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European Spine Journal

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01-09-2016 | Original Article

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

Authors: Martin Nilsson, K. Lagerstrand, I. Kasperska, H. Brisby, H. Hebelka

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 9/2016

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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Title: Axial loading during MRI influences T2-mapping values of lumbar discs: a feasibility study on patients with low back pain
Authors: Martin Nilsson
K. Lagerstrand
I. Kasperska
H. Brisby
H. Hebelka
Publication date: 01-09-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 9/2016
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4670-6

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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