Cartilage volume, thickness, and subchondral bone area measures obtained from multiple echo spin echo (MESE) T2 images vs validated cartilage morphometry

Abstract

Purpose: Multi-echo spin echo (MESE) MR images are commonly used in OA research for determining cartilage transverse relaxation times (T2), as a measure of cartilage composition and mechanical / functional properties. However, MESE MRI requires relatively long imaging times, and therefore sometimes competes with the acquisition of validated imaging protocols for cartilage morphometry (thickness, volume, bone area) in clinical research, such as SPGR (spoiled gradient echo) or DESS (double echo at steady state).