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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
Diffusion Imaging in the Rat Cervical Spinal Cord
Published on: April 7, 2015
Diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) in spinal cord ischemia
Majda M Thurnher1, Roland Bammer
1Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Section, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090, Vienna, Austria. majda.thurnher@meduniwien.ac.at
Introduction:
Spinal cord infarction is a rare clinical diagnosis characterized by a sudden onset of paralysis, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and loss of pain and temperature perception, with preservation of proprioception and vibration sense. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) usually demonstrates intramedullary hyperintensity on T2-weighted MR images with cord enlargement. However, in approximately 45% of patients, MR shows no abnormality. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) has been widely used for the evaluation of a variety of brain disorders, especially for acute stroke. Preliminary data suggest that DWI has the potential to be useful in the early detection of spinal infarction.
Methods:
We performed DWI, using navigated, interleaved, multishot echo planar imaging (IEPI), in a series of six patients with a clinical suspicion of acute spinal cord ischemia.
Results:
In all patients, high signal was observed on isotropic DWI images with low ADC values (0.23 and 0.86x10(-3) cm(2)/s), indicative of restricted diffusion.
Conclusion:
We analyzed the imaging findings from conventional MR sequences and diffusion-weighted MR sequences in six patients with spinal cord infarction, compared the findings with those in published series, and discuss the value of DWI in spinal cord ischemia based on current experience. Although the number of patients with described DWI findings totals only 23, the results of previously published studies and those of our study suggest that DWI has the potential to be a useful and feasible technique for the detection of spinal infarction.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) shows promise for detecting spinal cord infarction, a condition often missed by conventional MRI. This technique identified restricted diffusion in all tested patients, suggesting its utility in early diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Spinal cord infarction presents with acute paralysis and sensory loss, but conventional MRI is often normal.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is effective for acute stroke detection in the brain.
- Preliminary evidence suggests DWI may aid in diagnosing spinal infarction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of DWI in diagnosing acute spinal cord ischemia.
- To compare DWI findings with conventional MRI in spinal cord infarction cases.
Main Methods:
- Six patients with suspected acute spinal cord ischemia underwent DWI using navigated, interleaved, multishot echo planar imaging (IEPI).
- Imaging findings were analyzed and compared with existing literature.
Main Results:
- All patients exhibited restricted diffusion on isotropic DWI images, indicated by low ADC values.
- These findings suggest acute ischemic changes within the spinal cord.
Conclusions:
- DWI appears to be a useful and feasible technique for detecting spinal infarction.
- Combined with conventional MRI, DWI enhances diagnostic capabilities for spinal cord ischemia.
- Further studies with larger cohorts are warranted to confirm DWI's role.
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