Abstract #3218

Ultrashort Time-To-Echo MRI of Human Intervertebral Disc Endplate: Association with Endplate Calcification

Won C. Bae¹, Kelli Xu², Aseem R. Hemmad³, Nozomu Inoue⁴, Graeme M. Bydder¹, Christine B. Chung¹, Koichi Masuda³

¹Radiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States; ²Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; ³Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States; ⁴Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical College, Chicago, IL, United States

UTE MR image of human lumbar spine reveals distinct linear signal near disc endplates, unlike signal voids seen in conventional MR images. Calcification of cartilaginous endplate occurs with aging, and it hinders transport across the region. Normal and abnormal (loss) UTE signals were identified and core samples harvested for micro CT. 3D reconstructed models were evaluated for endplate surface roughness and severity of calcium deposits, which were increased in UTE-abnormal samples. These results demonstrated unique ability of UTE MRI to directly evaluate endplate region, and association of UTE MRI with calcification of endplate, which may lead to changed transport function.