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Updated: Apr 26, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Spinal Cord Compression
Published on: May 7, 2019
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient mapping for diagnosing infectious
Tai-Yuan Chen1, Te-Chang Wu, Yu-Kun Tsui
1Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Medical Imaging, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan; Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan; Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan; Shu Zen College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Background And Purpose:
Though diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for diagnosing many pathologies, its use in infectious spondylodiscitis is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the use of DW MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping for the diagnosis of infectious spondylodiscitis.
Methods:
In this retrospective study, 17 patients with confirmed infectious spondylodiscitis were matched by age and level of infected disc with 17 patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and 17 healthy controls. All patients received conventional MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the same imaging session. ADC values of the 3 groups of patients were compared.
Results:
The mean age of each group was 67.4 ± 11.6 years. The mean ADCs of the normal control, DDD, and infectious spondylodiscitis groups were 1.76 ± 0.19 × 10(-3) , 1.12 ± 0.22 × 10(-3) , and 1.27 ± 0.38 × 10(-3) mm2 /second, respectively. The ADCs of the DDD and infectious spondylodiscitis groups were both significantly lower than that of the normal control group (both, P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
These data suggest that DWI/ADC MRI may be useful in the early diagnosis of infectious spondylodiscitis.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient mapping show promise for diagnosing infectious spondylodiscitis. These imaging techniques can help differentiate infection from degenerative disc disease, aiding early detection.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Spine Imaging
Background:
- Diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is valuable for diagnosing various conditions.
- The utility of DW MRI in diagnosing infectious spondylodiscitis remains uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of DW MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping for diagnosing infectious spondylodiscitis.
- To compare ADC values in patients with infectious spondylodiscitis, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study involving 17 patients with confirmed infectious spondylodiscitis.
- Matching patients with 17 DDD patients and 17 healthy controls by age and disc level.
- Acquisition of conventional MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) followed by ADC value comparison.
Main Results:
- Mean ADCs were 1.76 ± 0.19 × 10(-3) mm²/s (controls), 1.12 ± 0.22 × 10(-3) mm²/s (DDD), and 1.27 ± 0.38 × 10(-3) mm²/s (infectious spondylodiscitis).
- Both DDD and infectious spondylodiscitis groups exhibited significantly lower ADCs compared to the normal control group (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- DW MRI and ADC mapping show potential for the early diagnosis of infectious spondylodiscitis.
- These imaging modalities may aid in differentiating infectious spondylodiscitis from other spinal pathologies.
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