Quantitative Assessment of the Degree of Degenerative Change in Intervertebral Disks Using Diffusion-weighted Images

Abstract

This report addresses quantitative assessment of the degree of degenerative change of intervertebral disks (IVD) using maps constructed from diffusion-weighted images (DWI). Values were determined for the coefficient of diffusion (C_d) for three groups of lumbar intervertebral disks: IVD without structural changes, those with protrusions, and those with extrusions/prolapses. Statistically significant differences in C_d values and DWI maps were seen between the three groups of IVD. DW MRI scanning with calculation of C_d and construction of DWI maps can be used as a potential noninvasive method for the diagnosis of IVD degeneration.