Dataset Information

Feasibility of T2 Mapping and Magnetic Transfer Ratio for Diagnosis of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration at the Cervicothoracic Junction: A Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT: Background:Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) at the cervicothoracic junction of spine is clinically relevant, however, little attention had been paid. T2 mapping and magnetic transfer ratio (MTR) are useful magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to quantitatively evaluate IDD, revealing the biochemical changes within the intervertebral disc. To compare T2 mapping with MTR imaging regarding their accuracy to quantitatively diagnose intervertebral disc degeneration at the cervicothoracic junction, influences of anatomical level, gender, age, and Pfirrmann grade of T2 relaxation time values and MTR values were evaluated. Methods:Sixty-seven patients with neck and upper back pain were included and examined with both T2 mapping and MTR imaging. The Pfirrmann grade, T2 relaxation time values, and MTR value of each disc between C7 and T3 were measured. Differences were investigated among different segmental levels, genders, age ranges, and Pfirrmann grades. The diagnostic accuracy of both MRI techniques was compared using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results:No significant difference was detected comparing T2 relaxation time values or MTR values among different anatomical levels, genders, and segmental levels. And we generally found that T2 relaxation time values decreased, while MTR value increased with increasing age. Importantly, we demonstrated the significant correlation between either T2 relaxation time values or MTR value and Pfirrmann grade. Conclusion:We proved the better accuracy of T2 mapping over MTR imaging to quantitatively evaluate the intervertebral disc degeneration of the cervicothoracic junction.

SUBMITTER: Zhang C

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6521330 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Feasibility of T2 Mapping and Magnetic Transfer Ratio for Diagnosis of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration at the Cervicothoracic Junction: A Pilot Study.

Zhang Chao C Lin Yuan Y Han Zhihua Z Gao Liang L Guo Ruipeng R Shi Qinglei Q Chen Lei L Chen Chun C

BioMed research international 20190502

<h4>Background</h4>Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) at the cervicothoracic junction of spine is clinically relevant, however, little attention had been paid. T2 mapping and magnetic transfer ratio (MTR) are useful magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to quantitatively evaluate IDD, revealing the biochemical changes within the intervertebral disc. To compare T2 mapping with MTR imaging regarding their accuracy to quantitatively diagnose intervertebral disc degeneration at the cervico ...[more]

PMID: 31187047

Similar Datasets

Project description:Fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF-18) is a well-characterized anabolic growth factor involved in cartilage homeostasis. However, the effect of FGF-18 on intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration has not been investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the role of FGF-18 in the process of rabbit IVD degeneration. In vitro, primary nucleus pulposus cells (NPs) were cultured and transfected with a lentivirus. Tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) was used to induce apoptosis in NPs on the second passage, while overexpression of FGF-18 in NPs attenuated TBHP-induced apoptosis. A rabbit annular puncture model was generated to induce IVD degeneration in vivo. The discs were injected with an FGF-18-overexpression lentivirus or a negative control lentivirus. In the sham group, the discs were exposed and not punctured. Disc degeneration was evaluated using H&E staining and a histological grading system. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of the extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS-5). Nucleus pulposus apoptosis was detected via western blotting, immunohistochemical methods and TUNEL staining. Histologic examination showed that disc degeneration was attenuated after FGF-18 overexpression treatment. At 8 weeks after surgery, the expression of MMP-3 and ADAMTS-5 in the annular puncture groups was higher compared with in the sham group. FGF-18 treatment inhibited the expression of MMP-3 and ADAMTS-5 at the mRNA level. Western blot assays indicated that the expression level of Bax was significantly reduced in the FGF-18 groups, and that the expression level of Bcl-2 was significantly increased compared with those in the control group. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis indicated that the FGF-18 group exhibited a lower percentage of cleaved caspase 3-positive NPs. Quantification of the TUNEL staining demonstrated that the FGF-18 group had fewer apoptotic NPs than the control group. These findings indicated that FGF-18 could delay IVD degeneration by inhibiting the apoptosis of NPs and the expression of matrix-degrading enzymes.

Project description:Background contextDisc degeneration (DD) is a multifaceted chronic process that alters the structure and function of the intervertebral discs and can lead to painful conditions. The pathophysiology of degeneration is not well understood, but previous studies suggest that certain genetic polymorphisms may be important contributing factors leading to an increased risk of DD.PurposeTo review the genetic factors in DD with a focus on polymorphisms and their putative role in the pathophysiology of degeneration. Elucidating the genetic components that are associated with degeneration could provide insights into the mechanism of the process. Furthermore, defining these relationships and eventually using them in a clinical setting may allow an identification and early intervention for those who are at a high risk for painful DD.Study designLiterature review.MethodsThis literature review focused on the studies concerning genetic polymorphisms and their associations with DD.ResultsGenetic polymorphisms in 20 genes have been analyzed in association with DD, including vitamin D receptor, growth differentiation factor 5 (GDF5), aggrecan, collagen Types I, IX, and XI, fibronectin, hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1), thrombospondin, cartilage intermediate layer protein (CILP), asporin, MMP1, 2, and 3, parkinson protein 2, E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (PARK2), proteosome subunit ? type 9 (PSMB9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), and IL1?, IL1?, and IL6. Each genetic polymorphism codes for a protein that has a functional role in the pathogenesis of DD.ConclusionsThere are known associations between several genetic polymorphisms and DD. Of the 20 genes analyzed, polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor, aggrecan, Type IX collagen, asporin, MMP3, IL1, and IL6 show the most promise as functional variants. Genetic studies are crucial for understanding the mechanism of the degeneration. This genetic information could eventually be used as a predictive model for determining a patient's risk for symptomatic DD.

Dataset Information

Feasibility of T2 Mapping and Magnetic Transfer Ratio for Diagnosis of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration at the Cervicothoracic Junction: A Pilot Study.

Publications

Feasibility of T2 Mapping and Magnetic Transfer Ratio for Diagnosis of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration at the Cervicothoracic Junction: A Pilot Study.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets