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Heiss R, Weber MA, Balbach EL, Hinsen M, Geissler F, Nagel AM, Ladd ME, Arkudas A, Horch RE, Gall C, Uder M, Roemer FW. Variation in cartilage T2 and T2* mapping of the wrist: a comparison between 3- and 7-T MRI. Eur Radiol Exp 2023; 7:80. [PMID: 38093075 PMCID: PMC10719234 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-023-00394-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To analyze regional variations in T2 and T2* relaxation times in wrist joint cartilage and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) at 3 and 7 T and to compare values between field strengths. METHODS Twenty-five healthy controls and 25 patients with chronic wrist pain were examined at 3 and 7 T on the same day using T2- and T2*-weighted sequences. Six different regions of interest (ROIs) were evaluated for cartilage and 3 ROIs were evaluated at the TFCC based on manual segmentation. Paired t-tests were used to compare T2 and T2* values between field strengths and between different ROIs. Spearman's rank correlation was calculated to assess correlations between T2 and T2* time values at 3 and 7 T. RESULTS T2 and T2* time values of the cartilage differed significantly between 3 and 7 T for all ROIs (p ≤ 0.045), with one exception: at the distal lunate, no significant differences in T2 values were observed between field strengths. T2* values differed significantly between 3 and 7 T for all ROIs of the TFCC (p ≤ 0.001). Spearman's rank correlation between 3 and 7 T ranged from 0.03 to 0.62 for T2 values and from 0.01 to 0.48 for T2* values. T2 and T2* values for cartilage varied across anatomic locations in healthy controls at both 3 and 7 T. CONCLUSION Quantitative results of T2 and T2* mapping at the wrist differ between field strengths, with poor correlation between 3 and 7 T. Local variations in cartilage T2 and T2* values are observed in healthy individuals. RELEVANCE STATEMENT T2 and T2* mapping are feasible for compositional imaging of the TFCC and the cartilage at the wrist at both 3 and 7 T, but the clinical interpretation remains challenging due to differences between field strengths and variations between anatomic locations. KEY POINTS •Field strength and anatomic locations influence T2 and T2* values at the wrist. •T2 and T2* values have a poor correlation between 3 and 7 T. •Local reference values are needed for each anatomic location for reliable interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Heiss
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Maximiliansplatz 3, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Marc-André Weber
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Pediatric Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Eva L Balbach
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Maximiliansplatz 3, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Hinsen
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Maximiliansplatz 3, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Frederik Geissler
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Maximiliansplatz 3, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Armin M Nagel
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Maximiliansplatz 3, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mark E Ladd
- Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 226, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Arkudas
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery and Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Krankenhausstraße 12, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Raymund E Horch
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery and Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Krankenhausstraße 12, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christine Gall
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Waldstraße 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Uder
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Maximiliansplatz 3, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Frank W Roemer
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Maximiliansplatz 3, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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Frenken M, Radke KL, Schäfer ELE, Valentin B, Wilms LM, Abrar DB, Nebelung S, Martirosian P, Wittsack HJ, Müller-Lutz A. Insights into the Age Dependency of Compositional MR Biomarkers Quantifying the Health Status of Cartilage in Metacarpophalangeal Joints. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13101746. [PMID: 37238230 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13101746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: We aim to investigate age-related changes in cartilage structure and composition in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints using magnetic resonance (MR) biomarkers. (2) Methods: The cartilage tissue of 90 MCP joints from 30 volunteers without any signs of destruction or inflammation was examined using T1, T2, and T1ρ compositional MR imaging techniques on a 3 Tesla clinical scanner and correlated with age. (3) Results: The T1ρ and T2 relaxation times showed a significant correlation with age (T1ρ: Kendall-τ-b = 0.3, p < 0.001; T2: Kendall-τ-b = 0.2, p = 0.01). No significant correlation was observed for T1 as a function of age (T1: Kendall-τ-b = 0.12, p = 0.13). (4) Conclusions: Our data show an increase in T1ρ and T2 relaxation times with age. We hypothesize that this increase is due to age-related changes in cartilage structure and composition. In future examinations of cartilage using compositional MRI, especially T1ρ and T2 techniques, e.g., in patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the age of the patients should be taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Frenken
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital of Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl Ludger Radke
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital of Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Emilia Louisa Ernestine Schäfer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital of Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Birte Valentin
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital of Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Lena Marie Wilms
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital of Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital of Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Benjamin Abrar
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital of Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Sven Nebelung
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital of Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Petros Martirosian
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital of Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hans-Jörg Wittsack
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital of Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Anja Müller-Lutz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital of Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
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Yan M, Wen S, Wang X. Quantitative analysis of triangular fibrocartilage complex injury by 3.0T MR 3D VIBE and T2 mapping techniques. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31589. [PMID: 36595773 PMCID: PMC9794244 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury based on quantitative analysis of fibrocartilage by 3.0T MR 3D VIBE and T2 mapping techniques. In this study, 25 patients with TFCC (15 patients with unilateral injury and 10 patients with bilateral injury) and 30 healthy subjects were enrolled. All 55 participants underwent bilateral wrist joint routine plain scan + enhanced scan, 3D VIBE and T2 mapping sequence scan. The 2 hands were divided into the dominant group and the non-dominant hand group. Pseudo-color images of T2 mapping were obtained through the post-processing workstation. Except for the meniscus homologue, there were statistical differences in the overall mean T2 value of all other regions between the injured group and the healthy group (P < .001). The T2 value of each region in the injury group was statistically different in the pairwise comparison (all P < .02). There was no statistical difference in the overall mean T2 value between the dominant hand group and the non-dominant hand group. 3.0T MR 3D VIBE and T2 mapping techniques are helpful for the evaluation of TFCC injury and the quantitative analysis of fibrocartilage. The parameters can reflect molecular changes of fibrocartilage injury, and T2 values are not affected by dominant hand, age and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Yan
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, China
| | - Shengbao Wen
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, China
- * Correspondence: Shengbao Wen, Department of Medical Imaging Center, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining 810001, China (e-mail: )
| | - Xueyan Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, China
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Bae WC, Tadros AS, Finkenstaedt T, Du J, Statum S, Chung CB. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of meniscal pathology ex vivo. Skeletal Radiol 2021; 50:2405-2414. [PMID: 33983499 PMCID: PMC8536602 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-021-03808-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the ability of conventional spin echo (SE) T2 and ultrashort echo time (UTE) T2* relaxation times to characterize pathology in cadaveric meniscus samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS From 10 human donors, 54 triangular (radially cut) meniscus samples were harvested. Meniscal pathology was classified as normal (n = 17), intrasubstance degenerated (n = 33), or torn (n = 4) using a modified arthroscopic grading system. Using a 3-T MR system, SE T2 and UTE T2* values of the menisci were determined, followed by histopathology. Effect of meniscal pathology on relaxation times and histology scores were determined, along with correlation between relaxation times and histology scores. RESULTS Mean ± standard deviation UTE T2* values for normal, degenerated, and torn menisci were 3.6 ± 1.3 ms, 7.4 ± 2.5 ms, and 9.8 ± 5.7 ms, respectively, being significantly higher in degenerated (p < 0.0001) and torn (p = 0.0002) menisci compared to that in normal. In contrast, the respective mean SE T2 values were 27.7 ± 9.5 ms, 25.9 ± 7.0 ms, and 35.7 ± 10.4 ms, without significant differences between groups (all p > 0.14). In terms of histology, we found significant group-wise differences (each p < 0.05) in fiber organization and inner-tip surface integrity sub-scores, as well as the total score. Finally, we found a significant weak correlation between UTE T2* and histology total score (p = 0.007, Rs2 = 0.19), unlike the correlation between SE T2 and histology (p = 0.09, Rs2 = 0.05). CONCLUSION UTE T2* values were found to distinguish normal from both degenerated and torn menisci and correlated significantly with histopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won C. Bae
- Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, MC-114, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161 USA ,Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, 9427 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0997 USA
| | - Anthony S. Tadros
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, 9427 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0997 USA
| | - Tim Finkenstaedt
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, 9427 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0997 USA
| | - Sheronda Statum
- Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, MC-114, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161 USA ,Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, 9427 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0997 USA
| | - Christine B. Chung
- Radiology Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, MC-114, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161 USA ,Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, 9427 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0997 USA
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Chianca V, Albano D, Cuocolo R, Messina C, Gitto S, Brunetti A, Sconfienza LM. T2 mapping of the trapeziometacarpal joint and triangular fibrocartilage complex: a feasibility and reproducibility study at 1.5 T. LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2019; 125:306-312. [PMID: 31863359 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-019-01123-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the feasibility and reproducibility of T2 relaxation time measurements of the trapeziometacarpal joint (TM) and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) on healthy subjects at 1.5 T MR. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-four healthy volunteers underwent an axial oblique multislice multiecho spin-echo sequence of the wrist at 1.5 T, with 10 of them having performed another MR scan on a different 1.5 T scanner. Regions of interest were independently manually drawn by two musculoskeletal radiologists to include the cartilaginous part of the TM and TFCC. Intra-observer, inter-observer and inter-scanner reproducibility of T2 relaxation time measurements was tested using the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS The mean T2 values obtained by the two radiologists were 29.9 ± 6.5 ms and 30.0 ± 6.1 ms in the TM and 24.5 ± 2.3 ms and 24.6 ± 2.8 ms in the TFCC, respectively. The mean values of the second series of T2 measurements obtained by the senior radiologist were 29.9 ± 6.5 ms and 30.0 ± 6.3 ms in the TM and 24.3 ± 2.9 ms in the TFCC. Inter-observer reproducibility in the TM and in the TFCC was 76% and 82%, respectively. Intra-observer reproducibility in the TM and TFCC was 71% and 76%, respectively. Inter-scanner reproducibility of T2 measurements was 36% in the TM and 85% in the TFCC, respectively. CONCLUSION The assessment of T2 relaxation time measurements of the cartilage of the TM and the TFCC seems to be feasible and reproducible, although the inter-scanner reproducibility of T2 measurements of the TM is suboptimal. Further studies including patients are warranted to prove the utility of this tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Chianca
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Riccardo Galeazzi 4, 20161, Milan, Italy.
| | - Domenico Albano
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Riccardo Galeazzi 4, 20161, Milan, Italy.,DSezione di Scienze Radiologiche, Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata, Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Renato Cuocolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università di Napoli "Federico II", 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Carmelo Messina
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Riccardo Galeazzi 4, 20161, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122, Milano, Italy
| | - Salvatore Gitto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122, Milano, Italy
| | - Arturo Brunetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università di Napoli "Federico II", 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luca Maria Sconfienza
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Riccardo Galeazzi 4, 20161, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122, Milano, Italy
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Maas KJ, Avanesov M, Laqmani A, Weinrich J, Sauer M, Kaul MG, Adam G, Regier M, Behzadi C. Inter- and Intraobserver reproducibility of T2 relaxation times of the discus interpubicus: A feasibility study at 3 Tesla. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202698. [PMID: 30133521 PMCID: PMC6105013 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To quantify standard values of the discus interpubicus in healthy subjects and to determine reliability and repeatability using T2 relaxation time measurements at 3T. Methods 20 asymptomatic participants (10 male, 10 female; mean age: 27.3 years ±4.1, BMI: 22.2 ±1.8) underwent a 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the pelvic region in a supine position. We included sagittal and para-axial T2w sequences centred over the pubic symphysis in order to identify the complete discus interpubicus. For quantitative analysis, a multi-echo Turbo Spin Echo (TSE) sequence (including 12 echo times between 6.4 and 76.8 ms) was acquired and analysed by using an in-house developed quantification plugin tool (qMapIt) extending ImageJ. Two readers in consensus defined three central slices of the pubic symphysis with the greatest length. For each slice, both readers separately placed three regions-of-interest (ROI) covering the whole discus interpubicus. Both readers repeated the ROI placements in identical fashion after a four-week interval on the original MRI images. Statistical analysis included intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), nonparametric Wilcoxon test, Fisher exact test and mean relaxation time in ms and 95% confidence intervals. Results T2 relaxation time analysis was performed for all 20 participants. In total, a mean relaxation time of all analysed segments for both observers was 48.6 (±6.3 ms), with a mean relaxation time for observer 1 of 48.7 (±6.0 ms) and for observer 2 of 48.5 ms (±6.6ms). The calculated ICC comparing inter- and intrarater reproducibility was excellent in all segments (≥0.75). Conclusion T2 mapping of the discus interpubicus demonstrates good inter- and intrarater repeatability as well as reliability. Mean relaxation times were calculated with 48.6ms in healthy volunteers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Jonathan Maas
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maxim Avanesov
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Azien Laqmani
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julius Weinrich
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael G. Kaul
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Adam
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marc Regier
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cyrus Behzadi
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Nozaki T, Rafijah G, Yang L, Ueno T, Horiuchi S, Hitt D, Yoshioka H. High-resolution 3 T MRI of traumatic and degenerative triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) abnormalities using Palmer and Outerbridge classifications. Clin Radiol 2017; 72:904.e1-904.e10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2017.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Bae WC, Ruangchaijatuporn T, Chang EY, Biswas R, Du J, Statum S, Chung CB. MR morphology of triangular fibrocartilage complex: correlation with quantitative MR and biomechanical properties. Skeletal Radiol 2016; 45:447-54. [PMID: 26691643 PMCID: PMC4755783 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-015-2309-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate pathology of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) using high-resolution morphologic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and compare with quantitative MR and biomechanical properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five cadaveric wrists (22-70 years) were imaged at 3 T using morphologic (proton density weighted spin echo, PD FS, and 3D spoiled gradient echo, 3D SPGR) and quantitative MR sequences to determine T2 and T1rho properties. In eight geographic regions, morphology of TFC disc and laminae were evaluated for pathology and quantitative MR values. Samples were disarticulated and biomechanical indentation testing was performed on the distal surface of the TFC disc. RESULTS On morphologic PD SE images, TFC disc pathology included degeneration and tears, while that of the laminae included degeneration, degeneration with superimposed tear, mucinous transformation, and globular calcification. Punctate calcifications were highly visible on 3D SPGR images and found only in pathologic regions. Disc pathology occurred more frequently in proximal regions of the disc than distal regions. Quantitative MR values were lowest in normal samples, and generally higher in pathologic regions. Biomechanical testing demonstrated an inverse relationship, with indentation modulus being high in normal regions with low MR values. The laminae studied were mostly pathologic, and additional normal samples are needed to discern quantitative changes. CONCLUSION These results show technical feasibility of morphologic MR, quantitative MR, and biomechanical techniques to characterize pathology of the TFCC. Quantitative MRI may be a suitable surrogate marker of soft tissue mechanical properties, and a useful adjunct to conventional morphologic MR techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won C Bae
- Radiology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC 114, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA.
- Department of Radiology, University of California-San Diego, 408 Dickinson St., San Diego, CA, 92103-8226, USA.
| | - Thumanoon Ruangchaijatuporn
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Rama VI Road, Rachathewi, Bangkok, Thailand, 10400.
| | - Eric Y Chang
- Radiology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC 114, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA.
- Department of Radiology, University of California-San Diego, 408 Dickinson St., San Diego, CA, 92103-8226, USA.
| | - Reni Biswas
- Department of Radiology, University of California-San Diego, 408 Dickinson St., San Diego, CA, 92103-8226, USA.
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California-San Diego, 408 Dickinson St., San Diego, CA, 92103-8226, USA.
| | - Sheronda Statum
- Department of Radiology, University of California-San Diego, 408 Dickinson St., San Diego, CA, 92103-8226, USA.
| | - Christine B Chung
- Radiology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC 114, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA.
- Department of Radiology, University of California-San Diego, 408 Dickinson St., San Diego, CA, 92103-8226, USA.
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Abstract
Wrist and elbow MR imaging technology is advancing at a dramatic rate. Wrist and elbow MR imaging is performed at medium and higher field strengths with more specialized surface coils and more variable pulse sequences and postprocessing techniques. High field imaging and improved coils lead to an increased signal-to-noise ratio and increased variety of soft tissue contrast options. Three-dimensional imaging is improving in terms of usability and artifacts. Some of these advances have challenges in wrist and elbow imaging, such as postoperative patient imaging, cartilage mapping, and molecular imaging. This review considers technical advances in hardware and software and their clinical applications.
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