ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To estimate zonal variation of GAG content in reparative cartilage after matrix associated autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) using delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the cartilage (dGEMRIC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seven patients (14 cartilage defects) undergoing MACI were recruited for examination with dGEMRIC at 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure to calculate global and zonal longitudinal relaxivity (Δ R1) of the normal cartilage and reparative cartilage.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean Δ R1 values of normal cartilage were significantly lower than those of reparative cartilage after MACI. A significant decrease was noted in the mean Δ R1 values from the deep layer to the superficial layer in the reparative cartilage at the 3 examinations. The Δ R1 values of the reparative cartilage showed no significant variation between 3 months and 6 months, but a significant decrease in the Δ R1 values occurred at 12 months.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>dGEMRIC is feasible to assess cartilage repair noninvasively following MACI.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Cartilage , Pathology , Chondrocytes , Transplantation , Gadolinium , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Orthopedic ProceduresABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping in quantitative evaluation of cartilage repair following matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Six patients (with 9 plug cartilages) following MACT underwent MRI on a 3.0 Tesla MR scan system at 3, 6 and 12 months after the surgery. The full-thickness and zonal areas (deep and superficial layers) T2 values were calculated for the repaired cartilage and control cartilage.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean T2 values of the repaired cartilage after MACT were significantly higher than that of the control cartilages at 3 and 6 months (P<0.05), but not at 12 months (P=0.063). At 6 and 12 months, the T2 values of the superficial layers were significantly higher than those of the deep layers in the repaired cartilages (P<0.05). The zonal (deep and superficial layers) T2 values of the repaired cartilages decreased significantly over time at 6 and 12 months as compared to those at 3 months after the surgery (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MRI T2 mapping can serve as an important modality for assessing the repair of the articular cartilage following MACT.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Cartilage, Articular , Pathology , Chondrocytes , Transplantation , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Transplantation, AutologousABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the value of T2 mapping in monitoring the repaired cartilage after matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation/transplantation (MACI/MACT).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>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.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>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).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>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.</p>