Validation of layer specific femorotibial cartilage T2 relaxation time analysis based on registration of segmented double echo steady state to multiple echo spin echo MRI images

Abstract

Purpose: Non-invasive evaluation of cartilage composition using advanced imaging tools represents an important tool in epidemiological and clinical studies. Cartilage transverse relaxation time (T2) is an accepted imaging method to evaluate cartilage composition, specifically collagen and hydration status. T2 has been commonly evaluated from multiple echo spin echo (MESE) images and requires segmentation of the cartilage. Evaluation of cartilage thickness is often performed in parallel, using a different type of MRI, such as a double echo steady state (DESS) sequence.