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.

How to access this content:

For one year after publication, abstracts and videos are only open to registrants of this annual meeting. Registrants should use their existing login information. Non-registrant access can be purchased via the ISMRM E-Library.

After one year, current ISMRM & ISMRT members get free access to both the abstracts and videos. Non-members and non-registrants must purchase access via the ISMRM E-Library.

After two years, the meeting proceedings (abstracts) are opened to the public and require no login information. Videos remain behind password for access by members, registrants and E-Library customers.

Click here for more information on becoming a member.