Value of MRI and DTI as Biomarkers for Classifying Acute Spinal Cord Injury
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine if rapid acquisition diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in conjunction with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used as a reliable surrogate for assessing extent of neurologic injury and potential for recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: 23 SCI patients and 40 control subjects were employed in this study. An MRI/DTI was obtained at initial admission, prior to surgical intervention. Full INSCSCI neurologic evaluation was performed at five time points up to six months after injury. MRI and DTI indices were compared to interval neurologic status and recovery trajectories. Results: Spinal cord hemorrhage and edema on anatomic MRI, and FA, ADC, RD and AD indices derived from DTI data correlate significantly to temporal neurologic parameters that assess extent of neurologic deficit. MRI and DTI indices have a relationship to neurologic recovery parameters. Conclusions: MRI and DTI are valid and objective tools for gauging extent of neurologic injury after SCI and could play a role in helping to forecast potential for recovery in lieu of or as a complementary role to neurologic evaluation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA624334
Entities
People
- Adam E. Flanders
Organizations
- Thomas Jefferson University