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Berry DB, Gordon JA, Adair V, Frank LR, Ward SR. From Voxels to Physiology: A Review of Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Applications in Skeletal Muscle. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024. [PMID: 39031753 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle has a classic structure function relationship; both skeletal muscle microstructure and architecture are directly related to force generating capacity. Biopsy, the gold standard for evaluating muscle microstructure, is highly invasive, destructive to muscle, and provides only a small amount of information about the entire volume of a muscle. Similarly, muscle fiber lengths and pennation angles, key features of muscle architecture predictive of muscle function, are traditionally studied via cadaveric dissection. Noninvasive techniques such as diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) offer quantitative approaches to study skeletal muscle microstructure and architecture. Despite its prevalence in applications for musculoskeletal research, clinical adoption is hindered by a lack of understanding regarding its sensitivity to clinically important biomarkers such as muscle fiber cross-sectional area. This review aims to elucidate how dMRI has been utilized to study skeletal muscle, covering fundamentals of muscle physiology, dMRI acquisition techniques, dMRI modeling, and applications where dMRI has been leveraged to noninvasively study skeletal muscle changes in response to disease, aging, injury, and human performance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Berry
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Joseph A Gordon
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Vincent Adair
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Lawrence R Frank
- Center for Scientific Computation in Imaging, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Samuel R Ward
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
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Raya JG, Duarte A, Wang N, Mazzoli V, Jaramillo D, Blamire AM, Dietrich O. Applications of Diffusion-Weighted MRI to the Musculoskeletal System. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 59:376-396. [PMID: 37477576 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is an established MRI technique that can investigate tissue microstructure at the scale of a few micrometers. Musculoskeletal tissues typically have a highly ordered structure to fulfill their functions and therefore represent an optimal application of DWI. Even more since disruption of tissue organization affects its biomechanical properties and may indicate irreversible damage. The application of DWI to the musculoskeletal system faces application-specific challenges on data acquisition including susceptibility effects, the low T2 relaxation time of most musculoskeletal tissues (2-70 msec) and the need for sub-millimetric resolution. Thus, musculoskeletal applications have been an area of development of new DWI methods. In this review, we provide an overview of the technical aspects of DWI acquisition including diffusion-weighting, MRI pulse sequences and different diffusion regimes to study tissue microstructure. For each tissue type (growth plate, articular cartilage, muscle, bone marrow, intervertebral discs, ligaments, tendons, menisci, and synovium), the rationale for the use of DWI and clinical studies in support of its use as a biomarker are presented. The review describes studies showing that DTI of the growth plate has predictive value for child growth and that DTI of articular cartilage has potential to predict the radiographic progression of joint damage in early stages of osteoarthritis. DTI has been used extensively in skeletal muscle where it has shown potential to detect microstructural and functional changes in a wide range of muscle pathologies. DWI of bone marrow showed to be a valuable tool for the diagnosis of benign and malignant acute vertebral fractures and bone metastases. DTI and diffusion kurtosis have been investigated as markers of early intervertebral disc degeneration and lower back pain. Finally, promising new applications of DTI to anterior cruciate ligament grafts and synovium are presented. The review ends with an overview of the use of DWI in clinical routine. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Raya
- Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alejandra Duarte
- Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Department of Radiology, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nian Wang
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Valentina Mazzoli
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Diego Jaramillo
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrew M Blamire
- Magnetic Resonance Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Olaf Dietrich
- Department of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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McDonald C, Camino E, Escandon R, Finkel RS, Fischer R, Flanigan K, Furlong P, Juhasz R, Martin AS, Villa C, Sweeney HL. Draft Guidance for Industry Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Becker Muscular Dystrophy, and Related Dystrophinopathies - Developing Potential Treatments for the Entire Spectrum of Disease. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:499-523. [PMID: 38363616 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and related dystrophinopathies are neuromuscular conditions with great unmet medical needs that require the development of effective medical treatments. Objective To aid sponsors in clinical development of drugs and therapeutic biological products for treating DMD across the disease spectrum by integrating advancements, patient registries, natural history studies, and more into a comprehensive guidance. Methods This guidance emerged from collaboration between the FDA, the Duchenne community, and industry stakeholders. It entailed a structured approach, involving multiple committees and boards. From its inception in 2014, the guidance underwent revisions incorporating insights from gene therapy studies, cardiac function research, and innovative clinical trial designs. Results The guidance provides a deeper understanding of DMD and its variants, focusing on patient engagement, diagnostic criteria, natural history, biomarkers, and clinical trials. It underscores patient-focused drug development, the significance of dystrophin as a biomarker, and the pivotal role of magnetic resonance imaging in assessing disease progression. Additionally, the guidance addresses cardiomyopathy's prominence in DMD and the burgeoning field of gene therapy. Conclusions The updated guidance offers a comprehensive understanding of DMD, emphasizing patient-centric approaches, innovative trial designs, and the importance of biomarkers. The focus on cardiomyopathy and gene therapy signifies the evolving realm of DMD research. It acts as a crucial roadmap for sponsors, potentially leading to improved treatments for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Camino
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rafael Escandon
- DGBI Consulting, LLC, Bainbridge Island, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Ryan Fischer
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kevin Flanigan
- Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics, Department of Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Pat Furlong
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rose Juhasz
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ann S Martin
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chet Villa
- Trinity Health Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - H Lee Sweeney
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center within the UC Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Engelke K, Chaudry O, Gast L, Eldib MAB, Wang L, Laredo JD, Schett G, Nagel AM. Magnetic resonance imaging techniques for the quantitative analysis of skeletal muscle: State of the art. J Orthop Translat 2023; 42:57-72. [PMID: 37654433 PMCID: PMC10465967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the dominant 3D imaging modality to quantify muscle properties in skeletal muscle disorders, in inherited and acquired muscle diseases, and in sarcopenia, in cachexia and frailty. Methods This review covers T1 weighted and Dixon sequences, introduces T2 mapping, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and non-proton MRI. Technical concepts, strengths, limitations and translational aspects of these techniques are discussed in detail. Examples of clinical applications are outlined. For comparison 31P-and 13C-MR Spectroscopy are also addressed. Results MRI technology provides a rich toolset to assess muscle deterioration. In addition to classical measures such as muscle atrophy using T1 weighted imaging and fat infiltration using Dixon sequences, parameters characterizing inflammation from T2 maps, tissue sodium using non-proton MRI techniques or concentration or fiber architecture using diffusion tensor imaging may be useful for an even earlier diagnosis of the impairment of muscle quality. Conclusion Quantitative MRI provides new options for muscle research and clinical applications. Current limitations that also impair its more widespread use in clinical trials are lack of standardization, ambiguity of image segmentation and analysis approaches, a multitude of outcome parameters without a clear strategy which ones to use and the lack of normal data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Engelke
- Department of Medicine III, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Physics (IMP), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Henkestr. 91, 91052, Erlangen, Germany
- Clario Inc, Germany
| | - Oliver Chaudry
- Department of Medicine III, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lena Gast
- Institute of Radiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), University Hospital Erlangen, Maximiliansplatz 3, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Ling Wang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jean-Denis Laredo
- Service d’Imagerie Médicale, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris & B3OA, UMR CNRS 7052, Inserm U1271 Université de Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Medicine III, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Armin M. Nagel
- Institute of Radiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), University Hospital Erlangen, Maximiliansplatz 3, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Division of Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Cameron D, Abbassi-Daloii T, Heezen LGM, van de Velde NM, Koeks Z, Veeger TTJ, Hooijmans MT, El Abdellaoui S, van Duinen SG, Verschuuren JJGM, van Putten M, Aartsma-Rus A, Raz V, Spitali P, Niks EH, Kan HE. Diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance imaging captures increased skeletal muscle fibre diameters in Becker muscular dystrophy. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023. [PMID: 37127427 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is an X-linked disorder characterized by slow, progressive muscle damage and muscle weakness. Hallmarks include fibre-size variation and replacement of skeletal muscle with fibrous and adipose tissues, after repeated cycles of regeneration. Muscle histology can detect these features, but the required biopsies are invasive, are difficult to repeat and capture only small muscle volumes. Diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) is a potential non-invasive alternative that can calculate muscle fibre diameters when applied with the novel random permeable barrier model (RPBM). In this study, we assessed muscle fibre diameters using DT-MRI in BMD patients and healthy controls and compared these with histology. METHODS We included 13 BMD patients and 9 age-matched controls, who underwent water-fat MRI and DT-MRI at multiple diffusion times, allowing RPBM parameter estimation in the lower leg muscles. Tibialis anterior muscle biopsies were taken from the contralateral leg in 6 BMD patients who underwent DT-MRI and from an additional 32 BMD patients and 15 healthy controls. Laminin and Sirius-red stainings were performed to evaluate muscle fibre morphology and fibrosis. Twelve ambulant patients from the MRI cohort underwent the North Star ambulatory assessment, and 6-min walk, rise-from-floor and 10-m run/walk functional tests. RESULTS RPBM fibre diameter was significantly larger in BMD patients (P = 0.015): mean (SD) = 68.0 (25.3) μm versus 59.4 (19.2) μm in controls. Inter-muscle differences were also observed (P ≤ 0.002). Both inter- and intra-individual RPBM fibre diameter variability were similar between groups. Laminin staining agreed with the RPBM, showing larger median fibre diameters in patients than in controls: 72.5 (7.9) versus 63.2 (6.9) μm, P = 0.006. However, despite showing similar inter-individual variation, patients showed more intra-individual fibre diameter variability than controls-mean variance (SD) = 34.2 (7.9) versus 21.4 (6.9) μm, P < 0.001-and larger fibrosis areas: median (interquartile range) = 21.7 (5.6)% versus 14.9 (3.4)%, P < 0.001. Despite good overall agreement of RPBM and laminin fibre diameters, they were not associated in patients who underwent DT-MRI and muscle biopsy, perhaps due to lack of colocalization of DT-MRI with biopsy samples. CONCLUSIONS DT-MRI RPBM metrics agree with histology and can quantify changes in muscle fibre size that are associated with regeneration without the need for biopsies. They therefore show promise as imaging biomarkers for muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donnie Cameron
- C.J. Gorter MRI Center, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tooba Abbassi-Daloii
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Laura G M Heezen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke M van de Velde
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Duchenne Center Netherlands, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Zaïda Koeks
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thom T J Veeger
- C.J. Gorter MRI Center, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Melissa T Hooijmans
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Salma El Abdellaoui
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd G van Duinen
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan J G M Verschuuren
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Duchenne Center Netherlands, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike van Putten
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Duchenne Center Netherlands, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Duchenne Center Netherlands, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Vered Raz
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pietro Spitali
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Duchenne Center Netherlands, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Erik H Niks
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Duchenne Center Netherlands, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hermien E Kan
- C.J. Gorter MRI Center, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Duchenne Center Netherlands, Leiden, The Netherlands
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