Correlation of histological examination of meniscus with MR images: focused on high signal intensity of the meniscus not caused by definite meniscal tear and impact on mr diagnosis of tears.
OBJECTIVE
To document the causes of high signal intensity of the meniscus which is not caused by definite meniscal tears on MR imaging, through correlation with histological examination.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
For the correlation between the MR image and histology, we obtained prospectively 31 meniscal specimens from 21 patients. Proton density-weighted turbo spin-echo MR images were used. Minimal tear, thinning of the lamellar layer, degeneration of the central layer, and radial tie fibers were detected upon histological examination, and were correlated with the corresponding MR images.


RESULTS
Minimal tear of the lamellar layer was seen in 60 zones out of 100 slides. On MR images, 29 (48.3%) of these 60 zones had high signal intensity. Thinning of the lamellar layer was seen in 24 zones, with 7 (29.2%) having high signal intensity. 57 central zones showed degenerative change in the central layer and high signal intensity on all corresponding MR images. Radial tie fibers in the central layer appeared as high signal intensity areas.


CONCLUSION
Minimal tear and thinning of the lamellar layer, degeneration and radial tie fibers of the central layer of the meniscus cause high signal intensity on MR images.
['Li|Chun Ai|CA|', 'Kim|Min Ki|MK|', 'Kim|In Hwan|IH|', 'Lee|Ju Hong|JH|', 'Jang|Kyu Yun|KY|', 'Lee|Sang Yong|SY|']
D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D003937:Diagnosis, Differential D005260:Female D005500:Follow-Up Studies D006801:Humans D007718:Knee Injuries D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging D008297:Male D008592:Menisci, Tibial D008875:Middle Aged D011446:Prospective Studies D012421:Rupture D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries
MR Knee Joint Knee injuries Menisci, tibial