Insights into the Age Dependency of Compositional MR Biomarkers Quantifying the Health Status of Cartilage in Metacarpophalangeal Joints

(1) Background: We aim to investigate age-related changes in cartilage structure and composition in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints using magnetic resonance (MR) biomarkers. (2) Methods: The cartilage tissue of 90 MCP joints from 30 volunteers without any signs of destruction or inflammation was examined using T1, T2, and T1? compositional MR imaging techniques on a 3 Tesla clinical scanner and correlated with age. (3) Results: The T1? and T2 relaxation times showed a significant correlation with age (T1?: Kendall-t-b = 0.3, p < 0.001; T2: Kendall-t-b = 0.2, p = 0.01). No significant correlation was observed for T1 as a function of age (T1: Kendall-t-b = 0.12, p = 0.13). (4) Conclusions: Our data show an increase in T1? and T2 relaxation times with age. We hypothesize that this increase is due to age-related changes in cartilage structure and composition. In future examinations of cartilage using compositional MRI, especially T1? and T2 techniques, e.g., in patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the age of the patients should be taken into account.

Automated summary

Age-related changes in cartilage structure and composition in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints were investigated using magnetic resonance (MR) biomarkers. T1? and T2 relaxation times showed a significant correlation with age, while T1 did not. The increase in T1? and T2 relaxation times with age is hypothesized to be due to age-related changes in cartilage structure and composition.