磁共振弹性成像及其在脑疾病中的应用

Magnetic Resonance Elastography and Its Application in Brain Diseases

磁共振弹性成像(magnetic resonance elastography,MRE)是一种通过外界激励将剪切波动传递到所测量的软组织中,采用磁共振成像记录波动位移,并基于波动特征对软组织的力学参量进行估计的方法.脑组织的力学参量,尤其是粘弹参量与其生长、老化和疾病密切相关.本综述首先介绍MRE的理论原理以及软组织粘弹性的物理意义和表示方法,并以脑组织MRE为例说明MRE的技术方法及其扫描过程.其次,针对脑肿瘤和神经退行性疾病等典型的脑疾病,介绍MRE在临床研究中的应用,说明粘弹参量作为脑科学基础研究和疾病诊断的新生物标志物的意义.最后,对MRE在脑疾病和脑科学的应用相关研究热点开展了讨论.

Magnetic resonance elastography(MRE)is a method to estimate biomechanical properties of soft tissues by recording shear wave propagation using MR imaging.The wave excitation is produced by an external actuator and the properties are inversely calculated based on the wave equation.Biomechanical properties of brain tissue,especially the viscoelastic properties,are closely related to the growth,aging,and disease of brain.This review first introduces the theoretical background of MRE,followed by the physical meaning of the viscoelastic parameters and wave equations used for inversion.Scanning protocols for MRE,along with a specific example focusing on brain MRE,are also described.The paper presents various clinical applications of brain MRE,with a specific emphasis on brain tumors and neurodegenerative diseases.The application of viscoelastic properties as biomarkers in fundamental scientific research,disease diagnosis,and prognosis is discussed.We further highlight the current trends in brain MRE research covering both technical and clinical aspects,providing a reference for future neuroscience research and clinical applications.