Normal values of cervical spinal cord diffusion tensor in young and middle-aged healthy Chinese

Lack of normal reference value of diffusion tensor imaging parameters hinders its application in clinical practice. In this study, we aim to establish a comprehensive normal DTI database of Chinese subjects. Sixty-five healthy subjects aged 21-61 years were recruited and underwent 3T DTI scan of cervical spine. DTI parameters were measured in whole cord, ventral, lateral and dorsal column from C2 to C7 segments. Regions, segments, gender and age-related changes of DTI parameters were analyzed. No significant difference was found between genders (p > 0.05). DTI parameters significantly differed among different cord levels (p < 0.05). FA value in whole cord, grey matter, dorsal and ventral column showed significant but weak correlation with age (p < 0.05). A comprehensive normal database of DTI parameters of cervical spinal cord was established. The effect of gender and age-related changes is negligible in DTI analysis of cervical spinal cord disorders.