Nikolaus M. Szeverenyi1, Graeme M. Bydder1
1Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
Residual dipolar coupling (RDC) provides an important contrast mechanism when imaging fibrocartilage. The presence of RDC produces change in T2* values and gives rise to the magic angle effect, providing angle dependent contrast between fiber structures. RDC should be viewed as a fundamental measurable tissue parameter, similar to a diffusion rate or T1 value. We have developed an imaging technique allowing the evaluation of this parameter on a per voxel basis. The RDC value provides a sensitive indicator reflecting the structure of fibrocartilage tissue, e.g. direction and distribution of fibers, how much collagen is present and state of hydration.