Quantitative T2 mapping magnetic resonance imaging of articular cartilage in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

The finding of an increased average T2 values in active synovitis for JIA patients, especially in the deep cartilage of femoral condyle, which suggests that T2 values may reflect cartilage microstructure differences that occur in JIA. T2 mapping as an objective and quantitative method may allow for early detection of cartilage changes.