Correlations of diffusion tensor imaging and clinical measures with spinal cord cross-sectional area measurements in pediatric spinal cord injury patients

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2023 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.1997027 · Published: January 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study uses a special type of MRI called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to look at the spinal cords of children with and without spinal cord injuries. The researchers measured the cross-sectional area of the spinal cord (SCCSA) and looked for correlations between SCCSA and DTI measurements. The goal was to see if these measurements could help us better understand spinal cord injury in children.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

10 typically developing pediatric subjects and 10 pediatric subjects with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
In children with SCI, there was a positive correlation between FA (a DTI metric) and SCCSA, meaning that higher FA was associated with a larger spinal cord area.
2
There was a negative correlation between RD (another DTI metric) and SCCSA, meaning that higher RD was associated with a smaller spinal cord area.
3
FA and SCCSA were correlated both above and below the injury site in SCI patients.

Research Summary

This study investigated the relationship between spinal cord cross-sectional area (SCCSA) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics in pediatric subjects with and without spinal cord injury (SCI). The researchers found significant correlations between DTI metrics (FA and RD) and SCCSA in subjects with SCI, suggesting that these measures may provide useful information about the microstructural changes occurring after injury. The study concludes that SCCSA measurements, combined with DTI, have the potential to serve as imaging biomarkers for spinal cord injury, which may help in assessing the progression and recovery of the injury.

Practical Implications

Improved Understanding of SCI Progression

The ability to quickly and effectively measure SCCSA may allow for a better understanding of the progression of atrophy following a SCI.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Potential

Correlations between cord cross section and DTI metrics by vertebral level suggest that imaging inferior and superior to lesion may yield useful information for diagnosis and prognosis.

Biomarker for Treatment Effectiveness

These metrics are also of great potential utility to study the progression and recovery of injury and disease to evaluate treatment effectiveness longitudinally.

Correlations of diffusion tensor imaging and clinical measures with spinal cord cross-sectional area measurements in pediatric spinal cord injury patients

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Understanding of SCI Progression

Diagnostic and Prognostic Potential

Biomarker for Treatment Effectiveness

Study Limitations

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Correlations of diffusion tensor imaging and clinical measures with spinal cord cross-sectional area measurements in pediatric spinal cord injury patients

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Understanding of SCI Progression

Diagnostic and Prognostic Potential

Biomarker for Treatment Effectiveness

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?