Abstract
(1) Background: Assessments of intervertebral disc (IVD) changes, and IVD tissue adaptations due to physical activity, for example, remains challenging. Newer magnetic resonance imaging techniques can quantify detailed features of the IVD, where T2-mapping and T2-weighted (T2w) and Dixon imaging are potential candidates. Yet, their relative utility has not been examined. The performances of these techniques were investigated to characterize IVD differences in asymptomatic individuals with distinct physical activity histories. (2) Methods: In total, 101 participants (54 women) aged 25–35 years with distinct physical activity histories but without histories of spinal disease were included. T11/12 to L5/S1 IVDs were examined with sagittal T2-mapping, T2w and Dixon imaging. (3) Results: T2-mapping differentiated Pfirrmann grade-1 from all other grades (p < 0.001). Most importantly, T2-mapping was able to characterize IVD differences in individuals with different training histories (p < 0.005). Dixon displayed weak correlations with the Pfirrmann scale, but presented significantly higher water content in the IVDs of the long-distance runners (p < 0.005). (4) Conclusions: Findings suggested that T2-mapping best reflects IVD differences in asymptomatic individuals with distinct physical activity histories changes. Dixon characterized new aspects of IVD, probably associated with IVD hypertrophy. This complementary information may help us to better understand the biological function of the disc.
Highlights
The intervertebral disc (IVD) consists of the outer annulus fibrosus and the gelatinous central nucleus pulposus [1]
We investigated the performances of the three different quantitative techniques, T2-mapping and T2w and Dixon imaging, to characterize IVD differences in asymptomatic individuals with distinct physical activity histories
While there was a good correlation between the T2-mapping and the T2w imaging technique, only T2-mapping detected differences associated with physical activity history in cyclists, joggers and long-distance runners, compared to the sedentary referents
Summary
The intervertebral disc (IVD) consists of the outer annulus fibrosus and the gelatinous central nucleus pulposus [1]. The high content of type 1 collagen-containing fibers in the annulus fibrosus creates a strong fibrous ring, whereas the nucleus pulposus matrix is built up of type 2 collagen and water-binding proteoglycan molecules. The IVD degenerates with aging and if injured, structural changes might precipitate and maintain lower back pain [2]. The degeneration of discs within the lumbar spine starts early in life, as early as 20 years [3]. To measure subclinical changes within the IVD tissue might be of value to gain increased knowledge regarding the complex degenerative process and to understand the more advanced stages of degeneration. Imaging data that can be linked to degeneration and used as markers for long-term follow-up could have wide applications in the search for novel therapies of the disc
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