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High-resolution diffusivity imaging at 3.0 T for the detection of degenerative changes: a trypsin-based arthritis
Andreas Berg1, Thomas Singer, Ewald Moser
1Department of Medical Physics, University of Vienna, Woehringerstr, 13, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. berg@univie.ac.at
Rationale And Objectives:
To establish whether it is possible to quantitatively characterize the degenerative changes in cartilage that typify arthritis on a sub-150-microm resolution scale using a 3.0 T whole body MR-scanner with a reasonable measurement time.
Materials And Methods:
This problem is addressed through diffusion-microimaging investigations on an arthritis model based on the enzymatic destruction of the proteoglycans in cartilage specimen. A 35-mm birdcage resonator made high spatial resolution possible, and diffusion-micro-imaging was achieved with the use of a strong gradient system.
Results:
Diffusion-weighted and quantitative parameter maps were acquired with 117 x 234 microm2 pixel resolution in less than 9 minutes. Diffusivity profiles and parameter images exhibit an increase in diffusivity in degenerated tissue.
Conclusion:
In a trypsin-based arthritis model, the spatial localization and quantification of damaged areas have been shown to be possible on a whole body 3.0 T MR system. Measurement times achieved for these high spatial resolution studies make in vivo investigations feasible.