Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential application of MR diffusion tensor imaging (with calculation of fractional anisotropy (FA) values) in assessment of the spondylotic cervical spinal canal compromise and comparison with the information issued from conventional MR sequences for early detection of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Thirty patients (11 males and 19 females) were included in this study; age ranged from 22 to 70 years (mean age = 44). All patients had conventional and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) examinations of the cervical spine for detection and assessment of degree of cervical cord myelopathy. FA values of the whole cord circumference and at 3, 6, 9, 12 o'clock positions of the normal cord (opposite to C2), opposite to the most affected disc, and below the level of the most affected disc were measured. Results: High statistically significant P values were obtained when comparing the FA values of the normal cord with the cord opposite to the most affected disc, the normal cord with the cord below the affected disc and the cord at the level of the most affected disc with the cord below the level of the most affected disc. Conclusions: DTI of the cervical spinal cord with FA measurement in patients with cervical spondylosis helps in early detection of cervical cord compressive myelopathy prior to appearance of changes in conventional MRI, which can improve the clinical outcome and help in treatment plans.

Background Preoperative imaging of salivary gland tumors is important for predicting and differentiating benign from malignant tumors, and for aiding management planning. We aimed to investigate the accuracy of combined quantitative diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and routine contrast-enhanced MRI in the evaluation of salivary gland tumors and the differentiation of benign from malignant tumors. Results This study included 51 patients with a total of 16 benign and 35 malignant lesions that were detected by histopathological analysis. There was a statistically significant difference between the apparent diffusion coefficient values (ADC) of malignant and benign lesions (0.69 ± 0.22 × 10−3 mm2/s and 1.39 ± 0.52 × 10−3 mm2/s respectively). The optimal cut-off ADC value was 1.08 with 75% specificity and 97% sensitivity. The routine contrast-enhanced MRI had predicted benign and malignant tumors with 65% sensitivity and 44% specificity. The sensitivity and specificity were greatly increased when quantitative diffusion-weighted MRI was combined with routine contrast-enhanced MRI: 100%, and 88% respectively. A receiver operating curve was generated. The area under curve was 0.88 ( p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.76–0.99). Conclusion Combined quantitative diffusion-weighted MRI with ADC measurements and routine contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging are helpful tools for the evaluation of salivary gland tumors and help differentiate benign from malignant lesions.

Background: Bilateral Hamstrings muscles shortening is a common condition found in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. Tightness of this muscle can play a role in low back pain, postural deficits, lumbar spine disorders and sport related injuries. Purpose of this study: was to investigate the influence of bilateral hamstrings muscles shortening on certain radiological parameters of lumbosacral spine. Materials and Methods: Thirty normal subjects of both genders participated in this study. Subjects were classified into two equal groups; Group A: The Control group: was consisted of fifteen normal subjects without hamstring shortening with mean age, weight, height and BMI were 26.8 ± 4.34 years, 74.6 ± 17.45 kg, 174 ± 15.5 cm , and 24.28 ±2.67 kg/m 2 respectively. Group B: The Study group: was consisted of fifteen subject with bilateral shortening of the hamstrings with mean age, weight, height and BMI were 25.8 ±3.91 years, 66 ± 9.69 kg, 164.2 ±7.43 cm , and 24.38± 2.81 kg/m 2 respectively. The shortening of the hamstrings was assessed with Active Knee Extension (AKE) Test, and the radiological parameters of lumbosacral spine were assessed from X-Ray image using Paxera Viewer Software. Results: This study showed that there was a significant difference in certain radiological parameters of lumbosacral spine ( Lumbar lordosis angle, Lumbosacral angle and Sacral inclination angle) in cases of bilateral hamstrings muscle shortening as p value was (<0.05) . Conclusion: Bilateral hamstrings muscle shortening has significant effect on lumbosacral spine angles.

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