Glycosaminoglycan distribution in cartilage as determined by delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC): potential clinical applications.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to describe a range of in vivo observations of glycosaminoglycan distribution in knee cartilage using the delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage technique.


CONCLUSIONS
The index of glycosaminoglycan distribution, T1(Gd), can exceed 500 msec (denoting high glycosaminoglycan) or can be less than 300 msec, with focal areas as low as 240 msec. Compartmental differences, as well as focal defects within the knee, were observed in patients who had sustained injuries to the ligaments and menisci of the knee or who had chronic osteoarthritis. Overall, these results suggest the need for further research into the biochemical changes seen during disease progression and the effects of therapeutic interventions.
Williams
Ashley
A
Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 4 Blackfan Cir., Rm. 147, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Gillis
Amy
A
McKenzie
Charles
C
Po
Bruce
B
Sharma
Leena
L
Micheli
Lyle
L
McKeon
Brian
B
Burstein
Deborah
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors
D003287:Contrast Media; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA