The use of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging in differential diagnosis of cervical myelopathy

Cervical myelopathy is a serious modern challenge that requires careful attention. Clinical manifestations of cervical myelopathy are variable, from mild neurological disorders to tetraplegia. This results in the decrease of accuracy and delayed diagnosis, and therefore, poor treatment results. Currently, magnetic resonance imaging is the main method for diagnosing cervical myelopathy. Diffusion tensor imaging tractography is the most appealing method because of the more detailed visualization of spinal cord structure. Together with MRI Diagnostic Center in Tushino, we studied patients with cervical myelopathy in NGHCI NCC OJSC RZhD. For the first time, such parameters as fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient were used to evaluate tracts and perform their 3D reconstruction. Our research showed that these data correlated with the severity of clinical symptoms of myelopathy. This provided an opportunity for development of early and precise topical diagnosis of myelopathy, differential diagnosis with spinal cord demyelination, and could be used to improve the quality and results of patient management.

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