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Apparent diffusion coefficient in normal and abnormal pattern of intervertebral lumbar discs: initial experience

Gang Niu1, Xuewen Yu, Jian Yang

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, the First Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.

Journal of Biomedical Research
|April 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values can differentiate non-bulging lumbar discs from bulging or herniated ones. This quantitative MRI measure aids in assessing molecular changes in abnormal intervertebral discs.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Imaging
  • Radiology
  • Spine Diagnostics

Background:

  • Lumbar disc abnormalities are common causes of back pain and sciatica.
  • Morphological classification of intervertebral discs is crucial for diagnosis.
  • Quantitative imaging biomarkers are needed for objective assessment of disc degeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between morphological disc changes (non-bulging, bulging, herniated) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values.
  • To assess the utility of ADC values in quantifying molecular alterations in lumbar intervertebral discs.

Main Methods:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to examine 32 healthy volunteers and 28 patients.
  • Intervertebral lumbar discs (L1-S1) were morphologically classified and graded for degeneration.
  • Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the nucleus pulposus (NP) were measured.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in mean NP ADC values were observed between non-bulging/herniated discs and both bulging and herniated discs (P < 0.05).
  • No significant difference in NP ADC values was found between bulging and herniated discs (P > 0.05).
  • A statistically significant relationship existed between NP ADC values and disc degeneration status, including non-bulging degenerated discs and herniated discs (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping of the nucleus pulposus is a valuable tool for quantitative assessment of lumbar disc abnormalities.
  • ADC values can help distinguish between normal and abnormal intervertebral discs based on morphology.
  • This quantitative MRI approach may aid in understanding componential and molecular changes associated with lumbar disc pathology.
Keywords:
apparent diffusion coefficientdisc bulgingdisc herniationintervertebral lumbar disc

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