The characteristic of T2 relaxation value for cervical intervertebral disc in young asymptomatic volunteers

English Keywords:Cervical  Intervertebral disc degeneration  Magnetic resonance imaging  T2 relaxation time imaging

English Abstract:

  【Abstract】 Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of quantification of T2 values for intervertebral disc in asymptomatic young adults. Methods: Sagittal fast spin echo T2WI, T2 relation time and T2 colored map were acquired with 3.0T MR in 40 participants in 2013. T2 relation time values of regions of interest (ROIs, anterior area, the area between anterior and middle area, middle area, the area between middle and posterior area, posterior area) in the nucleus pulpous of each cervical intervertebral disc from C2/3 to C6/7 or same cervical intervertebral disc were measured and statistically analyzed. The differences of T2 relation time values were compared by different areas at the same anatomy level and different anatomy in the same area. Results: The Pfirrmann grades of intervertebral discs were as follows: grade Ⅰ, 87 discs(43.5%); grade Ⅱ, 113 discs(56.5%) for 40 participants. There was an increasing tendency from anterior area to middle area at the anatomy level, and vice versa from middle area to posterior area. At the same anatomic level and the same areas, the T2 value for grade Ⅰ were higher than that for grade Ⅱ(P<0.05). The T2 value of anterior or posterior area was smaller than that of other areas(except for C5/6)(P<0.05). The maximum T2 value at the area between anterior and middle and middle area was found, which showed significant difference compared with T2 values of other areas(P<0.05). 95% confidence level values were noted as follows: C2/3 67.71-80.92ms, C3/4 65.06-72.29ms，C4/5 68.92-76.07ms，C5/6 67.32-75.46ms，C6/7 69.86-76.05ms for grade Ⅰ, and C2/3 51.07-55.26ms, C3/4 52.87-56.11ms, C4/5 55.24-58.30ms, C5/6 56.39-60.38ms, C6/7 60.91-63.92ms for grade Ⅱ. Conclusions: The T2 values are different for different Pfirrmann grades, levels and areas. The T2 values can reflect the differences of nucleus pulpous, and can be used as quantifying intervertebral disc signals.