Ultrashort echo time mri on cartilaginous endplates in lumbar spine / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the application value of MR ultrashort echo time (UTE) sequence and conventional sequence imaging for displaying lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) cartilage endplate (CEP) injury. Methods: Totally 87 volunteers underwent conventional and UTE lumbar spine MRI. The correlation between UTE sequence of lumbar IVD CEP injury and vertebral Modic changes classification, Pfirrmann disc degeneration grade were analyzed. Results: UTE showed linear hyperintense uncalcified CEP and hypointense calcified CEP between nucleus pulposus and vertebral body. There was a positive correlation between cartilage endplate injury in L1-S1 and vertebral Modic changes classification, Pfirrmann disc degeneration grade (all P<0.001). Conclusion: MR UTE can clearly show the lamination and damage of CEP, and there is certain relationship between cartilage endplate injury and lumbar degeneration.