Comprehensive evaluation of volumetric and microstructural alterations of corpus callosum in migraine patients and subtypes using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate white matter damage, particularly in the corpus callosum, that may contribute to migraine etiology through diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics, while also evaluating the relationship between these metrics, clinical features, and corpus callosum volmetric measurements. Methods In this retrospective study, a total of 103 migraine patients (50 with aura, 53 without aura) and 47 healthy controls who had a brain DTI examination were included. The study population was divided into four groups and four DTI metrics obtained from six regions were compared between groups. Corpus callosum volumes were calculated and their relationship with DTI parameters was examined. Age, sex, disease duration, attack frequency, and visual analog score constituted clinical features. Results Decreased ADC and RD values in the corpus callosum were observed in the overall migraine group and the migraine with aura subtype, whereas increased FA values were observed in the overall migraine group. Corpus callosum volume was lower in overall migraine group and in its subtypes than in healthy controls. A positive correlation was observed between cingulum ADC values and corpus callosum volume (p = 0.024, r = 0.370). A negative correlation was detected between AD values of the corpus callosum body and corpus callosum volume (p = 0.049, r = -0.335). Conclusions The corpus callosum, which is a crucial region in the processing and perception of pain, may indicate loss of white matter integrity as a result of recurrent pain in migraine. This study demonstrates the possible sensitivity of DTI metrics and volumetric measurements in detecting corpus callosum changes in migraine.