The Study of the Parameters of Diffusion Tensor MRI of Brachial Plexuses and Parameters Correlations with Demographic and Anthropometric Data

It is crucial to know the numerical values of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTMRI) parameters in healthy subjects, as well as their correlation with demographic, biometric data and the key parameters of standard MRI, for the purpose of diagnosing pathological changes in brachial plexuses, especially when dealing with non-specific or unclear alterations according to standard magnetic resonance imaging finding.

Aim. Assessing the potential of using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTMRI) to study brachial plexuses, developing an algorithm for data processing and evaluating the distribution of parameter values in normal conditions, as well as exploring whether they correlate with socio-demographic and anthropometric indicators.

Materials and Methods. The study included 50 healthy volunteers without signs of damage to the peripheral nervous system. The diffusion tensor MRI parameters were recorded at a distance of 1–2 cm from the spinal ganglion on both sides using the Siemens workstation with manual setting of the area of interest. Parameters such as fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial and radial diffusion coefficients were recorded. In addition, the intensity coefficient was measured at the same point using a standard three-dimensional sequence STIR images.

Results. The average values for each assessed parameter were obtained. A statistically significant difference in FA was found between the sides, with the right side being significantly higher than the left. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between AD and the age of the subjects on both sides. When the subjects were categorized by gender, men exhibited significantly larger nerve diameter, subclavian artery diameter, height, and weight.

Conclusion. The presence of a significant negative correlation between AD on both sides and age may indicate a gradual thinning of nerve fibers as one ages. The differences in measured parameters among subjects of different genders and their dependence on biometric indicators are consistent and should be taken into account when interpreting studies in patients with various pathological conditions. Furthermore, the substantial difference in the functional asymmetry between sides prevents the interpretation of the obtained data using a mixed model and necessitates the examination of numerical parameters for each side separately.

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