Table 2.
Main characteristics of representative studies investigating novel MRI techniques for DDD.
| Authors | Country | Aim/Rationale | No. of Patients | MRI | Sequence | Main Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perri et al. [34] | Italy | Evaluate the adequacy of DTI/FA mapping and T2-WI in the assessment of anisotropic water diffusion variations of AF fibers | 75 | 3 T scanner | T2-WI FA/DTI |
DTI and FA mapping can be useful in detecting AF fissures and lumbar disc herniation |
| Auerbach et al. [35] | USA | Assess the feasibility of T1ρ imaging to detect DDD | 10 | 1.5 T scanner | T2-WI T1ρ-WI |
T1ρ can be used as a non-invasive biomarker of proteoglycan loss and early DDD |
| Gornet et al. [36] | USA | Determine MRS usefulness in quantifying DDD severity and predict surgical outcomes | 139 | 3 T and 1.5 T scanners | MRS | MRS correlates with Pfirrmann grade |
| Frenken et al. [37] | Germany | Evaluate gagCEST ability to detect GAG content in patients with LBP and lumbar radiculopathy | 18 | 3 T scanner | GagCEST | GagCEST imaging is useful in detecting pre-morphological DDD |
| Vadapalli et al. [12] | India | Assess FA maps and T2 values ability to predict DDD | 118 | 3 T scanner | T2-WI FA/DTI |
FA maps and T2 values are potential biomarkers of DDD and predict disc health |
| Noebauer-Huhmann et al. [38] | Austria | Compare 7 T 23Na-MRI with T2 mapping and morphologic scoring at 3 T in the evaluation of lumbar IVDs | 10 | 7 T and 3 T scanners | T2-WI 23Na-MRI |
23Na-MRI and T2 mapping can help characterize biochemical changes in IVDs and are related to the Pfirrmann score |
| Yoon et al. [32] | South Korea | Assess T1ρ and T2 values correlation with Pfirrmann grades and morphologic changes | 22 | 3 T scanner | T2-WI T1ρ-WI |
T1ρ and T2 values present a correlation with DDD and morphologic changes in the IVD |
| Zobel et al. [39] | Italy | Evaluate T1ρ- and T2-WI for early degeneration assessment and correlate T1ρ value with Pfirrmann grade, sex, and BMI | 63 | 1.5 T scanner | T2-WI T1ρ-WI |
T1ρ values correlate with Pfirrmann grade and can be used to identify early DDD |
| Shen et al. [40] | China | Assess the capability of DWI, DTI, and T2* mapping to depict microstructural changes of early DDD | 40 | 1.5 T scanner | ADC FA T2*-WI |
ADC, FA, and T2* values may quantitatively reflect the microstructural characteristics of the NP |
| Wang et al. [41] | USA | Validate MTR as a noninvasive method for spatial quantification of IVD collagen content | 4 | 1.5 T scanner | T2-WI MTR |
MTR may serve as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of early DDD |
| Schleich et al. [42] | Germany | Assess dGEMRIC feasibility as a biomarker for DDD | 9 | 3 T scanner | dGEMRIC | Significantly lower dGEMRIC index suggested GAG depletion in DDD |
| Berg-Johansen et al. [43] | USA | Investigate the association between cartilage endplate thickness and DDD | 6 | 3 T scanner | UTE T1ρ |
UTE and T1ρ are associated with DDD |
23Na-MRI—sodium magnetic resonance imaging; ADC—apparent diffusion coefficient; AF—annulus fibrosus; BMI—body mass index; DTI—diffusion tensor imaging; DDD—disc degenerative disease; dGEMRIC—delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage; DWI—diffusion-weighted imaging; FA—fractional anisotropy; GAG—glycosaminoglycan; gagCEST—GAG chemical exchange saturation transfer; IVD—intervertebral disc; LBP—low back pain; MRS—magnetic resonance spectroscopy; MTR—magnetization ratio; TE—time to echo; UTE—ultrashort echo time; WI—weighted imaging.