Article

The aim of this study was to use diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess the state of
cerebral white matter tracts after spinal cord injury (SCI). The DTI metrics were
evaluated in relation to neurological deficits and to the size and level of the
spinal cord lesions. SETTING: Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.
METHODS: Thirty-four patients (n=34) with clinically complete and incomplete SCI
were evaluated using the International Standards for Neurological Classification
of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI). DTI metrics (fractional anisotropy (FA) and
apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)) were calculated for multiple levels along
the course of the corticospinal tract. The state of the spinal cord after injury
was assessed using conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). DTI parameters
were compared with 40 orthopedically injured control subjects. RESULTS:
Statistically significant differences in the DTI values between patients and
controls were detected in the posterior area of the centrum semiovale. In this
area, the FA values were lower in the patients compared with controls (P=0.008).
For patients with clinically complete injury, the difference was even more
significant (P=0.0005). Motor and sensory scores of the ISNCSCI correlated
positively with FA and negatively with ADC values of the centrum semiovale. A
moderate association was observed between the macroscopic changes in the spinal
cord and the DTI abnormalities in the centrum semiovale. CONCLUSION: In patients
with chronic SCI, DTI changes can be observed in the cerebral white matter. These
alterations are associated with the clinical state of the patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS