What does a low T2 signal in a disc suggest?

What does a low T2 signal in a disc suggest?

• A. Disc desiccation/degeneration
• B. Annular tear without degeneration
• C. Disc infection
• D. Disc herniation

Answer: (A)

A low T2 signal in a disc means the disc has lost water content, i.e., desiccation. The nucleus pulposus is normally hydrated and appears bright on T2-weighted MRI; when degeneration occurs, water content drops and the disc darkens on T2. This dark appearance is a hallmark of degeneration and disc desiccation. Annular tears can show a focal high-signal area within the outer ring; infection tends to bring edema with increased (not decreased) T2 signal and often endplate changes; herniation is a structural displacement with variable signal, not specifically low T2.

A low T2 signal in a disc means the disc has lost water content, i.e., desiccation. The nucleus pulposus is normally hydrated and appears bright on T2-weighted MRI; when degeneration occurs, water content drops and the disc darkens on T2. This dark appearance is a hallmark of degeneration and disc desiccation. Annular tears can show a focal high-signal area within the outer ring; infection tends to bring edema with increased (not decreased) T2 signal and often endplate changes; herniation is a structural displacement with variable signal, not specifically low T2.