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Axial T2* mapping in intervertebral discs: a new technique for assessment of intervertebral disc degeneration

  • Magnetic Resonance
  • Published:
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Abstract

Objectives

To demonstrate the potential benefits of biochemical axial T2* mapping of intervertebral discs (IVDs) regarding the detection and grading of early stages of degenerative disc disease using 1.5-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a clinical setting.

Methods

Ninety-three patients suffering from lumbar spine problems were examined using standard MRI protocols including an axial T2* mapping protocol. All discs were classified morphologically and grouped as “healthy” or “abnormal”. Differences between groups were analysed regarding to the specific T2* pattern at different regions of interest (ROIs).

Results

Healthy intervertebral discs revealed a distinct cross-sectional T2* value profile: T2* values were significantly lower in the annulus fibrosus compared with the nucleus pulposus (P = 0.01). In abnormal IVDs, T2* values were significantly lower, especially towards the centre of the disc representing the expected decreased water content of the nucleus (P = 0.01). In herniated discs, ROIs within the nucleus pulposus and ROIs covering the annulus fibrosus showed decreased T2* values.

Conclusions

Axial T2* mapping is effective to detect early stages of degenerative disc disease. There is a potential benefit of axial T2* mapping as a diagnostic tool, allowing the quantitative assessment of intervertebral disc degeneration.

Key Points

• Axial T2* mapping effective in detecting early degenerative disc disease.

• Healthy and abnormal intervertebral discs revealed distinct cross-sectional T2* value profiles.

• T2* can be performed at 1.5 T in a clinical setting.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the ‘Stipendienfonds’ of the Swiss Orthopaedic Association (SGO).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inselspital, Berne University Hospital, 3010, Berne, Switzerland

    Sven Hoppe, Sebastian Quirbach, Fabian G. Krause & Lorin M. Benneker

  2. Department of Radiology, Inselspital, Berne University Hospital, Berne, Switzerland

    Tallal C. Mamisch

  3. Department of Radiology, Clinic Sonnenhof, Berne, Switzerland

    Stefan Werlen

Authors
  1. Sven Hoppe
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  2. Sebastian Quirbach
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  3. Tallal C. Mamisch
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  4. Fabian G. Krause
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  5. Stefan Werlen
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  6. Lorin M. Benneker
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Correspondence to Lorin M. Benneker.

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Hoppe, S., Quirbach, S., Mamisch, T.C. et al. Axial T2* mapping in intervertebral discs: a new technique for assessment of intervertebral disc degeneration. Eur Radiol 22, 2013–2019 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2448-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2448-8

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