Background
Early and accurate assessment of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is very important to therapeutic strategy. This study aims to correlate and compare the performances of T1ρ, T2 and T2* mapping for Pfirrmann grades and morphologic changes in the IVDD.
Methods
This prospective study included 39 subjects with 195 lumbar discs. T1ρ, T2 and T2* mapping were performed, and T1ρ, T2 and T2* values of nucleus pulposus (NP), and anterior and posterior annulus fibrosus were measured. IVDD was assessed with Pfirrmann grading and morphologic changes (normal, bulging, herniation and annular fissure). The performances of T1ρ, T2 and T2* relaxation times were compared for detecting early (Pfirrmann grade II-III) and advanced degeneration (Pfirrmann grade IV–V), as well as for morphologic changes.
Results
T2 relaxation times was strongly corelated with T1ρ and T2* relaxation times. Areas under the curves (AUCs) of T1ρ, T2 and T2* relaxation times of NP were 0.70, 0.87 and 0.80 for early degeneration, and 0.91, 0.95 and 0.82 for advanced degeneration, respectively. AUCs of T1ρ, T2 and T2* relaxation times of NP were 0.78, 0.83 and 0.64 for bulging discs, 0.87, 0.89 and 0.69 for herniated discs, and 0.79, 0.82 and 0.69 for annular tearing, respectively. The AUC of T2 relaxation time was significantly higher than those of T1ρ relaxation times (both P < 0.01) for early IVDD, and the AUCs of T1ρ and T2 relaxation times for assessing advanced degeneration and morphologic changes were similar (P > 0.05) but significantly higher than that of T2*relaxation time (P < 0.01).
Conclusions
T2 mapping performed better than T1ρ mapping for the detection of early IVDD. T1ρ and T2 mapping performed similarly but better than T2* mapping for advanced degeneration and morphologic changes of IVDD.
More evidences have been identified that pudendal nerve was involved in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED) in young men. This prospective study aimed to detect and quantify pudendal nerve alterations in young men with ED using 3T MR neurography protocol. Results certified that pudendal nerve could be visualized and quantified. T2 signal contrast ratio and nerve diameter of pudendal nerve were increased significantly in ED patients compared with healthy controls, suggesting the involvement of pudendal nerve in young men with ED and thus offering a new insight into the pathophysiology and treatment of ED.
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