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Axial loading during MRI influences T2-mapping values of lumbar discs: a feasibility study on patients with low back pain

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Abstract

Purpose

To investigate whether axial loading of the spine during MRI (alMRI) instantaneously induces changes in biochemical disc features as reflected by altered quantitative T2 values in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP).

Methods

T2 mapping was performed on 11 LBP patients (54 lumbar discs) during the conventional unloaded MRI and subsequent alMRI. Each disc was divided into five volumetric regions of interests (ROIs), anterior annulus fibrosus (AF) (ROI 1), the interface anterior AF-nucleus pulposus (NP) (ROI 2), NP (ROI 3), the interface NP-posterior AF (ROI 4), and the posterior AF (ROI 5). The mean T2 values for each ROI were compared between MRI and alMRI and correlated with degeneration grade (Pfirrmann), disc angle, and disc level.

Results

With alMRI, T2 values increased significantly in the whole disc as well as in various parts of the disc with an increase in ROI 1–3 and a decrease in ROI 5. The changes in T2 values correlated to degeneration grade, changes in disc angle, and lumbar level.

Conclusion

alMRI instantaneously induces T2-value changes in lumbar discs and is, thus, a feasible method to reveal dynamic, biochemical disc features in patients with chronic LBP.

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Acknowledgments

The study was supported by a regional Grant under the ALF agreement, number 428161 to HB, and by a grant to HH from Gothenburg Medical Society. The sponsors of the study had no influence on the analysis and interpretation of data; nor in the writing of the report. The authors would like to thank the MRI staff at Molndal Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, for the pleasant co-operation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden

    Martin Nilsson, I. Kasperska & H. Hebelka

  2. Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden

    H. Brisby

  3. Department of Medical Physics and Techniques, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden

    K. Lagerstrand

  4. Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden

    Martin Nilsson, K. Lagerstrand, H. Brisby & H. Hebelka

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  1. Martin Nilsson
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Correspondence to Martin Nilsson.

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Nilsson, M., Lagerstrand, K., Kasperska, I. et al. Axial loading during MRI influences T2-mapping values of lumbar discs: a feasibility study on patients with low back pain. Eur Spine J 25, 2856–2863 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4670-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4670-6

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