Diffusion tensor imaging of the cervical spinal cord in Chinese healthy population

Abstract

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been applied in diagnosing Cervical Spondylosis Myelopathy (CSM) clinically. However, morphometric and signal change of MRI have not shown consistent relations with neurological function or outcome after surgical intervention. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is an advanced MRI technology, which uses the principle of anisotropic water diffusion property. Recent studies indicated that DTI could be used as diagnostic tools for Cervical Spondylosis Myelopathy (CSM). The study aims to establish a Region of Interest (ROI)-based database. 65 healthy Chinese subjects were recruited for functional MR scanning. The effects on age and gender would also be investigated. Whole cord FA values decreased from upper cord level to lower cord level. White matter FA and AD values are significant higher than grey matter. White matter RD values are significant lower than grey matter. MD values of whole cord, white matter and grey matter are similar. There are no significant differences (P>0.05) of DTI metrics between males and females. There are significant differences (P<0.05) of DTI metrics in cervical spinal cord white matter in advancing age.