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Feuerriegel GC, Marth AA, Goller SS, Hilbe M, Sommer S, Sutter R. Quantifying Tendon Degeneration Using Magic Angle Insensitive Ultra-Short Echo Time Magnetization Transfer: A Phantom Study in Bovine Tendons. Invest Radiol 2024; 59:691-698. [PMID: 38598670 PMCID: PMC11460758 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000001074] [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] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively assess changes in bovine flexor tendons before and after collagen degradation and at different angles in relation to the static B 0 field using 3-dimensional ultra-short echo time (UTE) magnetization transfer (MT) imaging within a clinically feasible acquisition time. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight bovine flexor tendons were examined at 3 T magnetic resonance imaging including 3-dimensional UTE MT and UTE T2* research application sequences (acquired within 4:04 and 6:38 minutes, respectively) before and after enzyme-induced degradation. The tendons were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (controls) treated with phosphate-buffered saline and group 2 treated with collagenase I to induce collagen degeneration. Magnetic resonance imaging was repeated at 0, 27, 55, and 90 degrees to the B 0 field. To calculate quantitative tissue properties, all tendons were semiautomatically segmented, and changes in quantitative UTE T2* and UTE MT ratios (MTRs) were compared at different angles and between groups. In addition to descriptive statistics, the coefficient of variation was calculated to compare UTE MT and UTE T2* imaging. RESULTS Ultra-short echo time MTR showed a significantly lower coefficient of variation compared with UTE T2* values, indicating a more robust imaging method (UTE MTR 9.64%-11.25%, UTE T2* 18.81%-24.06%, P < 0.001). Both methods showed good performance in detecting degenerated tendons using histopathology as reference standard, with UTE MT imaging having a better area under the curve than UTE T2* mapping (0.918 vs 0.865). Falsely high UTE T2* values were detected at the 55 degrees acquisition angle, whereas UTE MTR values were robust, that is, insensitive to the MAE. CONCLUSIONS Ultra-short echo time MT imaging is a reliable method for quantifying tendon degeneration that is robust to the MAE and can be acquired in a clinically reasonable time.
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Socha DE, Pownder SL, Kayano M, Koff MF, Hayashi K. Ultrashort Echo Time Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Cruciate Ligaments in Normal Beagles. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2024; 37:145-150. [PMID: 38290532 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1778684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to provide normative ultrashort echo time magnetic resonance imaging (UTE MRI) data of the patellar ligament (PL), cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) and caudal cruciate ligament (CdCL) in non-lame Beagles. STUDY DESIGN Eight stifles from four subjects obtained immediately postmortem were imaged using UTE MRI in the true sagittal plane. Regions of interest were drawn manually and the total (T2*), short T2* (T2*S) and long T2* (T2*L) values of the signal decay were calculated to evaluate the bound and free water components of the tendon. The T2*S, T2*L and T2* values were compared between the PL, CrCL and CdCL RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of T2*S, T2*L and T2* were as follows: 0.54 ± 0.13, 4.65 ± 1.08 and 8.35 ± 0.82 ms for the PL; 0.46 ± 0.14, 5.99 ± 0.52 and 8.88 ± 0.4 ms for the CrCL and 0.41 ± 0.13, 7.06 ± 0.57 and 9.26 ± 0.18 ms for the CdCL. Significant differences were found between the T2*L component of the PL and each CrCL/CdCL and a smaller difference was noted between the T2*L of the CrCL and CdCL (p = 0.05). No difference of the T2*S value was found between any of the ligaments. CONCLUSION Establishing normative UTE data of the canine stifle is valuable for comparison in future studies in which normal and damaged ligaments may be evaluated, particularly in those affected limbs in which no instability is identified on physical examination in which normal and damaged ligaments may be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis E Socha
- VCA Colonial Animal Hospital, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Sarah L Pownder
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, United States
| | - Mitsunori Kayano
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Matthew F Koff
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, United States
| | - Kei Hayashi
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York, United States
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McNish R, Lohse K, Pruthi S, Hastings MK, Zheng J, Zellers JA. Achilles tendon assessment on quantitative MRI: Sources of variability and relationships to tendinopathy. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14650. [PMID: 38712745 PMCID: PMC11081531 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14650] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Quantitative MRI (qMRI) measures are useful in assessing musculoskeletal tissues, but application to tendon has been limited. The purposes of this study were to optimize, identify sources of variability, and establish reproducibility of qMRI to assess Achilles tendon. Additionally, preliminarily estimates of effect of tendon pathology on qMRI metrics and structure-function relationships between qMRI measures and ankle performance were examined. T1, T1ρ, T2, and T2* maps of the Achilles tendon were obtained using a 3T MRI scanner. In participants with asymptomatic tendons (n = 21), MRI procedures were repeated twice, and region of interest selection was performed by three raters. Variance decomposition and reproducibility statistics were completed. To estimate the effect of pathology, qMRI measures from individuals with asymptomatic tendons were compared to qMRI measures from a pilot group of individuals with Achilles tendinopathy (n = 7). Relationships between qMRI and ankle performance measures were assessed. Between-participant variation accounted for the majority of variability (46.7%-64.0%) in all qMRI measures except T2*. ICCs met or exceeded 0.7 for all qMRI measures when averaged across raters or scans. Relaxation times were significantly longer in tendinopathic tendons (mean (SD) T1: 977.8 (208.6) ms, T1ρ: 35.4 (7.1) ms, T2: 42.8 (7.9) ms, T2*: 14.1 (7.6) ms, n = 7) compared to asymptomatic control tendons (T1: 691.7 (32.4) ms, T1ρ: 24.0 (3.6) ms, T2: 24.4 (7.5) ms, T2*: 9.5 (3.4) ms, n = 21) (p < 0.011 for all comparisons). T1 related to functional performance measures in symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. Study findings suggest that qMRI is reliable to assess the Achilles tendon. qMRI quantitatively assesses the presence of tendon pathology and relates to functional performance outcomes, supporting the utility of incorporating qMRI in research and clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reika McNish
- Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Keith Lohse
- Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Saksham Pruthi
- School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Mary K Hastings
- Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jie Zheng
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jennifer A Zellers
- Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Bae WC, Statum S, Masuda K, Chung CB. T1rho MR properties of human patellar cartilage: correlation with indentation stiffness and biochemical contents. Skeletal Radiol 2024; 53:649-656. [PMID: 37740079 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-023-04458-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cartilage degeneration involves structural, compositional, and biomechanical alterations that may be detected non-invasively using quantitative MRI. The goal of this study was to determine if topographical variation in T1rho values correlates with indentation stiffness and biochemical contents of human patellar cartilage. DESIGN Cadaveric patellae from unilateral knees of 5 donors with moderate degeneration were imaged at 3-Telsa with spiral chopped magnetization preparation T1rho sequence. Indentation testing was performed, followed by biochemical analyses to determine water and sulfated glycosaminoglycan contents. T1rho values were compared to indentation stiffness, using semi-circular regions of interest (ROIs) of varying sizes at each indentation site. ROIs matching the resected tissues were analyzed, and univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to compare T1rho values to biochemical contents. RESULTS Grossly, superficial degenerative change of the cartilage (i.e., roughened texture and erosion) corresponded with regions of high T1rho values. High T1rho values correlated with low indentation stiffness, and the strength of correlation varied slightly with the ROI size. Spatial variations in T1rho values correlated positively with that of the water content (R2 = 0.10, p < 0.05) and negatively with the variations in the GAG content (R2 = 0.13, p < 0.01). Multivariate correlation (R2 = 0.23, p < 0.01) was stronger than either of the univariate correlations. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate the sensitivity of T1rho values to spatially varying function and composition of cartilage and that the strength of correlation depends on the method of data analysis and consideration of multiple variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won C Bae
- Department of Radiology, University of California-San Diego, 9427 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0997, USA.
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive MC-114, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA.
| | - Sheronda Statum
- Department of Radiology, University of California-San Diego, 9427 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0997, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive MC-114, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
| | - Koichi Masuda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0863, USA
| | - Christine B Chung
- Department of Radiology, University of California-San Diego, 9427 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0997, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive MC-114, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
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Jerban S, Afsahi AM, Ma Y, Moazamian D, Statum S, Lombardi AF, Kakos L, Dorthe E, Dlima D, Du J, Chung CB, Chang EY. Correlations between elastic modulus and ultrashort echo time (UTE) adiabatic T1ρ relaxation time (UTE-Adiab-T1ρ) in Achilles tendons and entheses. J Biomech 2023; 160:111825. [PMID: 37856976 PMCID: PMC10991081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111825] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Patients with psoriatic arthritis commonly have abnormalities of their entheses, which are the connections between tendons and bone. There are shortcomings with the use of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences for the evaluation of entheses and tendons, whereas ultrashort echo time (UTE) sequences are superior for the detection of high signals, and can also be used for non-invasive quantitative assessments of these structures. The combination of UTE-MRI with an adiabatic-T1ρ preparation (UTE-Adiab-T1ρ) allows for reliable assessment of entheses and tendons with decreased susceptibility to detrimental magic angle effects. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between quantitative UTE-MRI measures and the biomechanical properties of Achilles tendons and entheses. In total, 28 tendon-enthesis sections were harvested from 11 fresh-frozen human cadaveric foot-ankle specimens (52 ± years old). Tendon-enthesis sections were scanned using the UTE-Adiab-T1ρ and UTE-T1 sequences on a clinical 3 T scanner. MRI-based measures and indentation tests were performed on the enthesis, transitional, and tensile tendon zones of the specimens. Hayes' elastic modulus showed significant inverse correlations (Spearman's) with UTE-Adiab-T1ρ in all zones (R= - 0.46, - 0.54, and - 0.61 in enthesis, transition, and tensile tendon zones, respectively). Oliver-Pharr's elastic modulus showed significant inverse correlations with UTE-Adiab-T1ρ in transition (R= - 0.52) and tensile tendon zone (R=- 0.60). UTE-T1 did not show significant correlations with the elastic modulus. UTE-MRI and elastic modulus were significantly lower in the tensile tendon compared with the enthesis regions This study highlights the potential of the UTE-Adiab-T1ρ technique for the non-invasive evaluation of tendons and enthuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Jerban
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Amir Masoud Afsahi
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yajun Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dina Moazamian
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sheronda Statum
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alecio F Lombardi
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lena Kakos
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Erik Dorthe
- Shiley Center for Orthopaedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Daryll Dlima
- Shiley Center for Orthopaedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Christine B Chung
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric Y Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Zellers JA, Edalati M, Eekhoff JD, McNish R, Tang SY, Lake SP, Mueller MJ, Hastings MK, Zheng J. Quantative MRI predicts tendon mechanical behavior, collagen composition, and organization. J Orthop Res 2023; 41:2329-2338. [PMID: 36324161 PMCID: PMC10151441 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) measures have provided insights into the composition, quality, and structure-function of musculoskeletal tissues. Low signal-to-noise ratio has limited application to tendon. Advances in scanning sequences and sample positioning have improved signal from tendon allowing for evaluation of structure and function. The purpose of this study was to elucidate relationships between tendon qMRI metrics (T1, T2, T1ρ and diffusion tensor imaging [DTI] metrics) with tendon tissue mechanics, collagen concentration and organization. Sixteen human Achilles tendon specimens were collected, imaged with qMRI, and subjected to mechanical testing with quantitative polarized light imaging. T2 values were related to tendon mechanics [peak stress (rsp = 0.51, p = 0.044), equilibrium stress (rsp = 0.54, p = 0.033), percent relaxation (rsp = -0.55, p = 0.027), hysteresis (rsp = -0.64, p = 0.007), linear modulus (rsp = 0.67, p = 0.009)]. T1ρ had a statistically significant relationship with percent relaxation (r = 0.50, p = 0.048). Collagen content was significantly related to DTI measures (range of r = 0.56-0.62). T2 values from a single slice of the midportion of human Achilles tendons were strongest predictors of tendon tensile mechanical metrics. DTI diffusivity indices (mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity) were strongly correlated with collagen content. These findings build on a growing body of literature supporting the feasibility of qMRI to characterize tendon tissue and noninvasively measure tendon structure and function. Statement of Clinical Significance: Quantitative MRI can be applied to characterize tendon tissue and is a noninvasive measure that relates to tendon composition and mechanical behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Zellers
- Program in Physical Therapy; Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
| | - Masoud Edalati
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology; Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
| | - Jeremy D. Eekhoff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Reika McNish
- Program in Physical Therapy; Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
| | - Simon Y. Tang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
| | - Spencer P. Lake
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science; Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Michael J. Mueller
- Program in Physical Therapy; Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology; Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
| | - Mary K. Hastings
- Program in Physical Therapy; Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
| | - Jie Zheng
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology; Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
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Guenoun D, Wirth T, Roche D, Michel CP, Daudé P, Ogier AC, Chagnaud C, Mattei JP, Pini L, Guye M, Ollivier M, Bendahan D, Guis S. Ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging of the quadriceps tendon enthesis in healthy subjects. Surg Radiol Anat 2023:10.1007/s00276-023-03175-y. [PMID: 37277665 DOI: 10.1007/s00276-023-03175-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although enthesitis is a hallmark of several rheumatologic conditions, current imaging methods are still unable to characterize entheses changes because of the corresponding short transverse relaxation times (T2). A growing number of MR studies have used Ultra-High Field (UHF) MRI in order to assess low-T2 tissues e.g., tendon but never in humans. The purpose of the present study was to assess in vivo the enthesis of the quadriceps tendon in healthy subjects using UHF MRI. METHODS Eleven healthy subjects volunteered in an osteoarthritis imaging study. The inclusion criteria were: no knee trauma, Lequesne index = 0, less than 3 h of sport activities per week, and Kellgren and Lawrence grade = 0. 3D MR images were acquired at 7 T using GRE sequences and a T2* mapping. Regions of interest i.e., trabecular bone, subchondral bone, enthesis, and tendon body were identified, and T2* values were quantified and compared. RESULTS Quadriceps tendon enthesis was visible as a hyper-intense signal. The largest and the lowest T2* values were quantified in the subchondral bone region and the tendon body respectively. T2* value within subchondral bone was significantly higher than T2* value within the enthesis. T2* in subchondral bone region was significantly higher than the whole tendon body T2*. CONCLUSION A T2* gradient was observed along the axis from the enthesis toward the tendon body. It illustrates different water biophysical properties. These results provide normative values which could be used in the field of inflammatory rheumatologic diseases and mechanical disorders affecting the tendon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Guenoun
- Institute for Locomotion, Department of Radiology, APHM, Sainte-Marguerite Hospital, 270 Bd Sainte Marguerite, 13009, Marseille, France.
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ISM, Inst Movement Sci, Marseille, France.
| | - Theo Wirth
- Service de Rhumatologie, AP-HM, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Inserm UMRs1097, Arthrites Autoimmunes, Marseille, France
| | - Damien Roche
- Service de Rhumatologie, AP-HM, Marseille, France
| | - Constance P Michel
- Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- CRMBM-CEMEREM, UMR CNRS 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Daudé
- Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- CRMBM-CEMEREM, UMR CNRS 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Augustin C Ogier
- CRMBM-CEMEREM, UMR CNRS 7339, Marseille, France
- Service de Radiologie, Hôpital de La Conception, AP-HM, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Chagnaud
- Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Service de Radiologie, Hôpital de La Conception, AP-HM, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, LIS, Marseille, France
| | - Jean Pierre Mattei
- Service de Rhumatologie, AP-HM, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Lauriane Pini
- Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- CRMBM-CEMEREM, UMR CNRS 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Maxime Guye
- Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- CRMBM-CEMEREM, UMR CNRS 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Matthieu Ollivier
- Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Institute of Movement and Locomotion, St. Marguerite Hospital, 270 Boulevard Sainte Marguerite, BP 29, 13274, Marseille, France
| | - David Bendahan
- Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- CRMBM-CEMEREM, UMR CNRS 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Sandrine Guis
- Service de Rhumatologie, AP-HM, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Inserm UMRs1097, Arthrites Autoimmunes, Marseille, France
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Wang N, Wen Q, Maharjan S, Mirando AJ, Qi Y, Hilton MJ, Spritzer CE. Magic angle effect on diffusion tensor imaging in ligament and brain. Magn Reson Imaging 2022; 92:243-250. [PMID: 35777687 PMCID: PMC10155228 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the magic angle effect on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measurements in rat ligaments and mouse brains. METHODS Three rat knee joints and three mouse brains were scanned at 9.4 T using a modified 3D diffusion-weighted spin echo pulse sequence with the isotropic spatial resolution of 45 μm. The b value was 1000 s/mm2 for rat knee and 4000 s/mm2 for mouse brain. DTI model was used to investigate the quantitative metrics at different orientations with respect to the main magnetic field. The collagen fiber structure of the ligament was validated with polarized light microscopy (PLM) imaging. RESULTS The signal intensity, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and DTI metrics in the ligament were strongly dependent on the collagen fiber orientation with respect to the main magnetic field from both simulation and actual MRI scans. The variation of fractional anisotropy (FA) was about ~32%, and the variation of mean diffusivity (MD) was ~11%. These findings were further validated with the numerical simulation at different SNRs (~10.0 to 86.0). Compared to the ligament, the DTI metrics showed little orientation dependence in mouse brains. CONCLUSION Magic angle effect plays an important role in DTI measurements in the highly ordered collagen-rich tissues, while MD showed less orientation dependence than FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Wang
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Qiuting Wen
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Surendra Maharjan
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Anthony J Mirando
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yi Qi
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Matthew J Hilton
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Charles E Spritzer
- Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Individual Evaluation of the Common Extensor Tendon and Lateral Collateral Ligament Improves the Severity Diagnostic Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Lateral Epicondylitis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12081871. [PMID: 36010221 PMCID: PMC9406652 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12081871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosing lateral epicondylitis severity is controversial. We aimed to verify whether individual evaluations of the common extensor tendon and lateral collateral ligament would improve the severity diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging for lateral epicondylitis. We obtained coronal images of the lateral elbow in three groups: healthy, clinically mild, and clinically severe. We used our scoring system for evaluation using combined and individual methods. We developed the receiver operating characteristic curve for diagnosis using the scores of the healthy and mild groups and that for severity diagnosis using the scores of the mild and severe groups. The scores, in decreasing value, were those of the severe, mild, and healthy groups, with a significant difference in both methods. The curve for diagnosis showed an area under the curve of 0.85 for the combined evaluation and 0.89 for the individual evaluation, without a significant difference between the methods (p = 0.23). The curve for severity diagnosis showed an area under the curve of 0.69 for combined and 0.81 for individual evaluation, with a significant difference between the methods (p = 0.046). Individual evaluation of the common extensor tendon and lateral collateral ligament improved the severity diagnostic accuracy of lateral epicondylitis.
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10
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Relaxation anisotropy of quantitative MRI parameters in biological tissues. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12155. [PMID: 35840627 PMCID: PMC9287339 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15773-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative MR relaxation parameters vary in the sensitivity to the orientation of the tissue in the magnetic field. In this study, the orientation dependence of multiple relaxation parameters was assessed in various tissues. Ex vivo samples of each tissue type were prepared either from bovine knee (tendon, cartilage) or mouse (brain, spinal cord, heart, kidney), and imaged at 9.4 T MRI with T1, T2, continuous wave (CW-) T1ρ, adiabatic T1ρ and T2ρ, and Relaxation along fictitious field (RAFF2-4) sequences at five different orientations with respect to the main magnetic field. Relaxation anisotropy of the measured parameters was quantified and compared. The highly ordered collagenous tissues, i.e. cartilage and tendon, presented the highest relaxation anisotropy for T2, CW-T1ρ with spin-lock power < 1 kHz, Ad-T2ρ and RAFF2-4. Maximally anisotropy was 75% in cartilage and 30% in tendon. T1 and adiabatic T1ρ did not exhibit observable anisotropy. In the other measured tissue types, anisotropy was overall less than 10% for all the parameters. The results confirm that highly ordered collagenous tissues have properties that induce very clearly observable relaxation anisotropy, whereas in other tissues the effect is not as prominent. Quantitative comparison of anisotropy of different relaxation parameters highlights the importance of sequence choice and design in MR imaging.
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Hager B, Schreiner MM, Walzer SM, Hirtler L, Mlynarik V, Berg A, Deligianni X, Bieri O, Windhager R, Trattnig S, Juras V. Transverse Relaxation Anisotropy of the Achilles and Patellar Tendon Studied by MR Microscopy. J Magn Reson Imaging 2022; 56:1091-1103. [PMID: 35122454 PMCID: PMC9545006 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background T2* anisotropy affects the clinical assessment of tendons (magic‐angle artifact) and may be a source of T2*‐misinterpretation. Purpose To analyze T2*‐anisotropy and T2*‐decay of Achilles and patellar tendons in vitro at microscopic resolution using a variable‐echo‐time (vTE) sequence. Study Type Prospective. Specimen Four human Achilles and four patellar tendons. Field Strength/Sequence A 7 T MR‐microscopy; 3D‐vTE spoiled‐gradient‐echo‐sequence (T2*‐mapping). Assessment All tendons were measured at 0° and 55° relative to B0. Additional angles were measured for one Achilles and one patellar tendon for a total of 11 angles ranging from 0° to 90°. T2*‐decay was analyzed with mono‐ and bi‐exponential signal fitting. Mono‐exponential T2*‐values (T2*m), short and long T2*‐components (T2*s, T2*l), and the fraction of the short component Fs of the bi‐exponential T2*‐fit were calculated. T2*‐decay characteristics were compared with morphological MRI and histologic findings based on a region‐of‐interest analysis. Statistical Tests Akaike information criterion (AICC), F‐test, and paired t‐test. A P value smaller than the α‐level of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results T2*m‐values between fiber‐to‐field angles of 0° and 55° were increased on average from T2*m (0°) = 1.92 msec to T2*m (55°) = 29.86 msec (15.5‐fold) in the Achilles and T2*m (0°) = 1.46 msec to T2*m (55°) = 23.33 msec (16.0‐fold) in the patellar tendons. The changes in T2*m‐values were statistically significant. For the whole tendon, according to F‐test and AICC, a bi‐exponential model was preferred for angles close to 0°, while the mono‐exponential model tended to be preferred at angles close to 55°. Conclusion MR‐microscopy provides a deeper insight into the relationship between T2*‐decay (mono‐ vs. bi‐exponential model) and tendon heterogeneity. Changes in fiber‐to‐field angle result in significant changes in T2*‐values. Thus, we conclude that awareness of T2*‐anisotropy should be noted in quantitative T2*‐mapping of tendons to avoid T2*‐misinterpretation such as a false positive detection of degeneration due to large fiber‐to‐field angles. Evidence Level 2 Technical Efficacy Stage 2
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Hager
- Institute for Clinical Molecular MRI in the Musculoskeletal System, Karl Landsteiner Society, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus M Schreiner
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma-Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja M Walzer
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma-Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Lena Hirtler
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Anatomy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Vladimir Mlynarik
- Institute for Clinical Molecular MRI in the Musculoskeletal System, Karl Landsteiner Society, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Berg
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Xeni Deligianni
- Division of Radiological Physics, Department of Radiology, University of Basel Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland.,Basel Muscle MRI, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Bieri
- Division of Radiological Physics, Department of Radiology, University of Basel Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Reinhard Windhager
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma-Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Siegfried Trattnig
- High Field MR Centre, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.,CD Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MR Imaging, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vladimir Juras
- High Field MR Centre, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.,CD Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MR Imaging, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Jerban S, Kasibhatla A, Ma Y, Wu M, Chen Y, Guo T, Wan L, Szeverenyi N, Chang EY, Du J. Detecting Articular Cartilage and Meniscus Deformation Effects Using Magnetization Transfer Ultrashort Echo Time (MT-UTE) Modeling during Mechanical Load Application: Ex Vivo Feasibility Study. Cartilage 2021; 13:665S-673S. [PMID: 33289401 PMCID: PMC8808840 DOI: 10.1177/1947603520976771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ultrashort echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences have improved imaging of short T2 musculoskeletal (MSK) tissues. UTE-MRI combined with magnetization transfer modeling (UTE-MT) has demonstrated robust assessment of MSK tissues. This study aimed to investigate the variation of UTE-MT measures under mechanical loading in tibiofemoral cartilage and meniscus of cadaveric knee joints. DESIGN Fourteen knee joints from young (n = 8, 42 ± 12 years old) and elderly (n = 6, 89 ± 4 years old) donors were scanned on a 3-T scanner under 3 loading conditions: load = 300 N (Load1), load = 500 N (Load2), and load = 0 N (Unload). UTE-MT sequences were performed at each loading condition. Macromolecular proton fraction (MMF) was calculated from UTE-MT modeling. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to examine the MRI data differences between loading conditions. RESULTS For young donors, MMF increased in all grouped regions of interest (meniscus [M], femoral articular cartilage [FAC], tibial articular cartilage [TAC], articular cartilage regions covered by meniscus [AC-MC], and articular cartilage regions uncovered by meniscus [AC-UC]) when the load increased from 300 to 500 N. The increases in MMF were significant for M (13.3%, P < 0.01) and AC-MC (9.2%, P = 0.04). MMF decreased in all studied regions after unloading, which was significant only for AC-MC (-8.9%, P = 0.01). For elderly donors, MRI parameters did not show significant changes by loading or unloading. CONCLUSION This study highlights the potential of the UTE-MT modeling combined with knee loading in differentiating between normal and abnormal knees. Average tissue deformation effects were likely higher and more uniformly distributed in the joints of young donors compared with elderly donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Jerban
- Department of Radiology, University of
California, San Diego, CA, USA,Saeed Jerban, Department of Radiology,
University of California, 9500 Gilman Dr., San Diego, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Akhil Kasibhatla
- Department of Radiology, University of
California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Yajun Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of
California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mei Wu
- Department of Radiology, University of
California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Yanjun Chen
- Department of Radiology, University of
California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tan Guo
- Department of Radiology, University of
California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lidi Wan
- Department of Radiology, University of
California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Eric Y. Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of
California, San Diego, CA, USA,Radiology Service, VA San Diego
Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of
California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Quantitative MRI in patients with gluteal tendinopathy and asymptomatic volunteers: initial results on T1- and T2*-mapping diagnostic accuracy and correlation with clinical assessment. Skeletal Radiol 2021; 50:2221-2231. [PMID: 33914122 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-021-03781-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if T1- and T2*-mapping of the gluteal tendons can discriminate between participants with and without clinical findings of gluteal tendinopathy (GT) and if they correlate with clinical assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study was conducted between January and December 2016. MRI of the hip included spin echo, short-T1 inversion recovery, variable-flip angle, and variable echo-time gradient echo sequences. MRI studies were reviewed independently by two radiologists. Two other readers segmented the gluteal tendons and T1, mono- (T2*m) and bi-exponential T2* (short (T2*s) and long (T2*l) components) were computed. RESULTS Ten participants with GT (median age; interquartile range: 63 (57-67) years, all women) and 9 participants without GT (57 (55-59) years, 8 women) (P = 0.06) were enrolled. The sensitivity and specificity of reader 1 for disease classification were 40% (95% confidence interval (CI): 17-61%) and 70% (CI: 47-91%), and those of reader 2 were 70% (CI: 43-86%) and 80% (CI: 53-96%), with fair inter-reader agreement (Kappa = .38). T1 values could not discriminate between the two groups. The gluteal tendons T2*m and T2*s showed diagnostic accuracy ranging from .80 to .89. The posterior gluteus medius tendon T2*m and T2*s respectively showed sensitivity and specificity of 90%, and strong correlation (Spearman's rho = -.71; P = 0.02) with the Lower Extremity Functional Scale score. CONCLUSION Quantitative MRI could help gain new insight into healthy and diseased gluteal tendons to allow better diagnosis and treatment stratification for patients.
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Okuda M, Kobayashi S, Toyooka K, Yoshimizu R, Nakase J, Hayashi H, Ueda Y, Gabata T. Quantitative differentiation of tendon and ligament using magnetic resonance imaging ultrashort echo time T2* mapping of normal knee joint. Acta Radiol 2021; 63:1489-1496. [PMID: 34558315 DOI: 10.1177/02841851211043834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ligaments and tendons are difficult to differentiate on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ligaments and tendons are different histologically, and tendon graft ligamentization is known to occur after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. PURPOSE To quantify and differentiate the ultrashort echo time T2* (UTE-T2*) values of normal knee ligaments and tendons using a 1.5-T MRI scanner. MATERIAL AND METHODS The right knees of 12 healthy volunteers (6 men, 6 women; mean age = 30.8 ± 9.6 years) were scanned using a UTE-T2* sequence and the UTE-T2* values of the proximal, middle, and distal portions of the ACL, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and patellar tendon (PT) were evaluated. Two doctors manually drew the regions of interest four times and intra- and inter-observer reliability were evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS The UTE-T2* values of ACL at the proximal, middle, distal, and mean were 12.0 ± 2.3, 11.3 ± 2.3, 12.3 ± 2.6, and 11.9 ± 2.4 ms, respectively. The UTE-T2* values of the PCL at each site were 6.9 ± 1.5, 9.0 ± 1.8, 8.8 ± 2.4, and 8.3 ± 2.1 ms, respectively. The UTE-T2* values of the PT at each site were 7.1 ± 1.7, 4.3 ± 1.7, 4.3 ± 1.8, and 5.2 ± 2.1 ms, respectively. Both intra- and inter-observer reliability showed high agreement rates. There were significant differences among the ACL mean, PCL mean, and PT mean, with a P value <0.01 in all cases. CONCLUSION This study confirms that UTE-T2* mapping can quantify the ACL, PCL, and PT, and tendons and ligaments can be differentiated using the UTE-T2* values in normal volunteer knee joints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Okuda
- Department of Radiology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kobayashi
- Department of Quantum Medical Technology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kazu Toyooka
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Rikuto Yoshimizu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Junsuke Nakase
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hayashi
- Division of Radiology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yu Ueda
- MR Clinical Science, Philips Japan, Minato-ku, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Gabata
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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15
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Jerban S, Ma Y, Kasibhatla A, Wu M, Szeverenyi N, Guma M, Covey D, D'lima D, Ward SR, Sah RL, Chang EY, Du J, Chung CB. Ultrashort echo time adiabatic T 1ρ (UTE-Adiab-T 1ρ) is sensitive to human cadaveric knee joint deformation induced by mechanical loading and unloading. Magn Reson Imaging 2021; 80:98-105. [PMID: 33945858 PMCID: PMC10858706 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2021.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The development of ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI sequences has led to improved imaging of tissues with short T2 relaxation times, such as the deep layer cartilage and meniscus. UTE combined with adiabatic T1ρ preparation (UTE-Adiab-T1ρ) is an MRI measure with low sensitivity to the magic angle effect. This study aimed to investigate the sensitivity of UTE-Adiab-T1ρ to mechanical load-induced deformations in the tibiofemoral cartilage and meniscus of human cadaveric knee joints. METHODS Eight knee joints from young (42 ± 12 years at death) donors were evaluated on a 3 T scanner using the UTE-Adiab-T1ρ sequence under four sequential loading conditions: load = 0 N (Load0), load = 300 N (Load1), load = 500 N (Load2), and load = 0 N (Unload). UTE-Adiab-T1ρ was measured in the meniscus (M), femoral articular cartilage (FAC), tibial articular cartilage (TAC), articular cartilage regions uncovered by meniscus (AC-UC), and articular cartilage regions covered by meniscus (AC-MC) within region of interests (ROIs) manually selected by an experienced MR scientist. The Kruskal-Wallis test, with corrected significance level for multiple comparisons, was used to examine the UTE-Adiab-T1ρ differences between different loading conditions. RESULTS UTE-Adiab-T1ρ decreased in all grouped ROIs under both Load1 and Load2 conditions (-18.7% and - 16.9% for M, -18.8% and - 12.6% for FAC, -21.4% and - 10.7% for TAC, -26.2% and - 13.9% for AC-UC, and - 16.9% and - 10.7% for AC-MC). After unloading, average UTE-Adiab-T1ρ increased across all ROIs and within a lower range compared with the average UTE-Adiab-T1ρ decreases induced by the two previous loading conditions. The loading-induced differences were statistically non-significant. CONCLUSIONS While UTE-Adiab-T1ρ reduction by loading is likely an indication of tissue deformation, the increase of UTE-Adiab-T1ρ within a lower range by unloading implies partial tissue restoration. This study highlights the UTE-Adiab-T1ρ technique as an imaging marker of tissue function for detecting deformation patterns under loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Jerban
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Yajun Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Akhil Kasibhatla
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mei Wu
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Monica Guma
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dana Covey
- Orthopaedic Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Darryl D'lima
- Shiley Center for Orthopedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, CA, USA
| | - Samuel R Ward
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Robert L Sah
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Eric Y Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Christine B Chung
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Wu M, Ma Y, Wan L, Jerban S, Jang H, Chang EY, Du J. Magic angle effect on adiabatic T 1ρ imaging of the Achilles tendon using 3D ultrashort echo time cones trajectory. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2020; 33:e4322. [PMID: 32431025 PMCID: PMC7393640 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The protons in collagen-rich musculoskeletal (MSK) tissues such as the Achilles tendon are subject to strong dipolar interactions which are modulated by the term (3cos2 θ-1) where θ is the angle between the fiber orientation and the static magnetic field B0 . The purpose of this study was to investigate the magic angle effect in three-dimensional ultrashort echo time Cones Adiabatic T1ρ (3D UTE Cones-AdiabT1ρ ) imaging of the Achilles tendon using a clinical 3 T scanner. The magic angle effect was investigated by Cones-AdiabT1ρ imaging of five cadaveric human Achilles tendon samples at five angular orientations ranging from 0° to 90° relative to the B0 field. Conventional Cones continuous wave T1ρ (Cones-CW-T1ρ ) and Cones T2 * (Cones-T2 *) sequences were also applied for comparison. On average, Cones-AdiabT1ρ increased 3.6-fold from 13.6 ± 1.5 ms at 0° to 48.4 ± 5.4 ms at 55°, Cones-CW-T1ρ increased 6.1-fold from 7.0 ± 1.1 ms at 0° to 42.6 ± 5.2 ms at 55°, and Cones-T2* increased 12.3-fold from 2.9 ± 0.5 ms at 0° to 35.8 ± 6.4 ms at 55°. Although Cones-AdiabT1ρ is still subject to significant angular dependence, it shows a much-reduced magic angle effect compared to Cones-CW-T1ρ and Cones-T2 *, and may be used as a novel and potentially more effective approach for quantitative evaluation of the Achilles tendon and other MSK tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Wu
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, US
| | - Yajun Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, US
| | - Lidi Wan
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, US
| | - Saeed Jerban
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, US
| | - Hyungseok Jang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, US
| | - Eric Y Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, US
- Radiology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, US
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, US
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Wu M, Ma YJ, Kasibhatla A, Chen M, Jang H, Jerban S, Chang EY, Du J. Convincing evidence for magic angle less-sensitive quantitative T 1ρ imaging of articular cartilage using the 3D ultrashort echo time cones adiabatic T 1ρ (3D UTE cones-AdiabT 1ρ ) sequence. Magn Reson Med 2020; 84:2551-2560. [PMID: 32419199 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.28317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the magic angle effect in three-dimensional ultrashort echo time Cones Adiabatic T1ρ (3D UTE Cones-AdiabT1ρ ) imaging of articular cartilage at 3T. METHODS The magic angle effect was investigated by repeated 3D UTE Cones-AdiabT1ρ imaging of eight human patellar samples at five angular orientations ranging from 0° to 90° relative to the B0 field. Cones continuous wave T1ρ (Cones-CW-T1ρ ) and Cones- T 2 ∗ sequences were also applied for comparison. Cones-AdiabT1ρ , Cones-CW-T1ρ and Cones- T 2 ∗ values were measured for four regions of interest (ROIs) (10% superficial layer, 60% transitional layer, 30% radial layer, and a global ROI) for each sample at each orientation to evaluate their angular dependence. RESULTS 3D UTE Cones-AdiabT1ρ values increased from the radial layer to the superficial layer for all angular orientations. The superficial layer showed the least angular dependence (around 4.4%), while the radial layer showed the strongest angular dependence (around 34.4%). Cones-AdiabT1ρ values showed much reduced magic angle effect compared to Cones-CW-T1ρ and Cones- T 2 ∗ values for all four ROIs. On average over eight patellae, Cones-AdiabT1ρ values increased by 27.2% (4.4% for superficial, 23.8% for transitional, and 34.4% for radial layers), Cones-CW-T1ρ values increased by 76.9% (11.3% for superficial, 59.1% for transitional, and 117.8% for radial layers), and Cones- T 2 ∗ values increased by 237.5% (87.9% for superficial, 262.9% for transitional, and 327.3% for radial layers) near the magic angle. CONCLUSIONS The 3D UTE Cones-AdiabT1ρ sequence is less sensitive to the magic angle effect in the evaluation of articular cartilage compared to Cones- T 2 ∗ and Cones-CW-T1ρ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Wu
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Ya-Jun Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Akhil Kasibhatla
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Mingxin Chen
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Hyungseok Jang
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Saeed Jerban
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Eric Y Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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Jerban S, Chang EY, Du J. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of knee joint under mechanical loading: Review. Magn Reson Imaging 2019; 65:27-36. [PMID: 31670237 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2019.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a very common disease that affects the human knee joint, particularly the articular cartilage and meniscus components which are regularly under compressive mechanical loads. Early-stage OA diagnosis is essential as it allows for timely intervention. The primary non-invasive approaches currently available for OA diagnosis include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which provides excellent soft tissue contrast at high spatial resolution. MRI-based knee investigation is usually performed on joints at rest or in a non-weight-bearing condition that does not mimic the actual physiological condition of the joint. This discrepancy may lead to missed detections of early-stage OA or of minor lesions. The mechanical properties of degenerated musculoskeletal (MSK) tissues may vary markedly before any significant morphological or structural changes detectable by MRI. Recognizing distinct deformation characteristics of these tissues under known mechanical loads may reveal crucial joint lesions or mechanical malfunctions which result from early-stage OA. This review article summarizes the large number of MRI-based investigations on knee joints under mechanical loading which have been reported in the literature including the corresponding MRI measures, the MRI-compatible devices employed, and potential challenges due to the limitations of clinical MRI sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Jerban
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Eric Y Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Radiology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Lockard CA, Chang A, Clanton TO, Ho CP. T2* mapping and subregion analysis of the tibialis posterior tendon using 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. Br J Radiol 2019; 92:20190221. [PMID: 31596118 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20190221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early detection of tibialis posterior tendon changes and appropriate intervention is necessary to prevent disease progression to flat-foot deformity and foot/ankle dysfunction, and the need for operative treatment. Currently, differentiating between early-stage tibialis posterior tendon deficiency patients who will benefit from conservative vs more aggressive treatment is challenging. The objective of this work was to establish a quantitative MRI T2* mapping method and subregion baseline values in the tibialis posterior tendon in asymptomatic ankles for future clinical application in detecting tendon degeneration. METHODS 26 asymptomatic volunteers underwent T2* mapping. The tendon was divided axially into seven subregions. Summary statistics for T2* within each subregion were calculated and compared using Tukey post-hoc pairwise comparisons. RESULTS Results are reported for 24 subjects. The mean tibialis posterior tendon T2* was 7 ± 1 ms. Subregion values ranged from 6 ± 1 to 9 ± 2 ms with significant between-region differences in T2*. Inter- and intrarater absolute agreement intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values were all "excellent" (0.75 < ICC=1.00) except for regions 5 through 7, which had "fair to good" interrater and/or and intrarater ICC values (0.4 < ICC=0.75). CONCLUSION A tibialis posterior tendon T2* mapping protocol, subregion division method, and baseline T2* values for clinically relevant regions were established. Significant differences in T2* were observed along the tendon length. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE This work demonstrates that regional variation exists and should be considered for future T2*-based research on posterior tibias tendon degeneration and when using T2* mapping to evaluate for potential tibialis posterior tendon degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Anne Lockard
- Steadman Philippon Research Institute, 181 West Meadow Drive, Suite 1000 Vail, Colorado 81657, United States
| | - Angela Chang
- Steadman Philippon Research Institute, 181 West Meadow Drive, Suite 1000 Vail, Colorado 81657, United States
| | - Thomas O Clanton
- The Steadman Clinic, 181 West Meadow Drive, Suite 400 Vail, Colorado 81657, United States
| | - Charles P Ho
- Steadman Philippon Research Institute, 181 West Meadow Drive, Suite 1000 Vail, Colorado 81657, United States
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Weiger M, Pruessmann KP. Short-T 2 MRI: Principles and recent advances. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2019; 114-115:237-270. [PMID: 31779882 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Among current modalities of biomedical and diagnostic imaging, MRI stands out by virtue of its versatile contrast obtained without ionizing radiation. However, in various cases, e.g., water protons in tissues such as bone, tendon, and lung, MRI performance is limited by the rapid decay of resonance signals associated with short transverse relaxation times T2 or T2*. Efforts to address this shortcoming have led to a variety of specialized short-T2 techniques. Recent progress in this field expands the choice of methods and prompts fresh considerations with regard to instrumentation, data acquisition, and signal processing. In this review, the current status of short-T2 MRI is surveyed. In an attempt to structure the growing range of techniques, the presentation highlights overarching concepts and basic methodological options. The most frequently used approaches are described in detail, including acquisition strategies, image reconstruction, hardware requirements, means of introducing contrast, sources of artifacts, limitations, and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Weiger
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Klaas P Pruessmann
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Abbreviated quantitative UTE imaging in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2019; 20:426. [PMID: 31521135 PMCID: PMC6745079 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-019-2811-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing ultrashort echo time magnetic resonance imaging (UTE MRI) methods require prohibitively long acquisition times (~ 20-40 min) to quantitatively assess the clinically relevant fast decay T2* component in ligaments and tendons. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and clinical translatability of a novel abbreviated quantitative UTE MRI paradigm for monitoring graft remodeling after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS Eight patients who had Graftlink™ hamstring autograft reconstruction were recruited for this prospective study. A 3D double-echo UTE sequence at 3.0 Tesla was performed at 3- and 6-months post-surgery. An abbreviated UTE MRI paradigm was established based on numerical simulations and in vivo validation from healthy knees. This proposed approach was used to assess the T2* for fast decay component ([Formula: see text]) and bound water signal fraction (fbw) of ACL graft in regions of interest drawn by a radiologist. RESULTS Compared to the conventional bi-exponential model, the abbreviated UTE MRI paradigm achieved low relative estimation bias for [Formula: see text] and fbw over a range of clinically relevant values for ACL grafts. A decrease in [Formula: see text] of the intra-articular graft was observed in 7 of the 8 ACL reconstruction patients from 3- to 6-months (- 0.11 ± 0.16 ms, P = 0.10). Increases in [Formula: see text] and fbw from 3- to 6-months were observed in the tibial intra-bone graft ([Formula: see text]: 0.19 ± 0.18 ms, P < 0.05; Δfbw: 4% ± 4%, P < 0.05). Lower [Formula: see text] (- 0.09 ± 0.11 ms, P < 0.05) was observed at 3-months when comparing the intra-bone graft to the graft/bone interface in the femoral tunnel. The same comparisons at the 6-months also yielded relatively lower [Formula: see text] (- 0.09 ± 0.12 ms, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The proposed abbreviated 3D UTE MRI paradigm is capable of assessing the ACL graft remodeling process in a clinically translatable acquisition time. Longitudinal changes in [Formula: see text] and fbw of the ACL graft were observed.
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Bouazizi K, Guillot G. Cross-relaxation parameters in cortical bone assessed with different MR sequences. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2019; 32:e4098. [PMID: 30986332 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to show evidence of MR cross-relaxation effects in cortical bone and to compare different MR sequences for the quantification of cross-relaxation parameters. Measurements were performed on bovine diaphysis samples with spectroscopic methods (inversion-recovery, off-resonance saturation) and with a variable flip angle (VFA) UTE imaging method on a 4.7 T laboratory-assembled scanner. Cross-relaxation parameter assessment was carried out via a two-pool model simulation with a matrix algebra approach. A proton signal amplitude of 28 Mol/L was observed (equivalent water fraction of 25%). It was attributed to collagen-bound water, with T2* values of ~ 0.3 ms, a "long-T2 " proton pool, in exchange with protons from the collagen macromolecules ( T2* of 10-20 μs). Magnetization transfer (MT) effects were detected with all sequences. The best precision of model parameters was obtained with off-resonance saturation; the fraction of collagen methylene protons was found in the range of 22-28% and the transverse relaxation time for collagen methylene protons was 11 μs (1% precision). The model parameters obtained were compatible with VFA-UTE results but could not be assessed with acceptable accuracy and precision using this method. In vivo MT quantification using off-resonance saturation with a single B1 amplitude and offset frequency may provide information about the relative amount of collagen per unit volume in cortical bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaoula Bouazizi
- Imagerie par Résonance Magnétique Médicale et Multi-Modalités (UMR8081), CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Geneviève Guillot
- Imagerie par Résonance Magnétique Médicale et Multi-Modalités (UMR8081), CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
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Knight MJ, Damion RA, Kauppinen RA. Observation of Angular Dependence of T1 in the Human White Matter at 3T. BIOMEDICAL SPECTROSCOPY AND IMAGING 2019; 7:125-133. [PMID: 30931248 PMCID: PMC6436728 DOI: 10.3233/bsi-180183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Multiple factors including chemical composition and microstructure influence relaxivity of tissue water in vivo. We have quantified T1 in the human white mater (WM) together with diffusion tensor imaging to study a possible relationship between water T1, diffusional fractional anisotropy (FA) and fibre-to-field angle. METHODS An inversion recovery (IR) pulse sequence with 6 inversion times for T1 and a multi-band diffusion tensor sequence with 60 diffusion sensitizing gradient directions for FA and the fibre-to-field angle θ (between the principal direction of diffusion and B0) were used at 3 Tesla in 40 healthy subjects. T1 was assessed using the method previously applied to anisotropy of coherence lifetime to provide a heuristic demonstration as a surface plot of T1 as a function of FA and the angle θ. RESULTS Our data show that in the WM voxels with FA > 0.3 T1 becomes longer (i.e. 1/T1 = R1 slower) when fibre-to-field angle is 50-60°, approximating the magic angle of 54.7°. The longer T1 around the magic angle was found in a number of WM tracts independent of anatomy. S0 signal intensity, computed from IR fits, mirrored that of T1 being greater in the WM voxels when the fibre-to-field angle was 50-60°. CONCLUSIONS The current data point to fibre-to-field-angle dependent T1 relaxation in WM as an indication of effects of microstructure on the longitudinal relaxation of water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Knight
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK
| | - Robin A Damion
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK
| | - Risto A Kauppinen
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK
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Chen B, Cheng X, Dorthe EW, Zhao Y, D'Lima D, Bydder GM, Liu S, Du J, Ma YJ. Evaluation of normal cadaveric Achilles tendon and enthesis with ultrashort echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance imaging and indentation testing. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2019; 32:e4034. [PMID: 30457179 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Entheses are regions where tendons and ligaments attach to bone, and are the primary target in seronegative and other diseases of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system. MRI has been widely used for visualizing features of inflammatory and degenerative MSK disease; however, normal tendons and entheses have short transverse relaxation times (T2 ), and show little or no signal with conventional clinical MRI pulse sequences, making it difficult to investigate their MR properties. In this study we examined the normal MR morphology of the cadaveric Achilles tendon and enthesis at 3 T using novel three-dimensional ultrashort echo time (3D UTE) Cones sequences, and at 11.7 T using conventional MRI sequences. We also studied the MR properties of the Achilles tendon and enthesis including T2 *, T1 , and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR). In addition, MT modeling of macromolecular proton fractions was investigated using 3D UTE Cones sequences at 3 T. Indentation testing was performed to investigate the mechanical properties of the tendons and entheses, and this was followed by histological examination. In total five specimens (<50 years) were investigated. On average, tendons and entheses respectively had T2 * values of 0.93 ± 0.48 ms and 2.77 ± 0.79 ms, T1 values of 644 ± 22 ms and 780 ± 55 ms, MTRs of 0.373 ± 0.03 and 0.244 ± 0.009 with an MT power of 1000° and frequency offset of 2 kHz, and macromolecular proton fractions of 18.0 ± 2.2% and 13.9 ± 1.9%. Compared with the tendon, the enthesis generally had a longer T2 *, a longer T1 , a lower MTR, and a lower macromolecular proton fraction as well as both a higher Young's modulus and stiffness. Results from this study are likely to provide a useful baseline for identifying deviations from the normal in seronegative arthritis and other disease of the entheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bimin Chen
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Xin Cheng
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Erik W Dorthe
- Shiley Center for Orthopedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yinghua Zhao
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Darryl D'Lima
- Shiley Center for Orthopedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Graeme M Bydder
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sirun Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ya-Jun Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Soustelle L, Lamy J, Rousseau F, Armspach JP, Loureiro de Sousa P. A diffusion-based method for long-T2suppression in steady state sequences: Validation and application for 3D-UTE imaging. Magn Reson Med 2017; 80:548-559. [DOI: 10.1002/mrm.27057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Soustelle
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, ICube, FMTS; Strasbourg France
| | - Julien Lamy
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, ICube, FMTS; Strasbourg France
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26
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Russell JA, Yoshioka H. Assessment of female ballet dancers' ankles in the en pointe position using high field strength magnetic resonance imaging. Acta Radiol 2016; 57:978-84. [PMID: 26567962 DOI: 10.1177/0284185115616295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The en pointe position of the ankle in ballet is extreme. Previously, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of ballet dancers' ankles en pointe was confined to a low field, open MR device. PURPOSE To develop a reproducible ankle MRI protocol for ballet dancers en pointe and to assess the positions of the key structures in the dancers ankles. MATERIAL AND METHODS Six female ballet dancers participated; each was randomly assigned to stand en pointe while one of her feet and ankles was splinted with wooden rods affixed with straps or to begin with the ankle in neutral position. She lay in an MR scanner with the ankle inside a knee coil for en pointe imaging and inside an ankle/foot coil for neutral position imaging. Proton density weighted images with and without fat suppression and 3D water excitation gradient recalled echo images were obtained en pointe and in neutral position in sagittal, axial, and coronal planes. We compared the bones, cartilage, and soft tissues within and between positions. RESULTS No difficulties using the protocol were encountered. En pointe the posterior articular surface of the tibial plafond was incongruent with the talar dome and rested on the posterior talus. The posterior edge of the plafond impinged Kager's fat pad. All participants exhibited one or more small ganglion cysts about the ankle and proximal foot, as well as fluid accumulation in the flexor and fibularis tendon sheaths. CONCLUSION Our MRI protocol allows assessment of female ballet dancers' ankles in the extreme plantar flexion position in which the dancers perform. We consistently noted incongruence of the talocrural joint and convergence of the tibia, talus, and calcaneus posteriorly. This protocol may be useful for clinicians who evaluate dancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Russell
- School of Applied Health Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Hiroshi Yoshioka
- Department of Radiological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
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Wilson KJ, Surowiec RK, Ho CP, Devitt BM, Fripp J, Smith WS, Spiegl UJ, Dornan GJ, LaPrade RF. Quantifiable Imaging Biomarkers for Evaluation of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament Using 3-T Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Feasibility Study. Orthop J Sports Med 2016; 4:2325967116639044. [PMID: 27104206 PMCID: PMC4827116 DOI: 10.1177/2325967116639044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, such as T2 and T2 star (T2*) mapping, have been used to evaluate ligamentous tissue in vitro and to identify significant changes in structural integrity of a healing ligament. These studies lay the foundation for a clinical study that uses quantitative mapping to evaluate ligaments in vivo, particularly the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). To establish quantitative mapping as a clinical tool for identifying and evaluating chronic or acute PCL injuries, T2 and T2* values first must be determined for an asymptomatic population. Purpose: To quantify T2 and T2* mapping properties, including texture variables (entropy, variance, contrast, homogeneity), of the PCL in an asymptomatic population. It was hypothesized that biomarker values would be consistent throughout the ligament, as measured across 3 clinically relevant subregions (proximal, middle, and distal thirds) in the asymptomatic cohort. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Unilateral knee MRI scans were acquired for 25 asymptomatic subjects with a 3.0-T MRI system using T2 and T2* mapping sequences in the sagittal plane. The PCL was manually segmented and divided into thirds (proximal, middle, and distal). Summary statistics for T2 and T2* values were calculated. Intra- and interrater reliability was assessed across 3 raters to 2 time points. Results: The asymptomatic PCL cohort had mean T2 values of 36.7, 29.2, and 29.6 ms in the distal, middle, and proximal regions, respectively. The distal PCL exhibited significantly higher mean, variance, and contrast and lower homogeneity of T2 values than the middle and proximal subregions (P < .05). T2* results exhibited substantial positive skew and were therefore presented as median and quartile (Q) values. Median T2* values were 7.3 ms (Q1-Q3, 6.8-8.9 ms), 7.3 ms (Q1-Q3, 7.0-8.5 ms), and 7.3 ms (Q1-Q3, 6.4-8.2 ms) in the distal, middle, and proximal subregions, respectively. Conclusion: This is the first study to identify T2 and T2* mapping values, and their texture variables, for the asymptomatic PCL. The distal third of the PCL had significantly greater T2 values than the proximal or middle thirds. Clinical Relevance: T2 and T2* values of the asymptomatic PCL can provide a baseline for comparison with acute and chronic PCL injuries in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Charles P Ho
- Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, Colorado, USA
| | - Brian M Devitt
- Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, Colorado, USA
| | - Jurgen Fripp
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Digital Productivity and Services Flagship, The Australian eHealth Research Centre, Queensland, Australia
| | - W Sean Smith
- Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Grant J Dornan
- Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, Colorado, USA
| | - Robert F LaPrade
- Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, Colorado, USA.; The Steadman Clinic, Vail, Colorado, USA
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Peripheral nerve MRI: precision and reproducibility of T2*-derived measurements at 3.0-T : a feasibility study. Skeletal Radiol 2015; 44:679-86. [PMID: 25631357 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-015-2106-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To prospectively evaluate the precision and reproducibility of T2*-derived measurements of the peripheral nerves. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was approved by the local ethics committee and written informed consent was obtained. Bilateral upper and lower limb MRI examination was performed in 40 healthy subjects on a 3.0-T scanner. MRI protocol included T1-turbo spin-echo, T2-turbo spin-echo with fat suppression, and multiecho gradient recalled echo. Measurements of T2* times on T2* maps at different anatomical levels were performed. Three authors measured independently and in different sessions at baseline and after 4 weeks. Non-parametric tests and Bland-Altman statistics were used. RESULTS Minimum and maximum percentage variability were 10 % and 19 % for T2* (84-91 % of reproducibility). Maximum values of minimum detectable differences between limbs was 16 % (with 95 % CI: 2-37). Intra- and inter-observer agreement of the three radiologists for T2* was considered good. Evaluating the combined influence of the observer and of the repeated measurements the reproducibility was 87-98 %. CONCLUSIONS T2* measurement of the peripheral nerves is precise and reproducible. The healthy contralateral side can be used as an internal control. Variations in T2* values up to 16 % have to be considered.
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Fields AJ, Han M, Krug R, Lotz JC. Cartilaginous end plates: Quantitative MR imaging with very short echo times-orientation dependence and correlation with biochemical composition. Radiology 2014; 274:482-9. [PMID: 25302832 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.14141082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To measure the T2* of the human cartilaginous end plate by using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with very short echo times and to determine the effect of the orientation of the end plate on T2* and on relationships between T2* and biochemical composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was exempt from institutional review board approval, and informed consent was not required. Thirty-four samples of three cadaveric lumbar spines (from subjects who died at ages 51, 57, and 66 years) containing cartilaginous end plates and subchondral bone were prepared. Samples were imaged with a 3-T imager for T2* quantification by using a three-dimensional very short echo time sequence (repetition time msec/echo times msec, 30/0.075, 2, 5, 12, 18). Samples were imaged with the end plate at three orientations with respect to the constant magnetic induction field: 0°, 54.7°, and 90°. After imaging, the cartilage was assayed for its water, glycosaminoglycan, and collagen content. Pearson correlations were used to investigate the effect of orientation on the relationships between T2* and biochemical composition. RESULTS T2* was significantly longer when measured at an orientation of 54.7° (21.8 msec ± 2.8 [± standard error of the mean]) than at 0° (10.0 msec ± 0.7, P < .001) or 90° (9.9 msec ± 0.4, P < .001). At 54.7°, T2* was highly correlated with glycosaminoglycan content (r = 0.85, P < .001), the collagen-to-glycosaminoglycan ratio (r = -0.79, P < .001), and water content (r = 0.62, P = .02); at 0° and 90°, there were no significant differences in these relationships, with a minimum P value of .19. CONCLUSION T2* evaluation can allow noninvasive estimation of the degeneration of the cartilaginous end plate; however, the accuracy of T2*-based estimates of biochemical composition depends on the orientation of the end plate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Fields
- From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (A.J.F., R.K., J.C.L.) and Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (M.H., R.K.), University of California-San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, Room S-1161, San Francisco, CA 94143-0514
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Koff MF, Pownder SL, Shah PH, Yang LW, Potter HG. Ultrashort echo imaging of cyclically loaded rabbit patellar tendon. J Biomech 2014; 47:3428-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2014.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Grosse U, Syha R, Hein T, Gatidis S, Grözinger G, Schabel C, Martirosian P, Schick F, Springer F. Diagnostic value of T1and T2* relaxation times and off-resonance saturation effects in the evaluation of achilles tendinopathy by MRI at 3T. J Magn Reson Imaging 2014; 41:964-73. [DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Grosse
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
- Section on Experimental Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
| | - Roland Syha
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
- Section on Experimental Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
| | - Tobias Hein
- Department of Sports Medicine; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
| | - Sergios Gatidis
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
- Section on Experimental Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
| | - Gerd Grözinger
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
- Section on Experimental Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
| | - Christoph Schabel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
- Section on Experimental Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
| | - Petros Martirosian
- Section on Experimental Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
| | - Fritz Schick
- Section on Experimental Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
| | - Fabian Springer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
- Section on Experimental Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
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Fisher T, Hamed A, Vartholomeos P, Masamune K, Tang G, Ren H, Tse ZTH. Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging–conditional robotic devices for therapy and diagnosis. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2014; 228:303-18. [DOI: 10.1177/0954411914524189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging presents high-resolution preoperative scans of target tissue and allows for the availability of intraoperative real-time images without the exposure of patients to ionizing radiation. This has motivated scientists and engineers to integrate medical robotics with the magnetic resonance imaging modality to allow robot-assisted, image-guided diagnosis and therapy. This article provides a review of the state-of-the-art medical robotic systems available for use in conjunction with intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The robot functionalities and mechanical designs for a wide range of magnetic resonance imaging interventions are presented, including their magnetic resonance imaging compatibility, actuation, kinematics and the mechanical and electrical designs of the robots. Classification and comparative study of various intraoperative magnetic resonance image guided robotic systems are provided. The robotic systems reviewed are summarized in a table in detail. Current technologies for magnetic resonance imaging–conditional robotics are reviewed and their potential future directions are sketched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Fisher
- College of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Abbi Hamed
- Department of Advanced Robotics, Chiba Institute of Technology, Narashino, Japan
| | - Panagiotis Vartholomeos
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ken Masamune
- Advanced Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Graduate school of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Guoyi Tang
- Advanced Materials Institute, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongliang Ren
- Department of Bioengineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zion T H Tse
- College of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Effects of repetitive freeze–thawing cycles on T2 and T2* of the Achilles tendon. Eur J Radiol 2014; 83:349-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2013.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 08/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Eliav U, Komlosh ME, Basser PJ, Navon G. Collagen composition and content-dependent contrast in porcine annulus fibrosus achieved by using double quantum and magnetization transfer filtered UTE MRI. Magn Reson Med 2014; 71:388-93. [PMID: 23413021 PMCID: PMC3659208 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.24662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Revised: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To test the potential of combining double quantum and magnetization transfer filtered ultra-short echo time (DQF-MT-UTE) MRI to obtain information about the macromolecular composition and characteristics of connective tissues. METHODS A DQF-MT-UTE pulse sequence was implemented on a 14.1 T AVANCE III Bruker spectrometer equipped with a Bruker micro2.5-imaging gradient system to obtain images of porcine annulus fibrosus. RESULTS The DQF-MT-UTE MRI of the annulus fibrosus of porcine intervertebral disc, where the creation time of the double quantum coherence filtering (DQF) was on a time scale appropriate for excitation of macromolecules, showed stronger signal from the outer layers of the disc than from the inner layers closer to the nucleus pulposus. Similarly, spectroscopic studies showed the same trend in the efficiency of the magnetization transfer (MT) from collagen to water. CONCLUSION DQF-MT filtered UTE MRI of the annulus fibrosus provides new contrast parameters that depend on the concentration of the collagen and on the rate and efficiency of MT of its protons to water. The latter parameters appear to be different for collagen types I and II in the annulus fibrosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzi Eliav
- School of Chemistry, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal E. Komlosh
- Section on Tissue Biophysics and Biomimetics (STBB), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Neuroregenerative Medicine (CNRM) and the Henry Jackson Foundation (HJF), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter J. Basser
- Section on Tissue Biophysics and Biomimetics (STBB), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gil Navon
- School of Chemistry, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Grosse U, Springer F, Hein T, Grözinger G, Schabel C, Martirosian P, Schick F, Syha R. Influence of physical activity on T1 and T2* relaxation times of healthy achilles tendons at 3T. J Magn Reson Imaging 2013; 41:193-201. [DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Grosse
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
- Section of Experimental Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
| | - Fabian Springer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
- Section of Experimental Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
| | - Tobias Hein
- Department of Sports Medicine; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
| | - Gerd Grözinger
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
- Section of Experimental Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
| | - Christoph Schabel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
- Section of Experimental Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
| | - Petros Martirosian
- Section of Experimental Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
| | - Fritz Schick
- Section of Experimental Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
| | - Roland Syha
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
- Section of Experimental Radiology; University Hospital Tuebingen; Tuebingen Germany
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Effects of achilles tendon immersion in saline and perfluorochemicals on T2 and T2*. J Magn Reson Imaging 2013; 40:496-500. [DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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Bannerman A, Paxton JZ, Grover LM. Imaging the hard/soft tissue interface. Biotechnol Lett 2013; 36:403-15. [PMID: 24129952 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-013-1374-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Interfaces between different tissues play an essential role in the biomechanics of native tissues and their recapitulation is now recognized as critical to function. As a consequence, imaging the hard/soft tissue interface has become increasingly important in the area of tissue engineering. Particularly as several biotechnology based products have made it onto the market or are close to human trials and an understanding of their function and development is essential. A range of imaging modalities have been developed that allow a wealth of information on the morphological and physical properties of samples to be obtained non-destructively in vivo or via destructive means. This review summarizes the use of a selection of imaging modalities on interfaces to date considering the strengths and weaknesses of each. We will also consider techniques which have not yet been utilized to their full potential or are likely to play a role in future work in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair Bannerman
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK,
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Bi-exponential T2 analysis of healthy and diseased Achilles tendons: an in vivo preliminary magnetic resonance study and correlation with clinical score. Eur Radiol 2013; 23:2814-22. [PMID: 23760303 PMCID: PMC3769589 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-013-2897-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective To compare mono- and bi-exponential T2* analysis in healthy and degenerated Achilles tendons using a recently introduced magnetic resonance variable-echo-time sequence (vTE) for T2* mapping. Methods Ten volunteers and ten patients were included in the study. A variable-echo-time sequence was used with 20 echo times. Images were post-processed with both techniques, mono- and bi-exponential [T2*m, short T2* component (T2*s) and long T2* component (T2*l)]. The number of mono- and bi-exponentially decaying pixels in each region of interest was expressed as a ratio (B/M). Patients were clinically assessed with the Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS), and these values were correlated with the T2* values. Results The means for both T2*m and T2*s were statistically significantly different between patients and volunteers; however, for T2*s, the P value was lower. In patients, the Pearson correlation coefficient between ATRS and T2*s was −0.816 (P = 0.007). Conclusion The proposed variable-echo-time sequence can be successfully used as an alternative method to UTE sequences with some added benefits, such as a short imaging time along with relatively high resolution and minimised blurring artefacts, and minimised susceptibility artefacts and chemical shift artefacts. Bi-exponential T2* calculation is superior to mono-exponential in terms of statistical significance for the diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy. Key Points • Magnetic resonance imaging offers new insight into healthy and diseased Achilles tendons • Bi-exponential T2* calculation in Achilles tendons is more beneficial than mono-exponential • A short T2* component correlates strongly with clinical score • Variable echo time sequences successfully used instead of ultrashort echo time sequences
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Srikhum W, Nardo L, Karampinos DC, Melkus G, Poulos T, Steinbach LS, Link TM. Magnetic resonance imaging of ankle tendon pathology: benefits of additional axial short-tau inversion recovery imaging to reduce magic angle effects. Skeletal Radiol 2013; 42:499-510. [PMID: 23229628 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-012-1550-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our goals were to quantify the reduction of the magic angle effect using short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) imaging and to determine the value of adding an axial STIR sequence to the magnetic resonance imaging ankle protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS Axial STIR sequences were used to measure normal tendon T1 and to estimate signal loss due to the inversion recovery preparation of our clinical protocol. In addition, 102 ankles were imaged with axial fat-suppressed intermediate-weighted fast spin echo and STIR sequences. Two radiologists analyzed the tendons for signal intensity, size, abnormalities, and magic angle effect. The diagnostic value and image quality of the two sequences were compared. RESULTS We calculated a 50% reduction of signal intensity in healthy tendons on the STIR sequence at TI = 170 ms compared with TI = 0 ms, explaining the decrease in the magic angle effect. Using the STIR sequence, our study demonstrated significantly lower signal intensity within the tendons, more precise tendon size, and a lower magic angle effect compared with the standard intermediate-weighted FSE sequence (p < 0.001). Diagnostic classification of tendon abnormalities using the STIR sequences showed higher sensitivity (82.35% vs. 75.27%) and better agreement with a reference standard than the intermediate-weighted sequences, and superior image quality (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Axial STIR sequences reduce magic angle effects and improve visualization of ankle tendon pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waraporn Srikhum
- Musculoskeletal Quantitative Imaging Research Group, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Chen Z, Calhoun V. Effect of object orientation angle on t2* image and reconstructed magnetic susceptibility: numerical simulations. MAGNETIC RESONANCE INSIGHTS 2013; 6:23-31. [PMID: 25114542 PMCID: PMC4089752 DOI: 10.4137/mri.s11425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The magnetic field resulting from material magnetization in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has an object orientation effect, which produces an orientation dependence for acquired T2* images. On one hand, the orientation effect can be exploited for object anisotropy investigation (via multi-angle imaging); on the other hand, it is desirable to remove the orientation dependence using magnetic susceptibility reconstruction. In this report, we design a stick-star digital phantom to simulate multiple orientations of a stick-like object and use it to conduct various numerical simulations. Our simulations show that the object orientation effect is not propagated to the reconstructed magnetic susceptibility distribution. This suggests that accurate susceptibility reconstruction methods should be largely orientation independent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vince Calhoun
- The Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM. ; University of New Mexico, ECE Dept, Albuquerque, NM
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41
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Wang N, Xia Y. Anisotropic analysis of multi-component T2 and T1ρ relaxations in achilles tendon by NMR spectroscopy and microscopic MRI. J Magn Reson Imaging 2013; 38:625-33. [PMID: 23349070 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the anisotropic characteristics of both multi-component T2 and T1ρ relaxation times in tendon. MATERIALS AND METHODS T2 and T1ρ were measured in tendon by NMR spectroscopy at different orientations and by microscopic MRI at the magic angle. Several experimental issues in the multi-component relaxation measurements were investigated, including the effects of echo spacing, the resolution of MRI experiments, the influence of the specimen orientations, and the strengths of different spin-lock frequencies in T1ρ experiments. RESULTS Both the values and fractions of T2 in tendon showed significant orientational dependence. The values and fractions of T1ρ strongly depended on both the specimen orientation and the spin-lock strength. The imaging resolution (35-280 μm) had little influence in the T2 experiments. Both the echo spacings (0.6-3.0 ms) in the T2 experiment and the spin-lock strengths (0.5-5 kHz) in the T1ρ experiment affected the quantification of the multi-component relaxation. Up to three T2 and T1ρ components were resolved in tendon. CONCLUSION Multi-component relaxations could be attributed to different populations of water in the tissue. The transitions between a mono-component and multi-component result call for the caution in interpreting the relaxation results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Wang
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan 48309, USA
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42
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Cao Y, Xia C, Wang S, He S, Wamalwa P, Chen S. Application of magnetic resonance T2 mapping in the temporomandibular joints. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2012; 114:644-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2012.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2011] [Revised: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Qian Y, Williams AA, Chu CR, Boada FE. Repeatability of ultrashort echo time-based two-component T2* measurements on cartilages in human knee at 3 T. Magn Reson Med 2012; 69:1564-72. [PMID: 23034822 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.24392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2011] [Revised: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Repeatability of in vivo measurement of multicomponent T2* relaxation in articular cartialges in human knee is important to clinical use. This study evaluated the repeatability of two-component T2* relaxation on seven healthy human subjects. The left knee was scanned once a day in three consecutive days, on a clinical 3T MRI scanner with eight-channel knee coil and ultrashort echo time pulse sequence at 11 echo times=0.6-40 ms. The intrasubject and intersubject repeatability was evaluated via coefficient of variation (CV=standard deviation/mean) in four typical cartilage regions: patellar, anterior articular, femoral, and tibial regions. It was found that the intrasubject repeatability was good, with CV<10% for the short- and long-T2* relaxation time in the layered regions in the four cartilages (with one exception) and CV<13% for the component intensity fraction (with two exceptions). The intersubject repeatability was also good, with CV∼8% (range 1-15%) for the short- and long-T2* relaxation time and CV∼10% (range 2-20%) for the component intensity fraction. The long-T2* component showed significantly better repeatability (CV∼8%) than the short-T2* component (CV∼12%) (P<0.005). These CV values suggest that in vivo measurement of two-component T2* relaxation in the knee cartilages is repeatable on clinical scanner at 3 T, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 90.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxian Qian
- MR Research Center, Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
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Omoumi P, Bae WC, Du J, Diaz E, Statum S, Bydder GM, Chung CB. Meniscal calcifications: morphologic and quantitative evaluation by using 2D inversion-recovery ultrashort echo time and 3D ultrashort echo time 3.0-T MR imaging techniques--feasibility study. Radiology 2012; 264:260-8. [PMID: 22723564 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.12111439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the ability of ultrashort echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques to enable morphologic assessment of different types of meniscal calcifications, to compare these sequences with standard clinical sequences, and to perform T2* measurements of meniscal calcifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was exempted by the institutional review board, and informed consent was not required. Ten human cadaveric menisci were imaged with high-spatial-resolution radiography and 3.0-T MR imaging by using morphologic (T1-weighted fast spin-echo [FSE], T2-weighted FSE, proton density [PD]-weighted FSE, two-dimensional [2D] fast spoiled gradient-echo [FSPGR], three-dimensional [3D] FSPGR, and 3D UTE) and quantitative (2D inversion-recovery [IR] UTE and 3D UTE) sequences. The menisci were divided into thirds for regional analysis. Morphologic assessment was performed with MR imaging; MR imaging findings were correlated with radiographs. Calcifications were classified as punctate, linear, or globular. T2* measurements were performed by manual placement of regions of interest (ROIs) in calcifications and by automatically creating ROIs in the surrounding tissues. Mixed-effects linear regression was used to determine variations in T2* as a function of region, morphology, and tissue type. RESULTS The two globular calcifications were visualized with all sequences. For punctate (n=21) and linear (n=21) calcifications, respectively, visibility rates were as follows: 9.5% for both with the T1-weighted FSE sequence, 0% for both with the T2-weighted FSE sequence, 19.0% and 23.8% with the PD-weighted FSE sequence, 0% for both with the 2D IR UTE sequence, 100% for both with the 3D UTE sequence, and 100% for both with the 3D FSPGR sequence. T2* values were significantly lower for calcifications than for the surrounding meniscal tissue (P<.001). There was a trend of globular calcifications having lower T2* values than other morphologies (P=.08). With the 2D IR UTE technique, the T2* of the globular calcifications tended to be lower than with the 3D UTE technique (0.13-0.16 vs 1.32-3.03 msec) (P=.14, analysis of variance). CONCLUSION UTE MR imaging sequences may allow morphologic as well as quantitative evaluation of meniscal calcifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Omoumi
- Department of Radiology, University of Califonia-San Diego, 408 Dickinson St, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
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Abstract
MRI and ultrasound are now widely used for the assessment of tendon and ligament abnormalities. Healthy tendons and ligaments contain high levels of collagen with a structured orientation, which gives rise to their characteristic normal imaging appearances as well as causing particular imaging artefacts. Changes to ligaments and tendons as a result of disease and injury can be demonstrated using both ultrasound and MRI. These have been validated against surgical and histological findings. Novel imaging techniques are being developed that may improve the ability of MRI and ultrasound to assess tendon and ligament disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Hodgson
- Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK.
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Du J, Statum S, Znamirowski R, Bydder GM, Chung CB. Ultrashort TE T
1
ρ magic angle imaging. Magn Reson Med 2012; 69:682-7. [DOI: 10.1002/mrm.24296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Revised: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Conventional and ultrashort time-to-echo magnetic resonance imaging of articular cartilage, meniscus, and intervertebral disk. Top Magn Reson Imaging 2012; 21:275-89. [PMID: 22129641 DOI: 10.1097/rmr.0b013e31823ccebc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of musculoskeletal tissues is being performed routinely for diagnoses of injury and diseases. Although conventional MRI using spin echo sequences has been effective, a number of important musculoskeletal soft tissues remain "magnetic resonance-invisible" because of their intrinsically short T2 values resulting in a rapid signal decay. This makes visualization and quantitative characterization difficult. With the advent and refinement of ultrashort time-to-echo (UTE) MRI techniques, it is now possible to directly visualize and quantitatively characterize these tissues. This review explores the anatomy, conventional MRI, and UTE MRI of articular cartilage, meniscus of the knee, and intervertebral disks and provides a survey of magnetic resonance studies used to better understand tissue structure, composition, and function, as well as subtle changes in diseases.
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Biswas R, Bae W, Diaz E, Masuda K, Chung CB, Bydder GM, Du J. Ultrashort echo time (UTE) imaging with bi-component analysis: bound and free water evaluation of bovine cortical bone subject to sequential drying. Bone 2012; 50:749-55. [PMID: 22178540 PMCID: PMC3463503 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2011.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2011] [Revised: 11/15/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy studies have shown that cortical bone exists as different components which have distinct transverse relaxation times (T2s). However, cortical bone shows zero or near zero signal with all conventional MR sequences on clinical scanners and the different water components cannot be assessed with this approach. In order to detect signal in this situation a two-dimensional (2D) non-slice selective ultrashort echo time (UTE) pulse sequence with a nominal TE of 8 μs was used together with bi-component analysis to quantify bound and free water in bovine cortical bone at 3T. Total water concentration was quantified using a 3D UTE sequence together with a reference water phantom. 2D and 3D UTE imaging were performed on 14 bovine bone samples which were subjected to sequential air drying to evaluate free water loss, followed by oven drying to evaluate bound water loss. Sequential bone weight loss was measured concurrently using a precision balance. Bone porosity was measured with micro computed tomography (μCT) imaging. UTE measured free water loss was higher than the volume of cortical pores measured with μCT, but lower than the gravimetric bone water loss measured during air drying. UTE assessed bound water loss was about 82% of gravimetric bone water loss during oven drying. On average bovine cortical bone showed about 13% free water and 87% bound water. There was a high correlation (R=0.91; P<0.0001) between UTE MR measured free water loss and gravimetric bone weight loss during sequential air drying, and a significant correlation (R=0.69; P<0.01) between UTE bound water loss and gravimetric bone weight loss during oven drying. These results show that UTE bi-component analysis can reliably quantify bound and free water in cortical bone. The technique has potential applications for the in vivo evaluation of bone porosity and organic matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reni Biswas
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego
| | - Won Bae
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego
| | - Eric Diaz
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego
| | - Koichi Masuda
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego
| | | | - Graeme M Bydder
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego
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Wright P, Jellus V, McGonagle D, Robson M, Ridgeway J, Hodgson R. Comparison of two ultrashort echo time sequences for the quantification of T1 within phantom and human Achilles tendon at 3 T. Magn Reson Med 2012; 68:1279-84. [PMID: 22246857 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.24130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Revised: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ultrashort echo time (UTE) techniques enable direct imaging of musculoskeletal tissues with short T2 allowing measurement of T1 relaxation times. This article presents comparison of optimized 3D variable flip angle UTE (VFA-UTE) and 2D saturation recovery UTE (SR-UTE) sequences to quantify T1 in agar phantoms and human Achilles tendon. Achilles tendon T1 values for asymptomatic volunteers were compared to Achilles tendon T1 values calculated from patients with clinical diagnoses of spondyloarthritis (SpA) and Achilles tendinopathy using an optimized VFA-UTE sequence. T1 values from phantom data for VFA- and SR-UTE compare well against calculated T1 values from an assumed gold standard inversion recovery spin echo sequence. Mean T1 values in asymptomatic Achilles tendon were found to be 725±42 ms and 698±54 ms for SR- and VFA-UTE, respectively. The patient group mean T1 value for Achilles tendon was found to be 957±173 ms (P<0.05) using an optimized VFA-UTE sequence with pulse repetition time of 6 ms and flip angles 4, 19, and 24°, taking a total 9 min acquisition time. The VFA-UTE technique appears clinically feasible for quantifying T1 in Achilles tendon. T1 measurements offer potential for detecting changes in Achilles tendon due to SpA without need for intravenous contrast agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Wright
- LMBRU, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
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Diaz E, Chung CB, Bae WC, Statum S, Znamirowski R, Bydder GM, Du J. Ultrashort echo time spectroscopic imaging (UTESI): an efficient method for quantifying bound and free water. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2012; 25:161-8. [PMID: 21766381 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.1728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Revised: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 03/17/2011] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Biological tissues usually contain distinct water compartments with different transverse relaxation times. In this study, two-dimensional, multi-slice, ultrashort echo time spectroscopic imaging (UTESI) was used with bi-component analysis to detect bound and free water components in musculoskeletal tissues. Feasibility studies were performed using numerical simulation. Imaging was performed on bovine cortical bone, human cadaveric menisci and the Achilles' tendons of volunteers. The simulation study demonstrated that UTESI, together with bi-component analysis, could reliably quantify both T(2)* and fractions of the short and long (2)* components. The in vitro and in vivo studies each took less than 14 min. The bound water components showed a short T(2)* of ~0.3 ms for bovine bone, ~1.8 ms for meniscus and ~0.6 ms for the Achilles' tendon. The free water components showed about an order of magnitude longer T(2)* values, with ~2 ms for bovine bone, ~14 ms for meniscus and ~8 ms for the Achilles' tendon. Bound water fractions of up to ~76% for bovine bone, 50% for meniscus and ~75% for the Achilles' tendon were measured. The corresponding free water components were up to ~24% for bovine bone, 50% for meniscus and ~25% for the Achilles' tendon by volume. These results demonstrate that UTESI, combined with bi-component analysis, can quantify the bound and free water components in musculoskeletal tissues in clinically realistic times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Diaz
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92103–8226, USA
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