Abstract #1366

Cardiovascular Risk Factors for degenerative disc diseases of the thoracolumbar Spine in a Healthy General Population: Results from the KORA MRI Study

Sven Stephan Walter¹, Elke Wintermeyer², Roberto Lorbeer³, Sergios Gatidis⁴, Konstantin Nikolaou¹, Fabian Bamberg⁵, and Mike Notohamiprodjo¹

¹Department for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany, ²Department for Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany, ³University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany, ⁴Department for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Univeristy Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany, ⁵Radiology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

Evidence has grown that disc degeneration may be influenced by cardiovascular risk factors. Thus, the purpose was to assess the association in a healthy sample from the general population. Disc degeneration as well as disc bulging and protrusion of the thoracic and lumbar spine was assessed using the Pfirrmann-score and correlated to risk factors such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes. Hypertension dependently while age and BMI independently associated with disc degeneration. Diabetes increased disc degeneration at Th7/8 and L3/4. Lifestyle conditions had no influence. In conclusion, certain cardiovascular risk factors are associated to disc degeneration and disc bulging and protrusion.

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