The Future Role of MR T2 Mapping in Detection of Early Cartilage Degeneration in Shoulder Joint

Abstract Background: Osteoarthritis of the shoulder or glenohumer-al osteoarthritis is referred to as progressive damage of the glenohumeral cartilage associated with bony erosions pain and a loss in function of the glenohumeral joint. Osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive joint alteration, due to a combination of mechanical, inflammatory and metabolical factors not only affect the hyaline cartilage but also the surrounding tissues, including the subchondral bone, the joint capsule and the synovium as well as the ligaments and in case of the shoulder the rotator cuff. These alterations are thought to arise from an imbalance between destruction and repair of the affected tissues. Aim of Study: To highlight the role of MR T2 mapping in early detection of cartilage degeneration. Patients and Methods: The study included 30 patients and was conducted in Radiology Department at Ain Shams University Hospitals. The patients underwent MR examination using a 1.5 T machine (Ingenia, Philips medical system, Eindhoven, Netherland) using phased array coil and T2 carti-lage mapping was added to routine examination. Results: In our work, the T2 values of the humeral and the glenoid zones were higher than those of the central zone because of the friction force, also higher T2 values have been reported in the deep layers than in the superficial layers as it is nearer to bone. Our study showed red-orange-yellow color in normal cartilages while green-blue color showed in case of cartilage degeneration. In the current study, we used the kappa agreement to show the degree of agreement between conventional MRI and T2 intensity as well as color map. Conclusion: In conclusion, the addition of T2 mapping sequence to routine MRI of the shoulder significantly increased the sensitivity for detecting cartilage lesions within the shoulder joint, with improved detection of early cartilage degeneration.