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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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01-12-2022 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Research

Ultrashort time-to-echo T2* and T2* relaxometry for evaluation of lumbar disc degeneration: a comparative study

Authors: Li-Lan Wu, Li-Heng Liu, Sheng-Xiang Rao, Pu-Yeh Wu, Jian-Jun Zhou

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

To compare potential of ultrashort time-to-echo (UTE) T2* mapping and T2* values from T2*-weighted imaging for assessing lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD),with Pfirrmann grading as a reference standard.

Methods

UTE-T2* and T2* values of 366 lumbar discs (L1/2-L5/S1) in 76 subjects were measured in 3 segmented regions: anterior annulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus (NP), and posterior annulus fibrosus. Lumbar intervertebral discs were divided into 3 categories based on 5-level Pfirrmann grading: normal (Pfirrmann grade I),early disc degeneration (Pfirrmann grades II-III), and advanced disc degeneration (Pfirrmann grades IV-V). Regional differences between UTE-T2* and T2* relaxometry and correlation with degeneration were statistically analyzed.

Results

UTE-T2* and T2*value correlated negatively with Pfirrmann grades (P < 0.001). In NP, correlations with Pfirrmann grade were high with UTE-T2* values (r = − 0.733; P < 0.001) and moderate with T2* values (r = -0.654; P < 0.001). Diagnostic accuracy of detecting early IVDD was better with UTE-T2* mapping than T2* mapping (P < 0.05),with receiver operating characteristic analysis area under the curve of 0.715–0.876.

Conclusions

UTE-T2* relaxometry provides another promising magnetic resonance imaging sequence for quantitatively evaluate lumbar IVDD and was more accurate than T2*mapping in the earlier stage degenerative process.

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Title: Ultrashort time-to-echo T2* and T2* relaxometry for evaluation of lumbar disc degeneration: a comparative study
Authors: Li-Lan Wu
Li-Heng Liu
Sheng-Xiang Rao
Pu-Yeh Wu
Jian-Jun Zhou
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05481-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Ultrashort time-to-echo T2* and T2* relaxometry for evaluation of lumbar disc degeneration: a comparative study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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