3-T MRI with diffusion tensor imaging and tractography of the median nerve

Objective To apply diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography to the median nerve by use of a 3-T MRI device in order to demonstrate potential differences in diffusion parameters between healthy subjects and patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods The median nerve of 15 patients and 20 healthy volunteers was examined in two sequences: DTI and a high-resolution T1-weighted sequence. Mean fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured based on tractography findings. Mean FA was significantly lower in CTS patients ( P = 0.01) whereas no significant difference was found in mean ADC. Focal measurements of FA and ADC were also obtained at three locations along the course of the median nerve. Results We observed a highly significant difference ( P