Baseline mean and heterogeneity of MR cartilage T2 are associated with morphologic degeneration of cartilage, meniscus, and bone marrow over 3 years - data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine whether the mean and heterogeneity of magnetic resonance (MR) knee cartilage T-2 relaxation time measurements at baseline are associated with morphologic degeneration of cartilage, meniscus, and bone marrow tissues over 3 years in subjects with risk factors for osteoarthritis (OA). Design: Subjects with risk factors for OA (n = 289) with an age range of 45-55 years were selected from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) database. 3.0 Tesla MR images were analyzed using morphological gradings of cartilage, bone marrow and menisci whole-organ magnetic resonance imaging scores (WORMS scoring). A T-2 mapping sequence was used to assess the mean and heterogeneity of cartilage T-2 (gray level co-occurrence matrix texture analysis). Regression models were used to assess the relationship between baseline T-2 parameters and changes in morphologic knee WORMS scores over 3 years. Results: The prevalence of knee abnormalities in the cartilage (P < 0.0005), meniscus (P < 0.00001), and bone marrow significantly (P < 0.00001) increased from baseline to 3 years in all compartments combined. The baseline mean and heterogeneity of cartilage T-2 were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with morphologic joint degeneration in the cartilage, meniscus and bone marrow over 3 years. Conclusions: The prevalence of knee abnormalities significantly increased over 3 years; increased cartilage T-2 at baseline predicted longitudinal morphologic degeneration in the cartilage, meniscus, and bone marrow over 3 years ill subjects with risk factors for OA. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Osteoarthritis Research Society International.