Peter Huy Pham1, Scott Somers2, Nirmalya Ghosh3, Hiroshi Yoshioka1
1Radiologic Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, United States; 2Radiology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States; 3Non-invasive Imaging Lab, Loma Linda Univeristy Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
We attempt to identify early knee cartilage damage and distinguish it from magic angle effect using a novel orientation and thickness dependent T2 mapping approach in Osteoarthritis Initiative patients. Custom software measured T2 relaxation time in cartilage divided by orientation relative to B0 and thickness. Approximately 85% of signal heterogeneity lesions and 100% of focal lesions <1cm were detected. Lesions at 55 degrees were distinguished from magic angle effect. Some lesions were only detectable on separate analysis of deep and superficial layers. Orientation and thickness dependent T2 mapping is sensitive for early cartilage degeneration and can separate it from magic angle effect.
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