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Journal of Orthopaedic Science

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Open Access 01-05-2013 | Original Article

Assessment of pain due to lumbar spine diseases using MR spectroscopy: a preliminary report

Authors: Shoji Yabuki, Shin-ichi Konno, Shin-ichi Kikuchi

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Science | Issue 3/2013

Abstract

Background data

There is a considerable difference in pain perception among individuals. In patients with chronic pain, recent studies using fMRI, PET and SPECT have shown that functional changes mainly occurred in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), prefrontal cortex (PFC) and thalamus. Brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) can evaluate brain chemistry by measuring metabolites such as N-acetyl aspartate (NAA). The purpose of this study was to analyze whether brain MRS could assess pain due to lumbar spine diseases.

Methods

NAA levels were determined relative to the concentration of creatine/phosphocreatine complex (Cr) and choline (Cho), which is commonly used as an internal standard. The NAA/Cr and NAA/Cho ratios in the ACC, PFC and thalamus were compared between six patients with unilateral pain (left side) and six control patients without pain.

Results

In the right thalamus (contralateral side to symptom), the NAA/Cr in the patients with pain was statistically significantly lower compared with the control patients (p < 0.05). Also, in the right thalamus, the NAA/Cho in pain patients was significantly lower compared with controls (p < 0.01). When considering just the right thalamus, there were statistically significant correlations between the numerical rating scale for pain (NRS) and NAA values.

Conclusions

Lumbar pain can be assessed indirectly by analyzing the decrease in NAA concentration in the thalamus.

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Title: Assessment of pain due to lumbar spine diseases using MR spectroscopy: a preliminary report
Authors: Shoji Yabuki
Shin-ichi Konno
Shin-ichi Kikuchi
Publication date: 01-05-2013
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Science / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 0949-2658
Electronic ISSN: 1436-2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00776-013-0357-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Assessment of pain due to lumbar spine diseases using MR spectroscopy: a preliminary report

Abstract

Background data

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background data

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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