title: [Quantitative T2 mapping evaluates the repaired articular cartilage].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the value of T2 mapping in monitoring the repaired cartilage after matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation/transplantation (MACI/MACT).
  
  
  METHODS
  Four patients (10 plug cartilages) were examined three times by T2 mapping at 1, 3, and 6 months using a 3.0 Tesla MR scan system. Quantitative mean (full-thickness) T2 values were calculated in the transplanted area and control cartilage. Paired t-tests were used to compare the T2 values between transplanted and control cartilage. For analysis of longitudinal T2 values, one-way analyses of variance were performed among 1, 3, and 6 months after MACI.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean T2 values of the transplanted area at 1, 3, and 6 months after MACI were (82.40±15.23), (71.09±13.06), (53.80±4.86) ms, respectively. There were significant differences between the transplanted and control cartilage at 1 and 3 months (both P<0.01) after MACI, but not at 6 months (P=0.196). There were significant differences among T2 values of 1, 3, and 6 months after MACI in transplanted area (P=0.03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  T2 mapping provides a useful tool for monitoring the biochemical development of the transplanted cartilage and can be used to evaluate the cartilage repair noninvasively.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Min
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Xian
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Shao-jun
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Han
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Yan-hua
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Tian-ming
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.affiliation: Division of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Healthcare Business, Siemens Ltd.China, Beijing 100102, China.
authors.forename: Pan-li
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Zuo
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Ning-yu
authors.initials: NY
authors.lastname: An
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D017690:Cell Transplantation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged