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Schading-Sassenhausen S, Pfyffer D, Farner L, Grillhösl A, Mach O, Maier D, Grassner L, Leister I, Curt A, Freund P. Extent of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Is Lesion Level Dependent and Predictive of Recovery: A Multicenter Neuroimaging Study. J Neurotrauma 2024; 41:2146-2157. [PMID: 39001825 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Assessing the extent of the intramedullary lesion after spinal cord injury (SCI) might help to improve prognostication. However, because the neurological level of injury impacts the recovery potential of SCI patients, the question arises whether lesion size parameters and predictive models based on those parameters are affected as well. In this retrospective observational study, the extent of the intramedullary lesion between individuals who sustained cervical and thoracolumbar SCI was compared, and its relation to clinical recovery was assessed. In total, 154 patients with subacute SCI (89 individuals with cervical lesions and 65 individuals with thoracolumbar lesions) underwent conventional clinical magnetic resonance imaging 1 month after injury and clinical examination at 1 and 12 months. The morphology of the focal lesion within the spinal cord was manually assessed on the midsagittal slice of T2-weighted magnetic resonance images and compared between cervical and thoracolumbar SCI patients, as well as between patients who improved at least one American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade (converters) and patients without AIS grade improvement (nonconverters). The predictive value of lesion parameters including lesion length, lesion width, and preserved tissue bridges for predicting AIS grade conversion was assessed using regression models (conditional inference tree analysis). Lesion length was two times longer in thoracolumbar compared with cervical SCI patients (F = 39.48, p < 0.0001), whereas lesion width and tissue bridges width did not differ. When comparing AIS grade converters and nonconverters, converters showed a smaller lesion length (F = 5.46, p = 0.021), a smaller lesion width (F = 13.75, p = 0.0003), and greater tissue bridges (F = 12.87, p = 0.0005). Using regression models, tissue bridges allowed more refined subgrouping of patients in AIS groups B, C, and D according to individual recovery profiles between 1 month and 12 months after SCI, whereas lesion length added no additional information for further subgrouping. This study characterizes differences in the anteroposterior and craniocaudal lesion extents after SCI. The two times greater lesion length in thoracolumbar compared with cervical SCI might be related to differences in the anatomy, biomechanics, and perfusion between the cervical and thoracic spines. Preserved tissue bridges were less influenced by the lesion level while closely related to the clinical impairment. These results highlight the robustness and utility of tissue bridges as a neuroimaging biomarker for predicting the clinical outcome after SCI in heterogeneous patient populations and for patient stratification in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dario Pfyffer
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Lynn Farner
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Orpheus Mach
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany
| | - Doris Maier
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany
| | - Lukas Grassner
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, Christian Doppler Clinic, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Iris Leister
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Freund
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
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Pfyffer D, Smith AC, Weber KA, Grillhoesl A, Mach O, Draganich C, Berliner JC, Tefertiller C, Leister I, Maier D, Schwab JM, Thompson A, Curt A, Freund P. Prognostic value of tissue bridges in cervical spinal cord injury: a longitudinal, multicentre, retrospective cohort study. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:816-825. [PMID: 38945142 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00173-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The accuracy of prognostication in patients with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) needs to be improved. We aimed to explore the prognostic value of preserved spinal tissue bridges-injury-spared neural tissue adjacent to the lesion-for prediction of sensorimotor recovery in a large, multicentre cohort of people with SCI. METHODS For this longitudinal study, we included patients with acute cervical SCI (vertebrae C1-C7) admitted to one of three trauma or rehabilitation centres: Murnau, Germany (March 18, 2010-March 1, 2021); Zurich, Switzerland (May 12, 2002-March 2, 2019); and Denver, CO, USA (Jan 12, 2010-Feb 16, 2017). Patients were clinically assessed at admission (baseline), at discharge (3 months), and at 12 months post SCI. Midsagittal tissue bridges were quantified from T2-weighted images assessed at 3-4 weeks post SCI. Fractional regression and unbiased recursive partitioning models, adjusted for age, sex, centre, and neurological level of injury, were used to assess associations between tissue bridge width and baseline-adjusted total motor score, pinprick score, and light touch scores at 3 months and 12 months. Patients were stratified into subgroups according to whether they showed better or worse predicted recovery. FINDINGS The cohort included 227 patients: 93 patients from Murnau (22 [24%] female); 43 patients from Zurich (four [9%] female); and 91 patients from Denver (14 [15%] female). 136 of these participants (from Murnau and Zurich) were followed up for up to 12 months. At 3 months, per preserved 1 mm of tissue bridge at baseline, patients recovered a mean of 9·3% (SD 0·9) of maximal total motor score (95% CI 7·5-11.2), 8·6% (0·8) of maximal pinprick score (7·0-10·1), and 10·9% (0·8) of maximal light touch score (9·4-12·5). At 12 months post SCI, per preserved 1 mm of tissue bridge at baseline, patients recovered a mean of 10·9% (1·3) of maximal total motor score (8·4-13·4), 5·7% (1·3) of maximal pinprick score (3·3-8·2), and 6·9% (1·4) of maximal light touch score (4·1-9·7). Partitioning models identified a tissue bridge cutoff width of 2·0 mm to be indicative of higher or lower 3-month total motor, pinprick, and light touch scores, and a cutoff of 4·0 mm to be indicative of higher and lower 12-month scores. Compared with models that contained clinical predictors only, models additionally including tissue bridges had significantly improved prediction accuracy across all three centres. INTERPRETATION Tissue bridges, measured in the first few weeks after SCI, are associated with short-term and long-term clinical improvement. Thus, tissue bridges could potentially be used to guide rehabilitation decision making and to stratify patients into more homogeneous subgroups of recovery in regenerative and neuroprotective clinical trials. FUNDING Wings for Life, International Foundation for Research in Paraplegia, EU project Horizon 2020 (NISCI grant), and ERA-NET NEURON.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Pfyffer
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Andrew C Smith
- Craig Hospital, Englewood, CO, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kenneth A Weber
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | - Orpheus Mach
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Iris Leister
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany; Paramove, SCI Research Unit, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany; Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine and Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Doris Maier
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany
| | - Jan M Schwab
- Department of Neurology, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Department of Neuroscience, Belford Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Wexner Medical School, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alan Thompson
- Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Freund
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK; Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK; Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
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Thornton WA, Smulligan K, Weber KA, Tefertiller C, Mañago M, Sevigny M, Wiley L, Stevens-Lapsley J, Smith AC. Lesion characteristics are associated with bowel, bladder, and overall independence following cervical spinal cord injury. J Spinal Cord Med 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38958637 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2024.2363005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE There is a growing global interest in quantifying spinal cord lesions and spared neural tissue using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The primary objective of this study was to assess the relationships between spinal cord lesion characteristics assessed on MRI and bowel, bladder, and overall independence following SCI. DESIGN Retrospective, exploratory study. PARTICIPANTS 93 individuals with cervical SCI who were enrolled in a local United States Model Systems SCI database from 2010 to 2017. METHODS Clinical and MRI data were obtained for potential participants, and MRIs of eligible participants were analyzed. Explanatory variables, captured on MRIs, included intramedullary lesion length (IMLL), midsagittal ventral tissue bridge width (VTBW), midsagittal dorsal tissue bridge width (DTBW), and axial damage ratio (ADR). OUTCOME MEASURES Bowel and bladder management scale of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and FIM total motor score. RESULTS When accounting for all four variables, only ADR was significantly associated with bowel independence (OR = 0.970, 95% CI: 0.942-0.997, P = 0.030), and both ADR and IMLL were strongly associated with bladder independence (OR = 0.967, 95% CI: 0.936-0.999, P = 0.046 and OR = 0.948, 95% CI: 0.919-0.978, P = 0.0007, respectively). 32% of the variation in overall independence scores were explained by all four predictive variables, but only ADR was significantly associated with overall independence after accounting for all other predictive variables (β = -0.469, 95% CI: -0.719, -0.218, P = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the MRI-measured extent of spinal cord lesion may be predictive of bowel, bladder, and overall independence following cervical SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley A Thornton
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Craig Hospital, Englewood, Colorado, USA
| | - Katherine Smulligan
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kenneth A Weber
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | | | - Mark Mañago
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Laura Wiley
- Department of Biostatistics & Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Andrew C Smith
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Sliwinski C, Heutehaus L, Taberner FJ, Weiss L, Kampanis V, Tolou-Dabbaghian B, Cheng X, Motsch M, Heppenstall PA, Kuner R, Franz S, Lechner SG, Weidner N, Puttagunta R. Contribution of mechanoreceptors to spinal cord injury-induced mechanical allodynia. Pain 2024; 165:1336-1347. [PMID: 38739766 PMCID: PMC11090032 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Evidence from previous studies supports the concept that spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced neuropathic pain (NP) has its neural roots in the peripheral nervous system. There is uncertainty about how and to which degree mechanoreceptors contribute. Sensorimotor activation-based interventions (eg, treadmill training) have been shown to reduce NP after experimental SCI, suggesting transmission of pain-alleviating signals through mechanoreceptors. The aim of the present study was to understand the contribution of mechanoreceptors with respect to mechanical allodynia in a moderate mouse contusion SCI model. After genetic ablation of tropomyosin receptor kinase B expressing mechanoreceptors before SCI, mechanical allodynia was reduced. The identical genetic ablation after SCI did not yield any change in pain behavior. Peptidergic nociceptor sprouting into lamina III/IV below injury level as a consequence of SCI was not altered by either mechanoreceptor ablation. However, skin-nerve preparations of contusion SCI mice 7 days after injury yielded hyperexcitability in nociceptors, not in mechanoreceptors, which makes a substantial direct contribution of mechanoreceptors to NP maintenance unlikely. Complementing animal data, quantitative sensory testing in human SCI subjects indicated reduced mechanical pain thresholds, whereas the mechanical detection threshold was not altered. Taken together, early mechanoreceptor ablation modulates pain behavior, most likely through indirect mechanisms. Hyperexcitable nociceptors seem to be the main drivers of SCI-induced NP. Future studies need to focus on injury-derived factors triggering early-onset nociceptor hyperexcitability, which could serve as targets for more effective therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Sliwinski
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura Heutehaus
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Lisa Weiss
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vasileios Kampanis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bahardokht Tolou-Dabbaghian
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xing Cheng
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Melanie Motsch
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Rohini Kuner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steffen Franz
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan G. Lechner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Norbert Weidner
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Radhika Puttagunta
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Emmenegger TM, Pfyffer D, Curt A, Schading‐Sassenhausen S, Hupp M, Ashburner J, Friston K, Weiskopf N, Thompson A, Freund P. Longitudinal motor system changes from acute to chronic spinal cord injury. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16196. [PMID: 38258488 PMCID: PMC11235629 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In acute spinal cord injury (SCI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals tissue bridges and neurodegeneration for 2 years. This 5-year study aims to track initial lesion changes, subsequent neurodegeneration, and their impact on recovery. METHODS This prospective longitudinal study enrolled acute SCI patients and healthy controls who were assessed clinically-and by MRI-regularly from 3 days postinjury up to 60 months. We employed histologically cross-validated quantitative MRI sequences sensitive to volume, myelin, and iron changes, thereby reflecting indirectly processes of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. General linear models tracked lesion and remote changes in volume, myelin- and iron-sensitive magnetic resonance indices over 5 years. Associations between lesion, degeneration, and recovery (using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure [SCIM] questionnaire and the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury total motor score) were assessed. RESULTS Patients' motor scores improved by an average of 12.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.70-19.00) points, and SCIM by 26.08 (95% CI = 17.00-35.20) points. Within 3-28 days post-SCI, lesion size decreased by more than two-thirds (3 days: 302.52 ± 185.80 mm2 , 28 days: 76.77 ± 88.62 mm2 ), revealing tissue bridges. Cervical cord and corticospinal tract volumes transiently increased in SCI patients by 5% and 3%, respectively, accompanied by cervical myelin decreases and iron increases. Over time, progressive atrophy was observed in both regions, which was linked to early lesion dynamics. Tissue bridges, reduced swelling, and myelin content decreases were predictive of long-term motor score recovery and improved SCIM score. CONCLUSIONS Studying acute changes and their impact on longer follow-up provides insights into SCI trajectory, highlighting the importance of acute intervention while indicating the potential to influence outcomes in the later stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim M. Emmenegger
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University HospitalUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Dario Pfyffer
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University HospitalUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain MedicineStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University HospitalUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Markus Hupp
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University HospitalUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - John Ashburner
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Karl Friston
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Nikolaus Weiskopf
- Department of NeurophysicsMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
- Felix Bloch Institute for Solid State Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth SciencesLeipzig UniversityLeipzigGermany
| | - Alan Thompson
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Institute of NeurologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Patrick Freund
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University HospitalUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Department of NeurophysicsMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
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Calderone A, Cardile D, De Luca R, Quartarone A, Corallo F, Calabrò RS. Brain Plasticity in Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2224. [PMID: 38396902 PMCID: PMC10888628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A spinal cord injury (SCI) causes changes in brain structure and brain function due to the direct effects of nerve damage, secondary mechanisms, and long-term effects of the injury, such as paralysis and neuropathic pain (NP). Recovery takes place over weeks to months, which is a time frame well beyond the duration of spinal shock and is the phase in which the spinal cord remains unstimulated below the level of injury and is associated with adaptations occurring throughout the nervous system, often referred to as neuronal plasticity. Such changes occur at different anatomical sites and also at different physiological and molecular biological levels. This review aims to investigate brain plasticity in patients with SCIs and its influence on the rehabilitation process. Studies were identified from an online search of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Studies published between 2013 and 2023 were selected. This review has been registered on OSF under (n) 9QP45. We found that neuroplasticity can affect the sensory-motor network, and different protocols or rehabilitation interventions can activate this process in different ways. Exercise rehabilitation training in humans with SCIs can elicit white matter plasticity in the form of increased myelin water content. This review has demonstrated that SCI patients may experience plastic changes either spontaneously or as a result of specific neurorehabilitation training, which may lead to positive outcomes in functional recovery. Clinical and experimental evidence convincingly displays that plasticity occurs in the adult CNS through a variety of events following traumatic or non-traumatic SCI. Furthermore, efficacy-based, pharmacological, and genetic approaches, alone or in combination, are increasingly effective in promoting plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Calderone
- Graduate School of Health Psychology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Davide Cardile
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria De Luca
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Angelo Quartarone
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Corallo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
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Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Botchway BOA, Wang X, Liu X. Curcumin can improve spinal cord injury by inhibiting DNA methylation. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:351-362. [PMID: 37076656 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04731-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious central nervous system disease. Traumatic SCI often causes persistent neurological deficits below the injury level. Epigenetic changes occur after SCI. Studies have shown DNA methylation to be a key player in nerve regeneration and remodeling, and in regulating some pathophysiological characteristics of SCI. Curcumin is a natural polyphenol from turmeric. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, and can mitigate the cell and tissue damage caused by SCI. This report analyzed the specific functions of DNA methylation in central nervous system diseases, especially traumatic brain injury and SCI. DNA methylation can regulate the level of gene expressions in the central nervous system. Therefore, pharmacological interventions regulating DNA methylation may be promising for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Benson O A Botchway
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Bupa Cromwell Hospital, London, UK
| | - Xichen Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuehong Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China.
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Kaptan M, Pfyffer D, Konstantopoulos CG, Law CS, Weber II KA, Glover GH, Mackey S. Recent developments and future avenues for human corticospinal neuroimaging. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1339881. [PMID: 38332933 PMCID: PMC10850311 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1339881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive neuroimaging serves as a valuable tool for investigating the mechanisms within the central nervous system (CNS) related to somatosensory and motor processing, emotions, memory, cognition, and other functions. Despite the extensive use of brain imaging, spinal cord imaging has received relatively less attention, regardless of its potential to study peripheral communications with the brain and the descending corticospinal systems. To comprehensively understand the neural mechanisms underlying human sensory and motor functions, particularly in pathological conditions, simultaneous examination of neuronal activity in both the brain and spinal cord becomes imperative. Although technically demanding in terms of data acquisition and analysis, a growing but limited number of studies have successfully utilized specialized acquisition protocols for corticospinal imaging. These studies have effectively assessed sensorimotor, autonomic, and interneuronal signaling within the spinal cord, revealing interactions with cortical processes in the brain. In this mini-review, we aim to examine the expanding body of literature that employs cutting-edge corticospinal imaging to investigate the flow of sensorimotor information between the brain and spinal cord. Additionally, we will provide a concise overview of recent advancements in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques. Furthermore, we will discuss potential future perspectives aimed at enhancing our comprehension of large-scale neuronal networks in the CNS and their disruptions in clinical disorders. This collective knowledge will aid in refining combined corticospinal fMRI methodologies, leading to the development of clinically relevant biomarkers for conditions affecting sensorimotor processing in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Kaptan
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Dario Pfyffer
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Christiane G. Konstantopoulos
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Christine S.W. Law
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Kenneth A. Weber II
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Gary H. Glover
- Radiological Sciences Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Sean Mackey
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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Thornton WA, Marzloff G, Ryder S, Best A, Rasheed K, Coons D, Smith AC. The presence or absence of midsagittal tissue bridges and walking: a retrospective cohort study in spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2023; 61:436-440. [PMID: 37120699 PMCID: PMC10524884 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-023-00890-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Cohort study. Retrospective analysis of T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRIs) and clinical documentation. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the relationship between the presence/absence and widths of midsagittal tissue bridges and walking ability among veterans with cervical, predominantly chronic SCI. SETTING University research and hospital setting. METHODS T2-weighted midsagittal MRIs of 22 United States veterans with cervical spinal cord injuries were examined. The presence/absence of midsagittal tissue bridges were determined, and the widths of present ventral and dorsal tissue bridges were measured. Midsagittal tissue bridge characteristics were related to each participant's ability to walk based off examination of clinical documentation. RESULTS Fourteen of the analyzed participant images revealed the presence of midsagittal tissue bridges. Ten of those individuals (71%) possessed overground walking ability. The 8 individuals with no apparent tissue bridges were all unable to walk. There was a significant correlation between walking and widths of ventral midsagittal tissue bridges (r = 0.69, 95%CI: 0.52, 0.92, p < 0.001), as well as dorsal midsagittal tissue bridges (r = 0.44, 95%CI: 0.15, 0.73, p = 0.039). CONCLUSION The evaluation of midsagittal tissue bridges may be useful in various rehabilitation settings to help inform patients' plan of care, allocation of neuromodulatory resources, and appropriate stratification into research cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- W A Thornton
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Program, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - G Marzloff
- Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center Spinal Cord Injury & Disorders Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - S Ryder
- Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center Spinal Cord Injury & Disorders Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - A Best
- Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center Spinal Cord Injury & Disorders Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - K Rasheed
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Program, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - D Coons
- Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center Spinal Cord Injury & Disorders Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - A C Smith
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Program, Aurora, CO, USA
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10
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Xu ML, Wu XB, Liang Y, Li N, Hu X, Lin XD, Sun MQ, Dai CQ, Niu D, Zhang YR, Cao H, Zhao CG, Sun XL, Yuan H. A Silver Lining of Neuropathic Pain: Predicting Favorable Functional Outcome in Spinal Cord Injury. J Pain Res 2023; 16:2619-2632. [PMID: 37533560 PMCID: PMC10390716 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s414638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common and severe problem following spinal cord injury (SCI). However, its relationship with functional outcome remains unclear. Methods A retrospective explorative analysis was performed on SCI patients admitted to a tertiary academic medical center between January 2018 and June 2022. The candidate predictor variables, including demographics, clinical characteristics and complications, were analyzed with logistic and linear regression. Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) scores at discharge and mean relative functional gain (mRFG) of SCIM were as outcome parameters. Results A total of 140 SCI patients included for the final analysis. Among them, 44 (31.43%) patients were tetraplegics, and 96 (68.57%) patients were paraplegics; 68 (48.57%) patients developed NP, and 72 (51.43%) patients did not. Logistic and linear regression analyses of SCIM at discharge both showed that NP [OR=3.10, 95% CI (1.29,7.45), P=0.01; unstandardized β=11.47, 95% CI (4.95,17.99), P<0.01; respectively] was significantly independent predictors for a favorable outcome (SCIM at discharge ≥ 50, logistic regression results) and higher SCIM total score at discharge (linear regression results). Besides, NP [unstandardized β=15.67, 95% CI (8.94,22.41), P<0.01] was also independently associated with higher mRFG of SCIM scores. Furthermore, the NP group had significantly higher mRFG, SCIM total scores and subscales (self-care, respiration and sphincter management, and mobility) at discharge compared to the non-NP group. However, there were no significant differences in mRFG, SCIM total score or subscales at discharge among the NP subgroups in terms of locations (at level pain, below level pain, and both) or timing of occurrence (within and after one month after SCI). This study also showed that incomplete injury, lumbar-sacral injury level and non-anemia were significantly independent predictors for a favorable outcome, and higher mRFG of SCIM scores (except for non-anemia). Conclusion NP appears independently associated with better functional recovery in SCI patients, suggesting the bright side of this undesirable complication. These findings may help to alleviate the psychological burden of NP patients and ultimately restore their confidence in rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Lan Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shenshan Medical Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shanwei, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Bo Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Liang
- Department of Health Statistics, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Hu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Dong Lin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Miao-Qiao Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-Qiu Dai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Niu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Rong Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Cao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen-Guang Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Long Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hua Yuan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
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11
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Alostaz H, Cai L. Biomarkers from Secondary Complications in Spinal Cord Injury. CURRENT PHARMACOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 8:20-30. [PMID: 36147780 PMCID: PMC9491488 DOI: 10.1007/s40495-021-00268-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In the USA, spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs in 40 people per million every year due to events such as car accidents, falls, violence, or sports injury. Secondary complications that arise from SCI are life-threatening and should be treated as early as possible. In some cases, it is not completely obvious what complication a patient may have until it is too late. Therefore, biomarkers are required to assess the levels of secondary complications after SCI. As there are several complications that pose different warning signs, different biomarkers may be beneficial in early detection, maintenance, and long-term care for patients with SCI. RECENT FINDINGS Numerous studies have been conducted on biomarkers in various SCI and its related complications, such as neuropathic pain and deep vein thrombosis. In recent years, research has expanded with biomarkers discovered by cellular and molecular, genome-wide transcriptomic analysis, bioinformatics, and clinical studies. Biomarkers have allowed early prediction of the severity of secondary complications due to SCI. SUMMARY In this review, we summarize recent studies on the common biomarkers for the secondary complications related to SCI. We highlight the reliable biomarkers that have been tested, e.g., sclerostin, NGF, D-dimer, oncostatin M (OSM), microbiota, and C-reactive protein, which are valuable and with clinical importance. This review also emphasizes continuing research in biomarkers as they can provide valuable cellular and molecular insight into secondary complications after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Alostaz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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12
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Tefertiller C, Rozwod M, VandeGriend E, Bartelt P, Sevigny M, Smith AC. Transcutaneous Electrical Spinal Cord Stimulation to Promote Recovery in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 2. [PMID: 36004322 PMCID: PMC9396932 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2021.740307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the impact of using transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (TSCSTSCS) on upper and lower extremity function in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Prospective case series. Setting: SCI specific rehabilitation hospital. Participants: A convenience sample (N = 7) of individuals with tetraplegia who had previously been discharged from outpatient therapy due to a plateau in progress. Interventions: Individuals participated in 60 min of upper extremity (UE) functional task-specific practice (FTP) in combination with TSCS and 60 min of locomotor training in combination with TSCS 5x/week. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome for this analysis was the Capabilities of Upper Extremity Test (CUE-T). Secondary outcomes include UE motor score (UEMS), LE motor score (LEMS), sensation (light touch and pin prick), Nine-Hole Peg Test, 10 meter walk test, 6 min walk test, and 5 min stand test. Results: Seven individuals (four motor complete; three motor incomplete) completed 20–80 sessions UE and LE training augmented with TSCS and without any serious adverse events. Improvements were reported on the CUE-T in all seven individuals. Two individuals improved their ASIA impairment scale (AIS) classification (B to C; C to D) and two individuals improved their neurologic level of injury by one level (C4–C5; C5–C6). Sensation improved in five individuals and all four who started out with motor complete SCIs were able to voluntarily activate their LEs on command in the presence of stimulation. Conclusion: Individuals with chronic SCI who had previously demonstrated a plateau in function after an intensive outpatient therapy program were able to improve in a variety of UE and LE outcomes in response to TSCS without any adverse events. This was a small pilot study and future fully powered studies with comparative interventions need to be completed to assess efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candace Tefertiller
- Craig Hospital, Englewood, CO, United States
- *Correspondence: Candace Tefertiller
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrew C. Smith
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, United States
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13
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Smith AC, O’Dell DR, Thornton WA, Dungan D, Robinson E, Thaker A, Gisbert R, Weber KA, Berliner JC, Albin SR. Spinal Cord Tissue Bridges Validation Study: Predictive Relationships With Sensory Scores Following Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2022; 28:111-115. [PMID: 35521064 PMCID: PMC9009194 DOI: 10.46292/sci21-00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), widths of ventral tissue bridges demonstrated significant predictive relationships with future pinprick sensory scores, and widths of dorsal tissue bridges demonstrated significant predictive relationships with future light touch sensory scores, following spinal cord injury (SCI). These studies involved smaller participant numbers, and external validation of their findings is warranted. Objectives The purpose of this study was to validate these previous findings using a larger independent data set. Methods Widths of ventral and dorsal tissue bridges were quantified using MRI in persons post cervical level SCI (average 3.7 weeks post injury), and pinprick and light touch sensory scores were acquired at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation (average 14.3 weeks post injury). Pearson product-moments were calculated and linear regression models were created from these data. Results Wider ventral tissue bridges were significantly correlated with pinprick scores (r = 0.31, p < 0.001, N = 136) and wider dorsal tissue bridges were significantly correlated with light touch scores (r = 0.31, p < 0.001, N = 136) at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Conclusion This retrospective study's results provide external validation of previous findings, using a larger sample size. Following SCI, ventral tissue bridges hold significant predictive relationships with future pinprick sensory scores and dorsal tissue bridges hold significant predictive relationships with future light touch sensory scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C. Smith
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Program, Aurora, Colorado
,Regis University School of Physical Therapy, Denver, Colorado
| | - Denise R. O’Dell
- Regis University School of Physical Therapy, Denver, Colorado
,Craig Hospital, Englewood, Colorado
| | - Wesley A. Thornton
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Program, Aurora, Colorado
,Craig Hospital, Englewood, Colorado
| | - David Dungan
- Craig Hospital, Englewood, Colorado
,Radiology Imaging Associates, Denver, Colorado
| | | | - Ashesh Thaker
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Robyn Gisbert
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Program, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kenneth A. Weber
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Palo Alto, California
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14
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Smith AC, O’Dell DR, Albin SR, Berliner JC, Dungan D, Robinson E, Elliott JM, Carballido-Gamio J, Stevens-Lapsley J, Weber KA. Lateral Corticospinal Tract and Dorsal Column Damage: Predictive Relationships With Motor and Sensory Scores at Discharge From Acute Rehabilitation After Spinal Cord Injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2022; 103:62-68. [PMID: 34371017 PMCID: PMC8712383 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.07.792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if lateral corticospinal tract (LCST) integrity demonstrates a significant predictive relationship with future ipsilateral lower extremity motor function (LEMS) and if dorsal column (DC) integrity demonstrates a significant predictive relationship with future light touch (LT) sensory function post spinal cord injury (SCI) at time of discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. DESIGN Retrospective analyses of imaging and clinical outcomes. SETTING University and academic hospital. PARTICIPANTS A total of 151 participants (N=151) with SCI. INTERVENTIONS Inpatient rehabilitation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES LEMS and LT scores at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. RESULTS In 151 participants, right LCST spared tissue demonstrated a significant predictive relationship with right LEMS percentage recovered (β=0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37-0.73; R=0.43; P<.001). Left LCST spared tissue demonstrated a significant predictive relationship with left LEMS percentage recovered (β=0.66; 95% CI, 0.50-0.82; R=0.51; P<.001). DC spared tissue demonstrated a significant predictive relationship with LT percentage recovered (β=0.69; 95% CI, 0.52-0.87; R=0.55; P<.001). When subgrouping the participants into motor complete vs incomplete SCI, motor relationships were no longer significant, but the sensory relationship remained significant. Those who had no voluntary motor function but recovered some also had significantly greater LCST spared tissue than those who did not recover motor function. CONCLUSIONS LCST demonstrated significant moderate predictive relationships with lower extremity motor function at the time of discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, in an ipsilesional manner. DC integrity demonstrated a significant moderate predictive relationship with recovered function of LT. With further development, these neuroimaging methods might be used to predict potential deficits after SCI and to provide corresponding targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C. Smith
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Program, Aurora, CO USA,Regis University School of Physical Therapy, Denver, CO USA
| | - Denise R. O’Dell
- Regis University School of Physical Therapy, Denver, CO USA,Craig Hospital, Englewood, CO USA
| | | | | | - David Dungan
- Craig Hospital, Englewood, CO USA,Radiology Imaging Associates, Denver, CO USA
| | | | - James M. Elliott
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Northern Sydney Local Health District, The Kolling Research Institute, St Leonards, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Program, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Kenneth A. Weber
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Palo Alto, CA USA
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15
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review covers recent advances in identifying conventional and quantitative neuroimaging spinal cord biomarkers of lesion severity and remote spinal cord pathology following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). It discusses the potential of the most sensitive neuroimaging spinal cord biomarkers to complement clinical workup and improve prediction of recovery. RECENT FINDINGS At the injury site, preserved midsagittal tissue bridges - based on conventional sagittal T2-weighted scans - can be identified in the majority of SCI patients; its width being predictive of recovery. Remote from the injury, diffusion indices, and myelin/iron-sensitive neuroimaging-based changes are sensitive to secondary disease processes; its magnitude of change being associated with neurological outcome. SUMMARY Neuroimaging biomarkers reveal focal and remote cord pathology. These biomarkers show sensitivity to the underlying disease processes and are clinically eloquent. Thus, they improve injury characterization, enable spatiotemporal tracking of cord pathology, and predict recovery of function following traumatic SCI. Neuroimaging biomarkers, therefore, hold potential to complement the clinical diagnostic workup, improve patient stratification, and can serve as potential endpoints in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Pfyffer
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Jentzsch T, Cadotte DW, Wilson JR, Jiang F, Badhiwala JH, Akbar MA, Rocos B, Grossman RG, Aarabi B, Harrop JS, Fehlings MG. Spinal Cord Signal Change on Magnetic Resonance Imaging May Predict Worse Clinical In- and Outpatient Outcomes in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Prospective Multicenter Study in 459 Patients. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4778. [PMID: 34682902 PMCID: PMC8537526 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10204778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prognostic factors for clinical outcome after spinal cord (SC) injury (SCI) are limited but important in patient management and education. There is a lack of evidence regarding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical outcomes in SCI patients. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether baseline MRI features predicted the clinical course of the disease. This study is an ancillary to the prospective North American Clinical Trials Network (NACTN) registry. Patients were enrolled from 2005-2017. MRI within 72 h of injury and a minimum follow-up of one year were available for 459 patients. Patients with American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS) E were excluded. Patients were grouped into those with (n = 354) versus without (n = 105) SC signal change on MRI T2-weighted images. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for commonly known a priori confounders (age and baseline AIS). Main outcomes and measures: The primary outcome was any adverse event. Secondary outcomes were AIS at the baseline and final follow-up, length of hospital stay (LOS), and mortality. A regression model adjusted for age and baseline AIS. Patients with intrinsic SC signal change were younger (46.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 29.0 vs. 50.0 (IQR 20.5) years, p = 0.039). There were no significant differences in the other baseline variables, gender, body mass index, comorbidities, and injury location. There were more adverse events in patients with SC signal change (230 (65.0%) vs. 47 (44.8%), p < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) = 2.09 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.31-3.35), p = 0.002). The most common adverse event was cardiopulmonary (186 (40.5%)). Patients were less likely to be in the AIS D category with SC signal change at baseline (OR = 0.45 (95% CI 0.28-0.72), p = 0.001) and in the AIS D or E category at the final follow-up (OR = 0.36 (95% CI 0.16-0.82), p = 0.015). The length of stay was longer in patients with SC signal change (13.0 (IQR 17.0) vs. 11.0 (IQR 14.0), p = 0.049). There was no difference between the groups in mortality (11 (3.2%) vs. 4 (3.9%)). MRI SC signal change may predict adverse events and overall LOS in the SCI population. If present, patients are more likely to have a worse baseline clinical presentation (i.e., AIS) and in- or outpatient clinical outcome after one year. Patients with SC signal change may benefit from earlier, more aggressive treatment strategies and need to be educated about an unfavorable prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Jentzsch
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; (T.J.); (J.R.W.); (F.J.); (J.H.B.); (M.A.A.); (B.R.)
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David W. Cadotte
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary Combined Spine Program, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Jefferson R. Wilson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; (T.J.); (J.R.W.); (F.J.); (J.H.B.); (M.A.A.); (B.R.)
- Division of Neurosurgery, St. Michael’s Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Fan Jiang
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; (T.J.); (J.R.W.); (F.J.); (J.H.B.); (M.A.A.); (B.R.)
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Jetan H. Badhiwala
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; (T.J.); (J.R.W.); (F.J.); (J.H.B.); (M.A.A.); (B.R.)
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Muhammad A. Akbar
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; (T.J.); (J.R.W.); (F.J.); (J.H.B.); (M.A.A.); (B.R.)
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Brett Rocos
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; (T.J.); (J.R.W.); (F.J.); (J.H.B.); (M.A.A.); (B.R.)
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Robert G. Grossman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland Medical Center and R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - James S. Harrop
- Departments of Neurological Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; (T.J.); (J.R.W.); (F.J.); (J.H.B.); (M.A.A.); (B.R.)
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
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17
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Kyathanahally SP, Azzarito M, Rosner J, Calhoun VD, Blaiotta C, Ashburner J, Weiskopf N, Wiech K, Friston K, Ziegler G, Freund P. Microstructural plasticity in nociceptive pathways after spinal cord injury. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2021; 92:jnnp-2020-325580. [PMID: 34039630 PMCID: PMC8292587 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-325580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To track the interplay between (micro-) structural changes along the trajectories of nociceptive pathways and its relation to the presence and intensity of neuropathic pain (NP) after spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS A quantitative neuroimaging approach employing a multiparametric mapping protocol was used, providing indirect measures of myelination (via contrasts such as magnetisation transfer (MT) saturation, longitudinal relaxation (R1)) and iron content (via effective transverse relaxation rate (R2*)) was used to track microstructural changes within nociceptive pathways. In order to characterise concurrent changes along the entire neuroaxis, a combined brain and spinal cord template embedded in the statistical parametric mapping framework was used. Multivariate source-based morphometry was performed to identify naturally grouped patterns of structural variation between individuals with and without NP after SCI. RESULTS In individuals with NP, lower R1 and MT values are evident in the primary motor cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, while increases in R2* are evident in the cervical cord, periaqueductal grey (PAG), thalamus and anterior cingulate cortex when compared with pain-free individuals. Lower R1 values in the PAG and greater R2* values in the cervical cord are associated with NP intensity. CONCLUSIONS The degree of microstructural changes across ascending and descending nociceptive pathways is critically implicated in the maintenance of NP. Tracking maladaptive plasticity unravels the intimate relationships between neurodegenerative and compensatory processes in NP states and may facilitate patient monitoring during therapeutic trials related to pain and neuroregeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreenath P Kyathanahally
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michela Azzarito
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Rosner
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vince D Calhoun
- Tri-institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS): Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Claudia Blaiotta
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK
| | - John Ashburner
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Nikolaus Weiskopf
- Neurophysics, Max-Planck-Institut fur Kognitions- und Neurowissenschaften, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katja Wiech
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN), Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Karl Friston
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Gabriel Ziegler
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Disease (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Freund
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK
- Neurophysics, Max-Planck-Institut fur Kognitions- und Neurowissenschaften, Leipzig, Germany
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