Enabling Early Detection of Knee Osteoarthritis Using Diffusion-Relaxation Correlation Spectrum Imaging

Early OA is subclinical for anatomic change of cartilage, making it difficult for conventional MRI detection. This study is aimed to apply diffusion-relaxation correlation spectrum imaging (DR-CSI) to knee early-stage OA detection. DR-CSI compartment volume fractions VA, VB and VC had correlation with the modified Whole-Organ MR Imaging Scores (WORMS). VC had better ability than VA, VB, VD, T2 and ADC to discriminate early OA patients from healthy controls. The results illustrated that DR-CSI compartment volume fractions may be sensitive indicators for detecting early-stage degeneration in knee articular cartilage.