Visualization of spinal cord motion associated with the cardiac pulse by tagged magnetic resonance imaging with particle image velocimetry software.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether or not tagged magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with particle image velocimetry (PIV) software could reveal spinal cord motion clearly.

Methods: Six volunteers were enrolled in this study. Tagged MR imaging using fast spoiled gradient-recalled acquisition in the steady state with spatial modulation of the magnetization technique was performed using a 1.5-T MR system.

Results: Sagittal vector maps analyzed by PIV software revealed entire spinal cord motion sequentially during the cardiac cycle. The cervical spinal cord initially moved in a caudal direction and then continually oscillated from a cephalic-to-caudal direction. Each volunteer had a different cycle. In the thoracic spinal area, similar findings were observed, although they were slightly less clear than in the cervical area.

Conclusion: Tagged MR imaging combined with PIV software, referred to as tagged MR image velocimetry, revealed spinal cord motion associated with the cardiac pulse, especially in the cervical spine.