多模态MRI观察颈椎源性疼痛患者全脑结构异常

Objective: To observe the microstructure abnormalities of gray matter and white matter in patients with cervical spondylotic pain (CSP) using voxel based morphometry (VBM) technology and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods: Totally 31 CSP patients (CSP group) and 30 age and sex matched healthy volunteers (control group) underwent three dimensional T1 scanning of whole brain and DTI. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was performed on patients in CSP group, Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were performed on both groups. The microstructures of brain gray matter and white matter were observed and compared between groups, and correlation of parameters being statistically different between groups with clinical indicators were analyzed. Results: The gray matter volumes of the right precuneus, right superior temporal gyrus and right middle cingulum decreased in CSP group compare with those in control group, which were negatively correlated with VAS scores (r_s=-0.397, -0.402, -0.388, all P<0.05). The fractional anisotropy (FA) values of bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus in CSP group decreased, the FA value of the left superior longitudinal fasciculus was negatively correlated with VAS (r_s=-0.460, P=0.014). No significant correlation of gray matter parameters of structural abnormalities and other clinical variables (HAMA, HAMD, and MoCA scores) was found in CSP group (all P>0.05). Conclusion: VBM technique combined with DTI could be used to evaluate the microstructural changes gray matter and white matter of brain in CSP patients, including decreased gray matter volume of right precuneus, right superior temporal gyrus and right middle cingulum, accompanied by microstructural abnormalities of white matter in bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus.