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T2* mapping and delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in cartilage (dGEMRIC) of glenohumeral cartilage in asymptomatic volunteers at 3 T

  • Magnetic Resonance
  • Published:
European Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objectives

To establish baseline T2* and T1Gd values of glenohumeral cartilage at 3 T.

Methods

Forty asymptomatic volunteers (mean age: 24.8 ± 2.2 years) without shoulder abnormalities were included. The MRI protocol comprised a double-echo steady-state (DESS) sequence for morphological cartilage evaluation, a gradient-echo multiecho sequence for T2* assessment, and a gradient-echo dual-flip-angle sequence for T1Gd mapping. Statistical assessment involved a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify the differences between various regions of the glenohumeral joint and intraclass correlation (ICC) analysis comparing repetitive T2* and T1Gd measures to assess intra- and interobserver reliability.

Results

Both techniques revealed significant differences between superior and inferior glenohumeral cartilage demonstrating higher T2* (26.2 ms vs. 23.2 ms, P value < 0.001) and T1Gd (750.1 ms vs. 720.2 ms, P value = 0.014) values in the superior regions. No trend was observed in the anterior-posterior measurement (P value range: 0.279–1.000). High intra- and interobserver agreement (ICC value range: 0.895–0.983) was noted for both T2* and T1Gd mapping.

Conclusions

T2* and T1Gd mapping are reliable in the assessment of glenohumeral cartilage. The values from this study can be used for comparison to identify cartilage degeneration in patients suffering from shoulder joint abnormalities.

Key Points

• T2* mapping and dGEMRIC are sensitive to collagen degeneration and proteoglycan depletion.

• This study aimed to establish baseline T2*/dGEMRIC values of glenohumeral cartilage.

• Both techniques revealed significant differences between superior and inferior glenohumeral cartilage.

• High intra-/interreader agreement was noted for both T2* mapping and dGEMRIC.

• These baseline normal values should be useful when identifying potential degeneration.

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Abbreviations

OA:

Osteoarthritis

GAG:

Glycosaminoglycan

dGEMRIC:

Delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage

GRE:

Gradient echo

DESS:

Double-echo steady state

MEDIC:

Multiecho data image combination

FA:

Flip angle

VIBE:

Volumetric interpolated breathhold examination

ROI:

Region of interest

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

ICC:

Intraclass correlation

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by a research grant from the “German Osteoarthritis Aid” (Deutsche Arthrose-Hilfe e.V.). The authors have full control of all primary data.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Faculty, Department of Orthopedics, University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany

    Bernd Bittersohl, Christin Dekkers, Hüseyin Senyurt, Rüdiger Krauspe & Christoph Zilkens

  2. Medical Faculty, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany

    Falk R. Miese, Hans-Jörg Wittsack & Gerald Antoch

  3. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthoparc Hospital, Cologne, Germany

    Jörn Kircher

  4. Department of Orthopedics, Medical School, Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany

    Bernd Bittersohl

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  1. Bernd Bittersohl
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Correspondence to Bernd Bittersohl.

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Bittersohl, B., Miese, F.R., Dekkers, C. et al. T2* mapping and delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in cartilage (dGEMRIC) of glenohumeral cartilage in asymptomatic volunteers at 3 T. Eur Radiol 23, 1367–1374 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2718-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2718-5

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