings. DTI offers the advantage of the revealing in vivo macroscopic geometrical arrangement of white matter bundles that becomes apparent through diffusion measurements of water molecules. DTI findings could correlate with prolonged cortical MEP, sustaining the early diagnosis of ALS, revealing upper motor neurons involvement.

Keywords

• als (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
• dti (diffusion tensor imaging)
• transcranial magnetic stimulation (tms)