Patient-specific apparent diffusion maps used to model nutrient availability in degenerated intervertebral discs.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

In this study, magnetic resonance imaging data was used to (1) model IVD-specific gradients of glucose, oxygen, lactate, and pH; and (2) investigate possible effects of covariate factors (i.e., disc geometry, and mean apparent diffusion coefficient values) on the IVD's microenvironment. Mathematical modeling of the patient's specific IVD microenvironment could be important when selecting patients for stem cell therapy due to the increased nutrient demand created by that treatment.

Materials and methods

Disc geometry and water diffusion coefficients were extracted from MRIs of 37 patients using sagittal T1-weighted images, T2-weighted images, and ADC Maps. A 2-D steady state finite element mathematical model was developed in COMSOL Multiphysics® 5.4 to compute co

SUBMITTER: Shalash W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8717112 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature