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. 2024 Aug 13;24(1):213.
doi: 10.1186/s12880-024-01395-1.

CT-based surrogate parameters for MRI-based disc height and endplate degeneration in the lumbar spine

Thorsten Jentzsch  1   2 , Karin E Mantel  3 , Ksenija Slankamenac  3 , Georg Osterhoff  3 , Clément M L Werner  3
Affiliations

CT-based surrogate parameters for MRI-based disc height and endplate degeneration in the lumbar spine

Thorsten Jentzsch et al. BMC Med Imaging. .

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated potential use of computed tomography (CT)-based parameters in the lumbar spine as a surrogate for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based findings.

Methods: In this retrospective study, all individuals, who had a lumbar spine CT scan and MRI between 2006 and 2012 were reviewed (n = 198). Disc height (DH) and endplate degeneration (ED) were evaluated between Th12/L1-L5/S1. Statistics consisted of Spearman correlation and univariate/multivariable regression (adjusting for age and gender).

Results: The mean CT-DH increased kranio-caudally (8.04 millimeters (mm) at T12/L1, 9.17 mm at L1/2, 10.59 mm at L2/3, 11.34 mm at L3/4, 11.42 mm at L4/5 and 10.47 mm at L5/S1). MRI-ED was observed in 58 (29%) individuals. CT-DH and MRI-DH had strong to very strong correlations (rho 0.781-0.904, p < .001). MRI-DH showed higher absolute values than CT-DH (mean of 1.76 mm). There was a significant association between CT-DH and MRI-ED at L2/3 (p = .006), L3/4 (p = .002), L4/5 (p < .001) and L5/S1 (p < .001). A calculated cut-off point was set at 11 mm.

Conclusions: In the lumbar spine, there is a correlation between disc height on CT and MRI. This can be useful in trauma and emergency cases, where CT is readily available in the lack of an MRI. In addition, in the middle and lower part of the lumbar spine, loss of disc height on CT scans is associated with more pronounced endplate degeneration on MRIs. If the disc height on CT scans is lower than 11 mm, endplate degeneration on MRIs is likely more pronounced.

Level and design: Level III, a retrospective study.

Keywords: CT; Disc degeneration; Disc height; Endplate degeneration; MRI.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Magnetic resonance imaging (T1- and T2-weighted) and computed tomography of the lumbar spine. Sagittal MRI (T1- [left] and T2-weighted [middle]) images as well as CT (right) image of the lumbar spine
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Disc height (DH) in the lumbar spine. Sagittal MRI (T1-weighted [left]) and CT (right) images with examples of DH measurements (millimeters [mm]) at L1/2 and L3/4
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Endplate degeneration (ED) in the lumbar spine. Sagittal MRI (T1- [left] and T2-weighted [right]) images of the lumbar spine. Grade 1 (top), grade 2 (middle) and grade 3 (bottom) of ED
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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