Disc location dependence of the proteoglycan (PG) T2 value in human lumbar intervertebral disc

Abstract

This study explored the capability of proteoglycan (PG) T2 value as a marker of the intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). PG T2 and water T2 value, as well as PG/water ratio were measured on 4 different disc levels of lumbar spine. The PG T2 value showed a slightly increasing trend from the upper disc level to the lower disc level. The significant difference of PG T2 value was found between disc L3-4 and disc L4-5 while the water T2 and PG/water ratio showed no statistical significant change between disc levels. Our result suggests the increased PG T2 value could be the reflection of disc degeneration taken place. Demonstrated by this preliminary study, the PG T2 measurement on clinical scanner is highly feasible and the PG T2 value might be a potential marker for the early detection of disc degeneration.