Diurnal fluid changes of lumbar discs measured indirectly by magnetic resonance imaging.

The feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging and the magnetization transfer technique for measurement of diurnal fluid changes in lumbar discs was studied with the use of 13 healthy subjects. The diurnal height loss of the subjects ranged from 13 to 21 mm. The disc signal in T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging increased as much as 25% after overnight bed rest, presumably due to the enhanced influx of water. The change in magnetization transfer parameters also suggested increased hydration of the disc after bed rest. Magnetic resonance imaging techniques can be used for indirect measurement of the changes in fluid content and the interaction of water with macromolecules in the disc.