Measurement of Dorsal Root Ganglia Volume for Patients with Low Back Pain by MR Neurography

Motivation: Multiple studies have shown volumetric changes in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in association with various neuropathies, but volumetric changes in patients with low back pain are not much known. Goal(s): To check a semi-automatic region-growing technique can be used to segment DRG on 3D MR neurography images and to determine if DRG volumes differ in patients. Approach: 3D MR neurography images were acquired from 10 patients and 4 control subjects at 3T. Segmentation algorithms were applied for DRG volume measurement, and measured volumes were compared between control and patient groups. Results: Lower DRG volumes were measured with patients. Impact: Through a semi-automatic 3D region growing technique, dorsal root ganglia volume can be efficiently measured with 3D MR neurography. Morphological assessment of dorsal root ganglia might help to understand overall lumbar spine pathology and low back pain.