Elucidation of microstructural changes in spinal cord during recovery process of sensorimotor damage at extremities caused by brain and spinal cord diseases

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K08161
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 52040:Radiological sciences-related
• Research Institution: Juntendo University
• Principal Investigator: Hori Masaaki 順天堂大学, 医学部, 客員准教授 (40334867)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 脊髄MRI / 拡散定量値 / ミエリン定量 / 再生医療

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this reserch, we optimized MRI imaging techniques and analysis methods for the spinal cord and spine, establishing a foundation for clinical applications. By employing advanced and novel imaging technologies, we achieved high-resolution imaging and obtained new quantitative values through the examination of MPG pulses. Furthermore, we validated the analysis methods using the Spinal Cord Toolbox and attempted to construct a quantitative MRI database. The analysis results of MRI data from patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy also confirmed the utility of clinical biomarkers. Despite the constraints on data collection due to the impact of COVID-19, we demonstrated the potential for clinical application.

Free Research Field

放射線診断学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の結果は、MRIを用いた脊髄の定量的な微細構造解析を目的とした撮像や解析が、かなり高度なレベルで臨床における条件下でも可能であることを示すものであった。社会的意義としては、現在、臨床で広く普及している形態的なMRI撮像ではとらえることが困難な、脊髄内における健常および病的な微細構造変化をMRIで定量的に評価することが可能であることを意味し、客観的な画像を用いた脊髄の評価方法として重要である結果と考えられた。