Degenerative Endplate Changes of the Lumbosacral Spine: Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI Profiles Related to Age, Sex, and Spinal Level

作者：Savvopoulou Vasiliki; Mans Thomas G; Koureas Andreas; Gouliamos Athanasios; Moulopoulos Lia A^*

来源：Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 2011, 33(2): 382-389.

DOI：10.1002/jmri.22444

• DCE MRI
• bone marrow
• lumbar spine
• disc disease
• degeneration

Purpose: To investigate differences in perfusion profiles between degenerative endplate marrow changes and normal vertebral marrow in relation to spinal level, age, and sex with dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance Imaging (DCE MRI).
Materials and Methods: Ninety-two consecutive patients referred for evaluation of low back pain or sciatica, without history of malignant or chronic disease, underwent conventional and DCE MRI of the lumbosacral spine. Fifty-two of them demonstrated degenerative endplate marrow changes. Regions of interest were placed on sites of normal marrow (group A) and degenerative changes (group B) on subtracted images. Fitted time-intensity curves (fTICs) were generated and evaluated for curve pattern. Both groups were stratified into upper (L1-L2) and lower (L3-I1) levels, males and females younger or older than 50 years. Perfusion parameters were calculated and statistically compared for both groups and subgroups. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis was also performed.
Results: Two MC patterns were identified. Perfusion parameters of degenerative changes and normal marrow differed significantly, even when groups were stratified for spinal level, age, and sex (P < 0.05). A time to peak value >108 seconds was characteristic for degenerative changes with sensitivity 69.5% and specificity 84.6%.
Conclusion: DCE MRI profiles of degenerative endplate marrow changes of the lumbosacral spine differ significantly from normal marrow regardless of spinal level, age, or sex.

• 出版日期2011-2