Dentate nucleus deep brain stimulation: Technical note of a novel methodology assisted by tractography

Juliete Melo Diniz, Rubens Gisbert Cury, Ricardo Ferrareto Iglesio, Guilherme Alves Lepski, Carina Cura França, Egberto Reis Barbosa, Daniel Ciampi de Andrade, Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira, Kleber Paiva Duarte

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: The cerebellum has emerged as an attractive and promising target for neuromodulation in movement disorders due to its vast connection with important cortical and subcortical areas. Here, we describe a novel technique of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the dentate nucleus (DN) aided by tractography.

Methods: Since 2015, patients with movement disorders including dystonia, ataxia, and tremor have been treated with DN DBS. The cerebellar target was initially localized using coordinates measured from the fastigial point. The target was adjusted with direct visualization of the DN in the susceptibility-weighted imaging and T2 sequences of the MRI and finally refined based on the reconstruction of the dentatorubrothalamic tract (DRTT).

Results: Three patients were treated with this technique. The final target was located in the anterior portion of DN in close proximity to the DRTT, with the tip of the lead on the white matter and the remaining contacts on the DN. Clinical outcomes were variable and overall positive, with no major side effect.

Conclusion: Targeting the DN based on tractography of the DRTT seems to be feasible and safe. Larger studies will be necessary to support our preliminary findings.

Original languageEnglish
Article number400
JournalSurgical Neurology International
Volume12
ISSN2229-5097
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Copyright: © 2021 Surgical Neurology International.

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