A Matched Case Control Study of Early Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Based on Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Motivation: Early cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is challenging to diagnose and easily missed. Goal(s): To explore the value of diffusion MRI (dMRI) in diagnosing early-stage CSM and evaluating uncompressed segments in patients with early CSM. Approach: Using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), a 1:1 matched case control study was conducted. Results: The orientation division index (ODI) was positively correlated with early CSM, and the anisotropic water fraction (AWF) was negatively correlated. The ODI and AWF can assist in identifying the scope of early CSM involvement. Impact: The orientation division index (ODI) was positively correlated with early CSM, and the anisotropic water fraction (AWF) was negatively correlated. The ODI and AWF can assist in identifying the scope of early CSM involvement.