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Yu H, Liu Z, Pang M, Luo Q, Huang C, He W, Liu B, Rong L. Wallerian Degeneration Assessed by Multi-Modal Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cervical Spinal Cord Is Associated With Neurological Impairment After Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2024; 41:1240-1252. [PMID: 38204213 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
While Wallerian degeneration (WD) is a crucial pathological process induced with spinal cord injury (SCI), its underlying mechanisms is still understudied. In this study, we aim to assess structural alterations and clinical significance of WD in the cervical cord following SCI using multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which combines T2*-weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). T2*-weighted images allow segmentation of anatomical structures and the detection of WD on macrostructural level. DTI, on the other hand, can identify the reduction in neuroaxonal integrity by measuring the diffusion of water molecules on the microstructural level. In this prospective study, 35 SCI patients (19 paraplegic and 16 tetraplegic patients) and 12 healthy controls were recruited between July 2020 and May 2022. The hyperintensity voxels in the dorsal column was manually labeled as WD on T2*-weighted images. The mean cross-sectional area (CSA) and mean DTI indexes of WD at the C2 level were calculated and compared between groups. Correlation analysis was used to determine the associations of the magnitude of WD with lesion characteristics and clinical outcomes. Compared with controls, SCI patients showed evident hyperintensity (35/35) and decreased neuroaxonal integrity (p < 0.05) within the dorsal column at the C2 level. A higher neurological level of injury was associated with a larger mean CSA and reduction in neuroaxonal integrity within WD (p < 0.05). Smaller total and dorsal tissue bridges were related to greater mean CSA and lower fractional anisotropy values in WD (p < 0.05), respectively. Moreover, SCI participants with significantly larger CSAs and significantly lower microstructural integrity had worse sensory outcomes (p < 0.05). This comprehensive evaluation of WD can help us better understand the mechanisms of WD, monitor progression, and assess the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Yu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Radiology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mao Pang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Engineering and Technology Research of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiuxia Luo
- Department of Radiology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chong Huang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Weijie He
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongguan Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Engineering and Technology Research of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Quality Control of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Limin Rong
- Department of Spine Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Engineering and Technology Research of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Quality Control of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Zhu F, Wang Y, Kong X, Liu Y, Zeng L, Jing X, Yao S, Chen K, Yang L, Guo X. Assessment of acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury using conventional magnetic resonance imaging in combination with diffusion tensor imaging-tractography: a retrospective comparative study. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2022; 31:1700-1709. [PMID: 35639157 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-022-07207-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The application of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in combination with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) to diagnose acute traumatic cervical SCI has not been studied. This study explores the role of MRI with DTI-DTT in the diagnosis of acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS Thirty patients with acute traumatic cervical SCI underwent conventional MRI and DTI-DTT. Conventional MRI was used to detect the intramedullary lesion length (IMLL) and intramedullary hemorrhage length (IMHL). DTI was used to detect the spinal cord's fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient value, and DTT detected the imaginary white matter fiber volume and the connection rates of fiber tractography (CRFT). Patients' neurological outcome was determined using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) grades. RESULTS Patients were divided into group A (without AIS grade conversion) and group B (with AIS grade conversion). The IMLL and IMHL of group A were significantly higher than those of group B. The FA and CRFT of group A were significantly lower than those of group B. The final AIS grade was negatively correlated with the IMLL and IMHL, and positively correlated with the FA and CRFT. According to imaging features based on conventional MRI and DTI-DTT, we propose a novel classification and diagnostic procedure. CONCLUSIONS The combination of conventional MRI with DTI-DTT is a valid diagnostic approach for SCI. Lower IMLL and IMHL, and higher FA value and CRFT are linked to better neurological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengzhao Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1227 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, China.,Department of Orthopaedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Military University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yulong Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangchuang Kong
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lian Zeng
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1227 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, China
| | - Xirui Jing
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1227 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, China
| | - Sheng Yao
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1227 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaifang Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1227 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, China
| | - Lian Yang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaodong Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1227 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, China.
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Amanat M, Majmaa A, Zarrabi M, Nouri M, Akbari MG, Moaiedi AR, Ghaemi O, Zamani F, Najafi S, Badv RS, Vosough M, Hamidieh AA, Salehi M, Montazerlotfelahi H, Tavasoli AR, Heidari M, Mohebi H, Fatemi A, Garakani A, Ashrafi MR. Clinical and imaging outcomes after intrathecal injection of umbilical cord tissue mesenchymal stem cells in cerebral palsy: a randomized double-blind sham-controlled clinical trial. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:439. [PMID: 34362453 PMCID: PMC8343813 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02513-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study assessed the safety and efficacy of intrathecal injection of umbilical cord tissue mesenchymal stem cells (UCT-MSC) in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). The diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed to evaluate the alterations in white-matter integrity. METHODS Participants (4-14 years old) with spastic CP were assigned in 1:1 ratio to receive either UCT-MSC or sham procedure. Single-dose (2 × 107) cells were administered in the experimental group. Small needle pricks to the lower back were performed in the sham-control arm. All individuals were sedated to prevent awareness. The primary endpoints were the mean changes in gross motor function measure (GMFM)-66 from baseline to 12 months after procedures. The mean changes in the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), pediatric evaluation of disability inventory (PEDI), and CP quality of life (CP-QoL) were also assessed. Secondary endpoints were the mean changes in fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) of corticospinal tract (CST) and posterior thalamic radiation (PTR). RESULTS There were 36 participants in each group. The mean GMFM-66 scores after 12 months of intervention were significantly higher in the UCT-MSC group compared to baseline (10.65; 95%CI 5.39, 15.91) and control (β 8.07; 95%CI 1.62, 14.52; Cohen's d 0.92). The increase was also seen in total PEDI scores (vs baseline 8.53; 95%CI 4.98, 12.08; vs control: β 6.87; 95%CI 1.52, 12.21; Cohen's d 0.70). The mean change in MAS scores after 12 months of cell injection reduced compared to baseline (-1.0; 95%CI -1.31, -0.69) and control (β -0.72; 95%CI -1.18, -0.26; Cohen's d 0.76). Regarding CP-QoL, mean changes in domains including friends and family, participation in activities, and communication were higher than the control group with a large effect size. The DTI analysis in the experimental group showed that mean FA increased (CST 0.032; 95%CI 0.02, 0.03. PTR 0.024; 95%CI 0.020, 0.028) and MD decreased (CST -0.035 × 10-3; 95%CI -0.04 × 10-3, -0.02 × 10-3. PTR -0.045 × 10-3; 95%CI -0.05 × 10-3, -0.03 × 10-3); compared to baseline. The mean changes were significantly higher than the control group. CONCLUSIONS The UCT-MSC transplantation was safe and may improve the clinical and imaging outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03795974 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Amanat
- Department of Science and Research Branch, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anahita Majmaa
- Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Growth and Development Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Zarrabi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Nouri
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masood Ghahvechi Akbari
- Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Growth and Development Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Moaiedi
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Clinical Research Development Center of Children Hospital, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abass, Iran
| | - Omid Ghaemi
- Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Department of Radiology, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zamani
- Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Department of Radiology, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sharif Najafi
- Clinical Biomechanics and Ergonomics Research Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Shervin Badv
- Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Growth and Development Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ali Hamidieh
- Pediatrics Center of Excellence Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Department, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Salehi
- Psychiatry and Psychology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadi Montazerlotfelahi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Tavasoli
- Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Growth and Development Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Heidari
- Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Growth and Development Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Mohebi
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Fatemi
- Moser Center for Leukodystrophies, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Amir Garakani
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mahmoud Reza Ashrafi
- Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Growth and Development Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Mossa-Basha M, Peterson DJ, Hippe DS, Vranic JE, Hofstetter C, Reyes M, Bombardier C, Jarvik JG. Segmented quantitative diffusion tensor imaging evaluation of acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury. Br J Radiol 2021; 94:20201000. [PMID: 33180553 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20201000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate segmented diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) white matter tract fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values in acute cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). METHODS 15 patients with acute CSCI and 12 control subjects were prospectively recruited and underwent axial DTI as part of the spine trauma MRI. Datasets were put through a semi-automated probabilistic segmentation algorithm that analyzed white matter, motor and sensory tracts. FA and MD values were calculated for white matter, sensory (spinal lemniscal) and motor tracts (ventral/lateral corticospinal) at the level of clinical injury, levels remote from injury and in normal controls. RESULTS There were significant differences in FA between the level of injury and controls for total white matter (0.65 ± .09 vs 0.68 ± .07; p = .044), motor tracts (0.64 ± .07 vs 0.7 ± .09; p = .006), and combined motor/sensory tracts (0.63 ± .09 vs 0.69 ± .08; p = .022). In addition, there were significant FA differences between the level of injury and one level caudal to the injury for combined motor tracts (0.64 ± .07 vs 0.69 ± .05; p = .002) and combined motor/sensory tracts (0.63 ± .09 vs 0.7 ± .07; p = .011). There were no significant differences for MD between the level of injury and one level caudal to the injury or normal controls. CONCLUSION Abnormalities in DTI metrics of DTI-segmented white matter tracts were detected at the neurological level of injury relative to normal controls and levels remote from the injury site, confirming its value in CSCI assessment. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE Segmented DTI analysis can help identify microstructural spinal cord abnormalities in the setting of traumatic cervical spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniel S Hippe
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Justin E Vranic
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Maria Reyes
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Charles Bombardier
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeffrey G Jarvik
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Yang Y, Cao TT, Tian ZM, Gao H, Wen HQ, Pang M, He WJ, Wang NX, Chen YY, Wang Y, Li H, Lin JW, Kang Z, Li MM, Liu B, Rong LM. Subarachnoid transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell in rodent model with subacute incomplete spinal cord injury: Preclinical safety and efficacy study. Exp Cell Res 2020; 395:112184. [PMID: 32707134 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Functional multipotency renders human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) a promising candidate for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, its safety and efficacy have not been fully understood for clinical translation. In this study, we performed cellular, kinematic, physiological, and anatomical analyses, either in vitro or in vivo, to comprehensively evaluate the safety and efficacy associated with subarachnoid transplantation of hUC-MSCs in rats with subacute incomplete SCI. Concerning safety, hUC-MSCs were shown to have normal morphology, excellent viability, steady proliferation, typical biomarkers, stable karyotype in vitro, and no tumorigenicity both in vitro and in vivo. Following subarachnoid transplantation of hUC-MSCs in the subject rodents, the biodistribution of hUC-MSCs was restricted to the spinal cord, and no toxicity to immune system or organ function was observed. Body weight, organ weight, and the ratio of the latter upon the former between stem cell-transplanted rats and placebo-injected rats revealed no statistical differences. Regarding efficacy, hUC-MSCs could differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes and neural progenitor cells in vitro. While in vivo studies revealed that subarachnoid transplantation of stem cells resulted in significant improvement in locomotion, earlier automatic micturition recovery and reduced lesion size, which correlated with increased regeneration of tracking fiber and reduced parenchymal inflammation. In vivo luminescence imaging showed that a few of the transplanted luciferase-labeled hUC-MSCs tended to migrate towards the lesion epicenter. Shortened latency and enhanced amplitude were also observed in both motor and sensory evoked potentials, indicating improved signal conduction in the damaged site. Immunofluorescent staining confirmed that a few of the administrated hUC-MSCs integrated into the spinal cord parenchyma and differentiated into astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, but not neurons. Moreover, decreased astrogliosis, increased remyelination, and neuron regeneration could be observed. To the best of our knowledge, this preclinical study provides detailed safety and efficacy evidence regarding intrathecal transplantation of hUC-MSCs in treating SCI for the first time and thus, supports its initiation in the following clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Cao
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Ming Tian
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Gao
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Quan Wen
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mao Pang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Jie He
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan-Xiang Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Yong Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - He Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Wei Lin
- Department of Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuang Kang
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mang-Mang Li
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li-Min Rong
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
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Zaninovich OA, Avila MJ, Kay M, Becker JL, Hurlbert RJ, Martirosyan NL. The role of diffusion tensor imaging in the diagnosis, prognosis, and assessment of recovery and treatment of spinal cord injury: a systematic review. Neurosurg Focus 2020; 46:E7. [PMID: 30835681 DOI: 10.3171/2019.1.focus18591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an MRI tool that provides an objective, noninvasive, in vivo assessment of spinal cord injury (SCI). DTI is significantly better at visualizing microstructures than standard MRI sequences. In this imaging modality, the direction and amplitude of the diffusion of water molecules inside tissues is measured, and this diffusion can be measured using a variety of parameters. As a result, the potential clinical application of DTI has been studied in several spinal cord pathologies, including SCI. The aim of this study was to describe the current state of the potential clinical utility of DTI in patients with SCI and the challenges to its use as a tool in clinical practice.METHODSA search in the PubMed database was conducted for articles relating to the use of DTI in SCI. The citations of relevant articles were also searched for additional articles.RESULTSAmong the most common DTI metrics are fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity. Changes in these metrics reflect changes in tissue integrity. Several DTI metrics and combinations thereof have demonstrated significant correlations with clinical function both in model species and in humans. Its applications encompass the full spectrum of the clinical assessment of SCI including diagnosis, prognosis, recovery, and efficacy of treatments in both the spinal cord and potentially the brain.CONCLUSIONSDTI and its metrics have great potential to become a powerful clinical tool in SCI. However, the current limitations of DTI preclude its use beyond research and into clinical practice. Further studies are needed to significantly improve and resolve these limitations as well as to determine reliable time-specific changes in multiple DTI metrics for this tool to be used accurately and reliably in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew Kay
- 3Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Jennifer L Becker
- 3Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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Kaushal M, Shabani S, Budde M, Kurpad S. Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Acute Spinal Cord Injury: A Review of Animal and Human Studies. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:2279-2286. [PMID: 30950317 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), based on the property of preferential diffusion of water molecules in biological tissue, is seeing increasing clinical application in the pathologies of the central nervous system. Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one such area where the use of DTI allows for the evaluation of changes to microstructure of the spinal cord not detected on routine conventional magnetic resonance imaging. The insights obtained from pre-clinical models of SCI indicate correlation of quantitative DTI indices with histology and function, which points to the potential of DTI as a non-invasive, viable biomarker for integrity of white matter tracts in the spinal cord. In this review, we describe DTI alterations in the acute phase of SCI in both animal models and human subjects and explore the underlying pathophysiology behind these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayank Kaushal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Saman Shabani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Matthew Budde
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Shekar Kurpad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Shabani S, Kaushal M, Budde M, Kurpad SN. Correlation of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging parameters with American Spinal Injury Association score for prognostication and long-term outcomes. Neurosurg Focus 2019; 46:E2. [DOI: 10.3171/2018.12.focus18595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEConventional MRI is routinely used to demonstrate the anatomical site of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, quantitative and qualitative imaging parameters have limited use in predicting neurological outcomes. Currently, there are no reliable neuroimaging biomarkers to predict short- and long-term outcome after SCI.METHODSA prospective cohort of 23 patients with SCI (19 with cervical SCI [CSCI] and 4 with thoracic SCI [TSCI]) treated between 2007 and 2014 was included in the study. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score was determined at the time of arrival and at 1-year follow-up. Only 15 patients (12 with CSCI and 3 with TSCI) had 1-year follow-up. Whole-cord fractional anisotropy (FA) was determined at C1–2, following which C1–2 was divided into upper, middle, and lower segments and the corresponding FA value at each of these segments was calculated. Correlation analysis was performed between FA and ASIA score at time of arrival and 1-year follow-up.RESULTSCorrelation analysis showed a positive but nonsignificant correlation (p = 0.095) between FA and ASIA score for all patients (CSCI and TCSI) at the time of arrival. Additional regression analysis consisting of only patients with CSCI showed a significant correlation (p = 0.008) between FA and ASIA score at time of arrival as well as at 1-year follow-up (p = 0.025). Furthermore, in case of patients with CSCI, a significant correlation between FA value at each of the segments (upper, middle, and lower) of C1–2 and ASIA score at time of arrival was found (p = 0.017, p = 0.015, and p = 0.002, respectively).CONCLUSIONSIn patients with CSCI, the measurement of diffusion anisotropy of the high cervical cord (C1–2) correlates significantly with injury severity and long-term follow-up. However, this correlation is not seen in patients with TSCI. Therefore, FA can be used as an imaging biomarker for evaluating neural injury and monitoring recovery in patients with CSCI.
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Khaing ZZ, Cates LN, DeWees DM, Hannah A, Mourad P, Bruce M, Hofstetter CP. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound to visualize hemodynamic changes after rodent spinal cord injury. J Neurosurg Spine 2018; 29:306-313. [DOI: 10.3171/2018.1.spine171202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVETraumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) causes an almost complete loss of blood flow at the site of injury (primary injury) as well as significant hypoperfusion in the penumbra of the injury. Hypoperfusion in the penumbra progresses after injury to the spinal cord and is likely to be a major contributor to progressive cell death of spinal cord tissue that was initially viable (secondary injury). Neuroprotective treatment strategies seek to limit secondary injury. Clinical monitoring of the temporal and spatial patterns of blood flow within the contused spinal cord is currently not feasible. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether ultrafast contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) Doppler allows for detection of local hemodynamic changes within an injured rodent spinal cord in real time.METHODSA novel ultrafast CEUS Doppler technique was developed utilizing a research ultrasound platform combined with a 15-MHz linear array transducer. Ultrafast plane-wave acquisitions enabled the separation of higher-velocity blood flow in macrocirculation from low-velocity flow within the microcirculation (tissue perfusion). An FDA-approved contrast agent (microbubbles) was used for visualization of local blood flow in real time. CEUS Doppler acquisition protocols were developed to characterize tissue perfusion both during contrast inflow and during the steady-state plateau. A compression injury of the thoracic spinal cord of adult rats was induced using iris forceps.RESULTSHigh-frequency ultrasound enabled visualization of spinal cord vessels such as anterior spinal arteries as well as central arteries (mean diameter [± SEM] 145.8 ± 10.0 µm; 76.2 ± 4.5 µm, respectively). In the intact spinal cord, ultrafast CEUS Doppler confirmed higher perfusion of the gray matter compared to white matter. Immediately after compression injury of the thoracic rodent spinal cord, spinal cord vessels were disrupted in an area of 1.93 ± 1.14 mm2. Ultrafast CEUS Doppler revealed a topographical map of local tissue hypoperfusion with remarkable spatial resolution. Critical loss of perfusion, defined as less than 40% perfusion compared to the surrounding spared tissue, was seen within an area of 2.21 ± 0.6 mm2.CONCLUSIONSIn our current report, we introduce ultrafast CEUS Doppler for monitoring of spinal vascular structure and function in real time. Development and clinical implementation of this type of imaging could have a significant impact on the care of patients with tSCI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alexander Hannah
- 2Applied Physics Laboratory, Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Matthew Bruce
- 2Applied Physics Laboratory, Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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10
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Dalkilic T, Fallah N, Noonan VK, Salimi Elizei S, Dong K, Belanger L, Ritchie L, Tsang A, Bourassa-Moreau E, Heran MK, Paquette SJ, Ailon T, Dea N, Street J, Fisher CG, Dvorak MF, Kwon BK. Predicting Injury Severity and Neurological Recovery after Acute Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Comparison of Cerebrospinal Fluid and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers. J Neurotrauma 2018; 35:435-445. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Turker Dalkilic
- Vancouver Spine Program, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nader Fallah
- Rick Hansen Institute, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Vanessa K. Noonan
- Rick Hansen Institute, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sanam Salimi Elizei
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kevin Dong
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lise Belanger
- Vancouver Spine Program, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Leanna Ritchie
- Vancouver Spine Program, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Angela Tsang
- Vancouver Spine Program, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Manraj K.S. Heran
- Diagnostic & Therapeutic Neuroradiology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Scott J. Paquette
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tamir Ailon
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicolas Dea
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John Street
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Charles G. Fisher
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marcel F. Dvorak
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brian K. Kwon
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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11
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Zhang D, Wang F, Zhai X, Li XH, He XJ. Lithium promotes recovery of neurological function after spinal cord injury by inducing autophagy. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:2191-2199. [PMID: 30323152 PMCID: PMC6199946 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.241473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lithium promotes autophagy and has a neuroprotective effect on spinal cord injury (SCI); however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of lithium and the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) in a rat model of SCI. The rats were randomly assigned to the SCI, lithium, 3-MA and sham groups. In the 3-MA group, rats were intraperitoneally injected with 3-MA (3 mg/kg) 2 hours before SCI. In the lithium and 3-MA groups, rats were intraperitoneally injected with lithium (LiCl; 30 mg/kg) 6 hours after SCI and thereafter once daily until sacrifice. At 2, 3 and 4 weeks after SCI, neurological function and diffusion tensor imaging indicators were remarkably improved in the lithium group compared with the SCI and 3-MA groups. The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale score and fractional anisotropy values were increased, and the apparent diffusion coefficient value was decreased. Immunohistochemical staining showed that immunoreactivities for Beclin-1 and light-chain 3B peaked 1 day after SCI in the lithium and SCI groups. Immunoreactivities for Beclin-1 and light-chain 3B were weaker in the 3-MA group than in the SCI group, indicating that 3-MA inhibits lithium-induced autophagy. Furthermore, NeuN+ neurons were more numerous in the lithium group than in the SCI and 3-MA groups, with the fewest in the latter. Our findings show that lithium reduces neuronal damage after acute SCI and promotes neurological recovery by inducing autophagy. The neuroprotective mechanism of action may not be entirely dependent on the enhancement of autophagy, and furthermore, 3-MA might not completely inhibit all autophagy pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xu Zhai
- Department of Emergency, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Li
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xi-Jing He
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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12
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Martin AR, Tadokoro N, Tetreault L, Arocho-Quinones EV, Budde MD, Kurpad SN, Fehlings MG. Imaging Evaluation of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2018; 29:33-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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13
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Gu M, Gao Z, Li X, Zhao F, Guo L, Liu J, He X. Feasibility of Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Assessing Functional Recovery in Rats with Olfactory Ensheathing Cell Transplantation After Contusive Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Med Sci Monit 2017. [PMID: 28623671 PMCID: PMC5484594 DOI: 10.12659/msm.902126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation is a promising treatment for spinal cord injury. Diffusion tensor imaging has been applied to assess various kinds of spinal cord injury. However, it has rarely been used to evaluate the beneficial effects of olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of diffusion tensor imaging in the evaluation of functional recovery in rats with olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation after contusive spinal cord injury. Material/Methods Immunofluorescence staining was performed to determine the purity of olfactory ensheathing cells. Rats received cell transplantation at week 1 after injury. Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan score was used to assess the functional recovery. Magnetic resonance imaging was applied weekly, including diffusion tensor imaging. Diffusion tensor tractography was reconstructed to visualize the repair process. Results The results showed that olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation increased the functional and histological recovery and restrained the secondary injury process after the initial spinal cord injury. The fractional anisotropy values in rats with cell transplantation were significantly higher than those in the control group, while the apparent diffusion coefficient values were significantly lower. Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan score was positively and linearly correlated with fractional anisotropy value, and it was negatively and linearly correlated with apparent diffusion coefficient value. Conclusions These findings suggest that diffusion tensor imaging parameters are sensitive biomarker indices for olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation interventions, and diffusion tensor imaging scan can reflect the functional recovery promoted by the olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation after contusive spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchao Gu
- Department of Othopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Zhengchao Gao
- Department of Othopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Feng Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Jiantao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Xijing He
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
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