Research progress on the application of magnetic resonance ultrashort echo time sequences in diagnosing intervertebral disc degeneration
Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)is the main radiological examination method for diagnosing intervertebral disc degeneration(IVDD).However,the T2 relaxation time of the lumbar cartilage endplate(CEP)is notably short,leading to rapid signal decay that conventional MRI often fails to display with enough resolution.In contrast,ultrashort echo time(UTE)sequences can clearly display and observe with short T2 relaxation time,thus significantly enhancing detection capabilities for IVDD.UTE sequences facilitate qualitative and quantitative studies of CEP tissues,including the assessment of morphological alterations,early lesions and the calcification of the endplate,the exploration of the relationship between CEP quantitative changes and overall IVDD,as well as the application of artificial intelligence in lumbar UTE MRI.This review summarizes the research progress on the application of UTE sequences in diagnosing IVDD.
Magnetic Resonance ImagingUltrashort Echo TimeIntervertebral Disc DegenerationCartilage Endplate