In Vivo 3.0-Tesla Magnetic Resonance T1ρ and T2 Relaxation Mapping in Subjects With Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Clinical Symptoms

The purpose of this study is (1) to determine the correlation between T-1 rho and T-2 and degenerative grade in intervertebral discs using in vivo 3.0-T MRI, and (2) to determine the association between T-1 rho and T-2 and clinical findings as quantified by the SF-36 Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index. Sixteen subjects participated in this study, and each completed SF-36 and Oswestry Disability Index questionnaires. MRI T-1 rho and T-2 mapping was performed to determine T-1 rho (77 discs) and T-2 (44 discs) in the nucleus of the intervertebral disc, and T-2-weighted images were acquired for Pfirrmann grading of disc degeneration. Pfirrmann grade was correlated with both T-1 rho (r = -0.84; P < 0.01) and T-2 (r = -0.61; P < 0.01). Mixed-effects models demonstrate that only T-1 rho, was associated with clinical questionnaires (R-SF-36(2) = 0.55, R-O.D.I.(2) = 0.56; P < 0.05). Although the averaged values of T-1 rho and T-2 were significantly correlated, they presented differences in spatial distribution and dynamic range, thus suggesting different sensitivities to tissue composition. This study suggests that T-1 rho may be sensitive to early degenerative changes (corroborating previous studies) and clinical symptoms in intervertebral disc degeneration. Magn Reson Med 63:1193-1200, 2010. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.