Meniscal Measurements of T1ρand T2 at MR Imaging in Healthy Subjects and Patients with Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate differences in T1ρ (T1 relaxation time in the rotating frame) and T2 values in the meniscus at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in both patients with varying degrees of osteoarthritis (OA) and healthy control subjects. Materials and Methods: The study was institutional review board approved and HIPAA compliant. Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects. T1ρ and T2 measurements were performed at 3.0-T MR imaging in 60 subjects deemed to be healthy (n = 23; mean age, 34.1 years ± 10.0 [standard deviation]; age range, 23–59 years), having mild OA (n = 27; mean age, 52.5 years ± 10.9; age range, 32–69 years), or having severe OA (n = 10; mean age, 61.6 years ± 11.6; age range, 50–86 years). Semiautomatic segmentation was performed to generate T1ρ and T2 maps of the menisci. Clinical findings were assessed by using Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) questionnaires. Differences in T1ρ and T2 values between the three subject groups were calculated ...