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Hohenhaus M, Klingler JH, Scholz C, Volz F, Hubbe U, Beck J, Reisert M, Würtemberger U, Kremers N, Wolf K. Automated signal intensity analysis of the spinal cord for detection of degenerative cervical myelopathy - a matched-pair MRI study. Neuroradiology 2023; 65:1545-1554. [PMID: 37386202 PMCID: PMC10497437 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-023-03187-w] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Detection of T2 hyperintensities in suspected degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is done subjectively in clinical practice. To gain objective quantification for dedicated treatment, signal intensity analysis of the spinal cord is purposeful. We investigated fully automated quantification of the T2 signal intensity (T2-SI) of the spinal cord using a high-resolution MRI segmentation. METHODS Matched-pair analysis of prospective acquired cervical 3D T2-weighted sequences of 114 symptomatic patients and 88 healthy volunteers. Cervical spinal cord was segmented automatically through a trained convolutional neuronal network with subsequent T2-SI registration slice-by-slice. Received T2-SI curves were subdivided for each cervical level from C2 to C7. Additionally, all levels were subjectively classified concerning a present T2 hyperintensity. For T2-positive levels, corresponding T2-SI curves were compared to curves of age-matched volunteers at the identical level. RESULTS Forty-nine patients showed subjective T2 hyperintensities at any level. The corresponding T2-SI curves showed higher signal variabilities reflected by standard deviation (18.51 vs. 7.47 a.u.; p < 0.001) and range (56.09 vs. 24.34 a.u.; p < 0.001) compared to matched controls. Percentage of the range from the mean absolute T2-SI per cervical level, introduced as "T2 myelopathy index" (T2-MI), was correspondingly significantly higher in T2-positive segments (23.99% vs. 10.85%; p < 0.001). ROC analysis indicated excellent differentiation for all three parameters (AUC 0.865-0.920). CONCLUSION This fully automated T2-SI quantification of the spinal cord revealed significantly increased signal variability for DCM patients compared to healthy volunteers. This innovative procedure and the applied parameters showed sufficient diagnostic accuracy, potentially diagnosing radiological DCM more objective to optimize treatment recommendation. TRIAL REGISTRATION DRKS00012962 (17.01.2018) and DRKS00017351 (28.05.2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Hohenhaus
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Jan-Helge Klingler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Scholz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Florian Volz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Hubbe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Beck
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marco Reisert
- Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Urs Würtemberger
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nico Kremers
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Wolf
- Department of Neurology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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To Investigate the Effect of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) in the Diagnosis of Mild Craniocerebral Injury. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:8469939. [PMID: 36187501 PMCID: PMC9519278 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8469939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In order to assess the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in microscopic brain scans. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRI) changes over time in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) show a relationship between recovery from coma and overall Glasgow prognostic parameters. The value of DTI combined with MRI in evaluating TBI has been investigated. 10 patients with TBI received 10 evaluations of magnetic resonance imaging, DTI and MRI scans. Thalamic plate nucleus, reticular nucleus, and retinal developmental activity were measured in normal controls and TBI coma (2-3 weeks) and mild (>4 weeks) patients. Anisotropy, mean diffusion coefficient, axial diffusion coefficient, and radial diffusion coefficient were measured using MRI together with acetylaspartic acid, choline, creatinine, and lactic acid. Independent control t-tests were conducted between controls and TBI patients, and 1-test paired between moderate and severe injuries, and regression and correlation were evaluated. Evaluated for all measures and treatments. DTI and MRI scores in TBI patients differed from normal controls. DTI and MRI can predict the prognosis of TBI patients better. The limitations of the thalamus-retinal activation system are gradually restored. axial diffusion coefficient and radial diffusion coefficient can be used to evaluate the reliability of comatose patients with TBI. DTI and MRI scans of the patient's brain can predict recovery and guide treatment in TBI coma patients.
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Liang S, Yang F, Zhang Y, Zhao H, Wang X. Changes and clinical correlation of diffusion tensor imaging parameters of compressed spinal cord and nerve root in patients with cervical spondylosis. BMC Med Imaging 2022; 22:107. [PMID: 35659198 PMCID: PMC9166510 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-022-00835-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to quantitatively study the characteristics of the related spinal cord and nerve root compression parameters in patients with cervical spondylosis (CS), and diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) was used to visualize the spinal cord and nerve root and analyze their relevance to clinical evaluation. METHODS A total of 67 patients with CS and 30 healthy volunteers received 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging. Cervical DTI and DTT were performed in all the participants, where the b value of DTI was set at 800 s/mm2. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the spinal cord and cervical nerve roots were measured by using DTI. Patients with CS were scored according to the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score. RESULTS In all the participants, the spinal cord and cervical nerve roots were clearly visible by DTT. Compared to the healthy volunteers, the FA values were significantly decreased and ADC values were significantly increased in patients with CS. mJOA score was significantly correlated with the DTI index (ADC and FA) values. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis revealed that FA and ADC could identify mild, moderate, and severe CS. CONCLUSIONS DTI parameters of cervical spinal cord and nerve root compression are associated with the clinical evaluation of patients with CS and may be helpful in assessing the severity of CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Liang
- Department of Radiology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Radiology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Huiyu Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinyue Wang
- Department of Radiology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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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: 12.5] [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, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lindsay Tetreault
- Department of Neurology, New York University, Langone Health, Graduate Medical Education, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aria Nouri
- Division of Neurosurgery, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- University Spine Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Freund
- University Spine Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jefferson R. Wilson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University 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, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - James D. Guest
- Department of Neurosurgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, The Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shekar N Kurpad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI, USA
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Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Clinical Presentation, Assessment, and Natural History. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10163626. [PMID: 34441921 PMCID: PMC8396963 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a leading cause of spinal cord injury and a major contributor to morbidity resulting from narrowing of the spinal canal due to osteoarthritic changes. This narrowing produces chronic spinal cord compression and neurologic disability with a variety of symptoms ranging from mild numbness in the upper extremities to quadriparesis and incontinence. Clinicians from all specialties should be familiar with the early signs and symptoms of this prevalent condition to prevent gradual neurologic compromise through surgical consultation, where appropriate. The purpose of this review is to familiarize medical practitioners with the pathophysiology, common presentations, diagnosis, and management (conservative and surgical) for DCM to develop informed discussions with patients and recognize those in need of early surgical referral to prevent severe neurologic deterioration.
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Tu J, Vargas Castillo J, Das A, Diwan AD. Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Insights into Its Pathobiology and Molecular Mechanisms. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10061214. [PMID: 33804008 PMCID: PMC8001572 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10061214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), earlier referred to as cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), is the most common and serious neurological disorder in the elderly population caused by chronic progressive compression or irritation of the spinal cord in the neck. The clinical features of DCM include localised neck pain and functional impairment of motor function in the arms, fingers and hands. If left untreated, this can lead to significant and permanent nerve damage including paralysis and death. Despite recent advancements in understanding the DCM pathology, prognosis remains poor and little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis. Moreover, there is scant evidence for the best treatment suitable for DCM patients. Decompressive surgery remains the most effective long-term treatment for this pathology, although the decision of when to perform such a procedure remains challenging. Given the fact that the aged population in the world is continuously increasing, DCM is posing a formidable challenge that needs urgent attention. Here, in this comprehensive review, we discuss the current knowledge of DCM pathology, including epidemiology, diagnosis, natural history, pathophysiology, risk factors, molecular features and treatment options. In addition to describing different scoring and classification systems used by clinicians in diagnosing DCM, we also highlight how advanced imaging techniques are being used to study the disease process. Last but not the least, we discuss several molecular underpinnings of DCM aetiology, including the cells involved and the pathways and molecules that are hallmarks of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Tu
- Spine Labs, St. George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia; (J.T.); (A.D.D.)
| | | | - Abhirup Das
- Spine Labs, St. George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia; (J.T.); (A.D.D.)
- Spine Service, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Ashish D. Diwan
- Spine Labs, St. George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia; (J.T.); (A.D.D.)
- Spine Service, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia;
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Nouri A, Gondar R, Cheng JS, Kotter MR, Tessitore E. Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy and the Aging Spine: Introduction to the Special Issue. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9082535. [PMID: 32781513 PMCID: PMC7465261 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of spinal cord injury in the world, but despite this, there remains many areas of uncertainty regarding the management of the condition. This special issue was dedicated to presenting current research topics in DCM. Within this issue, 12 publications are presented, including an introductory narrative overview of DCM and 11 articles comprising 9 research papers and 2 systematic reviews focusing on different aspects, ranging from genetic factors to clinical assessments, imaging, sagittal balance, surgical treatment, and outcome prediction. These articles represented contributions from a diverse group of researchers coming from multiple countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, United States, South Korea, and Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aria Nouri
- Department of Neurosurgery, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (R.G.); (E.T.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Renato Gondar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (R.G.); (E.T.)
| | - Joseph S. Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
| | - Mark R.N. Kotter
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK;
| | - Enrico Tessitore
- Department of Neurosurgery, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (R.G.); (E.T.)
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