Classification of Diffusion Tensor Metrics for the Diagnosis of a Myelopathic Cord Using Machine Learning.

In this study, we propose an automated framework that combines diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics with machine learning algorithms to accurately classify control groups and groups with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) in the spinal cord. The comparison between selected voxel-based classification and mean value-based classification were performed. A support vector machine (SVM) classifier using a selected voxel-based dataset produced an accuracy of 95.73%, sensitivity of 93.41% and specificity of 98.64%. The efficacy of each index of diffusion for classification was also evaluated. Using the proposed approach, myelopathic areas in CSM are detected to provide an accurate reference to assist spine surgeons in surgical planning in complicated cases.