A 2018/2019 Summer Studentship research project
The results from the present investigation could contribute to the better understanding of the pathogenic role of the various calcium crystals in knee osteoarthritis, which is a very common clinical problem with a rising prevalence worldwide. Being able to identify and quantify calcium crystal deposits might also help to develop novel and targeted therapies for knee OA and calcium crystal arthritis in the long term. Multi-energy SPCCT could become the reference standard for the non-invasive diagnosis of these two conditions in vivo.
Student: Bradon Noordanus
Supervisors: Dr Aamir Raja, Dr Fabio Becce, Professor Francis Verdun, Professor Olivier Guyen (Lausanne), Professor Lisa Stamp (Christchurch)
Sponsor: Lausanne University Hospital
Project brief
Introduction
Previous research has shown that calcium crystals, such as calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) and basic calcium phosphate (BCP), may play a role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). On the contrary, other studies have shown that these crystals are only "innocent bystanders" found in both normal and osteoarthritic joints. A major limiting factor to the advance in knowledge in this field is that these crystals cannot currently be characterised in vivo with imaging. MARS multi-energy spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT) has shown promise for the detection and characterisation of calcium crystal deposits. This novel imaging technique also has the potential to quantify and map specific calcium crystal deposits.
This research project follows directly on from our previous summer student projects into Mars imaging of calcium crystals. In this project, we wish to extend our preliminary findings to 10 human excised tibial plateaus.
Aim
- To confirm our initial results that both CPP and calcium hydroxyapatite (HA) crystal deposits are found in human samples of osteoarthritic menisci excised at the time of knee joint replacement surgery
- To generate a distribution map of specific calcium crystal type in a series of osteoarthritic knee joints (both menisci and articular cartilage surfaces) from patients undergoing joint replacement surgery
Possible impact
The results from the present investigation could contribute to the better understanding of the pathogenic role of the various calcium crystals in knee osteoarthritis, which is a very common clinical problem with a rising prevalence worldwide. Being able to identify and quantify calcium crystal deposits might also help to develop novel and targeted therapies for knee OA and calcium crystal arthritis in the long term. Multi-energy SPCCT could become the reference standard for the non-invasive diagnosis of these two conditions in vivo.
Method
Dr Fabio and Prof Olivier Guyen, from Lausanne University Hospital, will provide excised human samples (menisci, tibial plateaus and femoral condyles) from 10 patients undergoing joint replacement surgery for knee OA. Samples will be stored at -20°C and transferred using dry ice (dedicated shipping) to Christchurch for scanning with the MARS scanner. The student will use previously optimized MARS imaging acquisition protocol, perform the scans under supervision, and analyze results. Calcium crystal deposits will be characterised using the MARS spectral images and their spatial distribution will be mapped in specific (sub)regions using material decomposition algorithm.
The research project fits into a broader objective to provide new insights on the role the new modality of spectral molecular imaging for early detection and characterization of articular crystals so as to improve care for sufferers of crystal arthritis by enabling better diagnosis and management of osteoarthritis.
Student researcher's component of the study
The student will gain knowledge and experience in the scientific method, working with a large research group and experience how national and international collaborations in research operate. The student will be encouraged to engage in post-graduate research with the team after their studentship.
