This study investigated changes in perfusion and diffusion in the cartilaginous endplates and subchondral bones around the degenerating discs. It has been suggested that such abnormalities might indicate inflammatory changes that might lead to chronic low back pain. A high spatial and temporal resolution DCE-MRI technique was implemented and tested on a group of volunteers. Pharmacokinetic model was used to quantify the changes in the regions of interest. Results demonstrated significant changes in contrast agent uptake and washout in the cartilaginous and bony endplate regions as the adjacent disc degenerated.
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