TY - JOUR
T1 - Quantitative MRI analysis of menisci using biexponential T 2* fitting with a variable echo time sequence
AU - Juras, Vladimir
AU - Apprich, Sebastian
AU - Zbýň, Štefan
AU - Zak, Lukas
AU - Deligianni, Xeni
AU - Szomolanyi, Pavol
AU - Bieri, Oliver
AU - Trattnig, Siegfried
PY - 2014/3
Y1 - 2014/3
N2 - Purpose The goal of this study was to differentiate between normal, degenerative meniscus, and meniscal tears using monoexponentially and biexponentially calculated T2*. Meniscal disease, characterized by an altered collagen fiber matrix, might be detectable in vivo using quantitative T2* mapping. Methods A 3D Cartesian spoiled gradient echo technique was adapted to enable the use of a variable echo time approach in combination with a highly asymmetric readout. T2* was calculated monoexponentially and biexponentially using three- and five-parametric non-linear fits, respectively. Results From a total of 68 evaluated menisci, 48 were normal, 12 were degenerated, and eight had tears. Mean values for the short (T2*s) and long (T 2*l) T2* components were as follows: in normal menisci, 0.82 ± 0.38/15.0 ± 5.4 ms, respectively; in degenerated menisci, 1.29 ± 0.53/19.97 ± 5.59 ms, respectively; and, in meniscal tears, 2.05 ± 0.73 and 26.83 ± 7.72 ms, respectively. Biexponentially fitted T2* demonstrated a greater ability to distinguish normal and degenerated menisci using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis (higher area under curve as well as higher specificity and sensitivity). Conclusion This study suggests that biexponential fitting, used for T2* calculation in the menisci, provides better results compared to monoexponential fitting. Observed changes in T2* result from the matrix reorganization in degenerative processes in the menisci, which affects the collagen fiber orientation, as well as content.
AB - Purpose The goal of this study was to differentiate between normal, degenerative meniscus, and meniscal tears using monoexponentially and biexponentially calculated T2*. Meniscal disease, characterized by an altered collagen fiber matrix, might be detectable in vivo using quantitative T2* mapping. Methods A 3D Cartesian spoiled gradient echo technique was adapted to enable the use of a variable echo time approach in combination with a highly asymmetric readout. T2* was calculated monoexponentially and biexponentially using three- and five-parametric non-linear fits, respectively. Results From a total of 68 evaluated menisci, 48 were normal, 12 were degenerated, and eight had tears. Mean values for the short (T2*s) and long (T 2*l) T2* components were as follows: in normal menisci, 0.82 ± 0.38/15.0 ± 5.4 ms, respectively; in degenerated menisci, 1.29 ± 0.53/19.97 ± 5.59 ms, respectively; and, in meniscal tears, 2.05 ± 0.73 and 26.83 ± 7.72 ms, respectively. Biexponentially fitted T2* demonstrated a greater ability to distinguish normal and degenerated menisci using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis (higher area under curve as well as higher specificity and sensitivity). Conclusion This study suggests that biexponential fitting, used for T2* calculation in the menisci, provides better results compared to monoexponential fitting. Observed changes in T2* result from the matrix reorganization in degenerative processes in the menisci, which affects the collagen fiber orientation, as well as content.
KW - degeneration
KW - meniscus
KW - multiple compartment
KW - tear
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U2 - 10.1002/mrm.24760
DO - 10.1002/mrm.24760
M3 - Article
C2 - 23606167
AN - SCOPUS:84894493459
SN - 0740-3194
VL - 71
SP - 1015
EP - 1023
JO - Magnetic resonance in medicine
JF - Magnetic resonance in medicine
IS - 3
ER -