Perfusion study on Modic changes of spine based on DCE-MRI

This study utilizes dynamic contrast enhancement scan by MRI to investigate the perfusion characteristics in bone marrow with Modic changes in spine. Three types of Modic change show different features in perfusion compared to normal vertebra. When the perfusion characteristics were quantified by the maximum enhancement (S_max) and enhancement slope (Slope), type II showed a slightly decreased perfusion while type I, III showed an enhanced perfusion. Besides, the normal bone marrow area in a vertebrae which has Modic change showed abnormal perfusion features when compared to that from subject with no Modic change at lumbar spine. The results suggest that the histological changes in Modic change are accompanied by vascular variation. By perfusion investigation, the inherent changes in vascular property in bone marrow can be reflected and quantified.