The Value of the T2-Weighted Multipoint Dixon MRI Sequence in Evaluation of the Bone Marrow Edema of Knee Joint

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the method of choice for the assessment of acute and chronic joint disorders due its ability to visualize bone, cartilage and soft tissues. This study aimed to determine the value of the T2-weighted multipoint Dixon technique as a single sequence in evaluation of bone marrow edema (BME ) of knee joint. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 50 bone marrow edematous patients subjected to closed MRI 1.5 T with dedicated knee coil were included at the Radiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University Hospital. All cases were subjected to standard pulse MRI sequences for imaging of the knee joint. Results: The age of the total patients ranged from 9 to 54 years with a mean ± SD of 32.6 ± 14.3 years. There were 19 (38%) females and 31 (62%) males. The contrast-to-noise ratio of lesions was significantly increased in water-only T2-weighted multipoint Dixon than fat-saturated T2-weighted (P value <0.001). There was no agreement between water-only T2-weighted multipoint Dixon and fat-saturated T2-weighted for grading of signal intensity of BME (kappa value =0.196, P value 0.484). Conclusion: T2-weighted multipoint Dixon imaging may be used as a single MRI sequence instead of conventional T1-weighted, fat-saturated T2-weighted, and contrast-enhanced fat-saturated T1-weighted imaging in detecting signs of BME of knee joint. Using a single sequence without the administration of contrast medium may save considerable time and cost while avoiding potential side effects of contrast medium.