RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Delayed Gadolinium-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cartilage: Clinical Associations in Obese Adults
JF The Journal of Rheumatology
JO J Rheumatol
FD The Journal of Rheumatology
SP jrheum.080997
DO 10.3899/jrheum.080997
A1 Ananthila Anandacoomarasamy
A1 Bruno M. Giuffre
A1 Steven Leibman
A1 Ian D. Caterson
A1 Garett S. Smith
A1 Marlene Fransen
A1 Philip N. Sambrook
A1 Lyn M. March
YR 2009
UL http://www.jrheum.org/content/early/2009/04/14/jrheum.080997.abstract
AB Objective Delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cartilage (dGEMRIC) is used to assess cartilage glycosaminoglycan distribution. Our aim was to determine the relationships between self-reported pain and disability, clinical variables, and serum leptin, and dGEMRIC indices in obese subjects with and without clinical knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Seventy-seven subjects were recruited from laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding or exercise and diet-weight loss programs. The dGEMRIC index was assessed on MRI according to established protocol. Regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and presence of clinical knee OA. Results Mean age and BMI were 51 ± 12.7 years and 39.6 ± 6.2 kg/m2. Twenty-three subjects (30%) had clinical knee OA (American College of Rheumatology criteria). The medial and lateral dGEMRIC indices were 538 ± 80 ms and 539 ± 86 ms. Age correlated negatively with medial (r = –0.40, p < 0.001) and lateral (r = –0.29, p = 0.012) dGEMRIC index. Subjects with clinical knee OA had significantly lower medial dGEMRIC index; however, no association was found for BMI. Varus alignment correlated with lower medial dGEMRIC index (r = –0.43, p < 0.006), while quadriceps strength correlated positively with lateral dGEMRIC index (r = 0.32, p = 0.008). There was also a negative correlation between serum leptin and lateral dGEMRIC index in women (r = –0.39, p = 0.035), with a trend in men (r = –0.52, p = 0.08). There were weak associations with physical disability, as self-reported on the WOMAC questionnaire. Conclusion In obese subjects, knee dGEMRIC index was associated with age, clinical knee OA, abnormal tibiofemoral alignment, and quadriceps strength. Longitudinal studies are required to assess the potential for improvement in dGEMRIC index with interventions such as strength training.