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01-09-2017 | Original Article

Diffusion tensor imaging can predict surgical outcomes of patients with cervical compression myelopathy

Authors: Satoshi Maki, Masao Koda, Mitsuhiro Kitamura, Taigo Inada, Koshiro Kamiya, Mitsutoshi Ota, Yasushi Iijima, Junya Saito, Yoshitada Masuda, Koji Matsumoto, Masatoshi Kojima, Takayuki Obata, Kazuhisa Takahashi, Masashi Yamazaki, Takeo Furuya

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 9/2017

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the potential role of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) as a predictor of surgical outcomes in patients with cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM). Surgical decompression is often recommended for symptomatic CCM. It is important to know the prognosis of surgical outcomes and to recommend appropriate timing for surgery.

Methods

We enrolled 26 patients with CCM who underwent surgery. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score for cervical myelopathy was evaluated before and 6 months after surgery. Surgical outcomes were regarded as good if there was a change in JOA score of three points or more, or the recovery rate of JOA score was 50% or more. The patients were examined using a 3.0 T magnetic resonance system before surgery. Measured diffusion parameters were fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). The correlations between DTI parameters and surgical outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Both change and recovery rate of JOA score moderately correlated with FA. Furthermore, the area under the receiver–operator characteristic curve based on FA for prognostic precision of surgical outcomes indicates that FA is a good predictive factor. The cut-off values of FA for predicting good surgical outcomes evaluated by change and recovery rate of JOA score were 0.65 and 0.57, respectively. Neither change nor recovery rate of JOA score correlated with MD.

Conclusions

FA in spinal cord DTI can moderately predict surgical outcomes. DTI can serve as a supplementary tool for decision-making to guide surgical intervention in patients with CCM.

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Title: Diffusion tensor imaging can predict surgical outcomes of patients with cervical compression myelopathy
Authors: Satoshi Maki
Masao Koda
Mitsuhiro Kitamura
Taigo Inada
Koshiro Kamiya
Mitsutoshi Ota
Yasushi Iijima
Junya Saito
Yoshitada Masuda
Koji Matsumoto
Masatoshi Kojima
Takayuki Obata
Kazuhisa Takahashi
Masashi Yamazaki
Takeo Furuya
Publication date: 01-09-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 9/2017
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-017-5191-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Diffusion tensor imaging can predict surgical outcomes of patients with cervical compression myelopathy

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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