An experimental model to study contrast enhancement in MR imaging of the intervertebral disk.

MR imaging after IV gadolinium-DTPA administration has demonstrated contrast enhancement in traumatized lumbar intervertebral disks. To characterize the morbid anatomy that correlates with the contrast enhancement, we developed a canine model of traumatized intervertebral disks. Diskectomy was performed with a nucleotome and the spines were imaged biweekly with MR and Gd-DTPA. The spines were studied at necropsy, and their anatomic abnormalities correlated with contrast enhancement detected by MR imaging. Our preliminary results indicate that contrast enhancement occurs where granulation tissue develops in traumatized intervertebral disks.