Statistical shape analysis of corpus callosum in restless leg syndrome

Abstract

Objectives In this study we aimed to investigate corpus callosum shape differences between restless leg syndrome patients and healthy controls, and to determine whether disease severity and duration are indicators for corpus callosum deformation in RLS patients. Methods This study was conducted using the magnetic resonance imaging scans of 33 restless leg syndrome patients and 33 control subjects. Landmarks were marked on the digital images and callosal landmark coordinate data were used to assess shape difference by performing Generalized Procrustes analysis. The shape deformation from controls to the patients was evaluated performing the Thin Plate Spline approach. Results There was a statistically significant shape difference between the groups. Highest deformation was determined at the posterior midbody of the corpus callosum. Growth curve analyses showed that with the increase in disease duration and severity, the CC size decreased. Discussion The present study demonstrated callosal shape differences in restless leg syndrome using a landmark-based geometric morphometric approach, considering the topographic distribution of corpus callosum for the first time.