MRI atlas-based volumetric mapping of the cervical cord gray matter in cervical canal stenosis

This study uses advanced MRI techniques to examine the gray matter of the cervical spinal cord in patients with cervical canal stenosis. It aims to quantify gray matter volumes and relate them to clinical measures of sensorimotor function. The research employs an open-source atlas-based processing application to analyze high-resolution MRI images. This method allows for detailed evaluation of volumetric changes in the spinal cord gray matter. The study hypothesizes that patients with cervical canal stenosis will show volume loss in all regions of the spinal gray matter compared to controls. Furthermore, it expects that gray matter volumetric loss will correlate with decreased sensorimotor function and quality of life.

• 1
  Patients with cervical canal stenosis exhibited significantly decreased gray matter volumes, specifically in both the ventral and dorsal horns, compared to healthy controls.
• 2
  Lower ventral horn volumes were associated with worse mJOA scores, indicating a decline in sensorimotor function. Similarly, increased ventral horn volume loss correlated with higher Nurick scores, reflecting poorer ambulatory status.
• 3
  Ventral horn volume showed a negative correlation with the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and numeric rating scales for neck and arm pain, suggesting that reduced gray matter volume is linked to increased disability and pain levels.