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Diurnal T2 value changes in the lumbar intervertebral discs
1Department of Radiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, 390-8621, Matsumoto, Japan. karakida@hsp.md.shinshu-u.ac.jp
Clinical Radiology
|May 3, 2003
Summary
Normal lumbar intervertebral discs exhibit diurnal T2 value changes, indicating fluid shifts. This diurnal change disappears after age 35, suggesting aging rather than degeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
- Spine Imaging
Background:
- Intervertebral disc (IVD) health is crucial for spinal function.
- Understanding diurnal changes in IVD properties can reveal insights into disc physiology and aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate in vivo diurnal T2 value changes in the nucleus pulposus of lumbar intervertebral discs.
- To differentiate diurnal changes in normal versus degenerated discs and across age groups.
Main Methods:
- Eighteen asymptomatic volunteers underwent MRI scans (morning and evening).
- Sagittal fast spin-echo T2-weighted imaging was used for T2 value analysis of the nucleus pulposus.
Main Results:
- Normal lumbar discs showed statistically significant diurnal T2 value changes (p<0.001).
- Degenerated discs exhibited no significant diurnal T2 value changes.
- Significant diurnal T2 changes were observed in normal discs up to age 34, but not after age 35.
Conclusions:
- Statistically significant diurnal T2 value changes occur in normal lumbar intervertebral discs.
- The disappearance of diurnal T2 changes after age 35 is a novel finding, attributed to aging, not degeneration.