Diffusion Tensor Imaging as a novel technique in early detection of cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Introduction: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an advanced MR imaging technique which helps in early detection of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Decompressive surgery performed during early stages of the disease was reported to be more successful when compared with later stages. Aim: To evaluate the usefulness of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in early stages of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and to aid in better surgical outcome. Materials and methods: This prospective observational study included 25 patients with clinical diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent routine MRI of the cervical spine. Conventional MRI sequences along with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were performed. Quantitative fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were compared at stenotic and nonstenotic segments. Results: A statistically significant difference in mean FA and ADC values were seen at stenotic and nonstenotic segments. In the most stenotic segments, the mean FA value was 0.415 ± 0.203 and in the nonstenotic segment, the mean FA value was 0.717 ± 0.160, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The mean ADC value in the most stenotic segments was 1.777 ± 1.005 x 10-3 mm2/s and that of the nonstenotic segments was 1.010 ± 0.458 x 10-3 mm2/s. The difference in the mean ADC value was statistically significant (p <0.001). Conclusion: Use of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) along with conventional MRI sequences enables early detection of the disease and helps in appropriate timing of surgery. Keywords: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA)

A comparison of methods for the registration of tractographic fibre images

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography have opened up new avenues in neuroscience and are allowing previously unexplored areas of neuroanatomy and function to be researched

Early diffusion evidence of retrograde transsynaptic degeneration in the human visual system

We investigated whether diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) indices of white matter integrity would offer early markers of retrograde transsynaptic degeneration (RTD) in the visual system after stroke Objective: We investigated whether diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) indices of white matter integrity would offer early markers of retrograde transsynaptic degeneration (RTD) in the visual system after stroke. Methods: We performed a prospective longitudinal analysis of the sensitivity of DTI markers of optic tract health in 12 patients with postsynaptic visual pathway stroke, 12 stroke controls, and 28 healthy controls. We examined group differences in (1) optic tract fractional anisotropy (FA-asymmetry), (2) perimetric measures of visual impairment, and (3) the relationship between FA-asymmetry and perimetric assessment. Results: FA-asymmetry was higher in patients with visual pathway lesions than in control groups. These differences were evident 3 months from the time of injury and did not change significantly at 12 months. Perimetric measures showed evidence of impairment in participants with visual pathway stroke but not in control groups. A significant association was observed between FA-asymmetry and perimetric measures at 3 months, which persisted at 12 months. Conclusions: DTI markers of RTD are apparent 3 months from the time of injury. This represents the earliest noninvasive evidence of RTD in any species. Furthermore, these measures associate with measures of visual impairment. DTI measures offer a reproducible, noninvasive, and sensitive method of investigating RTD and its role in visual impairment

Diffusion Tensor Imaging

This unit provides step‐by‐step instructions on how to perform diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in a clinical setting. A brief introduction on DTI techniques and current clinical applications is also presented. Additional technical details, practical considerations, and anticipated results are discussed in a commentary section.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/145355/1/cpmia0604.pd

Influence of Analysis Technique on Measurement of Diffusion Tensor Imaging Parameters

We compared results from various methods of analysis of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data from a single data set consisting of 10 healthy adolescents

Multiparametric computer-aided differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia using structural and advanced MRI

textabstractObjectives: To investigate the added diagnostic value of arterial spin labelling (ASL) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to structural MRI for computer-aided classificat

Episodic Memory in Detoxified Alcoholics: Contribution of Grey Matter Microstructure Alteration

Even though uncomplicated alcoholics may likely have episodic memory deficits, discrepancies exist regarding to the integrity of brain regions that underlie this function in healthy subjects. Possible relationships between episodic memory and 1) brain microstructure assessed by magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), 2) brain volumes assessed by voxel-based morphometry (VBM) were investigated in uncomplicated, detoxified alcoholics

Diffusion imaging and tractography of congenital brain malformations.

Diffusion imaging is an MRI modality that measures the microscopic molecular motion of water in order to investigate white matter microstructure. The modality has been used extensively in recent years to investigate the neuroanatomical basis of congenital brain malformations. We review the basic principles of diffusion imaging and of specific techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI). We show how DTI and HARDI, and their application to fiber tractography, has elucidated the aberrant connectivity underlying a number of congenital brain malformations. Finally, we discuss potential uses for diffusion imaging of developmental disorders in the clinical and research realms

Optic radiation tractography and vision in anterior temporal lobe resection.

Anterior temporal lobe resection (ATLR) is an effective treatment for refractory temporal lobe epilepsy but may result in a contralateral superior visual field deficit (VFD) that precludes driving in the seizure-free patient. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography can delineate the optic radiation preoperatively and stratify risk. It would be advantageous to incorporate display of tracts into interventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to guide surgery