Accuracy of corticospinal tract reconstruction: DTI-based deterministic versus probabilistic tractography with intraoperative validation - Summary - MDSpire

Accuracy of corticospinal tract reconstruction: DTI-based deterministic versus probabilistic tractography with intraoperative validation

  • By

  • Roberto Altieri

  • Lorenzo Ugga

  • Ferdinando Caranci

  • Ciro De Luca

  • Giuseppe La Rocca

  • Daniela Pacella

  • Manlio Barbarisi

  • May 15, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To evaluate and compare the accuracy of deterministic versus probabilistic tractography in mapping the corticospinal tract (CST) during brain tumor resections.

Key Findings:
  • Probabilistic tractography showed a mean distance of 12.01 ± 8.92 mm, while deterministic tractography showed 27.71 ± 17.14 mm.
  • The mean difference between DES threshold and probabilistic tractography was not significant (p=0.24), while it was significant for deterministic tractography (p<0.001).
  • Probabilistic tractography had lower RMSE against the gold standard compared to deterministic (10.1 vs 25.7).
Interpretation:

Probabilistic tractography provides a more accurate representation of the CST compared to deterministic methods, enhancing surgical safety during tumor resections.

Limitations:
  • Single-center study may limit generalizability.
  • Retrospective design may introduce selection bias.
Conclusion:

Integrating probabilistic tractography with direct electrical stimulation enhances surgical safety and optimizes tumor resection while minimizing postoperative motor deficits.

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