Abstract：Objective: To observe the morphous and integrity of lumbar disc annulus fiber with diffusion tensor imaging fiber tracktography(DTI-FT) and to evaluate the clinical value of the DTI-FT in lumbar disc annulus fibers diseases. Methods: Twenty-eight subjects divided into 3 groups, normal volunteer(n=10), lumbar disc herniation(n=12), lumbar disc extrusion(n=8). All were examined with MR scan. MR sequence contained conventional sagittal T1WI, T2WI and axial PDWI, T2WI and axial DTI. The DTI source images sent to the work station and postprocessed fiber tracking(FT) picture, diffusion coefficient average(DCavg) picture, and FA picture. Results: All subjects obtained FA picture and DCavg picture and used the software of “fiber tracking” to track the three dimensional images of lumbar disc annulus fibrosus. The normal disc annulus fibrosus presented a continuous and integrated circulus in FA picture and DCavg picture, the average ADC value and FA value were uniform. FT picture of the annulus fibrosus appeared continuous and complete. Three cases(30%) in disc herniation group could only see disc hernia on conventional MRI but annulus fibrosus disruption was found on DTI-FT picture. Five cases(62.5%) of lumbar disc extrusion group, annulus fibrosus disruption was found in DTI-FT picture. The DCavg value rised and FA value reduced in disrupted place. Conclusion: DTI-FT can noninvasively display morphous and integrity of the lumbar disc anulus fibrosus and can demonstre anulus fiber disruption. As an effective supplement of conventional MRI, DTI-FT can offer a precise guidance for treatment.
2010, Vol. 21 
