The cervical spinal cord in neuromyelitis optica patients: A comparative study with multiple sclerosis using diffusion tensor imaging

Abstract Introduction This study aims to evaluate “in vivo” the integrity of the normal-appearing spinal cord in patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), using diffusion tensor MR imaging, comparing to controls and patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Materials and methods We studied 8 patients w...

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Published in:European journal of radiology 2012-10, Vol.81 (10), p.2697-2701
Main Authors: Pessôa, Fernanda Miraldi Clemente, Lopes, Fernanda Cristina Rueda, Costa, João Victor Altamiro, Leon, Soniza Vieira Alves, Domingues, Romeu Côrtes, Gasparetto, Emerson Leandro
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Cervical Vertebrae - pathology
Diagnosis, Differential
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods
DTI
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
MRI
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis - pathology
Neuromyelitis optica
Neuromyelitis Optica - pathology
Radiology
Reproducibility of Results
Sensitivity and Specificity
Spinal Cord - pathology
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Introduction This study aims to evaluate “in vivo” the integrity of the normal-appearing spinal cord in patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), using diffusion tensor MR imaging, comparing to controls and patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Materials and methods We studied 8 patients with NMO and 17 without any neurologic disorder. Also, 32 MS patients were selected. Fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD) and mean diffusivity (MD) were calculated within regions of interest at C2 and C7 levels in the four columns of the spinal cord. Results At C2, the FA value was decreased in NMO patients compared to MS and controls in the anterior column. Also in this column, RD value showed increase in NMO compared to MS and to controls. The FA value of the posterior column was decreased in NMO in comparison to controls. At C7, AD value was higher in NMO than in MS in the right column. At the same column, MD values were increased in NMO compared to MS and to controls. Conclusions There is extensive NASC damage in NMO patients, including peripheral areas of the cervical spinal cord, affecting the white matter, mainly caused by demyelination. This suggests a new spinal cord lesion pattern in NMO in comparison to MS.
ISSN:0720-048X
1872-7727
DOI:10.1016/j.ejrad.2011.11.026