Capabilities of voxel based morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging in diagnostics of bilateral spastic forms of cerebral palsy

The aim of the study was to determine the capabilities of magnetic resonance morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging in the diagnosis of bilateral spastic forms of cerebral palsy in children. The main groups were 33 children aged from 1 year to 4 years 5 months. with bilateral spastic forms of cerebral palsy, the comparison group – 11 children who did not have movement disorders. The patients underwent magnetic resonance morphometry, diffusion tensor imaging. A comparison was made between the volumes of brain structures and diffusion values between groups. Significant differences (p < 0,05) were found in the volumes of the right lateral, 3rd ventricles, white matter, thalamuses, globus pallidus, putamen, hippocampus. Significant differences (p < 0,05) in diffusion values in the thalamuses and in the posterior limb of internal capsules were also identified. The correlation of the identified changes with the clinic of the disease was demonstrated. The obtained data demonstrate wide possibilities and high diagnostic value in the detection of bilateral spastic forms of cerebral palsy in children.