Comparison of Manual and Automated Methods for Measuring Syrinx Volume

Authors

• Q Yao
• L Zhu
• Z Shi
• S Banerjee
• C Chen

Abstract

Neurosurgeons assess syrinx reduction after surgery using MRI. Manual syrinx volume measurement is laborious. Semiautomated syrinx volume measurement is faster and may be accurate enough to detect surgically-related syrinx volume reductions reliably.

We analyzed pre- and post-operative SPGR axial MRI scans from syringomyelia patients using the manual Cavalieri method (CAV) (n=15) and two semiautomated methods: Spinal Cord Analysis Tool, SCAT (n=15) and 3DQI (n=8). Pre- and post-operative spinal cord and syrinx volumes were compared using the paired t-test.

Syrinx volumes (mm3) were significantly larger before (pre) than after surgery (post) across all methods. CAV syrinx volume was: pre, 4515 mm3 ± 3720, post, 1109 mm3 ± 1469 (p=0.0004). SCAT syrinx volume was, pre, 4584 mm3 ± 3826, post, 1064 mm3 ± 1465 (p=0.0014), and 3DQI was, pre, 3540 mm3 ± 2666, post, 751 mm3 ± 810 (p=0.008). CAV detected fluid in irregular, discontinuous, and narrow syringes. Spinal cord volumes were CAV, pre, 13342 mm3 ± 6198, post 8721 mm3 ± 3389 (p=0.0002). SCAT, pre, 11290 mm3 ± 5727, post, 7530 mm3 ± 3210 (p=0.0009), and 3DQI, pre, 11888 mm3 ± 6108, post, 7873 mm3 ± 3785 (p=0.031). Mean spinal cord volumes measured before operation (pre) differed significantly: CAV and SCAT (p=0.003), paired t-test); CAV and 3DQI (p=0.01). Likewise, mean spinal cord volumes after operation (post) also differed significantly (CAV vs. SCAT, p=6.5E-05; CAV vs. 3DQI, p=0.01).

The semiautomated methods, SCAT and 3DQI, provided acceptably-precise syrinx volume measurements in less time than the manual method.

Scientific Focus Area: Clinical Research

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