Tensor magnetic resonance imaging on the detection of cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Objective: To investigate the contribution of tensor magnetic resonance imaging on the detection of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Material and Methods: The patients applied between Jan-June 2016 for cervical magnetic resonance imaging due to the symptoms like neck pain, paresis, and numbness in hands were studied. Beside the conventional cervical imaging with 1,5 Tesla MRI, DTI (Diffusion Tensor Imaging), which takes approximately 7,5 minutes, was applied additionally. The cases were categorized into 4 groups according to the degree of spinal stenosis. The obtained datas were analysed by a special software and color coded FA(fractioned anisotrophy) and ADC (Appearent Diffusion Coefficient) maps were generated. FA and ADC values were calculated by using the ROI (region of interest) and the contribution of these values on the diagnosis was evaluated statistically. Results: When all the grades are compared; statistically significant negative correlation between the degree of spinal canal stenosis and FA values and also a positive correlation (p<0.001) between the degree of stenosis and ADC values were detected. When comparing the stenotic and non-stenotic levels in grade 2 patients, it has been revealed that statistically significant reduction in FA value and increment in ADC value (p<0.05) were obtained in stenotic level comparing to the prestenotic and poststenotic levels. Conclusion: DTI and quantitative measurements of FA and ADC are a candidate technique of imaging for the early diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy which can not be detected by conventional MRI and the evaluation of the degree of spinal cord disease. Keywords: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), Fractional anisotropy (FA), Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)