Validation of diffusion tensor imaging tractography to visualize the dentatorubrothalamic tract for surgical planning

OBJECTIVEThe dentatorubrothalamic tract (DRTT) has been suggested as the anatomical substrate for deep brain stimulation (DBS)–induced tremor alleviation. So far, little is known about how accurately and reliably tracking results correspond to the anatomical DRTT. The objective of this study was to systematically investigate and validate the results of different tractography approaches for surgical planning.METHODSThe authors retrospectively analyzed 4 methodological approaches for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)–based fiber tracking using different regions of interest in 6 patients with essential tremor. Tracking results were analyzed and validated with reference to MRI-based anatomical landmarks, were projected onto the stereotactic atlas of Morel at 3 predetermined levels (vertical levels −3.6, −1.8, and 0 mm below the anterior commissure–posterior commissure line), and were correlated to clinical outcome.RESULTSThe 4 different methodologies for tracking the DRTT led to divergent results with respect to...