Objective: Using a dynamic computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) imaging method to explore the age-related distribution of the microcirculation perfusion function in the vertebral marrow, the bone material density (BMD), and the intervertebral discal degeneration (IDD). Further, to discuss a possible causation relationship between them.
Methods: One hundred and eighty-six people were randomly enrolled by stratified sampling and grouped by age:?15, 16e25, 26e35, 36e45, 46e55, 56e65, 66e75, and ?76 years old. The average CTP and BMD of the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae marrow were measured and the IDD incidence of the third-fourth vertebrae was assessed. The temporalespatial distribution patterns of the age-related changes of the CTP, BMD, and IDD were described, and the correlations between them were calculated.
Results: The microcirculatory perfusion function of the vertebral marrow develops to maturity by 25 years and is maintained until age 35, then declines with aging. The BMD grew to a peak from 26 to 45 years old, then decreased yearly. The IDD showed a sudden increase after 45 years of age. The CTP [BF (r ? 0.806, P ? 0.000), BV (r ? 0.685, P ? 0.005) and PMB (r ? 0.619, P ? 0.001)] showed strong positive correlations and CTP [TTP (r ? ?0.211, P ? 0.322) and MTT (r ? ?0.598, P ? 0.002)] showed negative correlations with BMD. The CTP [BF (r ? ?0.815, P ? 0.000), BV (r ? ?0.753, P ? 0.000) and PMB (r ? ?0.690, P ? 0.000)] had strong negative correlations, and CTP [TTP (r ? 0.323, P ? 0.126) and MTT (r ? 0.628, P ? 0.001)] had positive correlations with the incidence of IDD.
Conclusion: The decrease with aging of the microcirculatory perfusion in the lumbar vertebral marrow preceded, and is a potential causative factor for the loss of BMD and the onset of IDD.
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