Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging and fiber tracking in spinal cord lesions: current and future indications.

Diffusion-weighted imaging and fractional anisotropy may be more sensitive than other conventional magnetic resonance imaging techniques to detect, characterize, and map the extent of spinal cord lesions. Fiber tracking offers the possibility of visualizing the integrity of white matter tracts surrounding some lesions, and this information may help in formulating a differential diagnosis and in planning biopsies or resection. Fractional anisotropy measurements may also play a role in predicting the outcome of patients who have spinal cord lesions.

MR diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tracking in spinal cord compression.

Background And Purpose: Spinal cord damage can result in major functional disability. Alteration of the spinal cord structural integrity can be assessed by using diffusion tensor imaging methods. Our objective is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA), and fiber tracking in both acute and slowly progressive spinal cord compressions.