Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging to Explore the Changes in the Microstructure of Canine Vocal Fold Scar Tissue

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Vocal Fold Pathology
• Tissue Microstructure Analysis

Background:

• Vocal fold scarring can impair voice function.
• Accurate diagnosis and evaluation of microstructural changes are crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for diagnosing vocal fold scars.
• To quantify microstructural changes in vocal fold scar tissue using DTI and texture analysis of collagen fibers.

Main Methods:

• Induce unilateral vocal fold injury in beagles, using contralateral folds as controls.
• Perform 9.4T MRI to obtain diffusion parameters (FA, tensor trace) and texture analysis (GLCM) of collagen fibers.
• Correlate DTI parameters with collagen fiber texture characteristics.

Main Results:

• Significantly lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and higher tensor trace in scarred vocal folds.
• Significant differences in collagen fiber texture (mean gray value, energy, contrast, correlation, homogeneity) between scarred and normal vocal folds.
• Strong correlations found between DTI parameters (FA, tensor trace) and collagen fiber texture parameters.

Conclusions:

• DTI parameters (FA, tensor trace) effectively reflect microstructural changes in vocal fold scars.
• DTI provides an objective, quantitative, and noninvasive method for analyzing vocal fold scarring and evaluating collagen fiber microstructure.