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

Abstract

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 T₁-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.

Key words

Corpus callosum - morphometry - cognitive function - motorfunction - periventricular leukomalacia - cerebral palsy

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