Quantitative MRI Analysis of the Correlation Between Lumbar Paraspinal Muscle Fat Content, Intervertebral Disc T2 Values, and Disc Degeneration

Motivation: The relationship between the fat fraction (FF) of paraspinal muscles (PSMs) ,different regions of the intervertebral disc and Intervertebral disc degeneration is unclear. Goal(s): To quantitatively assess the correlation between paraspinal muscle fat fraction (FF) and intervertebral disc T2 values using MRI, and their relationship with disc degeneration factors. Approach: In this study, T2 mapping and mDIXON Quant sequence were utilized to obtain the T2 value of the intervertebral disc and the fat fraction of the paraspinal muscles. Results: Intervertebral disc degeneration was related to the fat content of each paravertebral muscle and the T2 value of each part of the intervertebral disc. Impact: This study confirms that disc degeneration significantly affects fat infiltration in paraspinal muscles and holds important clinical value. Examining the alterations in fat content in paraspinal muscles will enhance our comprehension of the LBD resulting from Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD).