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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Spinal Cord Compression
Published on: May 7, 2019
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Specific microstructural changes of the cervical spinal cord in syringomyelia estimated by diffusion tensor imaging
Weifei Wu1, Xiangxiang Li2, Zong Yang1
1Department of Orthopedics, The People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University, The First People's Hospital of Yichang, Yichang, Hubei, China.
Scientific Reports
|March 5, 2021
Summary
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reveals altered spinal cord microstructure in syringomyelia patients. Lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and higher apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values correlate with syrinx size, indicating DTI
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Spinal cord microstructure in syringomyelia remains poorly understood.
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) offers advanced insights into tissue microstructure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cervical spinal cord microstructure in syringomyelia using DTI.
- To investigate the relationship between DTI parameters and syrinx cavity size.
- To correlate DTI findings with clinical symptoms.
Main Methods:
- DTI and T1/T2-weighted MRI scans were performed on 30 syringomyelia patients and 11 controls.
- Fractional Anisotropy (FA) and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values were measured.
- Patients were stratified based on ASIA impairment scale for clinical correlation.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower FA and higher ADC values were observed at syrinx levels in patients compared to controls.
- DTI parameters normalized above and below syrinx levels.
- Lower FA in patients with clinical symptoms (Group A) versus those without (Group B).
- Negative correlation between FA and syrinx size; positive correlation between ADC and syrinx size.
Conclusions:
- Cervical spinal cord microstructure is altered in syringomyelia.
- DTI provides quantitative pathological insights not visible with conventional MRI.
- DTI is a promising tool for assessing syringomyelia-related microstructural changes.
