Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 25, 2026
Diffusion Imaging in the Rat Cervical Spinal Cord
Published on: April 7, 2015
Case report: diffusion-weighted MRI in anterior spinal artery stroke of the cervical spinal cord
Takao Sagiuchi1, Hideo Iida, Shigekuni Tachibana
1Department of Neurosurgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan. tsagi@abeam.ocn.ne.jp
Abstract:
The authors present a case of anterior spinal artery stroke demonstrated by diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) using single-shot echo-planar imaging. DWI clearly demonstrated hyperintensity with a decreased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) at 26 hours after onset. At 28 days, there was persistent hyperintensity with an increased ADC, corresponding to T2-weighted hyperintensity in the whole spinal gray matter at the C2-C7 vertebral level. DWI provided satisfactory images and was helpful for diagnosing and evaluating anterior spinal artery stroke.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) effectively diagnosed anterior spinal artery stroke. This imaging technique showed clear changes in the spinal cord, aiding in diagnosis and evaluation of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Anterior spinal artery stroke is a rare but serious condition affecting spinal cord perfusion.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for patient outcomes.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a sensitive MRI technique for detecting acute ischemic changes.
Observation:
- A case of anterior spinal artery stroke was evaluated using diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) with single-shot echo-planar imaging.
- DWI revealed characteristic hyperintensity and decreased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) 26 hours post-onset.
- Follow-up imaging at 28 days showed persistent DWI hyperintensity with increased ADC, correlating with T2-weighted findings.
Findings:
- DWI successfully visualized acute ischemic changes in the spinal cord.
- The evolution of DWI and ADC values provided insights into the stroke's progression.
- Imaging findings encompassed the C2-C7 vertebral levels, affecting the entire spinal gray matter.
Implications:
- DWI is a valuable tool for the diagnosis and assessment of anterior spinal artery stroke.
- This imaging modality offers satisfactory image quality for clinical evaluation.
- Understanding DWI/ADC signal evolution aids in characterizing spinal cord infarction.
