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Feasibility study for evaluating lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration using histogram analysis of T2* values
Xiaoqing Liang1, Ruyi Xie1, Bowen Hou1
1Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
Summary
Histogram analysis of T2* values effectively detects and grades degenerative lumbar intervertebral discs (IVDs). The "red zone ratio" correlates with disc degeneration, offering insights into microstructural changes.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Imaging
- Spine Imaging
- Degenerative Disc Disease
Background:
- Lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a common cause of low back pain.
- Accurate grading of IVD degeneration is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
- Current grading methods may not fully capture the microstructural heterogeneity of degenerated discs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of T2* value histogram analysis for detecting and grading lumbar IVD degeneration.
- To characterize the microstructural heterogeneity of degenerative IVDs using T2* mapping.
- To correlate histogram-derived parameters and "red zone ratio" with established Pfirrmann grades.
Main Methods:
- Two hundred fourteen lumbar IVDs from 44 subjects were analyzed using sagittal T2WI and axial T2* mapping.
- IVDs were graded using the Pfirrmann scale on T2WI.
- Histogram parameters (T2*-HPs) and "red zone ratio" were calculated and correlated with Pfirrmann grades.
Main Results:
- Excellent agreement was found for Pfirrmann grading (κ=0.808).
- T2*-HPs showed excellent consistency (ICCs 0.828-0.960) and significant relationships with Pfirrmann grade (P<0.001).
- The "red zone ratio" was highly correlated with Pfirrmann grade (r=-0.732, P<0.001), with a mean ratio of 9.234% ± 6.680%.
Conclusions:
- T2* value histogram analysis is a feasible and effective method for detecting and grading lumbar IVD degeneration.
- The "red zone" identified on T2* maps may represent a novel marker for studying disc degeneration initiation.
- This technique offers potential for new hypotheses in anatomical and histological studies of IVDs.
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