Predictive values of spinal cord diffusion magnetic resonance imaging to characterize outcomes after contusion injury

Abstract Objectives To explore filtered diffusion‐weighted imaging (fDWI), in comparison with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), as a predictor for long‐term locomotor and urodynamic (UD) outcomes in Yucatan minipig model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Additionally, electrical conductivity of neural tissue using D‐waves above and below the injury was measured to assess correlations between fDWI and D‐waves data. Methods Eleven minipigs with contusion SCI at T8‐T10 level underwent MRI at 3T 4 h. post‐SCI. Parameters extracted from region of interest analysis included Daxial from fDWI at injury site, fractional anisotropy and radial diffusivity from DTI above the injury site along with measures of edema length and cord width at injury site from T2‐weighted images. Locomotor recovery was assessed pre‐ and weekly post‐SCI through porcine thoracic injury behavior scale (PTIBS) and UD were performed pre‐ and at 12 weeks of SCI. D‐waves latency and amplitude differences were recorded before and immediately after SCI. Results Two groups of pigs were found based on the PTIBS at week 12 (p