Diffusion tensor imaging of the spinal cord status post trauma

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), developed in 1994, is a noninvasive MRI technique assessing central nervous system tissue.
• DTI visualizes white matter organization using anisotropic diffusion, applied to various spinal pathologies like tumors and infections.
• Clinical application of DTI for trauma-related spinal pathologies remains limited due to technical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current literature on Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) applications in spinal trauma.
• To evaluate the diagnostic utility and limitations of DTI for assessing spinal cord injuries.
• To explore the potential of DTI in understanding the severity and outcomes of spinal trauma.

Main Methods:

• An extensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, OVID Medline, and EMBASE.
• Search terms included "DTI" and "spine trauma" to identify relevant English-language articles.
• Full-text articles were analyzed for DTI's application, limitations, and outcomes in spinal trauma.

Main Results:

• The literature search identified articles detailing DTI's role in assessing spinal trauma.
• Findings highlight DTI's capability to evaluate morphological and physiological aspects of spinal lesions.
• DTI indices like fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) are crucial for analysis.

Conclusions:

• DTI effectively determines white matter tract orientation and anatomical boundaries in the CNS.
• DTI provides diagnostic information for spinal trauma exceeding conventional MRI capabilities.
• Emerging research utilizes DTI for hyperacute spinal cord trauma assessment, potentially enhancing treatment strategies.