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Rofo 2018; 190(02): 144-151
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-115898
Musculoskeletal System
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Influence of Age, BMI, Gender and Lumbar Level on T1ρ Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Lumbar Discs in Healthy Asymptomatic Adults

Einfluss von Alter, Geschlecht, BMI und lumbalem Level auf T1ρ-MRT-Bildgebung lumbaler Bandscheiben gesunder asymptomatischer Erwachsener
Raphael Gübitz
1   Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Asklepios Hospital Altona, Hamburg, Germany
,
Tobias Lange
2   Department of Orthopaedics and Tumor Orthopaedics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
,
Georg Gosheger
2   Department of Orthopaedics and Tumor Orthopaedics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
,
Walter Heindel
3   Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
,
Thomas Allkemper
3   Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
,
Christoph Stehling
4   Clinic for Radiology and Neuroradiology, Sankt-Barbara Hospital Ham-Heessen, Hamm, Germany
,
Joachim Gerss
5   Institute of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
,
Christian Kanthak
6   Fraunhofer MEVIS, Institute for Medical Image Computing, Bremen, Germany
,
Tobias L. Schulte
7   Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

07 March 2017

06 June 2017

Publication Date:
01 September 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Purpose To assess the T1ρ range of lumbar intervertebral discs in healthy asymptomatic individuals at 1.5 T and to investigate the influence of age, body mass index (BMI), gender, and lumbar level on T1ρ relaxation.

Materials and Methods In a prospective study, a total of 81 volunteers aged 20 – 80 years were included in this study and divided into three age groups (A: 20 – 39y; B: 40 – 59y; C: 60 – 80y). All of the volunteers underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 1.5 T with acquisition of sagittal T1ρ images. The calculated T1ρ relaxation times were correlated with age, BMI, gender, and lumbar level relative to the total disc, the annulus fibrosus, and the nucleus pulposus.

Results Age had a significant influence on T1ρ relaxation times at all lumbar levels, with increasing age being associated with reduced relaxation times. There was also a significant difference between age groups A vs. C and B vs. C (P = 0.0008 and P = 0.0149, respectively). No significant differences in T1ρ relaxation time were observed between men and women (P > 0.05). BMI showed a significant negative correlation with T1ρ relaxation times (P < 0.0001). Analysis of the lumbar level revealed a significant decrease in relaxation times from L1/2 to L5 / S1 (P = 0.0013).

Conclusion Increasing age correlated significantly with advanced lumbar disc degeneration in asymptomatic individuals, particularly in those aged 60 or older. Increasing BMI correlated significantly with increasing degeneration. The lower discs showed more degeneration than the upper ones.

Key Points 

  • Increasing age significantly reduces the T1ρ relaxation time in the intervertebral discs (P < 0.05)

  • Gender does not significantly influence T1ρ relaxation times (P > 0.05)

  • BMI shows a significant negative correlation with T1ρ relaxation times (P < 0.01)

  • Significantly shorter relaxation times in lower lumbar spine vs. upper lumbar spine (P < 0.01)

Citation Format

  • Gübitz R, Lange T, Gosheger G et al. Influence of Age, BMI, Gender and Lumbar Level on T1ρ Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Lumbar Discs in Healthy Asymptomatic Adults. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2018; 190: 144 – 151

Zusammenfassung

Ziel Ermittlung der Größenordnung der T1ρ Werte der lumbalen Bandscheiben in gesunden asymptomatischen Probanden bei 1,5 T. Zusätzlich wurde der Einfluss von Alter, body mass index (BMI), Geschlecht und lumbaler Level auf die T1ρ Relaxation.

Material und Methoden In der prospektiven Studie wurden 81 freiwillige Probanden zwischen 20 und 80 Jahren eingeschlossen und in drei Altersgruppen unterteilt (A, 20 – 39 Jahre; B, 40 – 59 Jahre; C, 60 – 80 Jahre). Alle Probanden wurden in einem 1,5 T MRT untersucht und sagittale T1ρ Bilder akquiriert. Die ermittelten T1ρ Relaxationszeiten wurden korreliert mit Alter, BMI, Geschlecht und lumbalem Level jeweils bezogen auf die gesamte Bandscheibe, den Annulus fibrosus und den Nucleus pulposus.

Ergebnisse Das Alter zeigte einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die T1ρ Relaxationszeit in allen lumbalen Leveln wobei zunehmendes Alter mit abnehmenden Relaxationszeiten verbunden war. Darüber hinaus zeigte sich ein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den Altersgruppen A vs. C und B vs. C (P = 0,0008 und P = 0,0149). Kein signifkanter Unterschied bestand zwischen den T1ρ Relaxationszeiten von Männern und Frauen (P > 0,05). Der BMI zeigte eine signifikant negative Korrelation mit der T1ρ Relaxationszeit (P < 0,0001). Hinsichtlich des lumbalen Levels zeigte sich eine signifikante Abnahme der Relaxationszeiten von L 1/2 zu L5 / S1 (P = 0,0013).

Schlussfolgerung Steigendes Alter korrelierte signifikant mit zunehmender Degeneration lumbaler Bandscheiben bei asymptomatischen Probanden, insbesondere ab einem Alter von 60 Jahren. Ein hoher BMI korrelierte ebenfalls signifikant mit zunehmender Degeneration. Die unteren lumbalen Bandscheiben zeigten insgesamt eine fortgeschrittenere Degeneration als die oberen.

Kernaussagen 

  • Steigendes Alter vermindert die T1ρ Relaxationszeit der Bandscheiben signifikant (P < 0,05)

  • Geschlecht zeigt keinen signifikanten Einfluss auf die T1ρ Relaxationszeit (P > 0,05)

  • BMI korreliert signifikant negativ mit der T1ρ Relaxationszeit (P < 0,01).

  • Signifikant niedrigere Relaxationszeiten der unteren gegenüber oberen LWS (P < 0,01).

Key words

t1ρ - spine - magnetic resonance imaging - lumbar disc - asymptomatic adults
 

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