Ultrashort Time to Echo Magnetic Resonance Evaluation of Calcium Pyrophosphate Crystal Deposition in Human Menisci

Objectives In human menisci, we aimed to investigate whether calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition (CPPD) affects biomechanical and quantitative MR properties, and their zonal distribution. Materials and Methods From 9 cadaveric knees, sectioned triangular meniscus pieces were harvested. Samples were classified into “normal” or “CPPD” groups based upon visual inspection. Micro computed tomography scan verified CPPD. Using magnetic resonance imaging, ultrashort echo time (UTE) T2* and spin echo (SE) T2, quantitative values in 3 zones (red, red-white, and white) were determined. Using biomechanical test, indentation forces in the same zones were determined. Effects of CPPD and meniscal zone on indentation force and quantitative MR values were compared. Results On UTE MRI scans, CPPD-affected menisci exhibited punctate dark regions, found mostly (92%) in avascular white and red-white zones. Indentation forces were significantly higher for CPPD samples in the red-white (all P
Source: Investigative Radiology - Category: Radiology Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research