The Aging Knee: Changes in Bone Metabolic Activity & Cartilage T2 Relaxation Times Measured Using [18F] NaF PET-MRI
Motivation: This study addresses aging's impact on joint function, focusing on cartilage degradation and bone remodeling in an aging population. Goal(s): We aim to assess age-related differences in joint physiology using a combined [18F]NaF PET-MRI "stress test" with pre- and post-exercise imaging. Approach: 40 participants (22-73 years) underwent knee scans, and T2 MRI and [18F]NaF PET metrics were analyzed to assess cartilage and bone metabolic activity. Results: Older adults showed cartilage T2 increases and higher metabolic activity. Exercise-induced PET changes decreased with age. Impact: This study demonstrates the potential of a functional [18F]NaF PET-MRI 'stress test' for joint health, offering region-specific joint biomarkers. This work emphasizes the role of PET-MRI in improving understanding of how aging-related changes in the joint contribute to osteoarthritis.
Authors
- Jessica L. Asay (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6853-5461)
- Anthony A. Gatti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6717-8979)
- Yong Song (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8178-5641)
- Bryan Haddock (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9721-4712)
- Ananya Goyal (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5023-998X)
- Lauren Watkins (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3592-4089)
- Feliks Kogan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0580-7308)
- Yael Vainberg (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2954-3143)
- Rachel Shalit
Publication Details
- Journal
- Proceedings on CD-ROM - International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Scientific Meeting and Exhibition/Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Scientific Meeting and Exhibition
- Published
- 2025-09-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.58530/2025/0963
- Primary Topic
- Infrared Thermography in Medicine
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00