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Abstract #0688

Advanced Bi-Exponential Analysis of T2* in the Achilles Tendon of Pre- And Post-Operative Patients Using a Variable Echo Time Sequence at 3T

Vladimir Juras1, 2, Sebastian Apprich1, Pavol Szomolanyi1, Oliver Bieri3, Xeni Deligianni3, Siegfried Trattnig1

1MR Centre of Excellence, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; 2Department of Imaging Methods, Institute of Measurement Science, Bratislava, Slovakia; 3Department of Radiology, Division of Radiological Physics, University of Basel Hospital, Basel, Switzerland


Mono-exponential curve-fitting for T2* calculation in AT can lead to misinterpretation of the results. The suggested algorithm for bi-exponential T2* fitting enables T2* to be a robust parameter that correlates with the actual clinical condition of the patient's tendon. T2* short may be a predictive marker for the probability of an AT rupture, as well as for a re-rupture after surgery. Bi-exponential fitting, although it is computationally more demanding, is also more precise and also allows distinguishing between bound and free water molecules.