Core C: Imaging Core

ABSTRACT Imaging Core Large scale knee imaging in MOST, including from MRI, radiographs and dual energy CT (DECT), has catalyzed insights into the evolution of structural disease and the relation of structural pathology to joint pain in OA. In the MOST4 program, expanded use of new imaging modalities including low-dose weight bearing CT of the lower limb and DECT will add to the richness of these assessments. Deriving valid insights from these imaging modalities requires attention to the quality of the images acquired and similar focus on the analysis and processing of the imaging data. The Imaging Core will provide for all of these imaging modalities rigorous oversight of the quality of the images and of the information gleaned from them. In doing so, the Imaging Core will enrich immeasurably insights provided by MOST4. The overall goals of the Imaging Core for MOST4 are to: 1) ensure the high quality and completeness of images acquired by the clinical centers, including 1.5T MRI of the knee (at MOST4 V1 and V2), and a group of images at MOST4 V1, including hand X-rays and weight-bearing CT of the knees and other lower limb joints, and ultrasound and DECT of the knee; 2) oversee the reading centers to ensure the high quality of data derived from the images; 3) and provide analysis ready reading center data and images needed for all four MOST4 Projects and other approved MOST projects. The Imaging Core will achieve these goals by adapting and updating methods honed and successfully applied during the past 19 years over three funding cycles of MOST. By achieving these goals, the Imaging Core will ensure that MOST4 has the high-quality joint imaging data that is essential to achieving a deeper understanding of the role of specific joint structures in OA pathogenesis, of the inter-relationship between changes in different structures and how they are in turn related to joint symptoms. The Imaging Core will also use deep learning methods to combine data from MOST3 DECT and MRI images for exploratory analyses of the role of intra-articular crystals in co-localized cartilage loss.