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Peripheral Nerve Diffusion Tensor Imaging : Interreader and Test-retest Reliability as Quantified by the Standard
Fabian Preisner1, Philipp Bäumer1,2, Michaela Wehrstein3
1Department of Neuroradiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
Clinical Neuroradiology
|December 7, 2019
Summary
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the sciatic nerve demonstrates reliable and reproducible results in magnetic resonance neurography (MRN). These findings establish foundational accuracy metrics for interpreting sciatic nerve DTI parameters.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
Background:
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is increasingly utilized in magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) for peripheral nerve assessment.
- Understanding the reliability of DTI parameters is crucial for its clinical application in MRN.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the interreader and test-retest reliability of peripheral nerve DTI.
- Specifically focused on the sciatic nerve within the context of MRN.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 27 healthy volunteers undergoing three DTI scans on separate days.
- Included T2-weighted turbo spin-echo and single-shot DTI sequences of the sciatic nerve.
- DTI parameters (FA, MD, AD, RD) were analyzed by two independent readers using manual nerve segmentation. Reliability assessed via ICC, SEM, and Bland-Altman plots.
Main Results:
- High interreader reliability with Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) ranging from 0.81 to 0.92.
- Strong test-retest reliability with ICCs between 0.76 and 0.91.
- Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) values indicated good agreement for fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD).
Conclusions:
- Peripheral nerve DTI of the sciatic nerve is a reliable and reproducible imaging technique.
- The established measurement accuracy values can serve as reference points for interpreting sciatic nerve DTI parameters in clinical practice.
