Apparent diffusion coefficient in thoracolumbar intervertebral discs of healthy young volunteers

Apparent diffusion coefficient values (ADC) of healthy intervertebral discs of young volunteers in the thoracolumbar spine were determined using a single-shot EPI sequence. ADC(z) was in the lumbar spine slightly higher than ADC(x) or ADC(y). In vivo diffusion measurements of intervertebral discs may offer a novel diagnostic tool to evaluate disc diseases in early phases.