Diffusion tensor tractography of residual fibers in traumatic spinal cord injury: A pilot study

Rao, Jia‐Sheng; Zhao, Chen; Yang, Zhaoyang; Li, Shuyu; Jiang, Tao; Fan, Yubo; Li, Xiaoguang

doi:10.1016/j.neurad.2012.08.008

Cited by 31 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…Although the regeneration of nerve fibers appeared disorganized and actually no signs of recovery were identified in the behavioral outcome evaluation in transection and segment resection groups, DTI is still more perspicuous than conventional MRI in showing the dynamic changes of this process. In addition, our tractography results are more distinct compared with those in other studies 13,15,16,21.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 69%

“…Moreover, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA), two important parameters from DTI data, are usually used to provide quantitative information on inferring microstructural features and the physiological state of tissues 9,10. Many animal studies and preliminary clinical studies have shown that DTI has the ability to detect subtle changes of the injured nerve fibers, even in regions far away from the damage zone of the spinal cord 11–16, and DTI tractography can be used as a qualitative indicator of SCI to track the damaged nerve fibers visually and observe the lesion of axonal bundles clearly 13,15,16.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Determination of the ideal rat model for spinal cord injury by diffusion tensor imaging

Wang

Huang

et al. 2014

NeuroReport

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Four different spinal cord injury (SCI) models (hemisection, contusion, transection, and segment resection) were produced in male Sprague–Dawley rats to determine the most suitable animal model of SCI by analyzing the changes in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters both qualitatively and quantitatively in vivo. Radiological examinations were performed before surgery and weekly within 4 weeks after surgery to obtain DTI tractography, MRI routine images, and DTI data of fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale was used to evaluate the locomotor outcomes. We found that DTI tractography tracked nerve fibers and showed conspicuous changes in the injured spinal cord in all the model groups, which confirmed that our modeling was successful. A decrease in FA values and an increase in ADC were observed in all the model groups after surgery. There were significant differences in FA and ADC between weeks 1 and 4 in both hemisection and contusion groups (P<0.05), whereas the differences in the transection and segment resection groups were not as remarkable (P>0.05). Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores further proved the results because of a significant, positive correlation of the scores with FA (R=0.899, P<0.01) and a significant, negative correlation of the scores with ADC (R=−0.829, P<0.01). Therefore, the transection model, which is more quantified and stable within 4 weeks after injury according to the DTI and behavioral evaluation, should be used as the standard model for SCI animal testing.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 69%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determination of the ideal rat model for spinal cord injury by diffusion tensor imaging

Wang

Huang

et al. 2014

NeuroReport

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“…DTI tractography can be used as a qualitative indicator of SCI to track the damaged nerve fibers visually and observe the lesion of axonal bundles clearly91112212223. Recent studies indicate that quantitative DTI parameters are sensitive and specific biomarkers of spinal cord white matter integrity212223.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Meanwhile, the FA values of the traced antegrade fibers were extracted to indicate the integrity of the epicenter white matter. Residual fibers had lower anisotropy than normal fibers for a number of reasons including axonal degeneration, demyelination, disintegration along the longitudinal axis, and widespread deterioration of the microenvironment1126. We examined the fibers rostral to the epicenter, since the relative health of preserved white matter fibers after SCI may be predictive of potential recovery.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…DTI with subsequent fiber tracking is capable of visualizing the white matter, and this technical advancement enables the reconstruction of white matter tracts in 3D view, not only of the brain but also of the spinal cord. DTI tractography can be used as a qualitative indicator of SCI to track the damaged nerve fibers visually and clearly observe the axonal bundles lesion9111213. A previous study has shown that DTI tractography demonstrated the disruption of rubrospinal tract axons while indicating which axon tracts were preserved.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effect of hierarchically aligned fibrin hydrogel in regeneration of spinal cord injury demonstrated by tractography: A pilot study

Zhang

Yao

Xie

et al. 2017

Sci Rep

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Some studies have reported that scaffold or cell-based transplantation may improve functional recovery following SCI, but no imaging information regarding regeneration has been provided to date. This study used tractography to show the regenerating process induced by a new biomaterial-aligned fibrin hydrogel (AFG). A total of eight canines subjected to SCI procedures were assigned to the control or the AFG group. AFG was implanted into the SCI lesion immediately after injury in 5 canines. A follow-up was performed at 12 weeks to evaluate the therapeutic effect including the hindlimb functional recovery, anisotropy and continuity of fibers on tractography. Using tractography, we found new fibers running across the SCI in three canines of the AFG group. Further histological examination confirmed limited glial scarring and regenerated nerve fibers in the lesions. Moreover, Repeated Measures Analysis revealed a significantly different change in fractional anisotropy (FA) between the two groups during the follow-up interval. An increase in FA during the post injury time interval was detected in the AFG group, indicating a beneficial effect of AFG in the rehabilitation of injured axons. Using tractography, AFG was suggested to be helpful in the restoration of fibers in SCI lesions, thus leading to promoted functional recovery.

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Spinal diffusion tensor imaging: A comprehensive review with emphasis on spinal cord anatomy and clinical applications

et al. 2014

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Magnetic resonance imaging technology allows for in vivo visualization of fiber tracts of the central nervous system using diffusion-weighted imaging sequences and data processing referred to as "diffusion tensor imaging" and "diffusion tensor tractography." While protocols for high-fidelity diffusion tensor imaging of the brain are well established, the spinal cord has proven a more difficult target for diffusion tensor methods. Here, we review the current literature on spinal diffusion tensor imaging and tractography with special emphasis on neuroanatomical correlations and clinical applications.

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Diffusion tensor tractography of residual fibers in traumatic spinal cord injury: A pilot study

Cited by 31 publications

References 20 publications

Determination of the ideal rat model for spinal cord injury by diffusion tensor imaging

Determination of the ideal rat model for spinal cord injury by diffusion tensor imaging

Effect of hierarchically aligned fibrin hydrogel in regeneration of spinal cord injury demonstrated by tractography: A pilot study

Spinal diffusion tensor imaging: A comprehensive review with emphasis on spinal cord anatomy and clinical applications

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