CALLOSAL ATROPHY PARALLELS DECREASED CORTICAL OXYGEN-METABOLISM AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL IMPAIRMENT IN ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

Objective.-To evaluate the relationship of corpus callosum atrophy to cerebral cortical oxygen metabolism and cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Design.-Prospective clinicoradiologic corre lation with magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomograph y. Setting.-A university hospital. Patients, Participants.-Ten right-h anded male patients with Alzheimer's disease, aged 46 to 70 years (mea n +/- SD 57 +/- 6 years), and 14 age- and sex-matched right-handed con trol subjects. Main Outcome Measures.-The midsagittal corpus callosum areas (on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images), cerebral metabolic r ate of oxygen (measured with positron emission tomography using the ox ygen-15 steady-state technique), and the IQs of the Wechsler Adult Int elligence Scale. Results.-Compared with control subjects, the patients had significantly decreased callosal areas with a posterior predomina nce of the degree of atrophy. The area of anterior and posterior halve s of the corpus callosum had a significant correlation with the value of oxygen metabolism in the frontal and parietotemporo-occipital assoc iation cortices, respectively. The total area of the corpus callosum w as significantly related to the total and verbal IQs of the Wechsler A dult intelligence Scale. Conclusion.-Atrophy of corpus callosum reflec ts the severity and pattern of cortical damage associated with hypomet abolism and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease.