弥散加权MRI在脑梗塞诊断中的初步应用

目的：探讨弥散加权ＭＲＩ（ＤＷＩ）对早期脑梗塞诊断的敏感性和对急性与非急性脑梗塞的鉴别诊断价值。材料和方法：３１例脑梗塞（４例超急性,７例急性,１２例亚急性,８例慢性）患者行头颅单次激发回波平面弥散加权ＭＲＩ和常规ＭＲＩ扫描。结果：超急性、急性和亚急性脑梗塞在ＤＷＩ上均表现为高信号,其中４例超急性脑梗塞常规ＭＲＩ阴性。慢性脑梗塞除１例（发病１５天）ＤＷＩ表现为高信号,其余表现为混杂信号、等信号或低信号。６例患者常规ＭＲＩ显示多发脑梗塞灶,但ＤＷＩ显示１个急性高信号病灶。结论：ＤＷＩ对急性脑梗塞,尤其是超急性脑梗塞较常规ＭＲＩ具有更高的敏感性;ＤＷＩ还可以鉴别急性和非急性脑梗塞。     

脑白质疏松症的MR扩散加权成像及波谱研究

目的通过MR扩散加权成像(DWI)及MR波谱(MRS)分析脑白质疏松症(LA)的表观扩散值(ADC)和不同代谢产物比值的变化,探讨LA中脑白质缺血过程中出现的病理、生化改变与MR功能成像改变之间的关系。方法30例经常规MRI检查诊断为LA患者,及30例年龄相匹配的正常脑白质表现的患者作为对照组,进行DWI检查,分析病变不同区域ADC值的变化,同时对LA患者进行MRS分析N-乙酰天门冬氨酸(NAA)/肌酸(Cr)、胆碱复合物(Cho)/肌酸(Cr)比值的变化,比较不同位置和不同程度病变在ADC值和代谢变化中的差异。结果LA患者病灶区(双侧侧脑室枕角、体部旁脑白质)ADC值升高与对照组差异有显著的统计学意义(P<0.01),相应病灶区的NAA/Cr均值明显降低,Cho/Cr均值升高,与正常白质比较差异有显著统计学意义(P<0.01),而枕角的NAA/Cr均值低于体部,差异有显著统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论磁共振功能成像能够反映脑白质疏松症发展中的微观结构变化和局部代谢的异常。     

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: relationship between clinical stage and diffusion-weighted imaging findings

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between clinical stages and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) changes in the brain of patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 18 patients with stage II (N = 11) and III (N = 7) SSPE and 11 age-matched controls underwent routine MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The ADC values were automatically calculated. Seven distinct neuroanatomic structures (frontal, parieto-occipital, and cerebellar white matter; deep white matter; thalamus; basal ganglia; and brainstem) were selected for analysis in the patient and control groups. RESULTS: Hyperintensities in the periventricular and subcortical white matters on T2-weighted images and ADC maps were detected in 63.6% of patients with stage II and in all patients with stage III. There were significant differences between stage II and III patients and also between patients and control group in ADC values that obtained from all locations. The highest mean ADC values were calculated in stage III patients. Although MRI and DWI findings were normal in four patients with stage II disease, ADC values were significantly increased when compared with controls. CONCLUSION: The stage of disorder may be independent of DWI appearance during the early stage (stages I and II), even though the brain is affected. Therefore, DWI and ADC values supplemental to routine MRI should also be utilized for lesion detection and definition to enhance diagnostic accuracy in patients with SSPE.     

MRI imaging of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome associated with pregnancy

Purpose

Our purpose is to characterize MRI, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) findings in pregnant patients who were identified clinically to have PRES. We study the conversion of reversible vasogenic edema to irreversible cytotoxic edema and predict the progression to infarction.

Patients and methods

Twenty two pregnant females, aged between 20 and 46 years with gestational age between 20 and 40 weeks of gestation and with neurological manifestations had undergone conventional MRI, diffusion weighted image study, and ADC map.

Results

Lesions were mainly affecting the parieto-occipital regions, symmetrical or slightly asymmetrical distribution of the lesions in both cerebral hemispheres was found in most cases. The MRI findings in all the twenty two patients were: abnormal low SI in T1 WI, abnormal high SI on T2 and FLAIR WI. In DWI, hyperintensity with hyperintensity in ADC map was seen in 15 patients, hyperintensity with hypointensity in ADC map in 4 patients, normotensive in DWI with hyperintensity in ADC map in 3 patients.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of PRES has important therapeutic and prognostic value. The use of diffusion-weighted imaging and ADC maps allows an earlier and clearer differentiation of cytotoxic and vasogenic edema, which can predict the development of infarction.     

弥散加权MRI对急性和非急性脑梗死的鉴别诊断价值

目的：评价弥散加权(DWI)MRI对急性和非急性脑梗死的鉴别诊断价值。方法：对41例脑梗死(急性12例，亚急性14例，慢性15例)患者行头颅DWI和常规MRI扫描。结果：急性和亚急性脑梗死在DWI上均表现为高信号，其中8例急性脑梗死在DWI上比常规T2WI显示的更清楚或范围更大；而慢性脑梗死在DWI上表现为等信号、混杂信号或低信号。结论：DWI可为急性和非急性脑梗死的鉴别诊断提供可靠的依据。     

Delayed encephalopathy of acute carbon monoxide intoxication: diffusivity of cerebral white matter lesions

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Carbon monoxide intoxication has delayed effects on the cerebral white matter characterized by bilateral, confluent lesions that reflect diffuse demyelination. To increase our understanding of this process, we assessed the diffusion characteristics of these lesions. METHODS: Five consecutive patients with delayed encephalopathy of CO intoxication were examined with diffusion MR imaging. Diffusion-weighted images (DWIs) were obtained 25-95 days after their exposure to CO and during a relapse of neuropsychiatric symptoms, which occurred after an initial recovery. Imaging was performed at 1.5 T by using a spin-echo echo-planar sequence with diffusion gradients of 0, 500, and 1000 s/mm(2). DWIs and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were visually evaluated, and mean ADCs were calculated from the periventricular white matter and the centrum semiovale, where confluent hyperintensity was seen on T2-weighted images. Findings were compared with those of normal-looking white matter. RESULTS: In all five patients, both T2-weighted images and DWIs showed the white matter lesions as bilateral, diffuse, confluent areas of hyperintensity in the periventricular white matter and centrum semiovale. On ADC maps, these lesions were isointense, with focal areas of hypointensity (n = 4) or diffuse hypointensity (n = 1). Mean ADC values of the white matter lesions were significantly lower than those of normal-looking white matter, regardless of their isointensity or hypointensity on ADC maps (P <.05). CONCLUSION: Bilateral, confluent, white matter lesions in patients with delayed encephalopathy of CO intoxication show decreased diffusivity.     

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging in the early diagnosis of periventricular leukomalacia

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has been shown to be highly sensitive in detecting acute cerebral infarction, but its use in detecting hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in neonates is still controversial. Moreover, few reports concern pre-term infants with possible periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). We examined the ability of this technique to detect cerebral changes in the acute phase of PVL. Fifteen MR examinations were performed in 11 pre-term infants (mean age 3.4 days, range 2–6 days). Conventional DWI sequences, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, and US obtained in the acute phase were compared. All the neonates underwent US follow-up up to 4 months after delivery; those with suspected PVL also underwent MRI follow-up for up to 2 months. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations were performed to assess the presence of DW changes compatible with PVL. Diffusion-weighted MRI showed signal hyperintensity associated with decreased ADC values in 3 subjects (27%). In these patients conventional MRI sequences were interpreted as normal and US (performed at the same time) as doubtful in 2 and compatible with PVL in 1 subject. The MRI and US follow-up confirmed severe damage in all these patients. In 1 neonate hemorrhages involving the germinative matrix were identified. In 8 neonates MRI was considered normal. In these subjects US follow-up (up to 4 months) confirmed no signs of PVL. Diffusion-weighted imaging may have a higher correlation with later evidence of PVL than does conventional MR imaging and US when performed in the acute phase of the disease.     

高血压脑病的MRI表现

目的 分析高血压脑病的MRI表现。资料与方法 搜集8例经临床诊断高血压脑病患者,行MR T1WI和T2WI检查,其中4例加行扩散加权成像（DWI）,分析血压变化、MRI表现及ADC值变化。结果 发病时平均血压199．63／123．5mmHg（1mmHg=0．133kPa）,平均升高25．73％／28．71％。MRI上病变主要呈TI稍低、T2稍高信号,以顶枕叶、小脑半球多见。DWI病变呈等及稍高信号,ADC值较正常平均升高58％。仅1个病灶DWI出现明显高信号,ADC值减低。结论 MRI有助于高血压脑病的诊断及鉴别诊断、预后及疗效观察,DWI是将其与急性脑梗死区分开的最佳影像学检查方法。     

颈动脉狭窄致脑低灌注损伤多模态MRI

目的：探讨颈动脉狭窄程度与颈内动脉血流动力学参数及相关脑区ADC值变化的关系。方法：27例患者经磁共振血管成像（MRA）证实有中度以上颈动脉狭窄。所有患者行颅脑常规 MRI、MRA和DWI检查,并采用血流定量测量（QFlow）和彩色多普勒超声（CDFI）对颈内动脉的血流动力学参数进行分析。对 QFlow技术与CDFI 测量的血流参数（血流量、平均流速、峰值流速及管腔面积）及其与颈动脉狭窄程度及相关脑区的表观扩散系数值（ADC ）之间的相关性行非参数检验。结果：①QFlow技术与CDFI测量的血流量和平均流速呈中度正相关（r＝0．695,P＜0．01;r＝0．795,P＜0．01）,峰值流速和管腔面积呈低度正相关（r＝0．453,P＜0．01;r＝0．573,P＜0．01）。②颈动脉狭窄程度与 QFlow 技术测量的颈内动脉流量呈低度负相关（r＝－0．467,P＜0．01）,与侧脑室旁前部和额叶白质的 ADC 值呈低度正相关（r＝0．373,P＜0．01;r＝0．372,P＜0．01）。③侧脑室旁前部和额叶白质的ADC 值与 QFlow 技术测量的颈内动脉流量分别呈中度和低度负相关（r＝－0．624,P＜0．01;r＝－0．533,P＜0．01）。结论：多模态 MRI能显示颈动脉狭窄所致的颈内动脉血流量减低及供血脑区的低灌注损伤,QFlow技术能较准确评价颈内动脉血流动力学变化。     

桥本脑病的MRI特点

目的 探讨桥本脑病(HE)的MRI特点及其机制,以提高诊断及鉴别诊断能力.方法 回顾性分析5例临床诊断为HE患者的临床和MRI资料.5例患者均行头颅常规MR扫描,并对其中常规MRI表现异常的3例患者行DWI、MRA和增强扫描.观察病变的分布和信号特点,测量病变处和对侧无病变区组织的ADC值.并通过分析2例有连续临床和MRI资料的患者,推测其机制.结果 5例患者中有3例发现脑内异常改变,3例均表现为深部白质内斑点样异常信号,T1WI、DWI呈等信号,T2WI、液体衰减反转恢复(FLAIR)序列呈高信号,同时伴脑内其他部位多发斑片状病变,灰、白质均受累,主要累及基底节核团、海马和扣带回,发病初期T1WI呈等、低信号,T2WI、FLAIR、DWI呈高信号,病变区ADC值[(0.449±0.092)×10-3 mm2/s]较对侧无病灶区[(0.838±0.062)×10 -3 mm2/s]均明显降低.所有患者均无MRA异常改变和强化表现.对2例经糖皮质激素治疗症状缓解的患者连续追踪,1例MRI表现为病灶明显缩小,T1WI呈高信号,T2WI、FLAIR呈等、高信号,DWI呈低信号,ADC值明显升高;另1例病灶完全消失.结论 桥本脑病的MRI表现具有一定特点,可以作为HE诊断、鉴别诊断和疗效判断的手段之一,并可能成为活体研究HE病理机制的有效方法.     

韦尼克脑病的MRI表现及DWI对临床预后的评价

目的:探讨韦尼克脑病(Wernicke’s encephalopathy,WE)的MRI表现及弥散加权成像(DWI)在临床预后及治疗中的价值。方法:对10例经临床证实的WE患者的MRI资料进行分析,同时DWI检查,8例行MRI复查并对治疗前后病灶表观弥散系数(ADC)值进行比较。结果:5例患者均出现双侧丘脑、第三脑室及导水管周围广泛对称性异常信号累及,乳头体、被盖及四脑室底部异常信号各1例。上述病变呈稍长T1稍长T2信号改变,FLAIR序列呈高信号。DWI显示10例病灶区呈高/稍高信号,5例患者治疗前ADC值减低,其中3例经治疗后复查ADC值升高;另外5例患者病灶区治疗前ADC值无明显下降,治疗后ADC值均升高,患者预后均较好。结论:WE脑病具有典型的MRI表现,DWI对临床诊断及预后评价具有重要意义。     

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) in spinal cord ischemia

Introduction Spinal cord infarction is a rare clinical diagnosis characterized by a sudden onset of paralysis, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and loss of pain and temperature perception, with preservation of proprioception and vibration sense. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) usually demonstrates intramedullary hyperintensity on T2-weighted MR images with cord enlargement. However, in approximately 45% of patients, MR shows no abnormality. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) has been widely used for the evaluation of a variety of brain disorders, especially for acute stroke. Preliminary data suggest that DWI has the potential to be useful in the early detection of spinal infarction.Methods We performed DWI, using navigated, interleaved, multishot echo planar imaging (IEPI), in a series of six patients with a clinical suspicion of acute spinal cord ischemia.Results In all patients, high signal was observed on isotropic DWI images with low ADC values (0.23 and 0.86×10⁻³ cm²/s), indicative of restricted diffusion.Conclusion We analyzed the imaging findings from conventional MR sequences and diffusion-weighted MR sequences in six patients with spinal cord infarction, compared the findings with those in published series, and discuss the value of DWI in spinal cord ischemia based on current experience. Although the number of patients with described DWI findings totals only 23, the results of previously published studies and those of our study suggest that DWI has the potential to be a useful and feasible technique for the detection of spinal infarction.     

Transient seixure activity demonstrated by Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT and diffusion-weighted MR imaging

Cerebral perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has been used to confirm the localization of the epileptic focus and the evaluation of seizure. Recently, diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) has been recognized for evaluation of seizure activity. We describe a case of transient seizure activity demonstrated by Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT and DWI. This patient was a 61-year-old woman with a 10-month history of right middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction who had a generalized seizure during MRI. DWI immediately after seizure showed transient hyperintensity in the right frontal gray matter and the white matter, and these apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) were transiently decreased. This transient hyperintensity on DWI corresponded to transient hyperperfusion identifying the epileptic focus on interictal Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT. Transient sustained seizure activity might cause these changes on DWI and SPECT. It was considered that interictal Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT showed the delayed hyperperfusion caused by excitatory neuronal overaction and DWI showed cytotoxic edema seizure-induced by energy failure of the membrane-bound Na/K-ATPase pump.     

A preliminary report of brain edema in patients with uremia at first hemodialysis: evaluation by diffusion-weighted MR imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The dynamics of brain-water content associated with hemodialysis in patients with severe azotemia remains obscure. To investigate whether either interstitial or cytotoxic edema is responsible for dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS), we used diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) to measure the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), which is sensitive for detecting tissue water dynamics. METHODS: Eight consecutive patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and blood urea nitrogen level of more than 100 mg/dL (160.9 +/- 53.1 mg/dL) were recruited. Conventional MR images, DWI, and clinical manifestations were obtained before and after the 1st hemodialysis. The ADC values were determined for regions of normal-appearing gray and white matter and for regions of hyperintensity of white matter on T2-weighted MR imaging. RESULTS: Foci of bright areas of white matter were found in all patients on T2-weighted images. The ADC values of the patients with ESRD, in white matter and gray matter before and after hemodialysis, were greater than those of the healthy controls (P < .005). Regarding the impact of hemodialysis, the ADC of frontal lobe white matter increased significantly after hemodialysis (1.09 +/- 0.11 versus 1.03 +/- 0.11, P = .036). We did not find the specific area of brain edema reported in posterior leukoencephalopathy and the osmotic demyelination syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that severe azotemia in end stage renal disease leads to interstitial brain edema reflected as increased ADC, and the further increased ADC reflects that edema associated with 1st hemodialysis is interstitial rather than cytotoxic in nature.     

MRI diffusion-weighted imaging in intracranial hemorrhage (ICH)

Purpose

To assess the role of MRI DWI in detection and characterization of ICH.

Patients and methods

61 patients with intracranial hemorrhage who underwent MRI (including DWI, ADC, and GRE) and CT were retrospectively included in this study. MRI DWIs were analyzed for age, type, (primary parenchymal hemorrhage or hemorrhagic lesion) and location of the hemorrhage. The results were compared with conventional MRI sequences, GRE, and CT to assess the diagnostic accuracy of DWI in assessment of patients with intracranial hematoma.

Results

We had 61 patients with intracranial hemorrhage, six cases were missed by DWI. MRI DWI was accurate for the detection of hyperacute, medium, large sized acute, early and late sub acute, subdural, hemorrhagic components of arterial and venous infarction, intraventricular hemorrhage. DWI showed low sensitivity in detection of subarachnoid and small intraparenchymal hemorrhage The ADC measurements in hyperacute, acute, early and late subacute hematoma were statistically equivalent and were significantly less than the late subacute hematoma as well as the contralateral white matter.

Conclusion

MRI DWI was accurate in detection, characterization and staging hyperacute, acute, subacute hemorrhage as well as hemorrhagic components of arterial and venous infarctions and of low diagnostic accuracy in subarachnoid and small parenchymal hemorrhage.     

0.5T磁共振机弥散加权像诊断急性脑梗塞

目的：分析０．５Ｔ磁共振机的弥散加权像（ＤＷＩ）对急性脑梗塞诊断的临床价值。材料与方法：计算５０例健康志愿者正常脑组织各不同部位的表观弥散系数（ＡＤＣ）值,并对急性脑梗塞发作后３～１２小时的１０名患者进行ＤＷＩ及常规Ｔ_１ＷＩ、Ｔ_２ＷＩ、ＦＬＡＩＲ及ＭＲＡ检查。结果：测得正常人额、顶、枕叶脑白质、半卵圆中心、基底节、脑干、小脑半球、脑脊液部位的ＡＤＣ平均值。对于临床患者,ＤＷＩ可明确显示急性期脑梗塞病灶,常规Ｔ_１ＷＩ、Ｔ_２ＷＩ、ＦＬＡＩＲ均不能显示或显示不清。结论：以ＤＷＩ为主,结合Ｔ_１ＷＩ、Ｔ_２ＷＩ、ＦＬＡＩＲ及ＭＲＡ序列能非常准确、可靠的诊断急性脑梗塞。     

大鼠超急性期脑缺血的磁共振扩散加权成像研究

目的：利用磁共振扩散加权成像（DWI）评价大鼠超急性期脑缺血的诊断价值。方法：12只Wistar雄性大鼠,采用线栓法制作右侧大脑中动脉闭塞（MCAO）脑缺血模型,分别于栓塞后1h和6h行大鼠冠状位磁共振DWI、T2WI和T1WI检查,并测量缺血区DWI异常高信号的体积、表观扩散系数（ADC）值,将所测值进行比较。磁共振检查结束后处死大鼠,断头取脑行TTC染色,并与DWI结果进行比较。结果：大鼠MCAO后1h进行MRI扫描右侧大脑中动脉供血区DWI可见异常稍高信号,ADC为低信号,T2WI和T1WI均未见异常信号;MCAO后6hDWI可见明显高信号,较1hADC值显著减低（P〈0.01）,DWI上梗死灶体积显著扩大（P〈0.01）,T2WI显示缺血区异常高信号,T1WI可见稍低信号。TTC染色者均显示脑梗死灶,与MCAO后6h的DWI显示脑缺血范围一致。结论：DWI对超急性期脑梗死较常规MRI敏感,是超急性期脑缺血重要的检查方法。     

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of pyogenic intraventricular empyema

Introduction Pyogenic intraventricular empyema (PIE) is a potentially fatal CNS infection. However, it is sometimes difficult to diagnose PIE on the basis of clinical and conventional MRI findings. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has been accepted as a useful MR sequence for the diagnosis of various intracranial infections. The purpose of this study was to determine the DWI characteristics of PIE and the role of DWI in the diagnosis of PIE. Methods Eight patients with PIE underwent MRI including DWI. We assessed the presence and signal characteristics of PIE. In seven patients, the signal intensities of the PIE and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were measured and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) percentage was calculated. ADC values of the PIE, CSF, and white matter were also determined. Results PIE was detected in all patients by DWI, in five (63%) by FLAIR imaging, and in two (25%) by T1- and T2-weighted imaging. The CNR percentages of the PIEs in relation to the CSF were highest for DWI, followed by FLAIR, T1-, and T2-weighted imaging. There were statistically significant differences between the images of each sequence. In all patients, PIE showed hyperintensities on DWI and hypointensities to the CSF and hypo- or isointensities to the white matter on ADC maps. The ADC values (mean±SD) of the PIE, CSF, and white matter were 0.60±0.27, 2.81±0.04, and 0.79±0.08 (×10⁻³ mm²/s). There was a statistically significant difference between PIE and the CSF. Conclusion PIE shows a bright intensity on DWI, and DWI is a sensitive MR sequence for the diagnosis of PIE.     

Reversed discrepancy between CT and diffusion-weighted MR imaging in acute ischemic stroke

PURPOSE: We sought to determine whether an early CT ischemic lesion showing parenchymal hypoattenuation might be undetectable on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in acute cerebral ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated CT and MR images of 70 consecutive patients with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. All patients underwent CT and MR imaging within 6 hours of symptom onset. We determined the presence of reversed discrepancy (RD), defined as an early ischemic lesion showing parenchymal hypoattenuation on CT but no hyperintensity on DWI. CT Hounsfield units (HU), apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs), and perfusion parameters were calculated for RD lesions. RESULTS: RD was found in 9 (12.9%) patients and at basal ganglia (89%). The mean HU of RD lesion was lower than that of normal tissue (DeltaHU, 2.33 +/- 0.74, P < .001). RD lesions showed no significant decrease of ADC (ADC ratio, 0.97 +/- 0.07, P = .059) and cerebral blood flow (relative CBF, 0.87 +/- 0.20, P > 0.05). Delayed DWI hyperintensity occurred in 8 (88.8%) RD lesions, and all lesions progressed to infarction. In 6 (66%) of 9 patients with RD, Alberto Stroke Program Early CT scores of ischemic lesions were lower on CT than those on DWI. CONCLUSION: RD was uncommonly found mainly in basal ganglia, and all RD lesions progressed to infarction at follow-up. Early CT ischemic lesion showing parenchymal hypoattenuation may be undetectable on DWI, and DWI may underestimate extent of severe ischemic tissue in patients with acute MCA infarction.     

Case report: diffusion-weighted MRI in anterior spinal artery stroke of the cervical spinal cord

The authors present a case of anterior spinal artery stroke demonstrated by diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) using single-shot echo-planar imaging. DWI clearly demonstrated hyperintensity with a decreased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) at 26 hours after onset. At 28 days, there was persistent hyperintensity with an increased ADC, corresponding to T2-weighted hyperintensity in the whole spinal gray matter at the C2-C7 vertebral level. DWI provided satisfactory images and was helpful for diagnosing and evaluating anterior spinal artery stroke.