Age-dependent microstructural changes of the intervertebral disc: a validation of proteoglycan-sensitive spectral CT.

• DECT-based collagen mapping allows precise analysis of the two main intervertebral disc components-collagen and chondroitin sulfate. • Intervertebral disc (IVD) density declines with age, presumably due to a reduction in collagen and chondroitin sulfate content. • Age-related alterations of disc microstructure are most pronounced in the anterior anulus fibrosus (AAF).