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Skeletal Radiology
Published in: Skeletal Radiology 6/2011

Open Access 01-06-2011 | Scientific Article

Meniscal T1rho and T2 measured with 3.0T MRI increases directly after running a marathon

Authors: Christoph Stehling, Anthony Luke, Robert Stahl, Thomas Baum, Gabby Joseph, Judong Pan, Thomas M. Link

Published in: Skeletal Radiology | Issue 6/2011

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Abstract

Purpose

To prospectively evaluate changes in T1rho and T2 relaxation time in the meniscus using 3.0 T MRI in asymptomatic knees of marathon runners and to compare these findings with those of age-matched healthy subjects.

Material and methods

Thirteen marathon runners underwent 3.0 T MRI including T1rho and T2 mapping sequences before, 48–72 h after, and 3 months after competition. Ten controls were examined at baseline and after 3 months. All images were analyzed by two musculoskeletal radiologists identifying and grading cartilage, meniscal, ligamentous. and other knee abnormalities with WORMS scores. Meniscal segmentation was performed to generate T1rho and T2 maps in six compartments.

Results

No differences in morphological knee abnormalities were found before and after the marathon. However, all marathon runners showed a significant increase in T1rho and T2 values after competition in all meniscus compartments (p < 0.0001), which may indicate changes in the biochemical composition of meniscal tissue. While T2 values decreased after 3 months T1rho values remained at a high level, indicating persisting changes in the meniscal matrix composition after a marathon.

Conclusion

T2 values in menisci have the potential to be used as biomarkers for identifying reversible meniscus matrix changes indicating potential tissue damage. T1rho values need further study, but may be a valuable marker for diagnosing early, degenerative changes in the menisci following exercise.
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Metadata
Title
Meniscal T1rho and T2 measured with 3.0T MRI increases directly after running a marathon
Authors
Christoph Stehling
Anthony Luke
Robert Stahl
Thomas Baum
Gabby Joseph
Judong Pan
Thomas M. Link
Publication date
01-06-2011
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Skeletal Radiology / Issue 6/2011
Print ISSN: 0364-2348
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2161
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-010-1058-2

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