Transcallosal Fibers from Corticospinal Tract in Patients with Cerebral Hemorrage

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the transcallosal fibers (TCFs) from the corticospinal tract (CST) and the motor function of the affected extremities in patients with cerebral hemorrhage, using diffusion tensor image tractography (DTT). METHOD: 49 patients with cerebral hemorrhage and 38 controls were recruited. DTT was performed using 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging. The DTT findings were classified into 3 groups according to targeting location no TCF from the CST (type A), TCF ended in the corpus callosum or connected to the cortex of the opposite hemisphere (type B), and TCF that descending toward the lesion after passing through the corpus callosum (type C). RESULTS: The TCF originated from the CST of the unaffected hemisphere, and the presence of fiber descending toward the lesion after passing through the corpus callosum were significantly more prevalent in the patients who showed the worse motor function. CONCLUSION: The TCF originated from the unaffected CST toward the lesion in patients with cerebral hemorrhage might play a relevant role in compensating motor deficits in the major corticospinal disruption.