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Parametric T2 and T2* mapping techniques to visualize intervertebral disc degeneration in patients with low back pain: initial results on the clinical use of 3.0 Tesla MRI

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Abstract

Objective

To assess, compare and correlate quantitative T2 and T2* relaxation time measurements of intervertebral discs (IVDs) in patients suffering from low back pain, with respect to the IVD degeneration as assessed by the morphological Pfirrmann Score. Special focus was on the spatial variation of T2 and T2* between the annulus fibrosus (AF) and the nucleus pulposus (NP).

Materials and Methods

Thirty patients (mean age: 38.1 ± 9.1 years; 20 female, 10 male) suffering from low back pain were included. Morphological (sagittal T1-FSE, sagittal and axial T2-FSE) and biochemical (sagittal T2- and T2* mapping) MRI was performed at 3 Tesla covering IVDs L1–L2 to L5–S1. All IVDs were morphologically classified using the Pfirrmann score. Region-of-interest (ROI) analysis was performed on midsagittal T2 and T2* maps at five ROIs from anterior to posterior to obtain information on spatial variation between the AF and the NP. Statistical analysis-of-variance and Pearson correlation was performed.

Results

The spatial variation as an increase in T2 and T2* values from the AF to the NP was highest at Pfirmann grade I and declined at higher Pfirmann grades II–IV (p < 0.05). With increased IVD degeneration, T2 and T2* revealed a clear differences in the NP, whereas T2* was additionally able to depict changes in the posterior AF. Correlation between T2 and T2* showed a medium Pearson’s correlation (0.210 to 0.356 [p < 0.001]).

Conclusion

The clear differentiation of IVD degeneration and the possible quantification by means of T2 and fast T2* mapping may provide a new tool for follow-up therapy protocols in patients with low back pain.

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Acknowledgement

Funding for this study was provided by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) Translational Research Project L494 and the Vienna Advanced Clinical Imaging Center (VIACLIC) program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. MR Center—High Field MR, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria

    Goetz Hannes Welsch, Siegfried Trattnig, Sabine Goed, David Stelzeneder & Tallal Charles Mamisch

  2. Department of Trauma Surgery, University of Erlangen, Krankenhausstraße 12, 91054, Erlangen, Germany

    Goetz Hannes Welsch

  3. Department of Physical Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18, 1090, Vienna, Austria

    Tatjana Paternostro-Sluga

  4. Department of Radiology, Klinikum Augsburg, Stenglinstraße 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany

    Klaus Bohndorf

  5. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Berne, Freiburgstraße, 3010, Berne, Switzerland

    Tallal Charles Mamisch

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  1. Goetz Hannes Welsch
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Correspondence to Siegfried Trattnig.

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Welsch, G.H., Trattnig, S., Paternostro-Sluga, T. et al. Parametric T2 and T2* mapping techniques to visualize intervertebral disc degeneration in patients with low back pain: initial results on the clinical use of 3.0 Tesla MRI. Skeletal Radiol 40, 543–551 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-010-1036-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-010-1036-8

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