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Magnetization transfer ratio mapping of intervertebral disc degeneration
Author(s) -
Wang Chenyang,
Witschey Walter,
Goldberg Ari,
Elliott Mark,
Borthakur Arijitt,
Reddy Ravinder
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
magnetic resonance in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.696
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1522-2594
pISSN - 0740-3194
DOI - 10.1002/mrm.22533
Subject(s) - magnetization transfer , magnetization , intervertebral disc , nuclear magnetic resonance , nucleus , chemistry , lumbar , materials science , magnetic resonance imaging , anatomy , medicine , physics , radiology , magnetic field , quantum mechanics , psychiatry
The magnetization transfer ratio of the lumbar discs was spatially quantified from age‐matched subjects and the nucleus pulposus magnetization transfer ratio was correlated with T2‐weighted Pfirrmann grades. A moderate and significant linear correlation between magnetization transfer ratio and Pfirrmann grades was observed, suggesting that nucleus pulposus collagen relative density increases with degeneration. High‐resolution axial magnetization transfer ratio maps revealed elevated magnetization transfer ratio in the nucleus pulposa of injured and heavily degenerated discs. In the injured disc, significant elevation in nucleus pulposa magnetization transfer ratio was not accompanied by significant decrease in disc height. This observation may suggest a possible increase in absolute collagen content, in addition to increased collagen relative density. In summary, magnetization transfer MRI of the disc may serve as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for disc degeneration, in addition to other MRI techniques specific to proteoglycan content. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.