Restricted diffusion in spinal cord infarction demonstrated by magnetic resonance line scan diffusion imaging.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We report on the use of line scan diffusion magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of spinal cord infarctions. METHODS Data on 19 patients with clinical findings consistent with spinal cord infarctions and abnormal findings on line scan diffusion imaging were reviewed. The Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) measurements for the normal spinal cord and for the areas of abnormality were calculated from trace ADC maps. RESULTS Restricted diffusion was found in all 19 patients. Absolute ADC values in the ischemic area ranged between 395.4 and 575.8 × 10(-6) mm(2)/s, with ADC ratios ranging between 39.4% and 57.4%. CONCLUSIONS Line scan diffusion imaging is technically feasible and appears to be a reliable method to diagnose spinal cord infarction in the acute setting.