scholarly journals The Functional Relevance of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Patients with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania d’Avanzo ◽  
Marco Ciavarro ◽  
Luigi Pavone ◽  
Gabriele Pasqua ◽  
Francesco Ricciardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging ◽  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Hand Strength ◽  
Predictive Tool ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Right ◽  
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

(1) Background: In addition to conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been investigated as a potential diagnostic and predictive tool for patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). In this preliminary study, we evaluated the use of quantitative DTI in the clinical practice as a possible measure to correlate with upper limbs function. (2) Methods: A total of 11 patients were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Fractional anisotropy (FA) values was extracted from DTI data before and after surgery using a GE Signa 1.5 T MRI scanner. The Nine-Hole Peg Test and a digital dynamometer were used to measure dexterity and hand strength, respectively. (3) Results: We found a significant increase of FA values after surgery, in particular below the most compressed level (p = 0.044) as well as an improvement in postoperative dexterity and hand strength. Postoperative FA values moderately correlate with hand dexterity (r = 0.4272, R2 = 0.0735, p = 0.19 for the right hand; r = 0.2087, R2 = 0.2265, p = 0.53 for the left hand). (4) Conclusion: FA may be used as a marker of myelopathy and could represent a promising diagnostic value in patients affected by DCM. Surgical decompression can improve the clinical outcome of these patients, especially in terms of the control of finger-hand coordination and dexterity.

scholarly journals P.172 Diffusion MRI characteristics change in select cerebral white matter tracts after decompressive surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (s3) ◽  
pp. S69-S69
Author(s):  
AC Friesen ◽  
SA Detombe ◽  
P Doyle-Pettypiece ◽  
H Haddad ◽  
W Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Corpus Callosum ◽  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Corticospinal Tract ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
White Matter Tracts ◽  
Corticospinal Tracts ◽  
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

Background: Degenerative cervical myelopathy is characterized by progressive compression of the spinal cord resulting in debilitating loss of dexterity, independent ambulation, and sphincter control. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has shown that, compared to healthy controls, myelopathy patients have decreased integrity of the corticospinal tracts and corpus callosum (Bernabeu-Sanz et al, 2020). Methods: Twenty-six myelopathy patients consented to cerebral diffusion tensor imaging (3 Tesla, 32 directions, b=1000) preoperatively, as well as 6-weeks, 12-weeks, and 6-months postoperatively. Average mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD) were measured in the corticospinal tracts, forceps major, and forceps minor. Results: Both MD and RD decreased from 6-12 weeks postoperatively in the right corticospinal tract. The forceps major of the corpus callosum showed an initial postoperative increase in MD followed by a subsequent increase in FA and decrease in RD 3-6 months postoperatively. The AD of the forceps major increased both immediately and 3-6 months postoperatively. Conclusions: Changes in microstructural integrity of the corticospinal tract and forceps major over the postoperative recovery period suggest a pattern of recovery in myelopathy patients. This study is the first to report postoperative DTI changes in myelopathy-relevant white matter tracts in the brain.

scholarly journals Capabilities of voxel based morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging in diagnostics of bilateral spastic forms of cerebral palsy

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktor S. Lvov ◽  
Aleksandr V. Pozdnyakov ◽  
Dmitry O. Ivanov ◽  
Alexey I. Tashilkin ◽  
Leonid M. Makarov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Brain Structures ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Voxel Based Morphometry ◽  
Posterior Limb ◽  
The Right ◽  
And Diffusion

The aim of the study was to determine the capabilities of magnetic resonance morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging in the diagnosis of bilateral spastic forms of cerebral palsy in children. The main groups were 33 children aged from 1 year to 4 years 5 months. with bilateral spastic forms of cerebral palsy, the comparison group – 11 children who did not have movement disorders. The patients underwent magnetic resonance morphometry, diffusion tensor imaging. A comparison was made between the volumes of brain structures and diffusion values between groups. Significant differences (p < 0,05) were found in the volumes of the right lateral, 3rd ventricles, white matter, thalamuses, globus pallidus, putamen, hippocampus. Significant differences (p < 0,05) in diffusion values in the thalamuses and in the posterior limb of internal capsules were also identified. The correlation of the identified changes with the clinic of the disease was demonstrated. The obtained data demonstrate wide possibilities and high diagnostic value in the detection of bilateral spastic forms of cerebral palsy in children.

White Matter Alteration Following SWAT Explosive Breaching Training and the Moderating Effect of a Neck Collar Device: A DTI and NODDI Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weihong Yuan ◽  
Jonathan Dudley ◽  
Alexis B Slutsky-Ganesh ◽  
James Leach ◽  
Pete Scheifele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Blast Exposure ◽  
Diffusion Weighted ◽  
Weighted Data ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Introduction Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) personnel who practice breaching with blast exposure are at risk for blast-related head trauma. We aimed to investigate the impact of low-level blast exposure on underlying white matter (WM) microstructure based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and neurite orientation and density imaging (NODDI) in SWAT personnel before and after breacher training. Diffusion tensor imaging is an advanced MRI technique sensitive to underlying WM alterations. NODDI is a novel MRI technique emerged recently that acquires diffusion weighted data from multiple shells modeling for different compartments in the microstructural environment in the brain. We also aimed to evaluate the effect of a jugular vein compression collar device in mitigating the alteration of the diffusion properties in the WM as well as its role as a moderator on the association between the diffusion property changes and the blast exposure. Materials and Methods Twenty-one SWAT personnel (10 non-collar and 11 collar) completed the breacher training and underwent MRI at both baseline and after blast exposure. Diffusion weighted data were acquired with two shells (b = 1,000, 2,000 s/mm2) on 3T Phillips scanners. Diffusion tensor imaging metrices, including fractional anisotropy, mean, axial, and radial diffusivity, and NODDI metrics, including neurite density index (NDI), isotropic volume fraction (fiso), and orientation dispersion index, were calculated. Tract-based spatial statistics was used in the voxel-wise statistical analysis. Post hoc analyses were performed for the quantification of the pre- to post-blast exposure diffusion percentage change in the WM regions with significant group difference and for the assessment of the interaction of the relationship between blast exposure and diffusion alteration. Results The non-collar group exhibited significant pre- to post-blast increase in NDI (corrected P &lt; .05) in the WM involving the right internal capsule, the right posterior corona radiation, the right posterior thalamic radiation, and the right sagittal stratum. A subset of these regions showed significantly greater alteration in NDI and fiso in the non-collar group when compared with those in the collar group (corrected P &lt; .05). In addition, collar wearing exhibited a significant moderating effect for the alteration of fiso for its association with average peak pulse pressure. Conclusions Our data provided initial evidence of the impact of blast exposure on WM diffusion alteration based on both DTI and NODDI. The mitigating effect of WM diffusivity changes and the moderating effect of collar wearing suggest that the device may serve as a promising solution to protect WM against blast exposure.

Structural brain changes after 4 wk of unilateral strength training of the lower limb

2013 ◽  
Vol 115 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. S. Palmer ◽  
A. K. Håberg ◽  
M. S. Fimland ◽  
G. M. Solstad ◽  
V. Moe Iversen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging ◽  
Strength Training ◽  
Isometric Contraction ◽  
Healthy Adult ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Mean Diffusivity ◽  
Cortical Activation ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction ◽  
The Right ◽  
Unilateral Strength Training

Strength training enhances muscular strength and neural drive, but the underlying neuronal mechanisms remain unclear. This study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify possible changes in corticospinal tract (CST) microstructure, cortical activation, and subcortical structure volumes following unilateral strength training of the plantar flexors. Mechanisms underlying cross-education of strength in the untrained leg were also investigated. Young, healthy adult volunteers were assigned to training ( n = 12) or control ( n = 9) groups. The 4 wk of training consisted of 16 sessions of 36 unilateral isometric plantar flexions. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction torque was tested pre- and posttraining. MRI investigation included a T1-weighted scan, diffusion tensor imaging and functional MRI. Probabilistic fiber tracking of the CST was performed on the diffusion tensor imaging images using a two-regions-of-interest approach. Fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity were calculated for the left and right CST in each individual before and after training. Standard functional MRI analyses and volumetric analyses of subcortical structures were also performed. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction significantly increased in both the trained and untrained legs of the training group, but not the control group. A significant decrease in mean diffusivity was found in the left CST following strength training of the right leg. No significant changes were detected in the right CST. No significant changes in cortical activation were observed following training. A significant reduction in left putamen volume was found after training. This study provides the first evidence for strength training-related changes in white matter and putamen in the healthy adult brain.

scholarly journals The Effects of Unit Exercises on the Hand Grip Strength of Arm Wrestlers

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 196
Author(s):  
Sezer S Yonca ◽  
Çelikel B Engin ◽  
Yücel A Serdar ◽  
Karadağ Mustafa ◽  
Savucu Yüksel
Keyword(s):  
Grip Strength ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Hand Grip Strength ◽  
Weight Lifting ◽  
Test Analysis ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Hand Grip ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Right

The aim of this research is to evaluate the change in the hand grip strength of the male arm wrestlers before and after a unit of exercise. The participants of the research consist of sportsmen (n=16) of Fırat University arm wrestling team in 18-25 age group.Within the scope of the research, all of the tests and measurements (age, length, body weight, sports age, hand grip strength) were carried out on the experimental group before they started training and the same tests were repeated just after the exercises. A unit of exercise program consisted of warm up, cool down, and 5 sets of weight lifting with 12 repetitions and intensity of 70% that were in that day’s plan and program applied by the trainer.While descriptive statistics were adopted in the statistical analysis, to identify the significance level between the hand grip strength before and after the exercise paired sample t-test analysis was used. The significance level was shown as α = 0.05 in the analyses. While the right hand grip strength of the sportsmen (n=16) was statistically significant at 51.1062 ± 1.69709 before and 49.0437 ± 1.71770 (p=0.000) after the exercise, the left hand grip strength was statistically significant at 46.9000 ± 1.16179 before and 45.8063 ± 1.30078 (p=0.000) after the exercise.In conclusion, it was observed that there is a statistically significant negative decline in the hand grip strength of the arm wrestling sportsmen after a unit of exercise and it can be said that it is because of the exhaustion expected after the exercise.

scholarly journals Diagnosis and surgical treatment of liver echinococcosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 113-117
Author(s):  
V.O. Shaprinskyi  ◽  
O.O. Vorovskyi ◽  
O.A. Kaminskyi ◽  
Ya.M. Pashynskyi
Keyword(s):  
Blood Loss ◽  
Pleural Cavity ◽  
Abdominal Cavity ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Results Of Treatment ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Residual Cavity ◽  
Right Lobe ◽  
The Right ◽  
Duration Of Operation

The results of treatment of 72 patients with echinococcosis of the liver were analyzed, women – 62 (86.2%), men – 10 (13.8%). Primary echinococcosis was detected in 69 (95.8%) patients, secondary – in 3 (4.2%). Among instrumental research methods, ultrasound and computed tomography examination were of diagnostic value. Single liver cysts were found in 63 (87.5%) patients, multiple – in 9 (12.5%). Among patients with solitary cysts, the right lobe was more often affected than the left – 48 (66.7%) vs 24 (33.3%) cases. Echinococcosis of central localization was less common and was noted in 8 (11.1%) cases. Echinococcosis complications were observed in 16 (22.2%) patients. Among them, most often there were suppurations of the cyst – in 13 (18.1%); a bursting of the cyst into the free abdominal cavity – in 1 (1.4%), in the pleural cavity – 1 (1.4%), in the biliary tract – in 1 (1.4%). Partial or complete liming of the hand was observed in 12 (16.7%) patients. In 20 (27.8%) cases, the operation was performed from the upper median access, in 42 (58.3%) – from oblique hypochondria accesses by Kocher or by Fedorov. Pericystectomy was performed in 48 (66.7%) patients, in 8 (11.1%) patients underwent resections of liver segments with an echinococcal cyst, in 4 (5.6%) – cyst opening with removal of contents and treatment of its cavity. Laparoscopic echinococectomy was used in 12 (16.7%) patients. In the postoperative period complications were observed in 16 (22.2%) patients. The use of the welding electrocoagulator EK-300M "Swarmed" in the thermal rehabilitation of the walls of the residual cavity after echinococectomy allowed to reduce blood loss from 2200±210 ml to 250±50 ml. With the use of laparoscopic echinococectomy, intraoperative blood loss was reduced by 9 times (р=0.0001); duration of operation – 2 times (р<0.05), stay in hospital – 3.3 times (р=0.002). There were no fatal outcomes. Before and after operation antirelapse antiparasitic therapy with albendazole (Vormil) was performed in two cycles of 28 days, separated by a 14-day break. The dose at body weight over 60 kg was 400 mg 2 times a day, and for less than 60 kg the drug was calculated at a rate of 15 mg/kg/day. There were 2 (2.8%) cases of relapse, there was no mortality.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document