Tractography-Based Ventral Intermediate Nucleus Targeting: Novel Methodology and Intraoperative Validation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus is not readily visible on structural magnetic resonance imaging. Therefore, a method for its visualization for stereotactic targeting is desirable.

Objective

The objective of this study was to define a tractography-based methodology for the stereotactic targeting of the ventral intermediate nucleus.

Methods

The lateral and posterior borders of the ventral intermediate nucleus were defined by tracking the pyramidal tract and medial lemniscus, respectively. A thalamic seed was then created 3 mm medial and anterior to these borders, and its structural connections were analyzed. The application of this method was assessed in an imaging cohort of 14 tremor patients and 15 healthy controls, in which we compared the

SUBMITTER: Sammartino F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5089633 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature