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Jerban S, Jang H, Chang EY, Bukata S, Du J, Chung CB. Bone Biomarkers Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2024; 28:62-77. [PMID: 38330971 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used to evaluate the microstructural and compositional properties of bone. MRI-based biomarkers can characterize all major compartments of bone: organic, water, fat, and mineral components. However, with a short apparent spin-spin relaxation time (T2*), bone is invisible to conventional MRI sequences that use long echo times. To address this shortcoming, ultrashort echo time MRI sequences have been developed to provide direct imaging of bone and establish a set of MRI-based biomarkers sensitive to the structural and compositional changes of bone. This review article describes the MRI-based bone biomarkers representing total water, pore water, bound water, fat fraction, macromolecular fraction in the organic matrix, and surrogates for mineral density. MRI-based morphological bone imaging techniques are also briefly described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Jerban
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Hyungseok Jang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Eric Y Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Susan Bukata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Christine B Chung
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
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Moazamian D, Athertya JS, Dwek S, Lombardi AF, Mohammadi HS, Sedaghat S, Jang H, Ma Y, Chung CB, Du J, Jerban S, Chang EY. Achilles tendon and enthesis assessment using ultrashort echo time magnetic resonance imaging (UTE-MRI) T1 and magnetization transfer (MT) modeling in psoriatic arthritis. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 37:e5040. [PMID: 37740595 PMCID: PMC10754405 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.5040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of ultrashort echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques (T1 and magnetization transfer [MT] modeling) for imaging of the Achilles tendons and entheses in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) compared with asymptomatic volunteers. The heels of twenty-six PsA patients (age 59 ± 15 years, 41% female) and twenty-seven asymptomatic volunteers (age 33 ± 11 years, 47% female) were scanned in the sagittal plane with UTE-T1 and UTE-MT modeling sequences on a 3-T clinical scanner. UTE-T1 and macromolecular proton fraction (MMF; the main outcome of MT modeling) were calculated in the tensile portions of the Achilles tendon and at the enthesis (close to the calcaneus bone). Mann-Whitney-U tests were used to examine statistically significant differences between the two cohorts. UTE-T1 in the entheses was significantly higher for the PsA group compared with the asymptomatic group (967 ± 145 vs. 872 ± 133 ms, p < 0.01). UTE-T1 in the tendons was also significantly higher for the PsA group (950 ± 145 vs. 850 ± 138 ms, p < 0.01). MMF in the entheses was significantly lower in the PsA group compared with the asymptomatic group (15% ± 3% vs. 18% ± 3%, p < 0.01). MMF in the tendons was also significantly lower in the PsA group compared with the asymptomatic group (17% ± 4% vs. 20% ± 5%, p < 0.01). Percentage differences in MMF between the asymptomatic and PsA groups (-16.6% and -15.0% for the enthesis and tendon, respectively) were higher than the T1 differences (10.8% and 11.7% for the enthesis and tendon, respectively). The results suggest higher T1 and lower MMF in the Achilles tendons and entheses in PsA patients compared with the asymptomatic group. This study highlights the potential of UTE-T1 and UTE-MT modeling for quantitative evaluation of entheses and tendons in PsA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Moazamian
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA
| | - Jiyo S Athertya
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA
| | - Sophia Dwek
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA
| | | | | | - Sam Sedaghat
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hyungseok Jang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA
| | - Yajun Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA
| | - Christine B. Chung
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA
- Radiology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA
- Radiology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Saeed Jerban
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA
- Radiology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric Y. Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA
- Radiology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
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Jerban S, Ma Y, Alenezi S, Moazamian D, Athertya J, Jang H, Dorthe E, Dlima D, Woods G, Chung CB, Chang EY, Du J. Ultrashort Echo Time (UTE) MRI porosity index (PI) and suppression ratio (SR) correlate with the cortical bone microstructural and mechanical properties: Ex vivo study. Bone 2023; 169:116676. [PMID: 36657630 PMCID: PMC9987215 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2023.116676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI can image and consequently enable quantitative assessment of cortical bone. UTE-MRI-based evaluation of bone is largely underutilized due to the high cost and time demands of MRI in general. The signal ratio in dual-echo UTE imaging, known as porosity index (PI), as well as the signal ratio between UTE and inversion recovery UTE (IR-UTE) imaging, known as the suppression ratio (SR), are two rapid UTE-based bone evaluation techniques (∼ 5 mins scan time each), which can potentially reduce the time demand and cost in future clinical studies. This study aimed to investigate the correlations of PI and SR measures with cortical bone microstructural and mechanical properties. Cortical bone strips (n = 135) from tibial and femoral midshafts of 37 donors (61 ± 24 years old) were scanned using a dual-echo 3D Cones UTE sequence and a 3D Cones IR-UTE sequence for PI and SR calculations, respectively. Average bone mineral density, porosity, and pore size were measured using microcomputed tomography (μCT). Bone mechanical properties were measured using 4-point bending tests. The μCT measures showed significant correlations with PI (moderate to strong, R = 0.68-0.71) and SR (moderate, R = 0.58-0.68). Young's modulus, yield stress, and ultimate stress demonstrated significant moderate correlations with PI and SR (R = 0.52-0.62) while significant strong correlations with μCT measures (R > 0.7). PI and SR can potentially serve as fast and noninvasive (non-ionizing radiation) biomarkers for evaluating cortical bone in various bone diseases.
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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 Orthopedic Surgery, 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
| | - Salem Alenezi
- Research and Laboratories Sector, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Dina Moazamian
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jiyo Athertya
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hyungseok Jang
- 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
| | - Erik Dorthe
- Shiley Center for Orthopedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Darryl Dlima
- Shiley Center for Orthopedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gina Woods
- Department of Medicine, University of California, 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
| | - 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.
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Jerban S, Ma Y, Tang Q, Fu E, Szeverenyi N, Jang H, Chung CB, Du J, Chang EY. Robust Assessment of Macromolecular Fraction (MMF) in Muscle with Differing Fat Fraction Using Ultrashort Echo Time (UTE) Magnetization Transfer Modeling with Measured T1. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:876. [PMID: 36900019 PMCID: PMC10001337 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13050876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely regarded as the most comprehensive imaging modality to assess skeletal muscle quality and quantity. Magnetization transfer (MT) imaging can be used to estimate the fraction of water and macromolecular proton pools, with the latter including the myofibrillar proteins and collagen, which are related to the muscle quality and its ability to generate force. MT modeling combined with ultrashort echo time (UTE-MT modeling) may improve the evaluation of the myotendinous junction and regions with fibrotic tissues in the skeletal muscles, which possess short T2 values and higher bound-water concentration. The fat present in muscle has always been a source of concern in macromolecular fraction (MMF) calculation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of fat fraction (FF) on the estimated MMF in bovine skeletal muscle phantoms embedded in pure fat. MMF was calculated for several regions of interest (ROIs) with differing FFs using UTE-MT modeling with and without T1 measurement and B1 correction. Calculated MMF using measured T1 showed a robust trend, particularly with a negligible error (<3%) for FF < 20%. Around 5% MMF reduction occurred for FF > 30%. However, MMF estimation using a constant T1 was robust only for regions with FF < 10%. The MTR and T1 values were also robust for only FF < 10%. This study highlights the potential of the UTE-MT modeling with accurate T1 measurement for robust muscle assessment while remaining insensitive to fat infiltration up to moderate levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Jerban
- Department of Radiology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yajun Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Qingbo Tang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Eddie Fu
- Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Nikolaus Szeverenyi
- Department of Radiology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hyungseok Jang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Christine B. Chung
- Department of Radiology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Eric Y. Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
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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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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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Namiranian B, Jerban S, Ma Y, Dorthe EW, Masoud-Afsahi A, Wong J, Wei Z, Chen Y, D'Lima D, Chang EY, Du J. Assessment of mechanical properties of articular cartilage with quantitative three-dimensional ultrashort echo time (UTE) cones magnetic resonance imaging. J Biomech 2020; 113:110085. [PMID: 33147490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.110085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not capable of detecting signal from the deep cartilage due to its short transverse relaxation time (T2). Moreover, several quantitative MRI techniques are significantly influenced by the magic angle effect. The combinations of ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI with magnetization transfer (UTE-MT) and Adiabatic T1ρ (UTE-AdiabT1ρ) imaging allow magic angle-insensitive assessments of all regions of articular cartilage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations between quantitative three-dimensional UTE MRI biomarkers and mechanical properties of human tibiofemoral cartilage specimens. In total, 40 human tibiofemoral cartilage specimens were harvested from three male and four female donors (64 ± 18 years old). Cartilage samples were scanned using a series of quantitative 3D UTE Cones T2* (UTE-T2*), T1 (UTE-T1), UTE-AdiabT1ρ, and UTE-MT sequences in a standard knee coil on a clinical 3T scanner. UTE-MT data were acquired with a series of MT powers and frequency offsets to calculate magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), as well as macromolecular fraction (MMF) and macromolecular T2 (T2mm) through modeling. Cartilage stiffness and Hayes elastic modulus were measured using indentation tests. Correlations of 3D UTE Cones MRI measurements in the superficial layer, deep layer, and global regions of interest (ROIs) with mechanical properties were investigated. Cartilage mechanical properties demonstrated highest correlations with UTE measures of the superficial layer of cartilage. AdiabT1ρ, MTR, and MMF in superficial layer ROIs showed significant correlations with Hayes elastic modulus (p < 0.05, R = -0.54, 0.49, and 0.66, respectively). These UTE measures in global ROIs showed significant, though slightly lower, correlations with Hayes elastic modulus (p < 0.05, R = -0.37, 0.52, and 0.60, respectively). Correlations between other UTE MRI measurements (T2*, T1, and T2mm) and mechanical properties were non-significant. The 3D UTE-AdiabT1ρ and UTE-MT sequences were highlighted as promising surrogates for non-invasive assessment of cartilage mechanical properties. MMF from UTE-MT modeling showed the highest correlations with cartilage mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Namiranian
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Saeed Jerban
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Yajun Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Erik W Dorthe
- Shiley Center for Orthopedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Amir Masoud-Afsahi
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jonathan Wong
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Zhao Wei
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yanjun Chen
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Darryl D'Lima
- Shiley Center for Orthopedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Eric Y Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA.
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Jerban S, Ma Y, Jang H, Namiranian B, Le N, Shirazian H, Murphy ME, Du J, Chang EY. Water proton density in human cortical bone obtained from ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI predicts bone microstructural properties. Magn Reson Imaging 2020; 67:85-89. [PMID: 31931112 PMCID: PMC7276204 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the correlations between cortical bone microstructural properties and total water proton density (TWPD) obtained from three-dimensional ultrashort echo time Cones (3D-UTE-Cones) magnetic resonance imaging techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS 135 cortical bone samples were harvested from human tibial and femoral midshafts of 37 donors (61 ± 24 years old). Samples were scanned using 3D-UTE-Cones sequences on a clinical 3T MRI and on a high-resolution micro-computed tomography (μCT) scanner. TWPD was measured using 3D-UTE-Cones MR images. Average bone porosity, pore size, and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured from μCT images at 9 μm voxel size. Pearson's correlation coefficients between TWPD and μCT-based measures were calculated. RESULTS TWPD showed significant moderate correlation with both average bone porosity (R = 0.66, p < 0.01) and pore size (R = 0.57, p < 0.01). TWPD also showed significant strong correction with BMD (R = 0.71, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The presented 3D-UTE-Cones imaging technique allows assessment of TWPD in human cortical bone. This quick UTE-MRI-based technique was capable of predicting bone microstructure differences with significant correlations. Such correlations highlight the potential of UTE-MRI-based measurement of bone water proton density to assess bone microstructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Jerban
- 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
| | - Hyungseok Jang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Behnam Namiranian
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Le
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hoda Shirazian
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mark E Murphy
- Orthopedic Surgery Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric Y Chang
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Jerban S, Lu X, Dorthe EW, Alenezi S, Ma Y, Kakos L, Jang H, Sah RL, Chang EY, D’Lima D, Du J. Correlations of cortical bone microstructural and mechanical properties with water proton fractions obtained from ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI tricomponent T2* model. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2020; 33:e4233. [PMID: 31820518 PMCID: PMC7161421 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical and microstructural evaluations of cortical bone using ultrashort echo time magnetic resonance imaging (UTE-MRI) have been performed increasingly in recent years. UTE-MRI acquires considerable signal from cortical bone and enables quantitative bone evaluations. Fitting bone apparent transverse magnetization (T2*) decay using a bicomponent model has been regularly performed to estimate bound water (BW) and pore water (PW) in the quantification of bone matrix and porosity, respectively. Human cortical bone possesses a considerable amount of fat, which appears as MRI T2* signal oscillation and can subsequently lead to BW overestimation when using a bicomponent model. Tricomponent T2* fitting model has been developed to improve BW and PW estimations by accounting for fat contribution in the MRI signal. This study aimed to investigate the correlations of microstructural and mechanical properties of human cortical bone with water pool fractions obtained from a tricomponent T2* model. 135 cortical bone strips (~4 × 2 × 40 mm3 ) from tibial and femoral midshafts of 37 donors (61 ± 24 years old) were scanned using ten sets of dual-echo 3D-UTE-Cones sequences (TE = 0.032-24.0 ms) on a 3 T MRI scanner for T2* fitting analyses. Average bone porosity and pore size were measured using microcomputed tomography (μCT) at 9 μm voxel size. Bone mechanical properties were measured using 4-point bending tests. Using a tricomponent model, bound water fraction (FracBW ) showed significant strong (R = 0.70, P < 0.01) and moderate (R = 0.58-0.62, P < 0.01) correlations with porosity and mechanical properties, respectively. Correlations of bone microstructural and mechanical properties with water pool fractions were higher for tricomponent model results compared with the bicomponent model. The tricomponent T2* fitting model is suggested as a useful technique for cortical bone evaluation where the MRI contribution of bone fat is accounted for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Jerban
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Corresponding authors: • Jiang Du, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA, , Phone: +1 858 246 2248, Fax: +1 888 960 5922, • Saeed Jerban, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA, , Phone: +1 858 246 3158, Fax: +1 888 960 5922
| | - Xing Lu
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- 12Sigma Technologies, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Erik W. Dorthe
- Shiley Center for Orthopedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Salem Alenezi
- Research and Laboratories Sector, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, KSA
| | - Yajun Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lena Kakos
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hyungseok Jang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert L. Sah
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, 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
| | - Darryl D’Lima
- Shiley Center for Orthopedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Corresponding authors: • Jiang Du, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA, , Phone: +1 858 246 2248, Fax: +1 888 960 5922, • Saeed Jerban, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA, , Phone: +1 858 246 3158, Fax: +1 888 960 5922
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Jerban S, Ma Y, Dorthe EW, Kakos L, Le N, Alenezi S, Sah RL, Chang EY, D'Lima D, Du J. Assessing cortical bone mechanical properties using collagen proton fraction from ultrashort echo time magnetization transfer (UTE-MT) MRI modeling. Bone Rep 2019; 11:100220. [PMID: 31440531 PMCID: PMC6700521 DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2019.100220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical bone shows as a signal void when using conventional clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ultrashort echo time MRI (UTE-MRI) can acquire high signal from cortical bone, thus enabling quantitative assessments. Magnetization transfer (MT) imaging combined with UTE-MRI can indirectly assess protons in the organic matrix of bone. This study aimed to examine UTE-MT MRI techniques to estimate the mechanical properties of cortical bone. A total of 156 rectangular human cortical bone strips were harvested from the tibial and femoral midshafts of 43 donors (62 ± 22 years old, 62 specimens from females, 94 specimens from males). Bone specimens were scanned using UTE-MT sequences on a clinical 3 T MRI scanner and on a micro-computed tomography (μCT) scanner. A series of MT pulse saturation powers (400°, 600°, 800°) and frequency offsets (2, 5, 10, 20, 50 kHz) was used to measure the macromolecular fraction (MMF) utilizing a two-pool MT model. Failure mechanical properties of the bone specimens were measured using 4-point bending tests. MMF from MRI results showed significant strong correlations with cortical bone porosity (R = -0.72, P < 0.01) and bone mineral density (BMD) (R = +0.71, P < 0.01). MMF demonstrated significant moderate correlations with Young modulus, yield stress, and ultimate stress (R = 0.60-0.61, P < 0.01). These results suggest that the two-pool UTE-MT model focusing on the organic matrix of bone can potentially serve as a novel tool to detect the variations of bone mechanical properties and intracortical porosity.
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Key Words
- 3D, three-dimensional
- 3D-UTE, three-dimensional ultrashort echo time imaging
- BMD, bone mineral density
- Bone microstructure
- CT, computed tomography
- Cortical bone
- DEXA, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
- FA, flip angle
- FOV, field of view
- MMF, macromolecular proton fraction
- MR, magnetic resonance
- MRI
- MRI, magnetic resonance imaging
- MT, magnetization transfer
- Magnetization transfer
- Mechanical properties
- PBS, phosphate-buffered saline
- RF, radio frequency
- ROI, region of interest
- T2MM, macromolecular T2
- TE, echo time
- TR, repetition time
- Ultrashort echo time
- μCT, micro-computed tomography
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Jerban
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yajun Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Erik W. Dorthe
- Shiley Center for Orthopedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Lena Kakos
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nicole Le
- Radiology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Salem Alenezi
- Research and Laboratories Sector, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh 3292, Saudi Arabia
| | - Robert L. Sah
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Eric Y. Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Radiology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Darryl D'Lima
- Shiley Center for Orthopedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
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Jerban S, Lu X, Jang H, Ma Y, Namiranian B, Le N, Li Y, Chang EY, Du J. Significant correlations between human cortical bone mineral density and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) obtained with 3D Cones ultrashort echo time magnetic resonance imaging (UTE-MRI). Magn Reson Imaging 2019; 62:104-110. [PMID: 31247253 PMCID: PMC6689249 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2019.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) MRI is a tool that can characterize changes in susceptibility, an intrinsic property which is associated with compositional changes in the tissue. Current QSM estimation of cortical bone is challenging because conventional clinical MRI cannot acquire signal in cortical bone. This study aimed to implement Cones 3D ultrashort echo time MRI (UTE-MRI) for ex vivo QSM measurements in human tibial cortical bone, investigating the correlations of QSM with volumetric intracortical bone mineral density (BMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS Nine tibial midshaft cortical bone specimens (25 mm long specimens cut at the mid-point of tibial shaft, 67 ± 20 years old, 5 women and 4 men) were scanned on a clinical 3 T MRI scanner for QSM measurement. The specimens were also scanned on a high-resolution micro-computed tomography (μCT) scanner for volumetric BMD estimation. QSM and μCT results were compared at approximately nine regions of interest (ROIs) per specimen. RESULTS Average 3D UTE-MRI QSM showed significantly strong correlation with volumetric BMD (R = -0.82, P < 0.01) and bone porosity (R = 0.72, P < 0.01). Combining all data points together (77 ROIs), QSM showed significant moderate to strong correlation with volumetric BMD after correction for interdependencies in specimens (R = -0.70, P < 0.01). The corrections were required because the data points were not independent in each specimen. Similarly, the correlation between QSM and porosity was significant (R = 0.68, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the Cones 3D UTE-MRI QSM technique can potentially serve as a novel and accurate tool to assess intracortical bone mineral density whilst avoiding ionizing radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Jerban
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Xing Lu
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; 12Sigma Technologies, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Hyungseok Jang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Yajun Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Behnam Namiranian
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Le
- Radiology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ying Li
- First affiliated hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Eric Y Chang
- Radiology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
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