title: Quantitative Analysis of Disc Degeneration Using Axial T2 Mapping in a Percutaneous Annular Puncture Model in Rabbits.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate T2 relaxation time change using axial T2 mapping in a rabbit degenerated disc model and determine the most correlated variable with histologic score among T2 relaxation time, disc height index, and Pfirrmann grade.
  
  
  METHODS
  Degenerated disc model was made in 4 lumbar discs of 11 rabbits (n = 44) by percutaneous annular puncture with various severities of an injury. Lumbar spine lateral radiograph, MR T2 sagittal scan and MR axial T2 mapping were obtained at baseline and 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the injury in 7 rabbits and at baseline and 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks after the injury in 4 rabbits. Generalized estimating equations were used for a longitudinal analysis of changes in T2 relaxation time in degenerated disc model. T2 relaxation time, disc height index and Pfirrmann grade were correlated with the histologic scoring of disc degeneration using Spearman's rho test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant difference in T2 relaxation time between uninjured and injured discs after annular puncture. Progressive decrease in T2 relaxation time was observed in injured discs throughout the study period. Lower T2 relaxation time was observed in the more severely injured discs. T2 relaxation time showed the strongest inverse correlation with the histologic score among the variables investigated (r = -0.811, p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  T2 relaxation time measured with axial T2 mapping in degenerated discs is a potential method to assess disc degeneration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Korea.
authors.forename: Jee Won
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Chai
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea.
authors.forename: Heung Sik
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea.
authors.forename: Joon Woo
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Korea.
authors.forename: Su-Jin
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea.
authors.forename: Sung Hwan
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Hong
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000473:pathology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011677:Punctures; D011817:Rabbits
keywords: Degeneration; Intervertebral disc; MRI; Rabbit; T2 mapping