Current clinical imaging techniques, including radiography and computed tomography (CT), cannot detect early biochemical degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential for diagnosis of early intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). By identifying biochemical changes that occur in the early stages of IVDD, MRI may enable the detection of IVDD before irreversible morphologic degeneration occurs. Recent studies have proposed that T1rho relaxation time is associated with loss of macromolecules (which is an initiating factor in IVDD). The objective of this proposal is to develop an imaging technique for quantifying T1rho relaxation time in the intervertebral disc, and to utilize this method to investigate IVDD in human subjects with different degrees of disc degeneration. The sensitivity of T1rho will be investigated by evaluating the relationship between T1rho in intervertebral disc specimens and collagen and proteoglycan content. These studies will contribute to the development of a criterion for detecting early stages of disc degeneration, and will advance the overall understanding of how MR relaxation parameters relate to biochemical changes in disease. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31EB006708-01A1
Application #
7222079
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SBIB-N (25))
Program Officer
Erim, Zeynep
Project Start
2007-09-01
Project End
2009-08-31
Budget Start
2007-09-01
Budget End
2008-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$38,368
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California San Francisco
Department
Radiation-Diagnostic/Oncology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
094878337
City
San Francisco
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94143