Evaluation of a 5-minute, clinically feasible T2 mapping sequence to detect ischemic injury to the developing femoral head: a piglet model study

Motivation: T2 mapping may be useful to assess the severity of ischemic injury to the femoral head in children with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Goal(s): To determine whether a 5-minute, clinically available T2 mapping sequence suitable for imaging children can detect ischemic injury in a piglet model. Approach: N=24 piglets were imaged in vivo at 3T MRI before and 0 to 14 days after onset of femoral head ischemia. T2 maps acquired using 5-minute 2D MSME and 12-minute 3D SPACE sequences were compared using 3D region of interest analyses. Results: The 5-minute sequence reliably detected increased T2 values following ischemic injury to the femoral head. Impact: Ischemic injury to the femoral head can be detected using a 5-minute, clinically available T2 mapping sequence that is suitable for imaging young children. This technique may facilitate clinical translation of T2 mapping for detection and monitoring of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.