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Quantitative Assessment of Intervertebral Disc Composition by MRI: Sensitivity to Diurnal Variation
Hiroyuki Hamaguchi1, Maho Kitagawa1, Daiki Sakamoto1
1Laboratory for Biomarker Imaging Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, N15 W7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan.
Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
|May 23, 2023
Summary
Diurnal variation exists in quantitative MRI measures of the intervertebral disc (IVD). T1rho relaxation time (T1ρ) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) decrease, while electrical conductivity (σ) increases in the evening.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
- Spine Imaging
Background:
- Quantitative MRI indices like T1rho relaxation time (T1ρ) are crucial for intervertebral disc (IVD) assessment.
- The potential diurnal variation of these indices in the IVD remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate diurnal variations in T1ρ, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and electrical conductivity (σ) of lumbar IVD.
- To explore correlations between IVD diurnal variations and factors like age, BMI, and disc degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 17 sedentary workers undergoing lumbar spine MRI (T1ρ, DWI, EPT) twice daily (morning and evening).
- Analysis of T1ρ, ADC, and σ values at different time points.
- Correlation analysis with demographic and imaging parameters.
Main Results:
- Significant evening decreases observed in T1ρ and ADC values of the IVD.
- Significant evening increases noted in the electrical conductivity (σ) of the IVD.
- Weak correlations found between T1ρ variation and age/scan interval, and ADC variation and scan interval.
Conclusions:
- Diurnal variations are present in T1ρ, ADC, and σ of the lumbar IVD.
- These variations, potentially linked to intradiscal water, proteoglycan, and ion concentration changes, must be considered during MRI interpretation.
