Association of low back pain and fat content of paraspinal muscle using MR spectroscopy

Abstract

Objective. To analyze the intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) and extramyo cellular lipids (EMCL) in the multifidus muscle (Mm) using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) with chronic low back pain (LBP) patients and to identify possible correlation with LBP, obesity and these metabolism. Materials and Methods. This prospective study had institutional review board approval, and written informed consent was obtained from all study participants. Forty patients (24 women, 16men; mean age, 64.7 years +/- 12.7; age range, 22-85 years) with LBP duration of >= 3 months, who underwent MRS to quantify IMCL and EMCL of right Mm in a volume interest at the intervertebral level of L4 through L5. We analyzed body mass index (BMI) as an indicator of obesity, and visual analogue score (VAS) as LBP intensity. The associations were analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results. The BMI showed correlation with EMCL (r=0.436, p<0.01), but no correlation with IMCL. The VAS showed correlation with IMCL (r=0.657, p<0.01) but no correlation with EMCL. Conclusion. The present study showed a relationship between IMCL in the Mm and chronic LBP. The analysis of Mm with MRS is expected to become an effective objective indicator of chronic LBP.