Robust Fitting Methods for Knee Cartilage T1ρ Quantification with Varied SNR – Preliminary results from a Multi-vendor Multi-site study

Motivation: High-resolution T1ρ mapping is desired for improved sensitivity to small lesions and less partial volume averaging effects. However, the low image SNR can induce bias in T1ρ quantification. Goal(s): To develop and evaluate advanced fitting methods of high-resolution T1ρ mapping in a multi-site multi-vendor setting. Approach: High-resolution T1ρ mapping in volunteers were collected with a harmonized protocol from three sites and three MR platforms. Data were fitted with nonlinear least-squares (NLS) fitting, noise-corrected NLS fitting (NCNLS), and maximum-likelihood estimation (MLE). Results: :NLS overestimated T1ρ while NCNLS and MLE reduced the overestimation. The results were consistent across all sitesImpact: Advanced fitting methods can reduce fitting errors induced by low SNR for high-resolution T1ρ mapping, which may provide improved diagnosis of osteoarthritis.