Kenyu Iwasaki MD, PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Monica Tafur MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sheronda Statum, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Reni Biswas, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Betty Tran, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eric Y. Chang MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Graeme M. Bydder MBChB, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Christine B. Chung MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The objective of this study is to implement novel MR pulse sequences to non-invasively unmask labral morphology and infrastructure, and to provide quantitative MR characterization.

Six glenoid labra were dissected from donor shoulders within 24 hours of death. Age range at death is from 41 to 94 years. MR studies were performed on a 3T Signa TwinSpeed scanner (GE Healthcare). Morphologic evaluation included T1-weighted, proton density-weighted (PD), 3D spoiled gradient echo (SPGR) and 2D/3D ultra-short echo time (UTE) sequences in sagittal and axial planes. Quantitative evaluation included 2D/3D T1 rho, UTE T1 rho, T2 and UTE T2* sequences using an in-house MatLab analysis algorithm fitting two regions of interests (ROIs) to determine average values.

Labral infrastructure was better demonstrated using 2D and 3D UTE sequences as compared with PD SE sequences. The fibrocartilage was best depicted using very short TEs (0.03 ms) whereas the collagen network was better demonstrated using slightly longer TEs (6.6 ms) where the contrast between both components was greater. Foci of increased signal intensity secondary to labral pathology were also better demonstrated with 2D and 3D UTE sequences. Quantitative MR analysis showed a bi-component decay behavior in a normal labrum with T2* value of 3.38 ms and prolongation of T2 and T2* values with labral tears and/or degeneration.

2D and 3D UTE sequences are useful to demonstrate labral infrastructure and can unmask labral pathology as compared with the standard clinical sequences. Quantitative MR analysis of the labrum also reflected labral composition and changes in normal and pathologic stages.

UTE MRI allows the visualization of labral infrastructure and can unmask pathology as compared with the standard clinical sequences.

Iwasaki, K, Tafur, M, Statum, S, Biswas, R, Tran, B, Chang, E, Bydder, G, Chung, C, High Resolution Morphologic and Quantitative MR Evaluation of the Glenoid Labrum.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14045421.html