Zonal T2* and T1_Gdassessment of knee joint cartilage in various histological grades of cartilage degeneration: an observational in vitro study

Abstract

ObjectivesAccurate assessment of cartilage status is increasingly becoming important to clinicians for offering joint preservation surgeries versus joint replacements. The goal of this study was to evaluate the validity of three-dimensional (3D), gradient-echo (GRE)-based T2* and T1Gd mapping for the assessment of various histological severities of degeneration in knee joint cartilage with potential implications for clinical management.MethodsMRI and histological assessment were conducted in 36 ex vivo lateral femoral condyle specimens. The MRI protocol included a 3D GRE multiecho data image combination sequence in order to assess the T2* decay, a 3D double-echo steady-state sequence for assessment of cartilage morphology, and a dual flip angle 3D GRE sequence with volumetric interpolated breathhold examination for the T1Gd assessment. The histological sample analysis was performed according to the Mankin system. The data were then analysed statistically and correlated.ResultsWe observed a significant decrease in the T2* and T1Gd values with increasing grades of cartilage degeneration (p<0.001) and a moderate correlation between T2* (r=0.514)/T1Gd (r=0.556) and the histological grading of cartilage degeneration (p<0.001). In addition, we noted a zonal variation in the T2* and T1Gd values reflecting characteristic zonal differences in the biochemical composition of hyaline cartilage.ConclusionsThis study outlines the potential of GRE-based T2* and T1Gd mapping to identify various grades of cartilage damage. Early changes in specific zones may assist clinicians in identifying methods of early intervention involving the targeted joint preservation approach versus moving forward with unicompartmental, bicompartmental or tricompartmental joint replacement procedures.Trial registration numberDRKS00000729.

Osteoarthritis in the Knee Joints of Göttingen Minipigs after Resection of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament? Missing Correlation of MRI, Gene and Protein Expression with Histological Scoring

“…Here it was obvious that a severe OA could be detected with SE-sequences up to 94% and mild osteoarthritis could be discovered in 10% of the specimen [111]. In several other studies different MRI sequences were used to detect cartilage degeneration [15,116,117]. It was confirmed that even after MRI examinations with FLASH and DESS sequences low correlation in terms of sensitivity and specificity was found for both sequences in normal to mild Mankin grades [112].…”

Feasibility of gadoteric acid for delayed gadolinium‐enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) at the wrist and knee and comparison with Gd‐DTPA

“…Gadoteric acid has been used as a contrast agent in an in vitro study of femoral condyle specimens and in a dGEMRIC study at the hip, but neither study validated gadoteric acid for dGEMRIC imaging or its ability to replace Gd‐DTPA. However, in the study by Bittersohl et al dGEMRIC imaging using gadoteric acid was able to differentiate different grades of cartilage degeneration and thus areas of GAG depletion, suggesting the ability of gadoteric acid for dGEMRIC imaging, as in our study. In that in vitro study, a mean T 1 (dGEMRIC) value of 552 ± 79.6 msec was reported, which is lower than our value of 798.2 ± 86.7 msec in vivo.…”

“…With few exceptions, dGEMRIC in joints has been almost exclusively performed using the linear ionic GBCA gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd‐DTPA, Magnevist, Berlex Laboratories, Wayne, NJ) as the contrast agent. dGEMRIC using Gd‐DTPA has been extensively validated and T 1 measurements correlate very well with GAG content and histology .…”

Feasibility study for evaluating early lumbar facet joint degeneration using axial T1ρ, T2, and mapping in cartilage

“… has shorter scanning time than T 2 , while providing the same spatial resolution. Biochemical mapping has been reported as a reliable and valid tool in knee joint cartilage imaging, especially in hydration of the cartilage . T 1 ρ relaxation time has a proven association with the proteoglycans (PGs) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in soft tissue.…”

“…Biochemical T Ã 2 mapping has been reported as a reliable and valid tool in knee joint cartilage imaging, especially in hydration of the cartilage. 15,16 T 1 q relaxation time has a proven association with the proteoglycans (PGs) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in soft tissue. Previous studies have demonstrated that T 2 , T Ã 2 , and T 1 q values are parameters that may provide good evaluation about cartilage degeneration.…”