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Cho N, Al-Shawwa A, Jacobs WB, Evaniew N, Bouchard J, Casha S, duPlessis S, Lewkonia P, Nicholls F, Soroceanu A, Swamy G, Thomas KC, Yang MMH, Cohen-Adad J, Cadotte DW. Spinal Cord Tract Integrity in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy. Neurosurgery 2025:00006123-990000000-01557. [PMID: 40179008 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000003428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 12/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of spinal dysfunction globally. Despite surgical intervention, motor dysfunction may persist in many patients. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively examine specific spinal cord tract changes in patients with DCM, to better understand potential substrates for compensatory recovery of function. METHODS Cervical spinal cord MRI scans with diffusion tensor imaging were performed in patients with DCM and in healthy volunteers. Spinal Cord Toolbox was used to register the PAM50 template, which includes a probabilistic atlas of the white matter tracts of the spinal cord, to the imaging data. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was extracted for each tract at C3 above the level of maximal compression and compared between patients with DCM and healthy volunteers and between patients with mild vs moderate to severe DCM. RESULTS We included 25 patients with DCM (13 mild and 12 moderate to severe) and 6 healthy volunteers. FA was significantly reduced in DCM subjects relative to healthy volunteers for the lateral corticospinal tract (mild DCM vs healthy ∆ = -0.13, P = .018; moderate to severe DCM vs healthy ∆ = -0.11, P = .047), fasciculus gracilis (mild DCM vs healthy ∆ = -0.16, P = .010; moderate to severe DCM vs healthy ∆ = -0.13, P = .039), and fasciculus cuneatus (mild DCM vs healthy ∆ = -0.16, P = .007; moderate to severe DCM vs healthy ∆ = -0.15, P = .012). There were no differences in FA for all tracts between mild and moderate-to-severe DCM subjects. CONCLUSION Patients with DCM had altered diffusion tensor imaging signal in their lateral corticospinal tract, fasciculus gracilis, and fasciculus cuneatus in comparison with healthy volunteers. These findings indicate that DCM is characterized by injury to these structures, which suggests that other tracts within the cord could potentially act as substrates for compensatory motor recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Newton Cho
- Combined Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Spine Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Abdul Al-Shawwa
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - W Bradley Jacobs
- Combined Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Spine Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Section of Neurosurgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nathan Evaniew
- Combined Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Spine Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Section of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jacques Bouchard
- Combined Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Spine Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Section of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Steve Casha
- Combined Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Spine Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Section of Neurosurgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephan duPlessis
- Combined Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Spine Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Section of Neurosurgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Peter Lewkonia
- Combined Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Spine Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Section of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Fred Nicholls
- Combined Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Spine Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Section of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alex Soroceanu
- Combined Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Spine Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Section of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ganesh Swamy
- Combined Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Spine Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Section of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kenneth C Thomas
- Combined Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Spine Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Section of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael M H Yang
- Combined Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Spine Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Section of Neurosurgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julien Cohen-Adad
- NeuroPoly Lab, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Functional Neuroimaging Unit, CRIUGM, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Mila - Quebec AI Institute, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David W Cadotte
- Combined Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Spine Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Section of Neurosurgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Prabhakar S, Shahi P, Hussain MT, Tiwari M, Gerber C, Basu A. Utility of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Predicting Outcomes Following Surgical Treatment of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy. Neurol India 2025; 73:292-297. [PMID: 40176219 DOI: 10.4103/neurol-india.neurol-india-d-24-00271] [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: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The utility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in predicting surgical outcomes in degenerative cervical myelopathy (DTI) remains controversial. OBJECTIVE To identify the preoperative clinical and radiological factors associated with poor outcomes following surgical treatment of DCM. METHODS AND MATERIAL This prospective cohort study included patients who underwent surgery for DCM. MRI parameters (compression ratio, CR; transverse area, TA; signal-intensity ratio, SIR) and DTI parameters (fractional anisotropy, FA; apparent diffusion coefficient, ADC; relative anisotropy, RA; volume ratio, VR) were assessed preoperatively. Demographic and operative data were collected. Based on the improvement in modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score at 4 months, patients were categorized as group A (good surgical outcome) and group B (poor surgical outcome). Univariate and regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors and predictors, respectively, of poor surgical outcome. RESULTS Sixty-six patients were included. Thirty-eight patients belonged to group A (good outcome) and 28 patients belonged to group B (poor outcome). There was no significant difference between the two groups in demographic and operative variables. FA was found to be significantly less in group B compared to group A (550 vs. 610, P = 0.04). No significant difference was seen in RA, CR, TA, SIR, ADC, and VR between the two groups. On regression analysis, no independent predictor of poor outcome could be identified. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative FA was found to be significantly lower in patients with poor outcome following surgical treatment for DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selvin Prabhakar
- Department of Spine Surgery, Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata (INK), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Montes-González IT, Griswold DP, Peralta-Pizza F, Israel-Romero JA, Mier-García JF, Soriano-Sanchez JA. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy in cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a systematic review of metabolite changes and clinical correlations. Front Med (Lausanne) 2025; 12:1525218. [PMID: 40034385 PMCID: PMC11873086 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1525218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 03/05/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a common degenerative condition characterized by narrowing of the cervical spinal canal, leading to progressive spinal cord injury and functional decline. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for diagnosing CSM, it has limitations in predicting clinical outcomes. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) offers metabolic insights that may enhance diagnostic and prognostic capabilities in CSM. Methods We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive literature searches were performed in PubMed, OVID, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to June 2023. Studies included human subjects with CSM, a cohort of at least 10 patients, and reported primary data on cervical spine MRS findings correlated with clinical scales such as the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale, both pre- and post-operatively. Results Six prospective studies involving 123 patients (average age 45.8 to 63 years) met the inclusion criteria. Common symptoms were neck pain, radicular upper-limb pain, paresthesia, and motor impairment. MRS findings indicated that symptomatic CSM patients had reduced N-acetyl aspartate to creatine (NAA/Cr) ratios and elevated choline to creatine (Cho/Cr) and choline to NAA (Cho/NAA) ratios compared to healthy controls. Lactate peaks were detected in a significant proportion of symptomatic patients, suggesting hypoxic or inflammatory injury. Decreased NAA/Cr and increased Cho/NAA ratios correlated with lower mJOA scores, indicating more severe myelopathy. Post-operative increases in NAA/Cr ratios and decreases in Cho/NAA ratios were associated with improved mJOA scores, highlighting the prognostic value of these metabolites. Conclusion MRS provides valuable metabolic information correlating with clinical severity and functional outcomes in CSM. Reduced NAA/Cr and elevated Cho/Cr and Cho/NAA ratios are associated with more severe disease and may predict surgical recovery. MRS shows promise as a non-invasive tool for enhancing the diagnosis and management of CSM. Further research is needed to standardize protocols, validate findings in larger cohorts, and integrate MRS into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Tatiana Montes-González
- Clínica Imbanaco, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
- Clínica Sebastián de Belalcázar, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
- Clínica Cali, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
- Neurological Center, ABC Campus Santa Fe Medical Center, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Dylan Paul Griswold
- Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Fernando Peralta-Pizza
- Clínica Colombia, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
- Hospital Departamental Tomás Uribe Uribe, Tuluá, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
| | | | - Juan Felipe Mier-García
- Hospital Departamental Tomás Uribe Uribe, Tuluá, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
- Clínica de Occidente, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
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Mohammadi M, Roohollahi F, Farahbakhsh F, Mohammadi A, Mortazavi Mamaghani E, Kankam SB, Moarrefdezfouli A, Ghamari Khameneh A, Mahmoudi MM, Baghdasaryan D, Martin AR, Harrop J, Rahimi-Movaghar V. Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Diagnosing and Evaluating Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Global Spine J 2025; 15:267-283. [PMID: 38877604 PMCID: PMC11572101 DOI: 10.1177/21925682241263792] [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: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. OBJECTIVE Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a common spinal cord disorder necessitating surgery. We aim to explore how effectively diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can distinguish DCM from healthy individuals and assess the relationship between DTI metrics and symptom severity. METHODS We included studies with adult DCM patients who had not undergone decompressive surgery and implemented correlation analyses between DTI parameters and severity, or compared healthy controls and DCM patients. RESULTS 57 studies were included in our meta-analysis. At the maximal compression (MC) level, fractional anisotropy (FA) exhibited lower values in DCM patients, while apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were notably higher in the DCM group. Moreover, our investigation into the diagnostic utility of DTI parameters disclosed high sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve values for FA (.84, .80, .83 respectively) and ADC (.74, .84, .88 respectively). Additionally, we explored the correlation between DTI parameters and myelopathy severity, revealing a significant correlation of FA (.53, 95% CI:0.40 to .65) at MC level with JOA/mJOA scores. CONCLUSION Current guidelines for DCM suggest decompressive surgery for both mild and severe cases. However, they lack clear recommendations on which mild DCM patients might benefit from conservative treatment vs immediate surgery. ADC's role here could be pivotal, potentially differentiating between healthy individuals and DCM. While it may not correlate with symptom severity, it might predict surgical outcomes, making it a valuable imaging biomarker for clearer management decisions in mild DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Faramarz Roohollahi
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Yas Spine Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzin Farahbakhsh
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aynaz Mohammadi
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Samuel Berchi Kankam
- Image guided Neurosurgery Lab, Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brain Trauma Lab, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Azin Moarrefdezfouli
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afshar Ghamari Khameneh
- Department of Radiology, Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (ADIR) Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohamad Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Department of General Surgery, Shahid Mofateh Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Allan R. Martin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - James Harrop
- Department of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Liu S, Wang D, Liu Y, Zeng Z. Current Status and Trends of Research on Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy from the Perspective of Bibliometrics. World Neurosurg 2024; 191:172-185. [PMID: 39182836 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.08.089] [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] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
This review was performed to analyze the research on cervical spondylotic myelopathy published during the past 25 years, summarize the developments in existing research, and predict future hotspots in the field. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview and exploration of developments in this research area. A bibliometric analysis was performed using CiteSpace and VOSviewer to quantitatively and visually analyze relevant literature from Web of Science between 1998 and 2023. Co-occurrence analysis and co-citation analysis were conducted to evaluate papers, authors, journals, countries, and keywords. In total, 1886 papers were included. The overall publication output in this field increased throughout the review period. Stable author collaboration groups were formed, with the most influential author being Fehlings M.G. Japan and the United States contributed the highest number of publications. The predicted future research hotspots include risk factor analysis, outcome prediction, and machine learning. This study provides both an overview of the research trajectory in the field of cervical spondylotic myelopathy for scholars interested in this area, as well as offering insights and references for future research directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanghe Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dian Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yibo Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Zeng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Chernysh AA, Loftus DH, Zheng B, Arditi J, Leary OP, Fridley JS. Utility of Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Prognosis and Management of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A PRISMA Review. World Neurosurg 2024; 190:88-98. [PMID: 38986943 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.07.032] [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] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As advances are made in quantitative magnetic resonance imaging, specifically diffusion tensor imaging, researchers have investigated its potential to serve as a biomarker of disease or prognosticator for postoperative recovery in the management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Here, we narratively review the current state of the emerging literature, describing areas of consensus and disagreement. METHODS In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, we queried 2 large databases for original manuscripts published in English and systematically produced a narrative review of the use of diffusion tensor imaging in the management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. RESULTS Of the 437 manuscripts initially returned in our query, 29 met the final inclusion criteria, and data were extracted regarding diffusion tensor imaging indices and their relationships with clinical outcomes following surgery. Preoperative fractional anisotropy was most commonly found to correlate closely with postsurgical clinical outcomes, though results were mixed. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative fractional anisotropy most frequently and best correlates with functional outcomes following surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy, according to a review of the current literature. The findings were not universal and at times contradictory, highlighting the need for high-quality future investigations to better define the utility of diffusion tensor imaging in spinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Chernysh
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
| | - David H Loftus
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Bryan Zheng
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jonathan Arditi
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Owen P Leary
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jared S Fridley
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Ishaque AH, Alvi MA, Pedro K, Fehlings MG. Imaging protocols for non-traumatic spinal cord injury: current state of the art and future directions. Expert Rev Neurother 2024; 24:691-709. [PMID: 38879824 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2363839] [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] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) is a term used to describe damage to the spinal cord from sources other than trauma. Neuroimaging techniques such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have improved our ability to diagnose and manage NTSCIs. Several practice guidelines utilize MRI in the diagnostic evaluation of traumatic and non-traumatic SCI to direct surgical intervention. AREAS COVERED The authors review practices surrounding the imaging of various causes of NTSCI as well as recent advances and future directions for the use of novel imaging modalities in this realm. The authors also present discussions around the use of simple radiographs and advanced MRI modalities in clinical settings, and briefly highlight areas of active research that seek to advance our understanding and improve patient care. EXPERT OPINION Although several obstacles must be overcome, it appears highly likely that novel quantitative imaging features and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) as well as machine learning (ML) will revolutionize degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) care by providing earlier diagnosis, accurate localization, monitoring for deterioration and neurological recovery, outcome prediction, and standardized practice. Some intriguing findings in these areas have been published, including the identification of possible serum and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, which are currently in the early phases of translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah H Ishaque
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohammed Ali Alvi
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karlo Pedro
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Mohammadi M, Roohollahi F, Mahmoudi MM, Mohammadi A, Mohamadi M, Kankam SB, Ghamari Khameneh A, Baghdasaryan D, Farahbakhsh F, Martin AR, Harrop J, Rahimi-Movaghar V. Correlation Between Pre-Operative Diffusion Tensor Imaging Indices and Post-Operative Outcome in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Global Spine J 2024; 14:1800-1817. [PMID: 38168663 PMCID: PMC11268306 DOI: 10.1177/21925682231225634] [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: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. OBJECTIVES The correlation between pre-operative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics and post-operative clinical outcomes in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) has been widely investigated with different studies reporting varied findings. We conducted a systematic review to determine the association between DTI metric and clinical outcomes after surgery. METHODS We identified relevant articles that investigated the relationship between pre-operative DTI indices and post-operative outcome in DCM patients by searching PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE from inception until October 2023. In addition, quantitative synthesis and meta-analyses were performed. RESULTS FA was significantly correlated with postoperative JOA or mJOA across all age and follow up subgroups, changes observed in JOA or mJOA from preoperative to postoperative stages (Δ JOA or Δ mJOA) in subgroups aged 65 and above and in those with a follow-up period of 6 months or more, as well as recovery rate in all studies pooled together and also in the under-65 age bracket. Additionally, a significant correlation was demonstrated between recovery rate and ADC across all age groups. No other significant correlations were discovered between DTI parameters (MD, AD, and ADC) and post-operative outcomes. CONCLUSION DTI is a quantitative noninvasive evaluation tool that correlates with severity of DCM. However, the current evidence is still elusive regarding whether DTI metric is a validated tool for predicting the degree of post-operative recovery, which could potentially be useful in patient selection for surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Faramarz Roohollahi
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Yas Spine Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohamad Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Department of General Surgery, Shahid Mofateh Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aynaz Mohammadi
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mobin Mohamadi
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samuel Berchi Kankam
- Image guided Neurosurgery Lab, Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Brain Trauma Lab, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Afshar Ghamari Khameneh
- Department of Radiology, Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (ADIR) Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Farzin Farahbakhsh
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Allan R. Martin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - James Harrop
- Department of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Tan Y, Shao Z, Wu K, Zhou F, He L. Resting-state brain plasticity is associated with the severity in cervical spondylotic myelopathy. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2024; 25:450. [PMID: 38844898 PMCID: PMC11155054 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07539-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the brain mechanism of non-correspondence between imaging presentations and clinical symptoms in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients and to test the utility of brain imaging biomarkers for predicting prognosis of CSM. METHODS Forty patients with CSM (22 mild-moderate CSM, 18 severe CSM) and 25 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for rs-fMRI and cervical spinal cord diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scans. DTI at the spinal cord (level C2/3) with fractional anisotropy (FA) and degree centrality (DC) were recorded. Then one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to detect the group differences in the DC and FA values across the three groups. Pearson correlation analysis was then separately performed between JOA with FA and DC. RESULTS Among them, degree centrality value of left middle temporal gyrus exhibited a progressive increase in CSM groups compared with HCs, the DC value in severe CSM group was higher compared with mild-moderate CSM group. (P < 0.05), and the DC values of the right superior temporal gyrus and precuneus showed a decrease after increase. Among them, DC values in the area of precuneus in severe CSM group were significantly lower than those in mild-moderate CSM and HCs. (P < 0.05). The fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the level C2/3 showed a progressive decrease in different clinical stages, that severe CSM group was the lowest, significantly lower than those in mild-moderate CSM and HCs (P < 0.05). There was negative correlation between DC value of left middle temporal gyrus and JOA scores (P < 0.001), and the FA values of dorsal column in the level C2/3 positively correlated with the JOA scores (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Structural and functional changes have taken place in the cervical spinal cord and brain of CSM patients. The Brain reorganization plays an important role in maintaining the symptoms and signs of CSM, aberrant DC values in the left middle temporal gyrus may be the possible mechanism of inconsistency between imaging findings and clinical symptoms. Degree centrality is a potentially useful prognostic functional biomarker in cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongming Tan
- Department of Radiology, First affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ziwei Shao
- Department of Radiology, First affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Kaifu Wu
- Department of Radiology, Wuhan Central Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuqing Zhou
- Department of Radiology, First affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Laichang He
- Department of Radiology, First affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China.
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Wang C, Han X, Ma X, Jiang W, Wang J, Li S, Guo H, Tian W, Chen H. Spinal cord perfusion is associated with microstructural damage in cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:1349-1357. [PMID: 37581664 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10011-9] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between spinal cord perfusion and microstructural damage in CSM patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty using MR dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) techniques. METHODS A follow-up cohort study was conducted with 53 consecutively recruited CSM patients who had undergone cervical laminoplasty 12-14 months after the surgery from April 2016 to December 2016. Twenty-one aged-matched healthy volunteers were recruited as controls. For each patient, decompressed spinal cord levels were imaged on a 3.0-T MRI scanner by diffusion and DSC sequences to quantify the degrees of microstructural damage and perfusion conditions, respectively. The diffusion data were analyzed by DTI and NODDI models to produce diffusion metrics. Classic indicator dilution model was used to quantify the DSC metrics. Mann-Whitney U test was performed for comparison of diffusion metrics between patients and healthy controls. Pearson correlation was used to explore the associations between the metrics of spinal cord perfusion and microstructural damage. RESULTS DTI metrics, neurite density, and isotropic volume fraction had significant differences between postoperative patients and healthy controls. Pearson correlation test showed that SCBV was significantly positively correlated with RD, MD, and ODI, and negatively correlated with FA and NDI. SCBF was found to be significantly positively correlated with RD and MD, and negatively correlated with FA. CONCLUSIONS Increased spinal cord perfusion quantified by DSC is associated with microstructural damage assessed by diffusion MRI in CSM patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT This study found that the spinal cord perfusion is associated with microstructural damage in postoperative cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients, indicating that high perfusion may play a role in the pathophysiological process of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and deserves more attention. KEY POINTS • Spinal cord microstructural damage can be persistent despite the compression had been relieved 12-14 months after the cervical laminoplasty in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients. • Spinal cord perfusion is associated with microstructural damage in CSM patients after the cervical laminoplasty. • Inflammation in the decompressed spinal cord may be a cause of increased perfusion and is associated with microstructural damage during the recovery period of CSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyao Wang
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Han
- Department of Spine Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Radiology, Medical School of the University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinchao Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Sisi Li
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Guo
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Tian
- Department of Spine Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Huijun Chen
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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11
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Khan AF, Mohammadi E, Haynes G, Hameed S, Rohan M, Anderson DB, Weber KA, Muhammad F, Smith ZA. Evaluating tissue injury in cervical spondylotic myelopathy with spinal cord MRI: a systematic review. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2024; 33:133-154. [PMID: 37926719 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-07990-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM) is a degenerative condition that leads to loss of cervical spinal cord (CSC) integrity. Various spinal cord Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods can identify and characterize the extent of this damage. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the diagnostic, biomarker, and predictive utilities of different spinal cord MRI methods in clinical research studies of CSM. The aim was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the progress in this direction for future studies and effective diagnosis and management of CSM. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed and EMBASE from 2010 to 2022 according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies with non-human subjects, less than 3T magnetic field strength, non-clinical design, or not quantitatively focusing on the structural integrity of CSC were excluded. The extracted data from each study included demographics, disease severity, MRI machine characteristics, quantitative metrics, and key findings in terms of diagnostic, biomarker, and predictive utilities of each MRI method. The risk of bias was performed using the guide from AHRQ. The quality of evidence was assessed separately for each type of utility for different MRI methods using GRADE. RESULTS Forty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria, utilizing diffusion-weighted imaging (DTI) (n = 39), magnetization transfer (MT) (n = 6), MR spectroscopy (n = 3), and myelin water imaging (n = 1), as well as a combination of MRI methods (n = 12). The metric fractional anisotropy (FA) showed the highest potential in all facets of utilities, followed by mean diffusivity. Other promising metrics included MT ratio and intracellular volume fraction, especially in multimodal studies. However, the level of evidence for these promising metrics was low due to a small number of studies. Some studies, mainly DTI, also reported the usefulness of spinal cord MRI in mild CSM. CONCLUSIONS Spinal cord MRI methods can potentially facilitate the diagnosis and management of CSM by quantitatively interrogating the structural integrity of CSC. DTI is the most promising MRI method, and other techniques have also shown promise, especially in multimodal configurations. However, this field is in its early stages, and more studies are needed to establish the usefulness of spinal cord MRI in CSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Fahim Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Esmaeil Mohammadi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Grace Haynes
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, USA
| | - Sanaa Hameed
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Michael Rohan
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - David B Anderson
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kenneth A Weber
- Systems Neuroscience and Pain Laboratory, Division of Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Fauziyya Muhammad
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Zachary A Smith
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
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12
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Guo X, Li J, Su Q, Song J, Cheng C, Chu X, Zhao R. Transcriptional correlates of frequency-dependent brain functional activity associated with symptom severity in degenerative cervical myelopathy. Neuroimage 2023; 284:120451. [PMID: 37949259 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120451] [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] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroimaging techniques provide insights into the brain abnormalities secondary to degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and their association with neurological deficits. However, the neural correlates underlying the discrepancy between symptom severity and the degree of spinal cord compression, as well as the transcriptional correlates of these cortical abnormalities, remain unknown in DCM patients. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, which collected resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) images and the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, enrolled 104 participants (54 patients and 50 healthy controls). The frequency-dependent amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was obtained for all participants. We investigated the ALFF differences between mild-symptom DCM patients and severe-symptom DCM patients while carefully matching the degree of compression between these two groups via both univariate comparison and searchlight classification for three frequency bands (e.g., Slow-4, Slow-5, and Full-band). Additionally, we identified genes associated with symptom severity in DCM patients by linking the spatial patterns of gene expression of Allen Human Brain Atlas and brain functional differences between mild symptom and severe symptom groups. RESULTS (1) We found that the frequency-specific brain activities within the sensorimotor network (SMN), visual network (VN), and default mode network (DMN) were associated with the varying degrees of functional impairment in DCM patients; (2) the frequency-specific brain activity within the SMN correlated with the functional recovery in patients with DCM; (3) a spatial correlation between the brain-wide expression of genes involved in neuronal migration and the brain functional activities associated with symptom severity was identified in DCM patients. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our study bridges gaps between genes, cell classes, biological processes, and brain functional correlates of DCM. While our findings are correlational in nature, they suggest that the neural activities of sensorimotor cortices in DCM are associated with the severity of symptoms and might be associated with neuronal migration within the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Guo
- Department of Orthopedic, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei 061017, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Orthopedic, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei 061017, China; Department of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Qian Su
- Department of Orthopedic, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei 061017, China; Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for China, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Jiajun Song
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Cai Cheng
- Department of Orthopedic, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei 061017, China.
| | - Xu Chu
- Department of Shoulder and Elbow of Sports Medicine, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710054, China.
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China.
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Costa F, Anania CD, Agrillo U, Roberto A, Claudio B, Simona B, Daniele B, Carlo B, Barbara C, Ardico C, Battista CG, Raffaele DF, Andrea DR, Carlo DV, Mauro D, Vito F, Diego G, Giancarlo G, Corrado I, Claudio I, Michele I, Innocenzi G, Alessandro L, Giancarlo L, Giuseppe M, Ciro M, Rosario M, Vincenzo M, Nicola M, Pierpaolo N, Andrea P, Giovanni P, Federico PP, Armando R, Alessandro R, Rossella R, Stefano R, Sbaffi PF, Teresa S, Enrico T, Matteo V, Zerbi A, Gianluigi Z, Barbanera A. Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: From the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) to the Italian Neurosurgical Society (SINch) Recommendations. Neurospine 2023; 20:415-429. [PMID: 37401060 PMCID: PMC10323338 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2244996.498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a progressively growing pathology to afford by a spinal surgeon due to the aging of the population, associated with better treatment management and the best diagnosis and treatment solutions are greatly discussed. Nowadays that scientific literature is progressively increasing to identify the gold standard in diagnosis and treatment can be very challenging. This is particularly evident in spinal surgery with many different indications not only in different countries but also in the same local reality. In this scenario, many neurosurgical societies works to identify some guideline or recommendations to help spinal surgeons in daily practice. Furthermore, in an era in which legal issues are increasingly present in clinical practice to have some indications globally accepted can be very useful. World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) few years ago starts this process creating a list of recommendations originating from a worldwide steering committee to respect all the local reality. The spinal section of Italian Neurosurgical Society decides to adopt the WFNS recommendations with some revision basing on Italian scenario. The steering committee of the Spinal Section of Italian Neurosurgical Society identify 7 groups to review the literature of the last 10 years about different topics on CSM and to analyses the WFNS recommendations to adapt it to the Italian daily practice. The statements were discussed and voted in 2 sessions to obtain the final version. A list of recommendations on natural course and clinical presentation; diagnostic tests; conservative and surgical treatment; anterior, posterior and combined surgical treatment; role of neurophysiological monitoring and follow-up and outcome was created with only few new or revised statements respect the ones of WFNS. The Spine Section of Italian Neurosurgical Society create a list of recommendations that represent the more contemporary treatment concepts for CSM as presented in the highest quality clinical literature and best clinical practices available on this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Costa
- Spine Surgery Unit, Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Assietti Roberto
- Unit of Neurosurgery, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Bernucci Claudio
- Department of Neurosurgery, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Bongetta Daniele
- Unit of Neurosurgery, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Brembilla Carlo
- Department of Neurosurgery, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Cappelletto Barbara
- Section of Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery, Department of Neurological Sciences, ASUFC University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Cocciaro Ardico
- Department of Neurosurgery, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana (AUOP), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - De Falco Raffaele
- Department of Neurosurgery, P.O. Santa Maria delle Grazie, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
| | - De Rosa Andrea
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Dobran Mauro
- Department of Neurosurgery, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Azienda Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy
| | - Fiorenza Vito
- Department of Neurosurgery, A.R.N.A.S. “Civico Di Cristina Benfratelli” Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Garbossa Diego
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, Neurosurgery Unit, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Iaccarino Corrado
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Irace Claudio
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Igea, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Maida Giuseppe
- Department of Spine Surgery, Multidisciplinary Spine Center, Santa Maria Maddalena Hospital, Occhiobello (RO), Italy
| | - Mastrantuoni Ciro
- Department of Neurosurgery, P.O. Santa Maria delle Grazie, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
| | - Maugeri Rosario
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Unit of Neurosurgery, AOUP “Paolo Giaccone”, Palermo, Italy
| | - Meglio Vincenzo
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Montemurro Nicola
- Department of Neurosurgery, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana (AUOP), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nina Pierpaolo
- Neurosurgical Unit of San Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Rapanà Armando
- Neurosurgery Unit, Lorenzo Bonomo Hospital, Andria, Italy
| | - Ricci Alessandro
- Unit of Neurosurgery, Ospedale Civile San Salvatore, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rispoli Rossella
- Section of Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery, Department of Neurological Sciences, ASUFC University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Romoli Stefano
- Unit of Spine Surgery, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Somma Teresa
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Tessitore Enrico
- Neurosurgical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vitali Matteo
- Department of Neurosurgery, SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo Alessandria Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Alberto Zerbi
- Fondazione Iseni Y Nervi, Istititi Clinici Iseni, Lonate Pozzolo, Italy
| | - Zona Gianluigi
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS San Martino University Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Barbanera
- Department of Neurosurgery, SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo Alessandria Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
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Hejrati N, Pedro K, Alvi MA, Quddusi A, Fehlings MG. Degenerative cervical myelopathy: Where have we been? Where are we now? Where are we going? Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2023; 165:1105-1119. [PMID: 37004568 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05558-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), a recently coined term, encompasses a group of age-related and genetically associated pathologies that affect the cervical spine, including cervical spondylotic myelopathy and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Given the significant contribution of DCM to global disease and disability, there are worldwide efforts to promote research and innovation in this area. An AO Spine effort termed 'RECODE-DCM' was initiated to create an international multistakeholder consensus group, involving patients, caregivers, physicians and researchers, to focus on launching actionable discourse on DCM. In order to improve the management, treatment and results for DCM, the RECODE-DCM consensus group recently identified ten priority areas for translational research. The current article summarizes recent advancements in the field of DCM. We first discuss the comprehensive definition recently refined by the RECODE-DCM group, including steps taken to arrive at this definition and the supporting rationale. We then provide an overview of the recent advancements in our understanding of the pathophysiology of DCM and modalities to clinically assess and diagnose DCM. A focus will be set on advanced imaging techniques that may offer the opportunity to improve characterization and diagnosis of DCM. A summary of treatment modalities, including surgical and nonoperative options, is then provided along with future neuroprotective and neuroregenerative strategies. This review concludes with final remarks pertaining to the genetics involved in DCM and the opportunity to leverage this knowledge toward a personalized medicine approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Hejrati
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst Street, Suite 4WW-449, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karlo Pedro
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohammed Ali Alvi
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ayesha Quddusi
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst Street, Suite 4WW-449, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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15
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Takamiya S, Iwasaki M, Yokohama T, Oura D, Niiya Y, Fujimura M. The Prediction of Neurological Prognosis for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging. Neurospine 2023; 20:248-254. [PMID: 37016871 PMCID: PMC10080413 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2244708.354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Although cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) can be easily diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), prediction of surgical effect using preoperative radiological examinations remains difficult. In previous studies, it was reported that diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) may be used for the prediction of surgical effect; however, these studies did not consider the influences of spinal cord compression even though the values of DTI indexes can be distorted by compressive lesions in patients with CSM. Therefore, it is uncertain whether preoperative DTI indexes can actually predict the surgical effect. The aim of this study was to investigate DTI metrics that are hardly affected by spinal cord compression and can accurately predict neurological status after decompressive surgery.Methods: Twenty-one patients with CSM who underwent surgery and 10 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. The subjects underwent cervical MRI, and values of DTI indexes including axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and fractional anisotropy (FA) were recorded at each intervertebral level. Further, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score of each patient with CSM was recorded before and after surgery for neurological status evaluation. Preoperative and postoperative values of DTI indexes were compared, and correlations between preoperative DTI parameters and postoperative neurological recovery were assessed.Results: After surgery, the lesion-adjacent (LA) ratios of RD and ADC increased (p = 0.04 and p = 0.062, respectively), while the LA ratio of FA decreased (p = 0.075). In contrast, the LA ratio of AD hardly changed. A negative correlation was observed between preoperative LA ratio of AD and JOA recovery rate 6 months after surgery (r = -0.379, p = 0.091). Based on preoperative LA ratio of AD, the patients were divided into a low AD group and a high AD group, and JOA recovery rate 6 months after surgery was found to be higher in the low AD group than in the high AD group (p = 0.024).Conclusion: In patients with CSM, preoperative LA ratio of AD is seldom affected by spinal cord compression, and it negatively correlates with JOA recovery rate 6 months after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soichiro Takamiya
- Department of Neurosurgery, Otaru General Hospital, Otaru, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Motoyuki Iwasaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Otaru General Hospital, Otaru, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Corresponding Author Motoyuki Iwasaki Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, North 15, West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takumi Yokohama
- Department of Radiology, Otaru General Hospital, Otaru, Japan
| | - Daisuke Oura
- Department of Radiology, Otaru General Hospital, Otaru, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Niiya
- Department of Neurosurgery, Otaru General Hospital, Otaru, Japan
| | - Miki Fujimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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16
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Hirayama Y, Mowforth OD, Davies BM, Kotter MRN. Determinants of quality of life in degenerative cervical myelopathy: a systematic review. Br J Neurosurg 2023; 37:71-81. [PMID: 34791981 DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2021.1999390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of chronic, progressive spinal cord impairment worldwide. Patients experience substantial pain, functional neurological decline and disability. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) appears to be particularly poor, even when compared to other chronic diseases. However, the determinants of HRQoL are poorly understood. The objective was to perform a systematic review of the determinants of quality of life of people with DCM. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE and Embase following PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42018115675). Full-text papers in English, exclusively studying DCM, published before 26 March 2020 were eligible for inclusion and were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. Study sample characteristics, patient demographics, cohort type, HRQoL instrument utilised, HRQoL score, and relationships of HRQoL with other variables were qualitatively synthesised. RESULTS A total of 1176 papers were identified; 77 papers and 13,572 patients were included in the final analysis. A total of 96% of papers studied surgical cohorts and 86% utilised the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) as a measure of HRQoL. HRQoL determinants were grouped into nine themes. The most common determinant to be assessed was surgical technique (38/77, 49%) and patient satisfaction and experience of pain (10/77, 13%). HRQoL appeared to improve after surgery. Pain was a negative predictor of HRQoL. CONCLUSION Current data on the determinants of HRQoL in DCM are limited, contradictory and heterogeneous. Limitations of this systematic review include lack of distinction between DCM subtypes and heterogenous findings amongst the papers in which HRQoL is measured postoperatively or post-diagnosis. This highlights the need for greater standardisation in DCM research to allow further synthesis. Studies of greater precision are necessary to account for HRQoL being complex, multi-factorial and both time and context dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Hirayama
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Oliver D Mowforth
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin M Davies
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark R N Kotter
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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17
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He B, Sheldrick K, Das A, Diwan A. Clinical and Research MRI Techniques for Assessing Spinal Cord Integrity in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy-A Scoping Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2621. [PMID: 36289883 PMCID: PMC9599413 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) manifests as the primary cause of spinal cord dysfunction and is non-traumatic, chronic and progressive in nature. Decompressive surgery is typically utilised to halt further disability and neurological dysfunction. The limitations of current diagnostic options surrounding assessment and prognostic potential render DCM still largely a clinical diagnosis. AIMS To outline the limitations of current diagnostic techniques, present evidence behind novel quantitative MRI (qMRI) techniques for assessing spinal cord integrity in DCM and suggest future directions. METHOD Articles published up to November 2021 were retrieved from Medline, EMBASE and EBM using key search terms: spinal cord, spine, neck, MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, qMRI, T1, T2, T2*, R2*, DTI, diffusion tensor imaging, MT, magnetisation transfer, SWI, susceptibility weighted imaging, BOLD, blood oxygen level dependent, fMRI, functional magnetic resonance imaging, functional MRI, MRS, magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS A total of 2057 articles were retrieved with 68 articles included for analysis. The search yielded 2 articles on Quantitative T1 mapping which suggested higher T1 values in spinal cord of moderate-severe DCM; 43 articles on DTI which indicated a strong correlation of fractional anisotropy and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores; 15 articles on fMRI (BOLD) which demonstrated positive correlation of functional connectivity and volume of activation of various connections in the brain with post-surgical recovery; 6 articles on MRS which suggested that Choline/N-acetylaspartate (Cho/NAA) ratio presents the best correlation with DCM severity; and 4 articles on MT which revealed a preliminary negative correlation of magnetisation transfer ratio with DCM severity. Notably, most studies were of low sample size with short timeframes within 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Further longitudinal studies with higher sample sizes and longer time horizons are necessary to determine the full prognostic capacity of qMRI in DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon He
- Spine Labs, St. George & Sutherland Clinical School, UNSW Faculty of Medicine, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Kyle Sheldrick
- Spine Labs, St. George & Sutherland Clinical School, UNSW Faculty of Medicine, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Abhirup Das
- Spine Labs, St. George & Sutherland Clinical School, UNSW Faculty of Medicine, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Ashish Diwan
- Spine Labs, St. George & Sutherland Clinical School, UNSW Faculty of Medicine, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
- Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. George Hospital Campus, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
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18
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Nanda G, Jain P, Suman A, Mahajan H. Role of diffusion tensor imaging and tractography in spinal cord injury. J Clin Orthop Trauma 2022; 33:101997. [PMID: 36118562 PMCID: PMC9475303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcot.2022.101997] [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] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries pose grave medical and socioeconomic burdens warranting measures for early diagnosis, triaging, prognostication and therapeutics. Imaging has since long played a pivotal role in this regard, with continuing research and technological advancements opening newer frontiers. One such advanced Magnetic resonance (MR) technique is Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) which assesses cord microstructure by tracking the movement of water molecules in biological tissues. DTI utilizes the principle of anisotropy exhibited by the normal compact white matter (WM) tracts of the cord, in which direction-dependent water molecular motion is seen along the axonal axis. Disruption of this complex structure in response to injury alters the movement of these molecules, interrupting anisotropy and thereby DTI metrics. Evaluation of DTI images can be done both by quantitative indices, of which fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) are the most commonly used and by qualitative fiber tracking (tractography) methods in which three-dimensional WM tracts are reconstructed by algorithmic post-processing. Reduced FA is consistently seen at injury sites as a direct consequence of disturbance of anisotropy. Diffusivity values are however more variable with both high and low values recorded across studies. 3D tractography images allow visual assessment of cord integrity, morphology, and orientation. Significant correlation is found between DTI parameters and various spinal injury scores. Furthermore, DTI also helps in accurate lesion mapping and in assessing cord changes distant from injury epicenter providing a holistic evaluation. From its inception, consistent progress in the understanding and application of DTI has effectuated its clinical utility and impact. Incorporation into day-to-day diagnostics is however still challenging, due to suboptimal image acquisition, difficult post-processing, and lack of standardized protocols & image interpretation guidelines. Further research with technical validation, development of normative and disease data sets, and histological confirmation will help establish this novel technique in routine diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pooja Jain
- Mahajan Imaging, C6/8 SDA, New Delhi, India
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Jayasekera D, Zhang JK, Blum J, Jakes R, Sun P, Javeed S, Greenberg JK, Song SK, Ray WZ. Analysis of combined clinical and diffusion basis spectrum imaging metrics to predict the outcome of chronic cervical spondylotic myelopathy following cervical decompression surgery. J Neurosurg Spine 2022; 37:588-598. [PMID: 35523255 PMCID: PMC10629375 DOI: 10.3171/2022.3.spine2294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common cause of chronic spinal cord injury, a significant public health problem. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a neuroimaging technique widely used to assess CNS tissue pathology and is increasingly used in CSM. However, DTI lacks the needed accuracy, precision, and recall to image pathologies of spinal cord injury as the disease progresses. Thus, the authors used diffusion basis spectrum imaging (DBSI) to delineate white matter injury more accurately in the setting of spinal cord compression. It was hypothesized that the profiles of multiple DBSI metrics can serve as imaging outcome predictors to accurately predict a patient's response to therapy and his or her long-term prognosis. This hypothesis was tested by using DBSI metrics as input features in a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. METHODS Fifty patients with CSM and 20 healthy controls were recruited to receive diffusion-weighted MRI examinations. All spinal cord white matter was identified as the region of interest (ROI). DBSI and DTI metrics were extracted from all voxels in the ROI and the median value of each patient was used in analyses. An SVM with optimized hyperparameters was trained using clinical and imaging metrics separately and collectively to predict patient outcomes. Patient outcomes were determined by calculating changes between pre- and postoperative modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale scores. RESULTS Accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score were reported for each SVM iteration. The highest performance was observed when a combination of clinical and DBSI metrics was used to train an SVM. When assessing patient outcomes using mJOA scale scores, the SVM trained with clinical and DBSI metrics achieved accuracy and an area under the curve of 88.1% and 0.95, compared with 66.7% and 0.65, respectively, when clinical and DTI metrics were used together. CONCLUSIONS The accuracy and efficacy of the SVM incorporating clinical and DBSI metrics show promise for clinical applications in predicting patient outcomes. These results suggest that DBSI metrics, along with the clinical presentation, could serve as a surrogate in prognosticating outcomes of patients with CSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinal Jayasekera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis McKelvey School of Engineering, St. Louis
| | - Justin K. Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
| | - Jacob Blum
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Rachel Jakes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case School of Engineering, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Saad Javeed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
| | - Jacob K. Greenberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
| | - Sheng-Kwei Song
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Wilson Z. Ray
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis McKelvey School of Engineering, St. Louis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
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20
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Ahuja K, Ifthekar S, Mittal S, Yadav G, Venkata Sudhakar P, Sharma P, Venkata Subbaih A, Kandwal P. Role of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in neurological prognostication in Spinal Tuberculosis – A prospective pilot study. Eur J Radiol 2022; 157:110530. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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21
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Boerger T, Alsouhibani A, Mowforth O, Hamilton J, Lalkhen A, Davies BM, Kotter MRN. Moving Beyond the Neck and Arm: The Pain Experience of People With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Who Have Pain. Global Spine J 2022; 12:1434-1442. [PMID: 33626937 PMCID: PMC9393978 DOI: 10.1177/2192568220986143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional internet survey of people living with degenerative cervical myelopathy. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to quantify pain distribution, severity, and interference in persons with degenerative cervical myelopathy. METHODS Eighty-two participants with degenerative cervical myelopathy were recruited for this internet survey. This survey utilized the Michigan Body Map and brief pain inventory (BPI) to assess anatomical distribution and severity of pain as well as the patient derived modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale (p-mJOA) for myelopathic severity and SF-36 for measures of health-related quality of life. Internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha. Pearson's correlations were assessed with p-mJOA and SF-36. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine if history of prior surgery or concomitant pain diagnosis impacted experience of pain. RESULTS Michigan body map distribution and brief pain inventory severity and interference were correlated with p-mJOA and SF-36 scores (p < 0.05). Pain was moderate to severe in 78% of participants. Pain was commonly widespread. Pain scales were sufficiently internally consistent (α > 0.9). History of surgery or other pain diagnosis did not impact experience of pain in myelopathy. CONCLUSIONS Pain is commonly identifiable in large areas of the body, is frequently moderate to severe in intensity and impacts quality of life and severity of myelopathy in a cohort of individuals with myelopathy who have pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Boerger
- Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ali Alsouhibani
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Rehabilitation, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Oliver Mowforth
- Department of Clinical Neurosurgery, Academic Neurosurgery Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joseph Hamilton
- Department of Clinical Neurosurgery, Academic Neurosurgery Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Abdul Lalkhen
- Neuromodulation Service Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Benjamin M. Davies
- Department of Clinical Neurosurgery, Academic Neurosurgery Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark R. N. Kotter
- Department of Clinical Neurosurgery, Academic Neurosurgery Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,Mark R. N. Kotter, Department of Clinical Neurosurgery, Academic Neurosurgery Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK.
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22
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Kauthankar AA, Jaseemudheen M. Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Spinal Cord Injury: A Review. JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCES NU 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1751068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMagnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a recent technique that can measure the direction and magnitude of diffusion of water. It is widely being utilized to evaluate several brain and spinal cord pathologies. The objective of this review is to evaluate the importance of the DTI in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). It aims to review various articles on DTI SCI and includes both animal and human studies. This will help to describe the current status of the clinical applications of DTI and show its potential as a helpful instrument in clinical practice. The PubMed database was searched for articles relating to the application of DTI in SCI. Relevant articles were also used for the review. A variety of DTI parameters have been studied in various articles. The standard parameters are fractional anisotropy (FA) values, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, radial diffusivity values, and axial diffusivity values, followed by tractography. FA and ADC values are the most commonly used parameters. The findings observed in most of the studies are increased FA and reduced ADC values following injury to the spinal cord. DTI data metrics possess the potential to become a potent clinical tool in patients with SCI. It is helpful for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment planning, as well as to evaluate the recovery. Nonetheless, to overcome the limitations and determine its reliability clinically, more research has to be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshada Atchut Kauthankar
- Department of Radio-diagnosis and Imaging, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - M.M Jaseemudheen
- Department of Radio-diagnosis and Imaging, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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23
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Shinn R, Riffe A, Edwards M, Rossmeisl J. MRI diffusion tensor imaging scalar values in dogs with intervertebral disc herniation: A comparison between manual and semiautomated region of interest methods. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2022; 63:753-762. [PMID: 35789512 DOI: 10.1111/vru.13126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures have been described as methods for quantifying spinal cord injury and predicting outcome in dogs with intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH); however, studies comparing methods for selecting regions of interest (ROIs) are currently lacking. The aims of this retrospective, methods comparison, observational study were to compare DTI measurements acquired using manual (mROI) versus semiautomated ROI (sROI) methods and to compare DTI measurements with patient outcomes. Magnetic resonance imaging scans that included DTI pulse sequences were retrieved for 65 dogs with confirmed IVDH. Regions of interest were placed at one vertebral length cranial and caudal to the region of spinal cord compression (RSCC) using the mROI and sROI methods. Scalar values based on the mROI and sROI methods were compared. There was a significant difference for all DTI measures (P < 0.0001), where fractional anisotropy was higher (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15, 0.19) and mean diffusivity (MD; CI: -0.41, -0.35), axial diffusivity (AD; CI: -0.47, -0.36) and radial diffusivity (RD; CI: -0.36, -0.27) were lower for the mROI than for the sROI. For both the mROI and sROI, MD, AD, and RD were significantly lower (p < 0.05) at the RSCC in paraplegic dogs that did not regain motor function. The findings indicated that DTI methods for quantifying SCI using open source software and ROI were feasible for use in dogs with IVDH; however, values based on sROI methods differed from values based on mROI methods. Some DTI measures based on both the mROI and sROI methods were predictive of poor patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Shinn
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Ashley Riffe
- VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Michael Edwards
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - John Rossmeisl
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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Han X, Ma X, Li D, Wang J, Jiang W, Li G, Cheng X, Guo H, Tian W. Application of Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging to Evaluate and Predict the Surgical Outcome for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy. Orthop Surg 2022; 14:1482-1488. [PMID: 35686537 PMCID: PMC9251269 DOI: 10.1111/os.13326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Although the neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) has been shown useful to evaluate the spinal cord dysfunction, there are few prospective studies on analyzing the operation recovery of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) disease using NODDI. This study aims to investigate the preoperative evaluation and predictive ability of NODDI in DCM patients who received posterior cervical laminoplasty. Methods This prospective study included 55 patients with DCM from January to December 2017. NODDI metrics, including intracellular volume fraction (Vic), isotropic volume fraction (Viso), and orientation dispersion index (ODI) were measured at the maximally compressed (MC) level and the non‐compressed C2 level in each patient at the preoperative and the 3‐ and 6‐month postoperative follow‐up stages. Neurological function was assessed using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scoring system at each stage. Spearman's correlation and Kendall's tau‐b correlation were used to analyze the relationship between NODDI metrics and mJOA scores. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to examine the changes in the NODDI and mJOA scores between the preoperative and 6‐month follow‐up stages. ROC analysis was used to further evaluate the predictive capability. Results Preoperative Vic at the level of C2 has a significant correlation with the preoperative mJOA score (r = 0.278, p = 0.048). Vic and Viso at the MC level were significantly different between the preoperative period and 6‐month follow‐up. Viso at the MC level was correlated with the mJOA score at 6‐month follow‐up (r = −0.302, p = 0.044). Vic and ODI at the C2 level predicted the surgical prognosis, with areas under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve of 0.663 (p = 0.042) and 0.716 (p = 0.014). Conclusions The preoperative NODDI metrics at the C2 level are capable of evaluating the severity of spinal cord dysfunction and predict the surgical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Han
- Department of Spine Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Donghang Li
- Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
| | - Jinchao Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guangqi Li
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoguang Cheng
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Guo
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Tian
- Department of Spine Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
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25
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Akshiitha J R, Gopinath G, Divya M, Paarthipan N. The Role of Diffusion Tensor Tractography in Assessment of Spondylotic Myelopathy. Cureus 2022; 14:e25778. [PMID: 35706439 PMCID: PMC9187187 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) describes a neurological deficit related to the spinal cord due to the changes in the facet joints and discs of the cervical spine as a result of degeneration. Diagnosis is mainly dependent on imaging. Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT), being a non-invasive technique, shows better sensitivity when compared to the conventional T2WI sequence in the early detection of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). The objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in predicting high T2 signals in CSM. Methods A prospective observational study was done on 47 subjects aged between 25 and 70 years, referred to the department of radiology with clinical and imaging evidence of CSM in a tertiary care institute in Chennai. Nurick classification system was used to assess severity clinically. Diffusion-weighted imaging and DTT were done with 1.5 Tesla MRI. The primary outcome variable was a high T2 signal. Mean fractional anisotropy (FA) at the stenotic level and ADC value at a stenotic level were considered explanatory variables. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy of the screening test with the decided cut-off values along with their 95% CI were presented. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. SPSS version 22 (IBM Inc., Armonk, New York) was used for statistical analysis. Results The mean age was 48.26 ± 10.28 years. The majority (72.34%) were males, the majority (42.55%) had a Nurick score of two, and 25.53% had a Nurick score of one. Twenty-six (55.32%) reported a high T2 signal, 36 (76.60%) had elevated ADC, and 11 (23.40 %) had no elevated ADC. There was a statistically significant difference in mean FA and ADC values across groups categorized as non-stenotic level and stenotic level (p-value <0.05). The ADC value had a moderately high sensitivity (76.92%) and low specificity (23.81%) in predicting high T2 signals with a diagnostic accuracy of 53.19%. Conclusion DTI parameters at stenotic level (ADC and FA values) in patients with cervical spondylosis help in the early detection of cervical cord compressive myelopathy prior to the appearance of T2 signal changes in conventional MRI, thereby improving clinical outcome and patient management.
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26
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Valošek J, Bednařík P, Keřkovský M, Hluštík P, Bednařík J, Svatkova A. Quantitative MR Markers in Non-Myelopathic Spinal Cord Compression: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:2301. [PMID: 35566426 PMCID: PMC9105390 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Degenerative spinal cord compression is a frequent pathological condition with increasing prevalence throughout aging. Initial non-myelopathic cervical spinal cord compression (NMDC) might progress over time into potentially irreversible degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). While quantitative MRI (qMRI) techniques demonstrated the ability to depict intrinsic tissue properties, longitudinal in-vivo biomarkers to identify NMDC patients who will eventually develop DCM are still missing. Thus, we aim to review the ability of qMRI techniques (such as diffusion MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), magnetization transfer (MT) imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS)) to serve as prognostic markers in NMDC. While DTI in NMDC patients consistently detected lower fractional anisotropy and higher mean diffusivity at compressed levels, caused by demyelination and axonal injury, MT and 1H-MRS, along with advanced and tract-specific diffusion MRI, recently revealed microstructural alterations, also rostrally pointing to Wallerian degeneration. Recent studies also disclosed a significant relationship between microstructural damage and functional deficits, as assessed by qMRI and electrophysiology, respectively. Thus, tract-specific qMRI, in combination with electrophysiology, critically extends our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of degenerative spinal cord compression and may provide predictive markers of DCM development for accurate patient management. However, the prognostic value must be validated in longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Valošek
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (J.V.); (P.H.)
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Bednařík
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark;
- Department of Radiology, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Miloš Keřkovský
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.K.); (J.B.)
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Brno, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Hluštík
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (J.V.); (P.H.)
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Bednařík
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.K.); (J.B.)
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Brno, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Svatkova
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark;
- Department of Radiology, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Medicine III, Clinical Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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27
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Fan N, Zhao B, Liu L, Yang W, Chen X, Lu Z. Dynamic and Static Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuation Is a Potential Biomarker for Predicting Prognosis of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Patients: A Preliminary Resting-State fMRI Study. Front Neurol 2022; 13:829714. [PMID: 35444605 PMCID: PMC9013796 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.829714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to explore the clinical value of the static amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (sALFF) and dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (dALFF) in the identification of brain functional alterations in degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) patients. Methods Voxel-wise sALFF and dALFF of 47 DCM patients and 44 healthy controls were calculated using resting-state fMRI data, and an intergroup comparison was performed. The mean of sALFF or dALFF data were extracted within the resultant clusters and the correlation analysis of these data with the clinical measures was performed. Furthermore, whole-brain-wise and region-wise multivariate pattern analyses (MVPAs) were performed to classify DCM patients and healthy controls. sALFF and dALFF were used to predict the prognosis of DCM patients. Results The findings showed that (1) DCM patients exhibited higher sALFF within the left thalamus and putamen compared with that of the healthy controls. DCM patients also exhibited lower dALFF within bilateral postcentral gyrus compared with the healthy controls; (2) No significant correlations were observed between brain alterations and clinical measures through univariate correlation analysis; (3) sALFF (91%) and dALFF (95%) exhibited high accuracy in classifying the DCM patients and healthy controls; (4) Region-wise MVPA further revealed brain regions in which functional patterns were associated with prognosis in DCM patients. These regions were mainly located at the frontal lobe and temporal lobe. Conclusion In summary, sALFF and dALFF can be used to accurately reveal brain functional alterations in DCM patients. Furthermore, the multivariate approach is a more sensitive method in exploring neuropathology and establishing a prognostic biomarker for DCM compared with the conventional univariate method.
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Martin AR, Tetreault L, Nouri A, Curt A, Freund P, Rahimi-Movaghar V, Wilson JR, Fehlings MG, Kwon BK, Harrop JS, Davies BM, Kotter MRN, Guest JD, Aarabi B, Kurpad SN. Imaging and Electrophysiology for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy [AO Spine RECODE-DCM Research Priority Number 9]. Global Spine J 2022; 12:130S-146S. [PMID: 34797993 PMCID: PMC8859711 DOI: 10.1177/21925682211057484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Narrative review. OBJECTIVE The current review aimed to describe the role of existing techniques and emerging methods of imaging and electrophysiology for the management of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), a common and often progressive condition that causes spinal cord dysfunction and significant morbidity globally. METHODS A narrative review was conducted to summarize the existing literature and highlight future directions. RESULTS Anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is well established in the literature as the key imaging tool to identify spinal cord compression, disc herniation/bulging, and inbuckling of the ligamentum flavum, thus facilitating surgical planning, while radiographs and computed tomography (CT) provide complimentary information. Electrophysiology techniques are primarily used to rule out competing diagnoses. However, signal change and measures of cord compression on conventional MRI have limited utility to characterize the degree of tissue injury, which may be helpful for diagnosis, prognostication, and repeated assessments to identify deterioration. Early translational studies of quantitative imaging and electrophysiology techniques show potential of these methods to more accurately reflect changes in spinal cord microstructure and function. CONCLUSION Currently, clinical management of DCM relies heavily on anatomical MRI, with additional contributions from radiographs, CT, and electrophysiology. Novel quantitative assessments of microstructure, perfusion, and function have the potential to transform clinical practice, but require robust validation, automation, and standardization prior to uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan R Martin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, 8789University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lindsay Tetreault
- Department of Neurology, 5894New York University, Langone Health, Graduate Medical Education, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aria Nouri
- Division of Neurosurgery, Geneva University Hospitals, 27230University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- University Spine Center, 31031Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Freund
- University Spine Center, 31031Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jefferson R Wilson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brian K Kwon
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopedics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James S Harrop
- Department of Neurological Surgery, 6529Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin M Davies
- Department of Neurosurgery, 2152University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark R N Kotter
- Department of Neurosurgery, 2152University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - James D Guest
- Department of Neurosurgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, The Miller School of Medicine, 12235University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, 1479University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shekar N Kurpad
- Department of Neurosurgery, 5506Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI, USA
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29
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Soda C, Squintani G, Teli M, Marchesini N, Ricci U, D'Amico A, Basaldella F, Concon E, Tramontano V, Romito S, Tommasi N, Pinna G, Sala F. Degenerative cervical myelopathy: Neuroradiological, neurophysiological and clinical correlations in 27 consecutive cases. BRAIN AND SPINE 2022; 2:100909. [PMID: 36248151 PMCID: PMC9560670 DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2022.100909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
New insight into prognostic factors for recovery of clinical function following posterior decompression for degenerative cervical myelopathy. An increase of IOM amplitude of at least 50% coupled with preoperative T2-only and diffuse T2 signal changes on MRI is a positive prognostic factors for clinical improvement 6 months after surgery. Clinical improvement at 6 months follow-up can be expected in patients with T1 hypo intensity if a diffuse border of the lesion on T2 images is present.
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30
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Su Q, Zhao R, Wang S, Tu H, Guo X, Yang F. Identification and Therapeutic Outcome Prediction of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Based on the Functional Connectivity From Resting-State Functional MRI Data: A Preliminary Machine Learning Study. Front Neurol 2021; 12:711880. [PMID: 34690912 PMCID: PMC8531403 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.711880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, strategies to diagnose patients and predict neurological recovery in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) using MR images of the cervical spine are urgently required. In light of this, this study aimed at exploring potential preoperative brain biomarkers that can be used to diagnose and predict neurological recovery in CSM patients using functional connectivity (FC) analysis of a resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data. Two independent datasets, including total of 53 patients with CSM and 47 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs), underwent the preoperative rs-fMRI procedure. The FC was calculated from the automated anatomical labeling (AAL) template and used as features for machine learning analysis. After that, three analyses were used, namely, the classification of CSM patients from healthy adults using the support vector machine (SVM) within and across datasets, the prediction of preoperative neurological function in CSM patients via support vector regression (SVR) within and across datasets, and the prediction of neurological recovery in CSM patients via SVR within and across datasets. The results showed that CSM patients could be successfully identified from HCs with high classification accuracies (84.2% for dataset 1, 95.2% for dataset 2, and 73.0% for cross-site validation). Furthermore, the rs-FC combined with SVR could successfully predict the neurological recovery in CSM patients. Additionally, our results from cross-site validation analyses exhibited good reproducibility and generalization across the two datasets. Therefore, our findings provide preliminary evidence toward the development of novel strategies to predict neurological recovery in CSM patients using rs-fMRI and machine learning technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Su
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for China, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - ShuoWen Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - HaoYang Tu
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xing Guo
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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31
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Wei W, Wang T, Abulizi T, Li B, Liu J. Altered Coupling Between Resting-State Cerebral Blood Flow and Functional Connectivity Strength in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Patients. Front Neurol 2021; 12:713520. [PMID: 34566857 PMCID: PMC8455933 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.713520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Changes in regional neural activity and functional connectivity in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients have been reported. However, resting-state cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes and coupling between CBF and functional connectivity in CSM patients are largely unknown. Methods: Twenty-seven CSM patients and 24 sex/age-matched healthy participants underwent resting-state functional MRI and arterial spin labeling imaging to compare functional connectivity strength (FCS) and CBF between the two groups. The CBF–FCS coupling of the whole gray matter and specific regions of interest was also compared between the groups. Results: Compared with healthy individuals, CBF–FCS coupling was significantly lower in CSM patients. The decrease in CBF–FCS coupling in CSM patients was observed in the superior frontal gyrus, bilateral thalamus, and right calcarine cortex, whereas the increase in CBF–FCS coupling was observed in the middle frontal gyrus. Moreover, low CBF and high FCS were observed in sensorimotor cortices and visual cortices, respectively. Conclusion: In general, neurovascular decoupling at cortical level may be a potential neuropathological mechanism of CSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuzeng Wei
- Department of Joints, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Clinical College of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Clinical College of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tuersong Abulizi
- Clinical College of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Joints, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Clinical College of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Joints, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Clinical College of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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32
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Tavares S, Costa GG, Galego O, Pereira R. Can Morphometric Analysis of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Be a Tool for Surgical Outcome Prediction? Int J Spine Surg 2021; 15:718-723. [PMID: 34266935 DOI: 10.14444/8094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is one of the leading causes of degenerative cervical myelopathy and the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in the elderly worldwide. Although there is emerging evidence that most patients improve after surgery, the key clinical and imaging factors predicting outcome remain uncertain. Our purpose is to evaluate preoperative and postoperative morphometric parameters on magnetic resonance imaging and their relation with neurological outcome at discharge and at 12-month follow-up. METHODS Morphometric features (volume, area, and antero-posterior diameter of the major stenotic section) were acquired by manual segmentation of the spinal canal using OsiriX open-source software and confronted with neurological outcome (at discharge and 12 months after surgery) using Nurick's scale. RESULTS Fifty-five patients (21 females and 34 males) with a mean age of 64.89 ± 11.95 years were analyzed. Recovery ratio was 2.44% ± 2.40% at discharge and 11.74% ± 2.50% at follow-up. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (P < .001) between Nurick's scale at admission versus discharge, at discharge versus follow-up at 1 year, and between admission and follow-up at 1 year. Morphometric changes (difference and ratio) between preoperative and postoperative measurements were also statistically significant (P < .001, paired samples t test). When linear regression was applied, volume difference was shown to have an influence on clinical improvement (P < .05; R = 0.519). Linear regression was also applied using recovery ratio at discharge and follow-up as dependent variables, with the same conclusion: volume difference between preoperative and postoperative measurements correlates with outcome improvement at 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS Acquisition of morphometric features might be useful in predicting surgical outcome in patients with CSM. This information can be used to inform patients of their long-term postoperative prognosis in the future with more accurate and standardized measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Tavares
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Neurosurgery Department, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Orlando Galego
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Neuroradiology Department, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Pereira
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Neurosurgery Department, Coimbra, Portugal
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33
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Jütten K, Mainz V, Schubert GA, Fabian Gohmann R, Schmidt T, Ridwan H, Clusmann H, Mueller CA, Blume C. Cortical volume reductions as a sign of secondary cerebral and cerebellar impairment in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2021; 30:102624. [PMID: 33773163 PMCID: PMC8025145 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Degenerative cervical myelopathy is the most common cause of chronic impairment of the spinal cord. MRI-based anatomical assessment of cerebral and cerebellar areas revealed significant tissue volume reduction in DCM patients compared to healthy controls. Disease severity correlated with cerebral and cerebellar atrophy in the primary motor cortex, primary somatosensory cortex and cerebellar areas. Chronic injury to the spinal cord seems to have impact on remote anatomical structures in the brain.
This study investigated supra- and infratentorial structural gray and white matter (GM, WM) alterations in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) as an indicator of secondary harm due to chronic cervical cord compression and micro trauma. With MRI-based anatomical assessment and subsequent voxel-based morphometry analyses, pre- and postoperative volume alterations in the primary motor cortex (MI), the primary somatosensory cortex (SI), the supplementary motor area (SMA), and the cerebellum were analyzed in 43 DCM patients and 20 controls. We assessed disease-related symptom severity by the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale (mJOA). The study also explored symptom severity-based brain volume alterations as well as their association with clinical status. Patients had lower mJOA scores (p = .000) and lower GM volume than controls in SI (p = .016) and cerebellar regions (p = .001). Symptom severity-based subgroup analyses revealed volume reductions in almost all investigated GM ROIs (MI: p = .001; CB: p = .040; SMA: p = .007) in patients with severe clinical symptoms as well as atrophy already present in patients with moderate symptom severity. Clinical symptoms in DCM were associated with cortical and cerebellar volume reduction. GM volume alterations may serve as an indicator of both disease severity and ongoing disease progression in DCM, and should be considered in further patient care and treatment monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Jütten
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Verena Mainz
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 19, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Robin Fabian Gohmann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Heart Center Leipzig, Strümpelstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany; Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Liebigstraße 27, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tobias Schmidt
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Hani Ridwan
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Hans Clusmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Christian Blume
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
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34
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Nischal N, Tripathi S, Singh JP. Quantitative Evaluation of the Diffusion Tensor Imaging Matrix Parameters and the Subsequent Correlation with the Clinical Assessment of Disease Severity in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy. Asian Spine J 2020; 15:808-816. [PMID: 33189108 PMCID: PMC8696054 DOI: 10.31616/asj.2020.0223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Study Design We performed a prospective observational study of 52 patients who were clinically suspected of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), based on the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score, and were referred for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine. Purpose To evaluate the quantitative parameters of the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) matrix (fractional anisotropy [FA] and apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC] values) and determine the subsequent correlation with the clinical assessment of disease severity in CSM. Overview of Literature Conventional MRI is the modality of choice for the identification of cervical spondylotic changes and is known to have a low sensitivity for myelopathy changes. DTI is sensitive to disease processes that alter the water movement in the cervical spinal cord at a microscopic level beyond the conventional MRI. Methods DTI images were processed to produce FA and ADC values of the acquired axial slices with the regions of interest placed within the stenotic and non-stenotic segments. The final quantitative radiological derivations were matched with the clinical scoring system. Results Total 52 people (24 men and 28 women), mean age 53.16 years with different symptoms of myelopathy, graded as mild (n=11), moderate (n=25), and severe (n=16) as per the mJOA scoring system, underwent MRI of the cervical spine with DTI. In the most stenotic segments, the mean FA value was significantly lower (0.5009±0.087 vs. 0.655.7±0.104, p<0.001), and the mean ADC value was significantly higher (1.196.5±0.311 vs. 0.9370±0.284, p<0.001) than that in the non-stenotic segments. The overall sensitivity in identifying DTI metrics abnormalities was more with FA (87.5%) and ADC (75.0%) than with T2 weighted images (25%). Conclusions In addition to the routine MRI sequences, DTI metrics (FA value better than ADC) can detect myelopathy even in patients with a mild grade mJOA score before irreversible changes become apparent on routine T2 weighted imaging and thus enhance the clinical success of decompression surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Nischal
- Department of Radiology, Medanta-The Medicity, Gurugram, India
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35
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Labounek R, Valošek J, Horák T, Svátková A, Bednařík P, Vojtíšek L, Horáková M, Nestrašil I, Lenglet C, Cohen-Adad J, Bednařík J, Hluštík P. HARDI-ZOOMit protocol improves specificity to microstructural changes in presymptomatic myelopathy. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17529. [PMID: 33067520 PMCID: PMC7567840 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70297-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) proved promising in patients with non-myelopathic degenerative cervical cord compression (NMDCCC), i.e., without clinically manifested myelopathy. Aim of the study is to present a fast multi-shell HARDI-ZOOMit dMRI protocol and validate its usability to detect microstructural myelopathy in NMDCCC patients. In 7 young healthy volunteers, 13 age-comparable healthy controls, 18 patients with mild NMDCCC and 15 patients with severe NMDCCC, the protocol provided higher signal-to-noise ratio, enhanced visualization of white/gray matter structures in microstructural maps, improved dMRI metric reproducibility, preserved sensitivity (SE = 87.88%) and increased specificity (SP = 92.31%) of control-patient group differences when compared to DTI-RESOLVE protocol (SE = 87.88%, SP = 76.92%). Of the 56 tested microstructural parameters, HARDI-ZOOMit yielded significant patient-control differences in 19 parameters, whereas in DTI-RESOLVE data, differences were observed in 10 parameters, with mostly lower robustness. Novel marker the white-gray matter diffusivity gradient demonstrated the highest separation. HARDI-ZOOMit protocol detected larger number of crossing fibers (5–15% of voxels) with physiologically plausible orientations than DTI-RESOLVE protocol (0–8% of voxels). Crossings were detected in areas of dorsal horns and anterior white commissure. HARDI-ZOOMit protocol proved to be a sensitive and practical tool for clinical quantitative spinal cord imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Labounek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Olomouc, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Department of Neurology, Palacký University, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Division of Clinical Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
| | - Jan Valošek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Olomouc, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Department of Neurology, Palacký University, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Horák
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Brno, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Svátková
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Medicine III, Clinical Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Imaging Methods, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, 701 03, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Bednařík
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.,High Field MR Centre, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lubomír Vojtíšek
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Magda Horáková
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Brno, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Igor Nestrašil
- Division of Clinical Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA.,Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
| | - Christophe Lenglet
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
| | - Julien Cohen-Adad
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Josef Bednařík
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Brno, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Hluštík
- Department of Neurology, Palacký University, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic. .,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Olomouc, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
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36
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Lee E, Lee JW, Bae YJ, Kim HJ, Kang Y, Ahn JM. Reliability of pre-operative diffusion tensor imaging parameter measurements of the cervical spine in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17410. [PMID: 33060848 PMCID: PMC7566607 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74624-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study assessed test–retest and inter-observer reliability of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), as well as the agreement among measurement methods. A total 34 patients (12 men, 22 women; mean age, 58.7 [range 45–79] years) who underwent surgical decompression for CSM, with pre-operative DTI scans available, were retrospectively enrolled. Four observers independently measured fractional anisotropy (FA) values twice, using three different measurement methods. Test–retest and inter-observer reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Overall, inter-observer agreements varied according to spinal cord level and the measurement methods used, and ranged from poor to excellent agreement (ICC = 0.374–0.821), with relatively less agreement for the sagittal region of interest (ROI) method. The radiology resident and neuro-radiologist group showed excellent test–retest reliability at almost every spinal cord level (ICC = 0.887–0.997), but inter-observer agreements varied from fair to good (ICC = 0.404–0.747). Despite excellent test–retest reliability of the ROI measurements, FA measurements in patients with CSM varied widely in terms of inter-observer reliability. Therefore, DTI parameter data should be interpreted carefully when applied clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Lee
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166, Gumi-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 463-707, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Joon Woo Lee
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166, Gumi-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 463-707, Gyeonggi-do, Korea.
| | - Yun Jung Bae
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166, Gumi-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 463-707, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Hyo Jin Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166, Gumi-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 463-707, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Yusuhn Kang
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166, Gumi-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 463-707, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Joong Mo Ahn
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166, Gumi-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 463-707, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
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37
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Zhang H, Guan L, Hai Y, Liu Y, Ding H, Chen X. Multi-shot echo-planar diffusion tensor imaging in cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Bone Joint J 2020; 102-B:1210-1218. [PMID: 32862690 DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.102b9.bjj-2020-0468.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to use diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate changes in diffusion metrics in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) up to five years after decompressive surgery. We correlated these changes with clinical outcomes as scored by the Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) method, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). METHODS We used multi-shot, high-resolution, diffusion tensor imaging (ms-DTI) in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) to investigate the change in diffusion metrics and clinical outcomes up to five years after anterior cervical interbody discectomy and fusion (ACDF). High signal intensity was identified on T2-weighted imaging, along with DTI metrics such as fractional anisotropy (FA). MJOA, NDI, and VAS scores were also collected and compared at each follow-up point. Spearman correlations identified correspondence between FA and clinical outcome scores. RESULTS Significant differences in mJOA scores and FA values were found between preoperative and postoperative timepoints up to two years after surgery. FA at the level of maximum cord compression (MCL) preoperatively was significantly correlated with the preoperative mJOA score. FA postoperatively was also significantly correlated with the postoperative mJOA score. There was no statistical relationship between NDI and mJOA or VAS. CONCLUSION ms-DTI can detect microstructural changes in affected cord segments and reflect functional improvement. Both FA values and mJOA scores showed maximum recovery two years after surgery. The DTI metrics are significantly associated with pre- and postoperative mJOA scores. DTI metrics are a more sensitive, timely, and quantifiable surrogate for evaluating patients with CSM and a potential quantifiable biomarker for spinal cord dysfunction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1210-1218.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwen Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Guan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Hai
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuzeng Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongtao Ding
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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38
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Han X, Ma X, Li D, Wang J, Jiang W, Cheng X, Li G, Guo H, Tian W. The Evaluation and Prediction of Laminoplasty Surgery Outcome in Patients with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Using Diffusion Tensor MRI. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2020; 41:1745-1753. [PMID: 32816762 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE DTI has been proved valuable for the diagnosis of degenerative cervical myelopathy, whereas its capacity for predicting the outcome of surgery is still under debate. Here we conduct a prospective cohort study to analyze the capacity of DTI for evaluating and predicting laminoplasty surgery outcome for degenerative cervical myelopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We recruited 55 patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy who underwent DTI before surgery and at 3- and 6-month follow-up stages, and 20 healthy subjects. For clinical assessment, the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale was recorded for each patient at different stages. DTI metrics were compared between patients before surgery and healthy subjects. Spearman correlation and receiver operating characteristic were used to analyze the evaluation and prediction capacity of DTI for the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale, respectively. We analyzed different vertebral levels: maximal compression level, average of all compression levels, and C2 level. RESULTS DTI metrics were significantly different between patients before surgery and healthy subjects. Before surgery, DTI for the maximal compression level or DTI for the average of all compression levels had no significant correlation with the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale. For all stages, DTI at the C2 level was correlated with the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale. DTI metrics at the C2 level before surgery were significantly correlated with the postoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale recovery rate. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that fractional anisotropy at C2 was capable of predicting the postoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale recovery rate (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS The DTI metrics before laminoplasty surgery, especially fractional anisotropy at the C2 level, have the potential for evaluating and predicting the degenerative cervical myelopathy surgery outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Han
- From the Department of Spine Surgery (X.H., D.L., J.W., W.T.), Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics (X.H.), Beijing, China
| | - X Ma
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (X.M.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - D Li
- From the Department of Spine Surgery (X.H., D.L., J.W., W.T.), Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Center of Gerontology (D.L.), Beijing, China
| | - J Wang
- From the Department of Spine Surgery (X.H., D.L., J.W., W.T.), Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - W Jiang
- Department of Radiology (W.J., X.C., G.L.), Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - X Cheng
- Department of Radiology (W.J., X.C., G.L.), Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - G Li
- Department of Radiology (W.J., X.C., G.L.), Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - H Guo
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research (H.F.), Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - W Tian
- From the Department of Spine Surgery (X.H., D.L., J.W., W.T.), Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
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Kamiya K, Hori M, Aoki S. NODDI in clinical research. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 346:108908. [PMID: 32814118 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Diffusion MRI (dMRI) has proven to be a useful imaging approach for both clinical diagnosis and research investigating the microstructures of nervous tissues, and it has helped us to better understand the neurophysiological mechanisms of many diseases. Though diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has long been the default tool to analyze dMRI data in clinical research, acquisition with stronger diffusion weightings beyond the DTI regimen is now possible with modern clinical scanners, potentially enabling even more detailed characterization of tissue microstructures. To take advantage of such data, neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) has been proposed as a way to relate the dMRI signal to tissue features via biophysically inspired modeling. The number of reports demonstrating the potential clinical utility of NODDI is rapidly increasing. At the same time, the pitfalls and limitations of NODDI, and general challenges in microstructure modeling, are becoming increasingly recognized by clinicians. dMRI microstructure modeling is a rapidly evolving field with great promise, where people from different scientific backgrounds, such as physics, medicine, biology, neuroscience, and statistics, are collaborating to build novel tools that contribute to improving human healthcare. Here, we review the applications of NODDI in clinical research and discuss future perspectives for investigations toward the implementation of dMRI microstructure imaging in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouhei Kamiya
- Department of Radiology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Radiology, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Radiology, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Masaaki Hori
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Radiology, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeki Aoki
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
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The Functional Relevance of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Patients with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9061828. [PMID: 32545316 PMCID: PMC7355923 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: In addition to conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been investigated as a potential diagnostic and predictive tool for patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). In this preliminary study, we evaluated the use of quantitative DTI in the clinical practice as a possible measure to correlate with upper limbs function. (2) Methods: A total of 11 patients were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Fractional anisotropy (FA) values was extracted from DTI data before and after surgery using a GE Signa 1.5 T MRI scanner. The Nine-Hole Peg Test and a digital dynamometer were used to measure dexterity and hand strength, respectively. (3) Results: We found a significant increase of FA values after surgery, in particular below the most compressed level (p = 0.044) as well as an improvement in postoperative dexterity and hand strength. Postoperative FA values moderately correlate with hand dexterity (r = 0.4272, R2 = 0.0735, p = 0.19 for the right hand; r = 0.2087, R2 = 0.2265, p = 0.53 for the left hand). (4) Conclusion: FA may be used as a marker of myelopathy and could represent a promising diagnostic value in patients affected by DCM. Surgical decompression can improve the clinical outcome of these patients, especially in terms of the control of finger-hand coordination and dexterity.
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Diffusion Tensor Imaging Characteristics in Hirayama Disease: Case Report and Review of the Literature. World Neurosurg 2020; 140:180-187. [PMID: 32437983 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hirayama disease (HD) is a rare focal amyotrophy, commonly reported in adolescent Asian males and characterized by unilateral or asymmetric distal upper extremity weakness. This disease exhibits an indolent course of progression over the initial 3-4 years, followed by a stage of stabilization. The diagnosis is confirmed by demonstration of enhanced posterior epidural space and dynamic spinal cord compression on cervical flexion magnetic resonance imaging. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a functional imaging modality, which can potentially be utilized in the diagnosis of HD. CASE DESCRIPTION We hereby report 2 young male patients who had presented to us with bilateral asymmetric upper extremity weakness. In both patients, magnetic resonance imaging of cervical spine revealed spinal cord atrophy or myelomalacia, anterior displacement of posterior thecal sac, and T2 hyperintense posterior epidural space, all of which were more evident in flexed position. On DTI, we could observe reduced fractional anisotropy in cervical flexion, as compared with neutral. CONCLUSIONS DTI tractography and reduced fractional anisotropy in cervical flexion can serve as potential indicators for the diagnosis of HD. Large-scale studies in the future are necessary to identify the potential role of this modality in surgical decision-making and in the assessment of prognosis in patients with HD.
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Dauleac C, Frindel C, Mertens P, Jacquesson T, Cotton F. Overcoming challenges of the human spinal cord tractography for routine clinical use: a review. Neuroradiology 2020; 62:1079-1094. [DOI: 10.1007/s00234-020-02442-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Zaninovich OA, Avila MJ, Kay M, Becker JL, Hurlbert RJ, Martirosyan NL. The role of diffusion tensor imaging in the diagnosis, prognosis, and assessment of recovery and treatment of spinal cord injury: a systematic review. Neurosurg Focus 2020; 46:E7. [PMID: 30835681 DOI: 10.3171/2019.1.focus18591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an MRI tool that provides an objective, noninvasive, in vivo assessment of spinal cord injury (SCI). DTI is significantly better at visualizing microstructures than standard MRI sequences. In this imaging modality, the direction and amplitude of the diffusion of water molecules inside tissues is measured, and this diffusion can be measured using a variety of parameters. As a result, the potential clinical application of DTI has been studied in several spinal cord pathologies, including SCI. The aim of this study was to describe the current state of the potential clinical utility of DTI in patients with SCI and the challenges to its use as a tool in clinical practice.METHODSA search in the PubMed database was conducted for articles relating to the use of DTI in SCI. The citations of relevant articles were also searched for additional articles.RESULTSAmong the most common DTI metrics are fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity. Changes in these metrics reflect changes in tissue integrity. Several DTI metrics and combinations thereof have demonstrated significant correlations with clinical function both in model species and in humans. Its applications encompass the full spectrum of the clinical assessment of SCI including diagnosis, prognosis, recovery, and efficacy of treatments in both the spinal cord and potentially the brain.CONCLUSIONSDTI and its metrics have great potential to become a powerful clinical tool in SCI. However, the current limitations of DTI preclude its use beyond research and into clinical practice. Further studies are needed to significantly improve and resolve these limitations as well as to determine reliable time-specific changes in multiple DTI metrics for this tool to be used accurately and reliably in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew Kay
- 3Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Jennifer L Becker
- 3Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: How to Identify the Best Responders to Surgery? J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9030759. [PMID: 32168833 PMCID: PMC7141260 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9030759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Surgery is the only definitive treatment for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), however, the degree of neurological recovery is often unpredictable. Here, we assess the utility of a multidimensional diagnostic approach, consisting of clinical, neurophysiological, and radiological parameters, to identify patients likely to benefit most from surgery. Thirty-six consecutive patients were prospectively analyzed using the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score, MEPs/SSEPs and advance and conventional MRI parameters, at baseline, and 3- and 12-month postoperatively. Patients were subdivided into “normal” and “best” responders (<50%, ≥50% improvement in mJOA), and correlation between Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) parameters, mJOA, and MEP/SSEP latencies were examined. Twenty patients were “best” responders and 16 were “normal responders”, but there were no statistical differences in age, T2 hyperintensity, and midsagittal diameter between them. There was a significant inverse correlation between the MEPs central conduction time and mJOA in the preoperative period (p = 0.0004), and a positive correlation between fractional anisotropy (FA) and mJOA during all the phases of the study, and statistically significant at 1-year (r = 0.66, p = 0.0005). FA was significantly higher amongst “best responders” compared to “normal responders” preoperatively and at 1-year (p = 0.02 and p = 0.009). A preoperative FA > 0.55 was predictor of a better postoperative outcome. Overall, these results support the concept of a multidisciplinary approach in the assessment and management of DCM.
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Degenerative cervical myelopathy - update and future directions. Nat Rev Neurol 2020; 16:108-124. [PMID: 31974455 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-019-0303-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the leading cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adults worldwide. DCM encompasses various acquired (age-related) and congenital pathologies related to degeneration of the cervical spinal column, including hypertrophy and/or calcification of the ligaments, intervertebral discs and osseous tissues. These pathologies narrow the spinal canal, leading to chronic spinal cord compression and disability. Owing to the ageing population, rates of DCM are increasing. Expeditious diagnosis and treatment of DCM are needed to avoid permanent disability. Over the past 10 years, advances in basic science and in translational and clinical research have improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of DCM and helped delineate evidence-based practices for diagnosis and treatment. Surgical decompression is recommended for moderate and severe DCM; the best strategy for mild myelopathy remains unclear. Next-generation quantitative microstructural MRI and neurophysiological recordings promise to enable quantification of spinal cord tissue damage and help predict clinical outcomes. Here, we provide a comprehensive, evidence-based review of DCM, including its definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, and non-operative and operative management. With this Review, we aim to equip physicians across broad disciplines with the knowledge necessary to make a timely diagnosis of DCM, recognize the clinical features that influence management and identify when urgent surgical intervention is warranted.
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David G, Mohammadi S, Martin AR, Cohen-Adad J, Weiskopf N, Thompson A, Freund P. Traumatic and nontraumatic spinal cord injury: pathological insights from neuroimaging. Nat Rev Neurol 2019; 15:718-731. [PMID: 31673093 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-019-0270-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Pathophysiological changes in the spinal cord white and grey matter resulting from injury can be observed with MRI techniques. These techniques provide sensitive markers of macrostructural and microstructural tissue integrity, which correlate with histological findings. Spinal cord MRI findings in traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) and nontraumatic spinal cord injury - the most common form of which is degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) - have provided important insights into the pathophysiological processes taking place not just at the focal injury site but also rostral and caudal to the spinal injury. Although tSCI and DCM have different aetiologies, they show similar degrees of spinal cord pathology remote from the injury site, suggesting the involvement of similar secondary degenerative mechanisms. Advanced quantitative MRI protocols that are sensitive to spinal cord pathology have the potential to improve diagnosis and, more importantly, predict outcomes in patients with tSCI or nontraumatic spinal cord injury. This Review describes the insights into tSCI and DCM that have been revealed by neuroimaging and outlines current activities and future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely David
- Spinal Cord Injury Center Balgrist, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Siawoosh Mohammadi
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Allan R Martin
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julien Cohen-Adad
- NeuroPoly Lab, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nikolaus Weiskopf
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alan Thompson
- Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Patrick Freund
- Spinal Cord Injury Center Balgrist, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK. .,Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany. .,Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK. .,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Shabani S, Kaushal M, Budde M, Schmit B, Wang MC, Kurpad S. Comparison between quantitative measurements of diffusion tensor imaging and T2 signal intensity in a large series of cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients for assessment of disease severity and prognostication of recovery. J Neurosurg Spine 2019; 31:473-479. [PMID: 31174184 DOI: 10.3171/2019.3.spine181328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a common cause of spinal cord dysfunction. Recently, it has been shown that diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) may be a better biomarker than T2-weighted signal intensity (T2SI) on MRI for CSM. However, there is very little literature on a comparison between the quantitative measurements of DTI and T2SI in the CSM patient population to determine disease severity and recovery. METHODS A prospective analysis of 46 patients with both preoperative DTI and T2-weighted MRI was undertaken. Normalized T2SI (NT2SI), regardless of the presence or absence of T2SI at the level of maximum compression (LMC), was determined by calculating the T2SI at the LMC/T2SI at the level of the foramen magnum. Regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship of fractional anisotropy (FA), a quantitative measure derived from DTI, and NT2SI individually as well their combination with baseline preoperative modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score and ∆mJOA score at the 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups. Goodness-of-fit analysis was done using residual diagnostics. In addition, mixed-effects regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of FA and NT2SI individually. A p value < 0.05 was selected to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS Regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between FA at the LMC and preoperative mJOA score (p = 0.041) but a significant negative correlation between FA at the LMC and the ΔmJOA score at the 12-month follow-up (p = 0.010). All other relationships between FA at the LMC and the baseline preoperative mJOA score or ∆mJOA score at the 3-, 6-, and 24-month follow-ups were not statistically significant. For NT2SI and the combination of FA and NT2SI, no significant relationships with preoperative mJOA score or ∆mJOA at 3, 6, and 24 months were seen on regression analysis. However, there was a significant correlation of combined FA and NT2SI with ∆mJOA score at the 12-month follow-up. Mixed-effects regression revealed that FA measured at the LMC was the only significant predictor of ΔmJOA score (p = 0.03), whereas NT2SI and time were not. Goodness-of-fit analysis did not show any evidence of lack of fit. CONCLUSIONS In this large prospective study of CSM patients, FA at LMC appears to be a better biomarker for determining long-term outcomes following surgery in CSM patients than NT2SI or the combination values at LMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Shabani
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin; and
| | - Mayank Kaushal
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin; and
| | - Matthew Budde
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin; and
| | - Brian Schmit
- 2Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Marjorie C Wang
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin; and
| | - Shekar Kurpad
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin; and
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Zileli M, Borkar SA, Sinha S, Reinas R, Alves ÓL, Kim SH, Pawar S, Murali B, Parthiban J. Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: Natural Course and the Value of Diagnostic Techniques -WFNS Spine Committee Recommendations. Neurospine 2019; 16:386-402. [PMID: 31607071 PMCID: PMC6790728 DOI: 10.14245/ns.1938240.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study presents the results of a systematic literature review conducted to determine most up-to-date information on the natural outcome of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and the most reliable diagnostic techniques.
Methods A literature search was performed for articles published during the last 10 years.
Results The natural course of patients with cervical stenosis and signs of myelopathy is quite variable. In patients with no symptoms, but significant stenosis, the risk of developing myelopathy with cervical stenosis is approximately 3% per year. Myelopathic signs are useful for the clinical diagnosis of CSM. However, they are not highly sensitive and may be absent in approximately one-fifth of patients with myelopathy. The electrophysiological tests to be used in CSM patients are motor evoked potential (MEP), spinal cord evoked potential, somatosensory evoked potential, and electromyography (EMG). The differential diagnosis of CSM from other neurological conditions can be accomplished by those tests. MEP and EMG monitoring are useful to reduce C5 root palsy during CSM surgery. Notable spinal cord T2 hyperintensity on cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is correlated with a worse outcome, whereas lighter signal changes may predict better outcomes. T1 hypointensity should be considered a sign of more advanced disease.
Conclusion The natural course of CSM is quite variable. Signal changes on MRI and some electrophysiological tests are valuable adjuncts to diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Zileli
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sachin A Borkar
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sumit Sinha
- Neurosurgery and Spine Services, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram, India
| | - Rui Reinas
- Neurosurgical Department, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Hospital Lusíadas, Porto, Portugal
| | - Óscar L Alves
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Lusíadas, Porto, Portugal
| | - Se-Hoon Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Bala Murali
- Kauvery Advanced Spine Centre, Chennai, India
| | - Jutty Parthiban
- Department Neurosurgery and Spine Unit, Kovai Medical Center and Hospital, Tamilnadu, India
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Towards prognostic functional brain biomarkers for cervical myelopathy: A resting-state fMRI study. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10456. [PMID: 31320690 PMCID: PMC6639260 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46859-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been increasing interest in strategies to predict neurological recovery in cervical myelopathy (CM) based on clinical images of the cervical spine. In this study, we aimed to explore potential preoperative brain biomarkers that can predict postoperative neurological recovery in CM patients by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and functional connectivity (FC) analysis. Twenty-eight patients with CM and 28 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent rs-fMRI (twice for CM patients, before and six months after surgery). A seed-to-voxel analysis was performed, and the following three statistical analyses were conducted: (i) FC comparisons between preoperative CM and HC; (ii) correlation analysis between preoperative FCs and clinical scores; and (iii) postoperative FC changes in CM. Our analyses identified three FCs between the visual cortex and the right superior frontal gyrus based on the conjunction of the first two analyses [(i) and (ii)]. These FCs may act as potential biomarkers for postoperative gain in the 10-second test and might be sufficient to provide a prediction formula for potential recovery. Our findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the possibility of novel predictive measures for neurological recovery in CM using rs-fMRI.
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Wang H, Li X, Wang Y, Sun J, Wang Y, Xu X, Zhang B, Shi J. Assessing Spinal Cord Injury Area in Patients with Tethered Cord Syndrome by Diffusion Tensor Imaging. World Neurosurg 2019; 127:e542-e547. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.03.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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