Virtual reality tools for training in gastrointestinal endoscopy:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Virtual reality(VR)has emerged as an innovative technology in endoscopy training,providing a simulated environment that closely resembles real-life scenarios and offering trainees a valuable platform to acquire and enhance their endoscopic skills.This systematic review will critically evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of VR-based training compared to traditional methods.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of VR-based training compared to traditional methods.By examining the current state of the field,this review seeks to identify gaps,challenges,and opportunities for further research and implementation of VR in endoscopic training.METHODS The study is a systematic review,following the guidelines for reporting systematic reviews set out by the PRISMA statement.A comprehensive search command was designed and implemented and run in September 2023 to identify relevant studies available,from electronic databases such as PubMed,Scopus,Cochrane,and Google Scholar.The results were systematically reviewed.RESULTS Sixteen articles were included in the final analysis.The total number of participants was 523.Five studies focused on both upper endoscopy and colonoscopy training,two on upper endoscopy training only,eight on colonoscopy training only,and one on sigmoidoscopy training only.Gastrointestinal Mentor virtual endoscopy simulator was commonly used.Fifteen reported positive results,indicating that VR-based training was feasible and acceptable for endoscopy learners.VR technology helped the trainees enhance their skills in manipulating the endoscope,reducing the procedure time or increasing the technical accuracy,in VR scenarios and real patients.Some studies show that the patient discomfort level decreased significantly.However,some studies show there were no significant differences in patient discomfort and pain scores between VR group and other groups.CONCLUSION VR training is effective for endoscopy training.There are several well-designed randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes,proving the potential of this innovative tool.Thus,VR should be more widely adopted in endoscopy training.Furthermore,combining VR training with conventional methods could be a promising approach that should be implemented in training.

Novel virtual nasal endoscopy system based on computed tomography scans

Background Currently,many simulator systems for medical procedures are under development.These systems can provide new solutions for training,planning,and testing medical practices,improve performance,and optimize the time of the exams.However,to achieve the best results,certain premises must be followed and applied to the model under development,such as usability,control,graphics realism,and interactive and dynamic gami-fication.Methods This study presents a system for simulating a medical examination procedure in the nasal cavity for training and research purposes,using a patient′s accurate computed tomography(CT)as a reference.The pathologies that are used as a guide for the development of the system are highlighted.Furthermore,an overview of current studies covering bench medical mannequins,3D printing,animals,hardware,software,and software that use hardware to boost user interaction,is given.Finally,a comparison with similar state-of-the-art studies is made.Results The main result of this work is interactive gamification techniques to propose an experience of simulation of an immersive exam by identifying pathologies present in the nasal cavity such as hypertrophy of turbinates,septal deviation adenoid hypertrophy,nasal polyposis,and tumor.

Precision in detecting colon lesions:A key to effective screening policy but will it improve overall outcomes?

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for the screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancer,resulting in a decrease in the incidence and mortality of colon cancer.However,it has a 21%rate of missed polyps.Several strategies have been devised to increase polyp detection rates and improve their characterization and delimi-tation.These include chromoendoscopy(CE),the use of other devices such as Endo cuffs,and major advances in endoscopic equipment[high definition,magnification,narrow band imaging,i-scan,flexible spectral imaging color enhancement,texture and color enhancement imaging(TXI),etc.].In the retrospective study by Hiramatsu et al,they compared white-light imaging with CE,TXI,and CE+TXI to determine which of these strategies allows for better definition and delimitation of polyps.They concluded that employing CE associated with TXI stands out as the most effective method to utilize.It remains to be demonstrated whether these results are extrapolatable to other types of virtual CE.Additionally,further investigation is needed in order to ascertain whether this strategy could lead to a reduction in the recurrence of excised lesions and potentially lower the occurrence of interval cancer.

Accuracy of virtual chromoendoscopy in differentiating gastric antral vascular ectasia from portal hypertensive gastropathy:A proof of concept study

BACKGROUND Accurate detection of gastric antral vascular ectasia(GAVE)is critical for proper management of cirrhosis-related gastrointestinal bleeding.However,endoscopic diagnosis of GAVE can be challenging when GAVE overlaps with severe portal hypertensive gastropathy(PHG).AIM To determine the added diagnostic value of virtual chromoendoscopy to high definition white light for real-time endoscopic diagnosis of GAVE and PHG.METHODS We developed an I-scan virtual chromoendoscopy criteria for diagnosis of GAVE and PHG.We tested our criteria in a cross-sectional cohort of cirrhotic adults with GAVE and PHG when high-definition white light endoscopy(HDWLE)diagnosis was in doubt.We then compared the accuracy of I-scan vs HDWLE alone to histology.RESULTS Twenty-three patients were included in this study(65.2%Caucasians and 60.9%males).Chronic hepatitis C was the predominant cause of cirrhosis(43.5%)and seven adults(30.4%)had confirmed GAVE on histology.I-scan had higher sensitivity(100%vs 85.7%)and specificity(75%vs 62.5%)in diagnosing GAVE compared to HDWLE.This translates into a higher,albeit not statistically significant,accuracy of I-scan in detecting GAVE compared to HDWLE alone(82%vs 70%).I-scan was less likely to lead to an accurate diagnosis of GAVE in patients on dialysis(P<0.05)and in patients with elevated creatinine(P<0.05).Iscan had similar accuracy to HDWLE in detecting PHG.CONCLUSION This pilot work supports that virtual chromoendoscopy may obviate the need for biopsies when the presence of GAVE is in doubt.Larger studies are needed to assess the impact of virtual chromoendoscopy on success of endoscopic therapy for GAVE.

Virtual reality simulators for gastrointestinal endoscopy training

The use of simulators as educational tools for medical procedures is spreading rapidly and many efforts have been made for their implementation in gastrointestinal endoscopy training. Endoscopy simulation training has been suggested for ascertaining patient safety while positively influencing the trainees' learning curve. Virtual simulators are the most promising tool among all available types of simulators. These integrated modalities offer a human-like endoscopy experience by combining virtual images of the gastrointestinal tract and haptic realism with using a customized endoscope. From their first steps in the 1980s until today, research involving virtual endoscopic simulators can be divided in two categories: investigation of the impact of virtual simulator training in acquiring endoscopy skills and measuring competence. Emphasis should also be given to the financial impact of their implementation in endoscopy, including the cost of these state-of-theart simulators and the potential economic benefits from their usage. Advances in technology will contribute to the upgrade of existing models and the development of new ones; while further research should be carried out to discover new fields of application.

Multislice CT virtual intravascular endoscopy of aortic dissection:A pictorial essay

AIM:To present our experience of using 3D virtual intravascular endoscopy(VIE) to characterize and evaluate the intraluminal appearances of aortic dissection.METHODS:Ten patients with known aortic dissection underwent dual-source computed tomography angiography and were included in the study.In addition to 2D axial and multiplanar reformatted images as well as 3D reconstructions,VIE images were created in each patient to demonstrate intraluminal views of the aorta and its branches,origin of artery branches and artery branch involvement by aortic dissection.RESULTS:Stanford A dissection was found in 8 patients and B dissection in the remaining 2 patients.VIE images were successfully generated in all of the patients with excellent visualization of the normal anatomical structures,intimal flap and intimal entrance tear,communication between true and false lumens,as well as assessment of the extent of aortic dissection.CONCLUSION:Our preliminary experience suggests that VIE could be used as a complementary tool to assist radiologists accurately evaluate aortic dissection so that better patient management can be achieved.

Enhanced CT and CT virtual endoscopy in diagnosis of heterotopic pancreas

AIM:To improve the diagnosis of heterotopic pancreas by the use of contrastenhanced computed tomography(CT)imaging and CT virtual endoscopy(CTVE).METHODS:A total of six patients with heterotopic pancreas,as confirmed by clinical pathology and immunohistochemistry in the Sixth Affiliated People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University,Shanghai,China,were included.Nonenhanced CT and enhanced CT scanning were performed,and the resulting images were reviewed and analyzed using threedimensional postprocessing software,including CTVE.RESULTS:Four males and two females were enrolled.Several heterotopic pancreas sites were involved;three occurred in the stomach,including the gastric antrum(n =2)and lesser curvature(n=1),and two were in the duodenal bulb.Only one case of heterotopic pancreas lesion occurred in the mesentery.Four cases had a solid yet soft tissue density that had a homogeneous pattern when viewed by enhanced CT.Additionally,their CT values were similar to that of the pancreas.The ducts of the heterotopic pancreas tissue,one of the characteristic CT features of heterotopic pancreas tissue,were detected in the CT images of two patients.CTVE images showed normal mucosa around the tissue,which is also an important indicator of a heterotopic pancreas.However,none of the CTVE images showed the typical signs of central dimpling or umbilication.CONCLUSION:CT,enhanced CT and CTVE techniques provide useful information about the location,growth pattern,vascularity,and condition of the gastrointestinal wall around heterotopic pancreatic tissue.

Virtual endoscopy of the urinary tract

Technological breakthroughs have advanced the temporal and spatial resolutions of diagnostic imaging, and 3 dimensional （3-D） reconstruction techniques have been introduced into everyday clinical practice. Virtual endoscopy （VE） is a non-invasive technique that amplifies the perception of cross-sectional images in the 3-D space, providing precise spatial relationships of pathological regions and their surrounding structures. A variety of computer algorithms can be used to generate 3-D images, taking advantage of the information inherent in either spiral computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging （MRI）. VE images enable endoluminal navigation through hollow organs, thus simulating conventional endoscopy. Several clinical studies have validated the diagnostic utility of virtual cystoscopy, which has high sensitivity and specificity rates in the detection of bladder tumor. Published experience in the virtual exploration of the renal pelvis, ureter and urethra is encouraging but still scarce. VE is a safe, non-invasive method that could be applied in the long-term follow-up of patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction, urinary bladder tumors and ureteral and/or urethral strictures. Its principal limitations are the inability to provide biopsy tissue specimens for histopathologic examination and the associated ionizing radiation hazards （unless MR/is used）. However, in the case of endoluminal stenosis or obstruction, VE permits virtual endoluminal navigation both cephalad and caudal to the stenotic segment. To conclude, VE provides a less invasive method of evaluating the urinary tract, especially for clinicians who are less familiar with cross-sectional imaging than radiologists. （Asian J Androl 2006 Jan; 8： 31-38）

Ultrasound virtual endoscopy: Polyp detection and reliability of measurement in an in vitro study with pig intestine specimens

AIM: To present our initial experience regarding the feasibility of ultrasound virtual endoscopy(USVE) and its measurement reliability for polyp detection in an in vitro study using pig intestine specimens.METHODS: Six porcine intestine specimens containing 30 synthetic polyps underwent USVE, computed tomography colonography(CTC) and optical colonoscopy(OC) for polyp detection. The polyp measurement defined as the maximum polyp diameter on twodimensional(2D) multiplanar reformatted(MPR) planes was obtained by USVE, and the absolute measurement error was analyzed using the direct measurement as the reference standard.RESULTS: USVE detected 29(96.7%) of 30 polyps, remaining a 7-mm one missed. There was one falsepositive finding. Twenty-six(89.7%) of 29 reconstructedimages were clearly depicted, while 29(96.7%) of 30 polyps were displayed on CTC with one false-negative finding. In OC, all the polyps were detected. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.876(95%CI: 0.745-0.940) for measurements obtained with USVE. The pooled absolute measurement errors ± the standard deviations of the depicted polyps with actual sizes ≤ 5 mm, 6-9 mm, and ≥ 10 mm were 1.9 ± 0.8 mm, 0.9 ± 1.2 mm, and 1.0 ± 1.4 mm, respectively.CONCLUSION: USVE is reliable for polyp detection and measurement in in vitro study.

Effective Virtual Reality Based Building Navigation Using Dynamic Loading and Path Optimization

Although computer capabilities have been improved significantly, a large-scale virtual reality （VR） system demands much more in terms of memory and computation than the current computer systems can offer. This paper discusses two important issues related to VR performance and applications in building navigation. These are dynamic loading of models based on cell segmentation for the optimal VR operation, and the route optimization based on path planning for easy navigation. The VR model of engineering and information technology complex （EITC） building at the University of Manitoba is built as an example to show the feasibility of the proposed methods. The reality, enhanced by three-dimensional （3D） real-time interactivity and visualization, leads navigators into a state of the virtual building immersion.

CT VIRTUAL ENDOSCOPY IN ASSESSING OSSICULAR CHAIN DISRUPTION CSUSED BY TEMPORAL BONE FRACTURE AND EAR TRAUMA

Objective To explore the value of computed tomography virtual endoscopy(VE) in assessing ossicular chain disruption in temporal bone fracture and ear trauma with intact tympanum. Methods High resolution spiral computerized tomography(CT) was completed in 35 cases of temporal bone fracture and 5 cases of tympanum trauma, all with intact or healed tympanum. Three-dimensional reconstruction was completed using a virtual endoscopy software. Audiological tests were conducted in all patients and evaluation of facial nerve injury in patients with facial paralysis. Patients with mild conductive deafness, ossicular chain subluxation on VE, and no facial paralysis were treated conservatively for 4-12 weeks with repeated hearing evaluation; those with facial paralysis underwent surgery if no recovery after 4- 8 weeks of conservative treatment. Patients with moderate to severe conductive hearing loss or mixed hearing loss, incus long process fracture or dislocation on VE and facial paralysis, underwent ossicular chain reconstruction and facial nerve decompression after conservative treatment for 4-8 weeks, or exploratory tympanotomy only if no facial paralysis. VE, audiological tests and facial nerve function tests were repeated in 3-6 months after surgery. Results Of the 6 cases with mild conductive hearing loss, ossicular chain subluxation and no facial paralysis, 3recovered to normal hearing spontaneously and 3 showed no significant improvement, after 4-12 weeks of conservative treatment. After conservative treatment for 4-8 weeks, 3 of the 12 cases with mild conductive deafness, ossicular chain dislocation on VE and facial paralysis recovered to normal hearing and HouseBrackmann(HB) grade I facial function from HB grade II,4 showed facial function recovery to HB grade I(n=2) or II(n=2) from HB grade III but no hearing recovery, and 5 gained no recovery and went on to receive exploratory tympanotomy and facial nerve decompression. The 11 cases with moderate to severe conductive deafness, incus long process fracture or dislocation on VE and facial paralysis all received ossicular chain reconstruction and facial nerve decompression after 4-8 weeks of conservative treatment. The 7 cases with moderate to severe conductive deafness, dislocated or fallen incus on VE but no facial paralysis received ossicular chain reconstruction after conservative treatment. The 4 cases with mixed hearing loss, dislocated or fallen incus on VE and no facial paralysis received ossicular chain repair via the intact canal wall epitympanum approach after conservative treatment. Pharmacological therapies continued postoperatively in these patients to treat sensorineural deafness. Although temporal bone CT scans displayed the fracture line and malleus/incus abnormalities, VE provided additional detailed information on dislocation of incudomalleal and incudostapedial joints, incus dislocation or fracture, separation between crus longum incudis and stapes, and incus shifting. These were all confirmed during surgery. VE results and surgery findings were 100% consistent in patients with ossicular chain disruption. Conclusion VE can provide reliable visual evidence for accurate assessment of traumatic ossicular chain disruption, timing of surgery and individualizing surgical strategies and postoperative follow-up.

Integration of Manufacturing Services into Virtual Environments over the Internet

Virtual reality (VR) is a rapidly developing technology that has a wide spectrum of industrial and commercial applications. Networked (distributed or shared) virtual environments (VE) are of growing interest to modern manufacturing industry; a dominating use of networked virtual manufacturing environments (VMEs) is on-line visualisation and collaborative control of 3D information. This has to be supported by real-time data transfer. To meet a broad range of common requirements for Internet-based VE communications, particularly for virtual manufacturing and collaborative design and control, this paper presents a networked virtual environment system that is designed to support networked virtual design and manufacturing. The system is implemented with manufacturing message specification (MMS) standards so as to integrate a range of manufacturing services into networked VEs over the Internet.

Computed tomography virtual endoscopy with angiographic imaging for the treatment of type Ⅳ-A choledochal cyst

Type Ⅳ-A choledochal cysts (CCs) are a congenital biliary anomaly which involve dilatation of the extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts. We present the case of a 30-year-old woman with type Ⅳ-A CC, on whom threedimensional computed tomography (3D CT) and virtual endoscopy were performed. 3D CT revealed partial dilatation in the posterior branch of the intrahepatic bile duct and a relative stricture between it and the extrahepatic bile duct. Virtual endoscopy showed that this stricture was membrane-like and separated from the surrounding blood vessels. Based on these image findings, complete cyst resection, bile duct plasty for the stricture, and hepaticojejunostomy were safely performed. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of imaging by virtual endoscopy of the biliary tract which show the surrounding blood vessels running along the bile duct.

Virtual chromoendoscopy in small bowel capsule endoscopy: New light or a cast of shadow?

AIM: To evaluate whether virtual chromoendoscopy can improve the delineation of small bowel lesions previously detected by conventional white light small bowel capsule endoscopy(SBCE). METHODS: Retrospective single center study. One hundred lesions selected from forty-nine consecutive conventional white light SBCE(SBCE-WL) examinations were included. Lesions were reviewed at three Flexible Spectral Imaging Color Enhancement(FICE) settings and Blue Filter(BF) by two gastroenterologists with ex-perience in SBCE, blinded to each other's findings, whoranked the quality of delineation as better, equivalent or worse than conventional SBCE-WL. Inter-observer percentage of agreement was determined and analyzed with Fleiss Kappa(k) coefficient. Lesions selected for the study included angioectasias(n = 39), ulcers/ero-sions(n = 49) and villous edema/atrophy(n = 12). RESULTS: Overall, the delineation of lesions was im-proved in 77% of cases with FICE 1, 74% with FICE 2, 41% with FICE 3 and 39% with the BF, with a percent-age of agreement between investigators of 89%(k = 0.833), 85%(k = 0.764), 66%(k = 0.486) and 79%(k = 0.593), respectively. FICE 1 improved the delineation of 97.4% of angioectasias, 63.3% of ulcers/erosions and 66.7% of villous edema/atrophy with a percentage of agreement of 97.4%(k = 0.910), 81.6%(k = 0.714) and 91.7%(k = 0.815), respectively. FICE 2 improved the delineation of 97.4% of angioectasias, 57.1% of ulcers/erosions and 66.7% of villous edema/atrophy, with a percentage of agreement of 89.7%(k = 0.802), 79,6%(k = 0.703) and 91.7%(k = 0.815), respectively. FICE 3 improved the delineation of 46.2% of angioecta-sias, 24.5% of ulcers/erosions and none of the cases of villous edema/atrophy, with a percentage of agreement of 53.8% [k = not available(NA)], 75.5%(k = NA) and 66.7%(k = 0.304), respectively. The BF improved the delineation of 15.4% of angioectasias, 61.2% of ulcers/erosions and 25% of villous edema/atrophy, with a per-centage of agreement of 76.9%(k = 0.558), 81.6%(k = 0.570) and 25.0%(k = NA), respectively.CONCLUSION: Virtual chromoendoscopy can improve the delineation of angioectasias, ulcers/erosions and villous edema/atrophy detected by SBCE, with almost perfect interobserver agreement for FICE 1.

MRI三维重建技术在颅神经血管压迫综合征中的应用价值

目的探讨MRI三维重建技术在颅神经血管压迫综合征责任血管识别和神经受压判定中的应用价值。方法在微血管减压术前对91例三叉神经痛及72例面肌痉挛患者行桥小脑角池段颅神经和血管成像,将获得的MRI原始数据分别进行二维和三维水平(曲面及仿真内窥镜)重建,多维度评价责任血管的数目、来源和颅神经受压程度,并将影像诊断结果与术中所见进行比较。结果三维重建技术对三叉神经痛责任血管的正确识别率为95.6%,对血管压迫神经判定的准确性为94.5%。此技术对面肌痉挛责任血管的正确识别率为91.7%,对血管压迫神经判定的准确性为89.5%。三维重建技术对责任血管与颅神经单纯性接触的判定准确率明显高于二维图像(P<0.05)。结论MRI三维重建技术可以提高责任血管识别的正确率,更加准确地检测颅神经受压程度,对于多支责任血管造成的颅神经复杂性压迫更为适用。

3D-FIESTA及MRVE在血管压迫性三叉神经痛及面肌痉挛的应用价值

目的评价高分辨3D-FIESTA成像及MRVE后处理技术显示桥小脑角的脑神经与血管的三维空间关系的能力及对血管压迫性三叉神经痛和面肌痉挛病因诊断中的价值。方法回顾性分析17例三叉神经痛及22例面肌痉挛患者。利用高分辨3D-FIESTA原始图像作MRVE重建,从不同的视角观察神经与血管的空间关系,判断有无血管压迫神经。其中6例与手术结果对照。结果①高分辨3D-FIESTA图像上,脑脊液呈高信号,神经与血管呈中等信号,对比良好;②MRVE重建可以直观地显示神经与血管的三维立体的图像,再现局部解剖结构;③面肌痉挛症状侧的血管压迫阳性率为77.3%(17/22)。三叉神经痛的症状侧血管压迫阳性率为70.6%(12/17);④6例经外科手术证实有血管受压,术后随访有5例痊愈,1例三叉神经痛患者症状明显改善。结论高分辨3D-FIESTA成像结合MRVE后处理重建能三维立体地显示桥小脑角脑神经与周围血管的空间关系,对明确三叉神经痛或面肌痉挛的病因诊断有重要价值,对神经外科医师设计和优化微血管减压手术是一种重要的影像手段。

虚拟制造环境下VE型分配泵的研发

介绍了虚拟制造技术及其分类,探讨了以设计为中心的虚拟制造技术在汽车零部件研发中的实践利用该技术,以柴油发动机VE型分配泵为研究对象,重点分析了传动部件易断裂问题,研究内容涉及产品全生命周期的各个阶段,包括虚拟样机设计、虚拟样机运动学动力学仿真、虚拟装配、有限元分析和零件虚拟加工仿真等,并对研究结果进行了实验验证结合企业实际。

多层螺旋CT仿真内窥镜在颈动脉狭窄中的诊断价值

目的:探讨多层螺旋CT仿真内窥镜技术(computed tomography virtual endoscopy,CTVE)在颈动脉狭窄中的诊断价值。方法:回顾性分析2021年1月—2023年3月期间汕头大学医学院第一附属医院收治的60例颈动脉狭窄患者的临床资料,其中男性49例,女性11例,年龄46~85(66±8)岁。所有患者均行颈部CT血管造影(computed tomography angiography,CTA)检查、颈部血管超声(cervical vascular ultrasound,CVUS)检查及数字减影血管造影(digital subtraction angiography,DSA)检查,其中CTA检查后进行CTVE成像处理。以DSA诊断结果为金标准,分析CTA联合CTVE及CVUS诊断颈动脉狭窄程度的一致性。结果:以DSA诊断结果为金标准,CTA联合CTVE及CVUS诊断颈动脉狭窄的Kappa值分别为0.764和0.756,均具有较好的一致性。CTA联合CTVE诊断不同程度颈动脉狭窄的Kappa值分别为0.702(轻度狭窄)、0.648(中度狭窄)、0.905(重度狭窄)、0.959(闭塞)。结论:CTVE在颈动脉狭窄中具有较好的诊断价值,尤其在对于颈动脉重度狭窄或闭塞的诊断中,其优势更加突出。

MRI联合CTVE在结直肠癌术前分期诊断中的应用价值分析

目的分析磁共振(MRI)联合CT仿真内窥镜(CTVE)检查在结直肠癌术前T分期诊断中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析2017年12月~2019年6月于新疆喀什地区第一人民医院确诊的60例结直肠癌患者,均行MRI及CTVE检查,且于检查后2周内接受手术治疗,以肠镜取样病理活检为金标准,将MRI检查、CTVE检查及MRI联合CTVE检查结果分别与病理结果对比分析。结果 MRI检查T分期与病理一致43例,17例不一致,T分期诊断准确率为71.67%;CTVE检查T分期与病理一致50例,10例不一致,T分期诊断准确率为83.33%;MRI联合CTVE检查T分期与病理一致57例,3例不一致,T分期诊断准确率为95.00%;MRI联合CTVE检查T分期的诊断准确率显著高于MRI、CTVE单一检查,差异有统计学意义(χ^2=11.760,3.333,P<0.05)。结论结直肠癌患者术前MRI联合CTVE检查是一种准确度高的影像学诊断方法,可准确评估术前T分期,指导治疗方案的选择。

3.0 T MR三维高分辨成像序列联合MRVE在三叉神经痛术前评估中的应用

目的探讨3.0 T MR三维高分辨成像联合MR仿真内镜(MRVE)在三叉神经痛术前评估中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析2016年4月—2017年12月40例因原发性三叉神经痛(PTN)行微血管减压术(MVD)病人的资料,其中男21例,女19例,年龄37~86岁,平均(59.6±2.2)岁。所有病人均行3.0 T MR三维高分辨成像,进行双激发平衡式稳态自由进动(3D-FIESTA-c)和三维时间飞跃法MR血管成像(3D-TOF-MRA)序列扫描,并进行MRVE重建。采用χ2检验比较三维高分辨成像及三维高分辨成像联合MRVE预判断责任血管的阳性率,并以手术结果作为金标准,分析上述2种成像方法对责任血管的检出率。结果术前40例病人采用2种成像方法检查,MR三维高分辨成像联合MRVE成像对责任血管压迫显示的阳性率(95%,38/40例)高于MR三维高分辨成像(85%,34/40例)(χ2=1.826,P=0.04)。术中发现40例PTN病人均存在责任血管压迫,其中动脉压迫33例(82.5%)、单纯静脉压迫3例(7.5%)、动静脉混合压迫4例(10.0%)。2种成像方法对动脉压迫的检出率均为100%。MR三维高分辨成像联合MRVE成像对静脉及动静脉混合压迫的检出率(71.4%,5/7)高于单独MR三维高分辨成像(14.3%,1/7)。结论 MR三维高分辨成像序列联合MRVE技术能有效显示神经与血管的三维空间关系,能够对三叉神经痛的病因诊断提供重要价值。