title: Axial T2 mapping in intervertebral discs: a new technique for assessment of intervertebral disc degeneration.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate the potential benefits of biochemical axial T2 mapping of intervertebral discs (IVDs) regarding the detection and grading of early stages of degenerative disc disease using 1.5-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a clinical setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-three patients suffering from lumbar spine problems were examined using standard MRI protocols including an axial T2 mapping protocol. All discs were classified morphologically and grouped as "healthy" or "abnormal". Differences between groups were analysed regarding to the specific T2 pattern at different regions of interest (ROIs).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Healthy intervertebral discs revealed a distinct cross-sectional T2 value profile: T2 values were significantly lower in the annulus fibrosus compared with the nucleus pulposus (P = 0.01). In abnormal IVDs, T2 values were significantly lower, especially towards the centre of the disc representing the expected decreased water content of the nucleus (P = 0.01). In herniated discs, ROIs within the nucleus pulposus and ROIs covering the annulus fibrosus showed decreased T2 values.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Axial T2 mapping is effective to detect early stages of degenerative disc disease. There is a potential benefit of axial T2 mapping as a diagnostic tool, allowing the quantitative assessment of intervertebral disc degeneration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inselspital, Berne University Hospital, 3010 Berne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Sven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hoppe
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Quirbach
authors.forename: Tallal C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Mamisch
authors.forename: Fabian G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Krause
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Werlen
authors.forename: Lorin M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Benneker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000473:pathology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D055815:Young Adult