An experimental model to study contrast enhancement in MR imaging of the intervertebral disk.

MR imaging after IV gadolinium-DTPA administration has demonstrated contrast enhancement in traumatized lumbar intervertebral disks. To characterize the morbid anatomy that correlates with the contrast enhancement, we developed a canine model of traumatized intervertebral disks. Diskectomy was performed with a nucleotome and the spines were imaged biweekly with MR and Gd-DTPA. The spines were studied at necropsy, and their anatomic abnormalities correlated with contrast enhancement detected by MR imaging. Our preliminary results indicate that contrast enhancement occurs where granulation tissue develops in traumatized intervertebral disks.

[1]  V M Haughton,et al.  Progressive and regressive changes in the nucleus pulposus. Part I. The neonate. , 1988, Radiology.

[2]  J. Seeger,et al.  High-dose i.v. contrast in CT scanning of the postoperative lumbar spine. , 1986, AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology.

[3]  V. Haughton,et al.  Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Spine , 1986, Seminars in neurology.

[4]  P. Davis,et al.  Contrast enhancement in CT differentiation between recurrent disk herniation and postoperative scar: prospective study. , 1985, AJR. American journal of roentgenology.

[5]  A. Nachemson,et al.  Factors involved in the nutrition of the human lumbar intervertebral disc: cellularity and diffusion of glucose in vitro. , 1975, Journal of anatomy.

[6]  K. Lindblom,et al.  Absorption of protruded disc tissue. , 1950, The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume.

[7]  A. Decker,et al.  Pathological studies of intervertebral discs. , 1947, The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume.

[8]  M. B. Coventry,et al.  THE INTERVERTEBRAL DISC: ITS MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY AND PATHOLOGY , 1945 .

[9]  V. Haughton,et al.  Progressive and regressive changes in the nucleus pulposus. Part II. The adult. , 1988, Radiology.

[10]  G. Onik.  Percutaneous automated discectomy , 1988 .

[11]  H. Muir,et al.  Experimental intervertebral disc degeneration: morphologic and proteoglycan changes over time. , 1981, Arthritis and rheumatism.

[12]  H. Hansen.  Studies on the pathology of the lumbosacral disc in female cattle. , 1956, Acta orthopaedica Scandinavica.

[13]  C HIRSCH,et al.  Studies on structural changes in the lumbar annulus fibrosus. , 1952, Acta orthopaedica Scandinavica.

[14]  S. Friberg.  Anatomical studies on lumbar disc degeneration. , 1948, Acta orthopaedica Scandinavica.