Abstract:
Objective To explore the application value of diffusion kurtosis imaging(DKI) in normal adult visual pathway in the change of mean kurtosis(MK), fractional anisotropy(FA), and mean diffusion(MD) coefficient.
Methods DKl was used to measure MK, FA and MD in different regions of the normal adult visual pathway of 10 young adults(20 years to 39 years), 10 middle-aged adults(40 years to 59 years), and 10 senior adults(> 60 years). The normal range of MK, FA and MD values and its variation with increasing age were analyzed using SPSS 15.0 statistical analysis software.
Results The MK values of the optic nerve, lateral geniculate nucleus, optic radiation, and optic cortex were significantly different and negatively correlated. The FA values of the lateral geniculate nucleus and optic radiation were significantly different and negatively correlated. The MD values of the optic nerve and lateral geniculate nucleus were significantly different and positively correlated.
Conclusion The DKI parameters can non-invasively reflect the changes in the microstructure of the normal adult visual pathway.