Non-Invasive Imaging Biomarkers for Exertional Compartment Syndrome

Motivation: Exertional compartment syndrome (ECS) is a painful condition characterized by abnormally high muscle compartment pressures induced by exercise. The only diagnostic method is intra-compartmental pressure measurement to directly quantify pressure via needle insertion, which is a barrier to both patients and clinicians. Due to the invasiveness and lack of physicians trained for this measurement, it is often not performed, and symptoms are misdiagnosed. Goal(s): Determine if MRI can be a non-invasive alternative to the current diagnosis procedure and better understand the pathophysiology of ECS. Approach: Correlate quantitative DTI, IVIM, and T2 mapping biomarkers between patients with ECS and healthy controls. Impact: This project addresses a clinical barrier preventing diagnosis of exertional compartment syndrome. We will demonstrate the potential for MRI as a non-invasive diagnostic tool and explore its underlying mechanisms to allow for informative treatment decisions and reduce barriers to diagnosis