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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Spinal Cord Compression
Published on: May 7, 2019
Quantitative evaluation and visualization of lumbar foraminal nerve root entrapment by using diffusion tensor
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Japan. yawara_eguchi@yahoo.co.jp
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|September 17, 2011
Summary
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and tractography can visualize lumbar nerve entrapment. This study shows lower fractional anisotropy (FA) values in entrapped nerve roots, indicating DTI
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Radiology
- Spinal Anatomy
Background:
- Lumbar foraminal stenosis can cause nerve root entrapment.
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) offers structural insights into nerve tissue.
- Evaluating lumbar nerve root entrapment requires advanced imaging techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize lumbar nerve roots using DTI and tractography.
- To measure fractional anisotropy (FA) in lumbar nerve roots.
- To compare FA values in healthy volunteers and patients with lumbar foraminal stenosis.
Main Methods:
- Eight patients with lumbar foraminal stenosis and eight healthy volunteers underwent 3T MR imaging.
- DTI with echo-planar imaging (b-value of 800 s/mm²) was performed.
- Tractography visualized lumbar nerve roots, and mean FA values were quantified.
Main Results:
- Tractography successfully visualized lumbar nerve roots in all subjects.
- Abnormalities like tract disruption and nerve narrowing were observed in stenotic segments.
- Mean FA values were significantly lower in entrapped nerve roots compared to intact ones.
Conclusions:
- DTI and tractography can visualize and quantitatively assess lumbar nerve entrapment.
- Fractional anisotropy (FA) values are reduced in entrapped nerve roots.
- DTI is a promising tool for diagnosing lumbar nerve entrapment due to foraminal stenosis.
