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European Radiology

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01-09-2010 | Neuro

Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging and tractography of the lower spinal cord: application to diastematomyelia and tethered cord

Authors: Christopher G. Filippi, Trevor Andrews, Jay V. Gonyea, Grant Linnell, Keith A. Cauley

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 9/2010

Abstract

Objectives

To investigate the feasibility of routine clinical DTI of the lower spinal cord using high-field-strength MRI and parallel imaging, and to evaluate the utility of diffusion tensor imaging and tractography as tools for study of lower cord pathology.

Methods

Three patients with diastematomyelia, one patient with tethered cord, and six normal volunteers underwent MR imaging of the lower spine at 3 T. A 15-channel spine coil and parallel imaging were used with a six-direction single-shot echo-planar gradient echo technique.

Results

In normal volunteers, tractography delineated the conus and cauda equina. Tractography software permitted assessment of fractional anisotropy of the distal cord and nerve roots. In cases of tethered cord, tractography correlated with anatomical imaging. Tractography also correlated with the anatomical pathological findings in cases of diastematomyelia.

Conclusions

The methods described enable routine DTI and tractography of the lower spinal cord at 3 T. Compared with conventional imaging, tractography offers additional information that may prove useful in the characterization and surgical planning for congenital lesions involving the lower spinal cord.

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Title: Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging and tractography of the lower spinal cord: application to diastematomyelia and tethered cord
Authors: Christopher G. Filippi
Trevor Andrews
Jay V. Gonyea
Grant Linnell
Keith A. Cauley
Publication date: 01-09-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 9/2010
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-010-1797-4

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging and tractography of the lower spinal cord: application to diastematomyelia and tethered cord

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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