A pilot study of quantitative T2* mapping in intervertebral lumbar disc patients with lower back pain

The human lumbar spine is comprised of multiple tissue components that serve to offer structural stability as well as optimal nutrition. Traditional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques have been beneficial in assessing intervertebral disc (IVD). Quantitative T2* mapping has recently been used to diagnose and characterize abnormalities associated with IVD, particularly water content variations. However, this approach remains in research settings, and its clinical application has not been thoroughly investigated. This study quantitatively evaluate the clinical value of T2* mapping of intervertebral lumbar disc patients with lower back pain using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).