Quantitative Ultrashort Echo Time Double Echo Steady State (qUTE-DESS) for T1, T2, and Diffusivity Mapping of Human Cartilage

Motivation: A comprehensive validation of parameter mapping for T1, T2, and ADC based on qUTE-DESS has not been conducted yet. Goal(s): To investigate the feasibility and accuracy of qUTE-DESS for estimating T1, T2, and ADC parameters in human patellar cartilage and to compare these results with conventional MR techniques. Approach: The study used a qUTE-DESS sequence with variable flip angles and gradient moment adjustments. The cartilage sample was imaged using this approach and conventional imaging sequences, and the acquired data were processed using signal fitting. Results: Significant correlations exist between the parameters estimated by qUTE-DESS and those from conventional sequences. Impact: This study pioneers the comprehensive validation of T1, T2, and ADC parameter mapping using qUTE-DESS for knee joint imaging. Its findings offer a promising avenue to enhance the assessment of short T2 tissues and advance clinical applications in musculoskeletal diagnostics.