• Hon J Yu, Shadfar Bahri, Vance Gardner, and L Tugan Muftuler.
• John Tu and Thomas Yuen Center for Functional Onco-Imaging, University of California, Irvine Hall 164, Irvine, CA, 92697-5020, USA. hjyu@uci.edu.
• Eur Spine J. 2015 Nov 1; 24 (11): 2442-8.

PurposeTo evaluate the role of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) as a quantitative means to assess the degree of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration contextually within the framework of a widely used Pfirrmann classification rather than in a direct correlation with Pfirrmann grades.MethodsDWI and T2-weighted (T2w) of lumbar spine were acquired from nine healthy volunteers (age range 27-62 years, mean age 45 years) with a 3T MR scanner. ADC values were obtained from each of the five lumbar discs via a pixel-by-pixel ADC calculation as well as via region of interest-averaged image intensities. Disc degeneration was assessed by a scoring system via sequential application of Pfirrmann scale and use of intensity ratio of IVD/cerebrospinal fluid in T2w for discs in each Pfirrmann grade to be further separated.ResultsA significant correlation was observed between degenerative scores and ADC independent of how ADC was obtained (Spearman's ρ < -0.85, P < 2 × 10(-14)).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that previously perceived as an overlap in ADC value existing between different degenerative categories based on a visual inspection can be viewed as a quantitative role of ADC in assessment of disc degeneration. This reinforces the Pfirrmann classification system but also proceeds beyond mere qualitatively determining morphologic states.

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