A1 Journal article (refereed)
The importance of level stratification for quantitative MR studies of lumbar intervertebral discs : a cross-sectional analysis in 101 healthy adults (2019)
Hebelka, H., Lagerstrand, K., Brisby, H., Owen, P. J., Quittner, M. J., Rantalainen, T., & Belavy, D. L. (2019). The importance of level stratification for quantitative MR studies of lumbar intervertebral discs : a cross-sectional analysis in 101 healthy adults. European Spine Journal, 28(9), 2153-2161. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-019-06059-1
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Hebelka, H.; Lagerstrand, K.; Brisby, H.; Owen, P. J.; Quittner, M. J.; Rantalainen, T.; Belavy, D. L.
Journal or series: European Spine Journal
ISSN: 0940-6719
eISSN: 1432-0932
Publication year: 2019
Volume: 28
Issue number: 9
Pages range: 2153-2161
Publisher: Springer
Publication country: Germany
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-019-06059-1
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/65427
Abstract
Methods: The lumbar spine (Th12/L1–L5/S1) of 101 participants (53.5% female, 30.0[± 3.6]years, 173.5[± 9.6]cm and 69.9[± 13.4]kg), without history of back pain, was examined on a 3T scanner with sagittal T2-mapping. All IVDs were stratified according to Pfirrmann grade and lumbar level, with mean T2-time determined for the entire IVD volume and in five subregions of interests.
Results: Significant level-dependent T2-time differences were detected, both for the entire IVD volume and its subregions. For the entire IVD volume, Pfirrmann grade 2 IVDs displayed 9–18% higher T2-times in Th12/L1 IVDs compared to L2/L3–L5/S1 IVDs (0.001 > p < 0.004) and significantly different T2-times in L1/L2–L2/L3 IVDs compared to most of the IVDs in the lower lumbar spine. In Pfirrmann grades 1, 3 and 4 IVDs, no significant level-dependent T2-time differences were observed for the entire IVD. More pronounced results were observed when comparing IVD subregions, with significant level-dependent differences also within Pfirrmann grade 1 and grade 3 IVDs. For example, in posterior IVD subregions mean T2-time was 80–82% higher in Th12/L1 compared to L3/L4–L4/L5 Pfirrmann grade 1 IVDs (p < 0.05) and 10–14% higher in L5/S1 compared to L3/L4–L4/L5 Pfirrmann grade 3 IVDs (0.02 > p < 0.001).
Discussion: Significant level-dependent T2-time differences within several Pfirrmann grades, both for the entire IVD volume and for multiple IVD subregions, were shown in this large cohort study. The T2-time differences between levels existed in both non-degenerated and degenerated IVDs. These findings show the importance of stratifying for lumbar level when quantitative IVD studies are performed using T2-mapping.
Keywords: magnetic resonance imaging; lumbar vertebrae
Free keywords: T2 mapping; magnetic resonance imaging; quantitative MRI; intervertebral disc; lumbar level
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2019
JUFO rating: 1
