Abstract #1717

Witschey II W, Wang C, Johannessen W, Bronzo B, Reddy R, Elliott D

The primary objective of this research was to develop a novel, quantitative relaxation mapping technique for monitoring the biochemical and structural changes that occur in human IVDs during DDD. We show that the magic echo pulse sequence is more sensitive to the hypointense region of the IVD than standard spin echo imaging techniques. 35% increase in T2 is shown among regions of the nucleus pulposus and may provide a quantitative measure of disc degeneration with improved dynamic range relative to T2 mapping.