In vivo 3.0-tesla magnetic resonance T1ρ and T2 relaxation mapping in subjects with intervertebral disc degeneration and clinical symptoms

• Published in: Magnetic resonance in medicine Vol. 63; no. 5; pp. 1193 - 1200
• Main Authors: Blumenkrantz, Gabrielle, Zuo, Jin, Li, Xiaojuan, Kornak, John, Link, Thomas M., Majumdar, Sharmila
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.05.2010
• Subjects: disc degeneration; magnetic resonance imaging; MRI relaxation time; T1ρ
• ISSN: 0740-3194; 1522-2594
• DOI: 10.1002/mrm.22362

The purpose of this study is (1) to determine the correlation between T1ρ and T2 and degenerative grade in intervertebral discs using in vivo 3.0‐T MRI, and (2) to determine the association between T1ρ and T2 and clinical findings as quantified by the SF‐36 Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index. Sixteen subjects participated in this study, and each completed SF‐36 and Oswestry Disability Index questionnaires. MRI T1ρ and T2 mapping was performed to determine T1ρ (77 discs) and T2 (44 discs) in the nucleus of the intervertebral disc, and T2‐weighted images were acquired for Pfirrmann grading of disc degeneration. Pfirrmann grade was correlated with both T1ρ (r = −0.84; P < 0.01) and T2 (r = −0.61; P < 0.01). Mixed‐effects models demonstrate that only T1ρ was associated with clinical questionnaires (R2SF‐36 = 0.55, R2O.D.I. = 0.56; P < 0.05). Although the averaged values of T1ρ and T2 were significantly correlated, they presented differences in spatial distribution and dynamic range, thus suggesting different sensitivities to tissue composition. This study suggests that T1ρ may be sensitive to early degenerative changes (corroborating previous studies) and clinical symptoms in intervertebral disc degeneration. Magn Reson Med 63:1193–1200, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.