ABSTRACT
Objective:To apply magnetic resonance T2 mapping and T1 mapping in diagnosing progressive intervertebral disc degeneration. Methods:Seven New Zealand rabbits modeled with intervertebral disc degeneration underwent sagittal T1WI, T2WI, T2 mapping and T1 mapping before, and one and three months after modeling. Pfirrmann grade of six intervertebral discs (L1-S1) in each rabbit was obtained based on T2WI and values of T2 and T1 based on T2 mapping and T1 mapping. They were observed pathologically as progressive or non-progressive intervertebral disc degeneration. The diagnostic efficacy of these imaging markers was compared with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve according to pathological results. Results:T2 values of intervertebral discs decreased after degeneration (F = 24.224, P < 0.001), while T1 values varied little (F = 2.191, P = 0.116). The diagnostic efficacy from more to less ranked as T2 mapping+T1 mapping = T2 mapping > T1 mapping > Pfirrmann grade. Conclusion:T2 mapping may differentiate progressive intervertebral disc degeneration from non-progressive for clinic.