Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is promising for evaluation of lumbar nerve root compression in the extraforaminal area. A quantitative assessment using T2 relaxometry is also promising to evaluate nerve injury. Hence, nerve root quantification using both DTI and T2 relaxation properties may improve the diagnosis of nerve roots in patients with lower back pain, but it requires a long scan time. In this study, we developed a new sequence to simultaneously obtain both diffusion parameters and T2 value in one single scan (Diffusion-Relaxation Matrix: DRM). DRM simultaneously provides diffusion tensor imaging and T2 map without prolongation of acquisition time. This quantitative combination may be helpful to further assess the lumbar nerve root pathology.
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