Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for predicting histological grade of hepatocellular carcinoma:Comparison with conventional diffusion-weighted imaging

AIM To compare intravoxel incoherent motion(IVIM)-derived parameters with conventional diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI) parameters in predicting the histological grade of hepatocellular carcinoma(h CC) and to evaluate the correlation between the parameters and the histological grades.METHODS A retrospective study was performed. Sixty-two patients with surgically confirmed h CCs underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with twelve b values(10-1200 s/mm^2). The apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC), pure diffusion coefficient(D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient(D*), and perfusion fraction(f) were calculated by two radiologists. The IVIM and conventional DWI parameters were compared among the different grades by using analysis of variance(ANOVA) and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of distinguishing between low-grade(grade 1, G1) and high-grade(grades 2 and 3, G2 and G3) hC C. The correlation between the parameters and the histological grades was assessed by using the Spearman correlation test. Bland-Altman analysis was used to evaluate the reproducibility of the two radiologists' measurements.RESULTS The differences in the ADC and D values among the groups with G1, G2, and G3 histological grades of HCCs were statistically significant(P < 0.001). The D* and f values had no significant differences among the different histological grades of h CC(P > 0.05). The ROC analyses demonstrated that the D and ADC values had better diagnostic performance in differentiating the low-grade h CC from the high-grade h CC, with areas under the curve(AUCs) of 0.909 and 0.843, respectively, measured by radiologist 1 and of 0.911 and 0.852, respectively, measured by radiologist 2. The following significant correlations were obtained between the ADC, D, and D~* values and the histological grades: r =-0.619(P < 0.001), r =-0.628(P < 0.001), and r =-0.299(P = 0.018), respectively, as measured by radiologist 1; r =-0.622(P < 0.001), r =-0.633(P < 0.001), and r =-0.303(P = 0.017), respectively, as measured by radiologist 2. The intra-class correlation coefficient(ICC) values between the two observers were 0.996 for ADC, 0.997 for D, 0.996 for D*, and 0.992 for f values, which indicated excellent interobserver agreement in the measurements between the two observers.CONCLUSION The IVIM-derived D and ADC values show better diagnostic performance in differentiating high-grade hC C from low-grade hC C, and there is a moderate to good correlation between the ADC and D values and the histological grades.

Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging for monitoring chemotherapeutic efficacy in gastric cancer

AIM: To assess intravoxel incoherent motion diffusionweighted imaging(IVIM-DWI) for monitoring early efficacy of chemotherapy in a human gastric cancer mouse model.METHODS: IVIM-DWI was performed with 12 b-values(0-800 s/mm2) in 25 human gastric cancer-bearing nude mice at baseline(day 0), and then they were randomly divided into control and 1-, 3-, 5- and 7-d treatment groups(n = 5 per group). The control group underwent longitudinal MRI scans at days 1, 3, 5 and 7, and the treatment groups underwent subsequent MRI scans after a specified 5-fluorouracil/calciumfolinate treatment. Together with tumor volumes(TV), the apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) and IVIM parameters [true water molecular diffusion coefficient(D), perfusion fraction(f) and pseudo-related diffusion coefficient(D*)] were measured. The differences in those parameters from baseline to each measurement(ΔTV%, ΔADC%, ΔD%, Δf% and ΔD*%) were calculated. After image acquisition, tumor necrosis, microvessel density(MVD) and cellular apoptosis were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE), CD31 and terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining respectively, to confirm the imaging findings. Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's correlation coefficient analysis were performed.RESULTS: The observed relative volume increase(ΔTV%) in the treatment group were significantly smaller than those in the control group at day 5(ΔTV_(treatment)% = 19.63% ± 3.01% and ΔTVcontrol% = 83.60% ± 14.87%, P = 0.008) and day 7(ΔTV_(treatment)% = 29.07% ± 10.01% and ΔTV_(control)% = 177.06% ± 63.00%, P = 0.008). The difference in ΔTV% between the treatment and the control groups was not significant at days 1 and 3 after a short duration of treatment. Increases in ADC in the treatment group(ΔADC%_(treatment), median, 30.10% ± 18.32%, 36.11% ± 21.82%, 45.22% ± 24.36%) were significantly higher compared with the control group(ΔADC%_(control), median, 4.98% ± 3.39%, 6.26% ± 3.08%, 9.24% ± 6.33%) at days 3, 5 and 7(P = 0.008, P = 0.016, P = 0.008, respectively). Increases in D in the treatment group(ΔD%_(treatment), median 17.12% ± 8.20%, 24.16% ± 16.87%, 38.54% ± 19.36%) were higher than those in the control group(ΔD%_(control), median-0.13% ± 4.23%, 5.89% ± 4.56%, 5.54% ± 4.44%) at days 1, 3, and 5(P = 0.032, P = 0.008, P = 0.016, respectively). Relative changes in f were significantly lower in the treatment group compared with the control group at days 1, 3, 5 and 7 follow-up(median,-34.13% ± 16.61% vs 1.68% ± 3.40%, P = 0.016;-50.64% ± 6.82% vs 3.01% ± 6.50%, P = 0.008;-49.93% ± 6.05% vs 0.97% ± 4.38%, P = 0.008, and-46.22% ± 7.75% vs 8.14% ± 6.75%, P = 0.008, respectively). D* in the treatment group decreased significantly compared to those in the control group at all time points(median,-32.10% ± 12.22% vs 1.85% ± 5.54%, P = 0.008;-44.14% ± 14.83% vs 2.29% ± 10.38%, P = 0.008;-59.06% ± 19.10% vs 3.86% ± 5.10%, P = 0.008 and-47.20% ± 20.48% vs 7.13% ± 9.88%, P = 0.016, respectively). Furthermore, histopathologic findings showed positive correlations with ADC and D and tumor necrosis(r_s = 0.720, P < 0.001; r_s = 0.522, P = 0.007, respectively). The cellular apoptosis of the tumor also showed positive correlations with ADC and D(r_s = 0.626, P = 0.001; r_s = 0.542, P = 0.005, respectively). Perfusionrelated parameters(f and D*) were positively correlated to MVD(r_s = 0.618, P = 0.001; r_s = 0.538, P = 0.006, respectively), and negatively correlated to cellular apoptosis of the tumor(r_s =-0.550, P = 0.004; r_s =-0.692, P < 0.001, respectively).CONCLUSION: IVIM-DWI is potentially useful for predicting the early efficacy of chemotherapy in a human gastric cancer mouse model.

Liver intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging for the assessment of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in children

AIM To evaluate the correlation between intravoxel incoherent motion(IVIM) diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI) parameters and the degree of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in children.METHODS This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board. The children(≤ 18 years) who underwent liver IVIM DWI with 8 b-values under the suspicion of hepatic steatosis or fibrosis from February 2013 to November 2016 were included. Subjects were divided into normal, fatty liver(FAT), and fibrotic liver(FIB) groups. The slow diffusion coefficient(D), fast diffusion coefficient(D*), perfusion fraction(f), and apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) were measured. MR proton density fat fraction(PDFF), MR elastography(MRE), and IVIM values were compared.RESULTS A total of 123 children(median age of 12 years old, range: 6-18 years) were included, with 8 in the normal group, 93 in the FAT group, and 22 in the FIB group. The D* values were lower in the FIB group compared with those of the normal(P = 0.015) and FAT(P = 0.003) groups. The f values were lower in the FIB group compared with the FAT group(P = 0.001). In multivariate analyses, PDFF value was positively correlated with f value(β = 3.194, P < 0.001), and MRE value was negatively correlated with D* value(β =-7.031, P = 0.032). The D and ADC values were not influenced by PDFF or MRE value.CONCLUSION In liver IVIM DWI with multiple b-values in children, there was a positive correlation between hepatic fat and blood volume, and a negative correlation between hepatic stiffness and endovascular blood flow velocity, while diffusion-related parameters were not affected.

Chemotherapy response evaluation in a mouse model of gastric cancer using intravoxel incoherent motion diffusionweighted MRI and histopathology

AIM To determine the role of intravoxel incoherent motion(IVIM) diffusion-weighted(DW) magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) using a bi-exponential model in chemotherapy response evaluation in a gastric cancer mouse model.METHODS Mice bearing MKN-45 human gastric adenocarcinoma xenografts were divided into four treated groups(TG1, 2, 3 and 4, n = 5 in each group) which received Fluorouracil and Calcium Folinate and a control group(CG, n = 7). DW-MRI scans with 14 b-values(0-1500 s/mm2) were performed before and after treatment on days 3, 7, 14 and 21. Fast diffusion component(presumably pseudo-perfusion) parameters including the fast diffusion coefficient(D*) and fraction volume(f p), slow diffusion coefficient(D) and the conventional apparent diffusion coefficients(ADC) were calculated by fitting the IVIM model to the measured DW signals. The median changes from the baseline to each posttreatment time point for each measurement(ΔADC, ΔD* and Δf p) were calculated. The differences in the median changes between the two groups were compared using the mixed linear regression model by the restricted maximum likelihood method shown as z values. Histopathological analyses including Ki-67, CD31, TUNEL and H&E were conducted in conjunction with the MRI scans. The median percentage changes were compared with the histopathological analyses between the pre-and post-treatment for each measurement.RESULTS Compared with the control group, D* in the treated group decreased significantly(ΔD*treated% =-30%,-34% and-20%, with z =-5.40,-4.18 and-1.95. P = 0.0001, 0.0001 and 0.0244) and f p increased significantly(Δfptreated% = 93%, 113% and 181%, with z = 4.63, 5.52, and 2.12, P = 0.001, 0.0001 and 0.0336) on day 3, 7 and 14, respectively. Increases in ADC in the treated group were higher than those in the control group on days 3 and 14(z = 2.44 and 2.40, P = 0.0147 and P = 0.0164). CONCLUSION Fast diffusion measurements derived from the biexponential IVIM model may be more sensitive imaging biomarkers than ADC to assess chemotherapy response in gastric adenocarcinoma.

Could intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging be feasible and beneficial to the evaluation of gastrointestinal tumors histopathology and the therapeutic response?

Gastrointestinal tumors(GTs)are among the most com-mon tumors of the digestive system and are among the leading causes of cancer death worldwide.Functional magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)is crucial for assessment of histopathological changes and therapeutic responses of GTs before and after chemotherapy and radiotherapy.A new functional MRI technique,intravoxel incoherent motion(IVIM),could reveal more detailed useful information regarding many diseases.Currently,IVIM is widely used for various tumors because the derived parameters(diffusion coefficient,D;pseudo-perfusion diffusion coefficient,D*;and perfusion fraction,f)are thought to be important surrogate imaging biomarkers for gaining insights into tissue physiology.They can simultaneously reflect the microenvironment,microcirculation in the capillary network(perfusion)and diffusion in tumor tissues without contrast agent intra-venous administration.The sensitivity and specificity of these parameters used in the evaluation of GTs vary,the results of IVIM in GTs are discrepant and the variability of IVIM measurements in response to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in these studies remains a source of controversy.Therefore,there are questions as to whether IVIM diffusion-weighted MRI is feasible and helpful in the evaluation of GTs,and whether it is worthy of expanded use.

Value of intravoxel incoherent motion in detecting and staging liver fibrosis: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis(LF) is a common pathological feature of all chronic liver diseases.With the accumulation of extracellular matrix in the fibrotic liver, true molecular water diffusion and perfusion-related diffusion are restricted. Intravoxel incoherent motion(IVIM) can capture the information on tissue diffusivity and microcapillary perfusion separately and reflect the fibrotic severity with diffusion coefficients.AIM To investigate the diagnostic performance of IVIM in detecting and staging LF with histology as a reference standard.METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify studies on the diagnostic accuracy of IVIM for assessment of histologically proven LF. The stages of LF were classified as F0(no fibrosis), F1(portal fibrosis without septa),F2(periportal fibrosis with few septa), F3(septal fibrosis), and F4(cirrhosis)according to histopathological findings. Data were extracted to calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio, as well as the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC) in each group.RESULTS A total of 12 studies with 923 subjects were included in this meta-analysis with 5 studies(n = 465) for LF ≥ F1, 9 studies(n = 757) for LF ≥ F2, 4 studies(n = 413) for LF ≥ F3, and 6 studies(n = 562) for LF = F4. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were estimated to be 0.78(95% confidence interval: 0.73-0.82) and 0.81(0.74-0.86)for LF ≥ F1 detection with IVIM;0.82(0.79-0.86) and 0.80(0.75-0.84) for staging F2 fibrosis;0.85(0.79-0.90) and 0.83(0.77-0.87) for staging F3 fibrosis, and 0.90(0.84-0.94) and 0.75(0.70-0.79) for detecting F4 cirrhosis, respectively. The AUCs for LF≥ F1, F2, F3, F4 detection were 0.862(0.811-0.914), 0.883(0.856-0.909), 0.886(0.865-0.907), and 0.899(0.866-0.932), respectively. Moderate to substantial heterogeneity was observed with inconsistency index(I2) ranging from 0% to 77.9%. No publication bias was detected.CONCLUSION IVIM is a noninvasive tool with good diagnostic performance in detecting and staging LF. Optimized and standardized IVIM protocols are needed to further improve its diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice.

Application of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging in hepatocellular carcinoma

The morbidity and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)rank 6th and 4th,respectively,among malignant tumors worldwide.Traditional diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI)uses the apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)obtained by applying the monoexponential model to reflect water molecule diffusion in active tissue;however,the value of ADC is affected by microcirculation perfusion.Using a biexponential model,intravoxel incoherent motion(IVIM)-DWI quantitatively measures information related to pure water molecule diffusion and microcirculation perfusion,thus compensating for the shortcomings of DWI.The number of studies examining the application of IVIM-DWI in patients with HCC has gradually increased over the last few years,and many results show that IVIMDWI has vital value for HCC differentiation,pathological grading,and predicting and evaluating the treatment response.The present study principally reviews the principle of IVIM-DWI and its research progress in HCC differentiation,pathological grading,predicting and evaluating the treatment response,predicting postoperative recurrence and predicting gene expression prediction.

Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion Weighted Imaging for the Therapeutic Response of Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) can not only observe the diffusion of tissue water molecules but also reflect the blood perfusion information of tissue microcirculation. IVIM-DWI has been applied in many clinical areas. However, few studies have addressed the use of IVIM-DWI for the evaluation of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) response in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to explore the role of IVIM-DWI for the therapeutic response of TACE for HCC. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients underwent IVIM-DWI scan on a 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging instrument 1 - 3 days before and 30 to 40 days after TACE. The values of IVIM-DWI parameters, including standard apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure diffusion coefficient (Dslow), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (Dfast) and perfusion fraction (f) were measured. The values of IVIM-DWI parameters before and after TACE were compared using paired t tests. The values between responsive and non-responsive groups were compared using independent-samples t test. P 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: After TACE, the ADC and Dslow values in the tumors increased significantly, and the values of Dfast decreased significantly, while the values of f value did not change obviously. The ADC values in responsive group were remarkably higher than those in non-responsive group, the Dfast values in responsive group were significantly lower than those in non-responsive group, but the values of Dslow and f between the two groups were not different significantly. Conclusions: IVIM-DWI parameters can be used as potential markers for the therapeutic response of TACE for HCC.

Application Progress of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pancreatic Cancer

Intravoxel incoherent motion imaging (IVIM), on the traditional diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) technology, uses the biexponential model and adopts the multi-b-value analysis to obtain the perfusion information of water molecule diffusion and microcirculation without the use of contrast agent. It is more and more used in pancreatic diseases, which is of great significance for the diagnosis and identification of pancreatic cancer. This article will review the principles of IVIM imaging and its application in pancreatic diseases, especially in pancreatic cancer diagnosis, the prediction of pathological grade of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the judgment of lymph node metastasis, and differentiation of pathological classification.

Intravoxel incoherent motion magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of cervical cancer and evaluation of response of uterine cervical cancer to radiochemotherapy: A pilot study

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of intravoxel incoherent motion(IVIM) diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) to diagnose cervical cancer and to evaluate the response of uterine cervical cancer to radiochemotherapy(CRT).Methods This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. A total of 23 patients with primary cervical cancer who were undergoing CRT and 16 age-matched healthy subjects were prospectively recruited for IVIM(b = 0–800 s/mm2) and standard pelvic MRI. Bi-exponential analysis was performed to derive f(perfusion fraction), D*(pseudo-diffusion coefficient), and D(true molecular diffusion coefficient) in cervical cancer(n = 23) and the normal cervix(n = 16). The apparent diffusion coefficient(standard ADC) was calculated. The independent-samples t-test and paired-samples t-test were used for comparisons.Results Pre-treatment cervical cancer had the lowest standard ADC(1.15 ± 0.13 × 10-3 mm2/s) and D(0.89 ± 0.10 × 10-3 mm2/s) values, and these were significantly different from the normal cervix and posttreatment cervical cancer(P = 0.00). The f(16.67 ± 5.85%) was lowest in pre-treatment cervical cancer and was significantly different from the normal cervix and post-treatment cervical cancer(p = 0.012 and 0.00, respectively). No difference was observed in D*.Conclusion IVIM is potentially promising for differentiating between the normal cervix and cervical cancer because pre-treated cervical cancer has low perfusion and diffusion IVIM characteristics. Further, the standard ADC, D, and f of cervical cancer showed a tendency to normalize after CRT; thus, IVIM may be useful for monitoring the response to CRT in cervical cancer.

基于扩散加权成像及MRI对四肢软组织肿瘤的诊断价值

目的 探讨基于扩散加权成像及MRI对四肢软组织肿瘤(soft tissue tumors,STTs)的诊断价值。方法 选取本院经病理证实的四肢STTs患者74例,其中良性46例(良性组)、恶性28例(恶性组),均行常规MRI、DWI、IVIM及DKI扫描,分析两组常规MRI检查征象及诸参数差异,包括表观扩散系数(ADC)、真实扩散系数(D)、灌注相关扩散系数(D~*)、灌注分数(f)、平均扩散峰度值(MK)和平均扩散率(MD);运用ROC曲线分析其诊断效能。结果 恶性组肿瘤边界多不清且呈浸润性生长,以团块状为主,瘤周水肿、筋膜尾征多见,50.0%瘤内可见分隔,两组间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。恶性组ADC、D和MD值小于良性组,而MK值高于良性组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。D~*和f值两组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。ADC、D、MD、MK值在鉴别四肢STTs良恶性方面均具有一定诊断效能:AUC≥0.688,敏感度≥63.0%,特异度≥67.9%,准确度≥64.9%,其中MD值的诊断效能、特异度最高。ADC+D+MD+MK联合后,AUC为0.887,诊断效能均高于单一参数(Z=1.978~3.101;P<0.05),敏感度为76.1%,特异度为92.9%,准确度78.4%。结论 基于扩散加权成像及MRI对四肢STTs良恶性有较好的判断价值,值得临床推广。

多参数MRI联合临床危险因素术前预测直肠癌淋巴血管间隙侵犯的应用价值

目的探讨多参数MRI联合临床危险因素术前预测直肠癌淋巴血管间隙侵犯(LSVI)的价值。方法回顾性分析池州市人民医院2022年4月至2023年11月经术后病理证实的38例直肠癌患者的临床及影像学资料,所有患者均行常规MRI、合成MRI及IVIM-DWI序列扫描。依据术后病理结果分为LVSI阳性组(n=14)和LVSI阴性组(n=24)。采用单因素和多因素logistic回归分析LVSI阳性组和LVSI阴性组的临床资料,分析LVSI的临床危险因素;比较两组患者合成MRI(T1值、T2值、PD值)及IVIM-DWI参数(D值、D*值、f值),采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评价各定量参数预测模型及联合临床危险因素预测模型的诊断效能。结果合成MRI的T2值及IVIM-DWI的D值、f值在直肠癌LVSI阳性组和阴性组中比较差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。术前CEA(OR=10.818,95%CI:1.391~84.124)及临床N分期(OR=11.852,95%CI:1.534~91.552)是直肠癌LVSI的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。单独的T2值、D值、f值及三者联合的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.801、0.747、0.766、0.807,联合临床危险因素的预测模型效能最高(AUC=0.845),灵敏度为78.58%,特异度为100%。结论多参数MRI术前可有效预测直肠癌LVSI的状态,结合临床危险因素的联合预测模型可进一步提升预测效能,有助于临床医师制定个性化直肠癌治疗方案。

Value of multiple models of diffusion-weighted imaging to predict hepatic lymph node metastases in colorectal liver metastases patients

BACKGROUND About 10%-31% of colorectal liver metastases(CRLM)patients would concomitantly show hepatic lymph node metastases(LNM),which was considered as sign of poor biological behavior and a relative contraindication for liver resection.Up to now,there’s still lack of reliable preoperative methods to assess the status of hepatic lymph nodes in patients with CRLM,except for pathology examination of lymph node after resection.AIM To compare the ability of mono-exponential,bi-exponential,and stretchedexponential diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI)models in distinguishing between benign and malignant hepatic lymph nodes in patients with CRLM who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery.METHODS In this retrospective study,97 CRLM patients with pathologically confirmed hepatic lymph node status underwent magnetic resonance imaging,including DWI with ten b values before and after chemotherapy.Various parameters,such as the apparent diffusion coefficient from the mono-exponential model,and the true diffusion coefficient,the pseudo-diffusion coefficient,and the perfusion fraction derived from the intravoxel incoherent motion model,along with distributed diffusion coefficient(DDC)andαfrom the stretched-exponential model(SEM),were measured.The parameters before and after chemotherapy were compared between positive and negative hepatic lymph node groups.A nomogram was constructed to predict the hepatic lymph node status.The reliability and agreement of the measurements were assessed using the coefficient of variation and intraclass correlation coefficient.RESULTS Multivariate analysis revealed that the pre-treatment DDC value and the short diameter of the largest lymph node after treatment were independent predictors of metastatic hepatic lymph nodes.A nomogram combining these two factors demonstrated excellent performance in distinguishing between benign and malignant lymph nodes in CRLM patients,with an area under the curve of 0.873.Furthermore,parameters from SEM showed substantial repeatability.CONCLUSION The developed nomogram,incorporating the pre-treatment DDC and the short axis of the largest lymph node,can be used to predict the presence of hepatic LNM in CRLM patients undergoing chemotherapy before surgery.This nomogram was proven to be more valuable,exhibiting superior diagnostic performance compared to quantitative parameters derived from multiple b values of DWI.The nomogram can serve as a preoperative assessment tool for determining the status of hepatic lymph nodes and aiding in the decision-making process for surgical treatment in CRLM patients.

IVIM-DWI基于肝段水平对肝纤维化患者测量的可重复性及诊断效能

目的评估肝纤维化患者应用体素内不相干运动扩散加权成像(IVIM-DWI)测量的可重复性,并评估基于肝右叶肝段的IVIM-DWI相关参数对早期及中晚期肝纤维化的诊断效能。方法2020年6月~2022年9月期间招募早期肝纤维化及晚期肝纤维化患者,使用IVIM-DWI序列进行肝脏扫描。两名检查者基于肝右叶各段水平,应用单指数模型、双指数模型和拉伸指数模型测量相关参数数据。对获得的测量数据应用变异系数(CV)进行可重复性检验,剔除可重复性较低(CV>20%)的肝段参数后,用Logistic回归分析最终纳入的IVIM-DWI参数,计算诊断效能并描绘ROC曲线。结果59名早期肝纤维化和38名晚期肝纤维化患者被纳入研究。获得的数据中,D*(CV:29.25%~41.47%)和DDC(CV:22.44%~30.63%)的可重复性较差,而ADC(CV:5.29%~9.76%)、D(9.53%~13.22%)、f(CV:12.83%~16.95%)和α(CV:8.82%~15.52%)的可重复性较好。剔除可重复性较低的参数后,Logistic回归分析建立早期肝纤维化与晚期肝纤维化组的诊断模型并描绘ROC曲线,最终纳入模型的肝段水平参数为SⅦD及SⅧf,最终回归模型的曲线下面积(AUC)为0.857。结论基于肝段的高可重复性,IVIM-DWI对肝纤维化仍能获得较好的诊断效能,其中D、f参数以及肝右叶上段SⅦ、SⅧ在满足可重复性的前提下,可能是较稳定的肝纤维化分级诊断因素。

肾脏IVIM最佳水化状态及稳定性、可重复性研究

目的探讨行肾脏体素内不相干运动成像(intravoxel incoherent motion,IVIM)检查的最佳水化状态,并分析检查结果的稳定性和可重复性。方法选取健康成年人志愿者40例,每例志愿者均分别在禁饮食12 h、禁饮食4 h及水利尿三种状态下行肾脏IVIM检查;其中36例志愿者在间隔半年后,在禁饮食4 h状态下重复行肾脏IVIM检查。结果三种不同水化状态下,肾皮质(F=1.870,P=0.163)及髓质(F=0.579,P=0.562)D值间的差异无统计学意义,肾皮质(F=0.188,P=0.829)及髓质(F=0.008,P=0.992)D*值间的差异均无统计学意义,肾皮质(F=1.317,P=0.216)及髓质(F=0.336,P=0.715)f值间的差异均无统计学意义。结论水化状态不影响肾脏IVIM的检查结果,肾脏IVIM检查有很高的稳定性和可重复性;肾脏IVIM检查可以监测正常肾脏的微循环状态及血流灌注状态。

功能磁共振评估宫内发育迟缓仔鼠肾脏微观结构及灌注改变

目的探讨体素内不相干运动(intravoxel incoherent motion,IVIM)、纵向弛豫时间定量成像(T1 mapping)、横向弛豫时间定量成像(T2 mapping)等功能磁共振成像技术评估宫内发育迟缓(intrauterine growth restriction,IUGR)仔鼠的肾脏微观结构及灌注改变的价值。方法通过孕期低蛋白饮食法建立IUGR仔鼠模型。低蛋白饮食孕鼠所产仔鼠随机分为IUGR8周组、IUGR12周组,正常饮食孕鼠所产仔鼠随机分为正常8周组、正常12周组,各组n=8。比较各组仔鼠肾脏皮质、髓质的表观弥散系数(apparent diffusion coefficient,ADC)、真实扩散系数(D_(t))、伪扩散系数(D*)、灌注分数(f)、T1值、T2值,以及血肌酐、血尿素氮水平。结果IUGR 12周组肾脏髓质Dt值高于IUGR 8周组,IUGR 12周组肾脏髓质D*值低于正常12周组与IUGR 8周组(P<0.05);IUGR 8周组肾脏髓质T1值高于皮质,IUGR 12周组肾脏髓质T1值高于IUGR 8周组与正常12周组,IUGR 12周组肾脏皮质T1值高于正常12周组(P<0.05);各组内肾脏髓质T2值均高于皮质(P<0.05),各组间肾脏皮质及髓质的T2值比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。各组血肌酐及血尿素氮含量比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。IUGR 8周组仔鼠肾脏可见肾小球增生肥大,未见明显纤维化改变;IUGR 12周组仔鼠肾脏可见肾小球萎缩,囊腔狭窄,间质出现炎性细胞浸润及纤维化。结论IVIM磁共振成像可用于评估及动态观察IUGR仔鼠肾脏微观结构及灌注损伤,T1 mapping磁共振成像可用于评估IUGR仔鼠肾脏损伤,T1 mapping联合T2 mapping磁共振成像可进一步分辨IUGR仔鼠的肾脏纤维化。

IVIM联合DKI成像技术在肝纤维化分级中的应用价值

目的探讨体素内不相干运动成像(IVIM)联合扩散峰度成像(DKI)成像技术在肝纤维化分级中的应用价值。方法选取我院2021年10月至2023年6月期间80例肝纤维化患者(F1期29例、F2期27例、F3-4期24例),纳入观察组,同时期健康体检者50例,纳入对照组,均行肝脏MRI检查,获取IVIM、DKI参数。比较观察组与对照组以及观察组不同肝纤维化分级患者的IVIM、DKI参数,分析各参数与肝纤维化分级之间的相关性,分析肝纤维化分级≥F2期的独立相关因素,构建预测模型,采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析模型的预测价值。结果观察组IVIM参数ADC、D、D、f值及DKI参数MD值均小于对照组(P<0.05),DKI参数MK、K值均大于对照组(P<0.05);F3-4期患者IVIM参数ADC、D、D、f值及DKI参数MD值均小于F1期、F2期患者(P<0.05),DKI参数MK、K值均大于F1期、F2期患者(P<0.05);Spearman相关性分析显示,肝纤维化分级与ADC、D、D、f、MD值均呈负相关(P<0.05),与MK、K值均呈正相关(P<0.05);Logistic多因素回归分析显示,ADC、D、D、f、MD值均为肝纤维化分级≥F2期的独立相关因素(P<0.05);构建肝纤维化分级≥F2期的预测模型:Y=-4.512-2.819 X1-2.412 X2-1.763 X3-1.338 X4-1.582 X5,ROC曲线显示该模型预测肝纤维化分级≥F2期的ROC曲线下面积为0.926(95%CI=0.881-0.970,P<0.001),最佳截断值对应的敏感度、特异度、约登指数分别为89.20%、87.80%、0.770,拟合优度检验显示χ^(2)=8.205,P=0.084,调整后的R2=0.823。结论IVIM与DKI在肝纤维化分级中具有一定应用价值,结合IVIM与DKI参数所构建的预测模型对于肝纤维化分级≥F2期的患者具有较高的预测精度。

多参数磁共振成像鉴别低高危前列腺癌的应用价值

目的 探讨体素内不相干运动扩散加权成像(IVIM-DWI)和扩散峰度成像(DKI)参数在不同Gleason评分前列腺癌(PCa)间的差异,并评估其鉴别低高危PCa的应用价值。方法 回顾2018年1至12月浙江中医药大学附属第一医院经病理检查证实为PCa的49例患者资料,其中低危PCa患者(Gleason评分≤3+4)13例,高危PCa患者(Gleason评分≥4+3)36例。所有患者均行常规前列腺MRI、IVIM-DWI和DKI序列扫描。勾画PCa感兴趣区(PCa-ROI)并测量其表观扩散系数(ADC值)、IVIM主要参数[真性扩散系数(D值)、伪扩散系数(D^(*)值)、灌注分数(f值)]和DKI主要参数[平均扩散系数(MD值)、平均峰度(MK值)]。比较低危组与高危组间各参数的差异,并绘制ROC曲线分析各参数鉴别低高危PCa的效能。结果 低危组的ADC值、D值、D^(*)值、f值、MD值和MK值分别为0.654±0.125、0.355±0.142、18.700(4.290,48.300)、0.421±0.143、1.914±0.506、0.791±0.206;高危组的ADC值、D值、D^(*)值、f值、MD值和MK值分别为0.550±0.118、0.382±0.115、11.600(5.363,29.950)、0.332±0.137、1.496±0.502、0.946±0.196。其中ADC值、MD值和MK值比较差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05),而D值、D^(*)值、f值比较差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。ADC值、MD值和MK值鉴别低高危PCa时,AUC分别为0.732、0.739和0.750,灵敏度分别为0.692、0.769和0.639,特异度分别为0.750、0.728和0.846。结论 传统ADC值对鉴别低高危PCa已具有一定应用价值,而部分DKI参数具有相同效果,且可能会在其他方面为其提供补充。

DCE-MRI联合IVIM-DWI预测早期宫颈癌盆腔淋巴结转移的价值

目的探讨动态对比增强MRI(dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI,DCE-MRI)联合体素内不相干运动扩散加权成像(intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging,IVIM-DWI)预测早期宫颈癌盆腔淋巴结转移(pelvic lymph node metastasis,PLNM)的价值。材料与方法回顾性分析124例经病理证实为国际妇产科联盟(International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics,FIGO)ⅠB~ⅡA期宫颈癌患者的临床及影像资料,比较PLNM组与无PLNM组原发肿瘤DCE-MRI及IVIM-DWI定量参数的差异,采用多因素logistic回归分析确定独立危险因素,绘制受试者工作特征(receiver operating characteristic,ROC)曲线评估各参数诊断效能。结果PLNM组容积转运常数(volume transfer constant,K^(trans);t=6.203,P<0.001)、灌注分数(perfusion fraction,f;t=3.944,P<0.001)、表观扩散系数(apparent diffusion coefficient,ADC;Z=4.393,P<0.001)、细胞外血管外间隙容积比(extravascular extracellular volume fraction,V_(e);Z=2.312,P=0.021)低于无PLNM组,差异均有统计学意义,多因素logistic回归分析示K^(trans)(P<0.001)、f(P=0.003)、ADC(P=0.031)是宫颈癌PLNM的独立危险因素,ROC曲线示K^(trans)、f、ADC预测PLNM的曲线下面积(area under the curve,AUC)分别为0.808、0.707、0.745;与单一参数相比,三者联合预测PLNM的诊断效能最高,AUC为0.893,敏感度和特异度分别为82.4%、86.8%。结论早期宫颈癌原发肿瘤DCE-MRI的K^(trans)、V_(e)及IVIM-DWI的f、ADC有助于鉴别PLNM。独立危险因素K^(trans)、f、ADC具有较高的预测价值,三者联合应用可进一步提高诊断效能。

Quantitative Measurement of Cerebral Perfusion with Intravoxel Incoherent Motion in Acute Ischemia Stroke： Initial Clinical Experience

Background：Intravoxel incoherent motion （IVIM） has the potential to provide both diffusion and perfusion information without an exogenous contrast agent,its application for the brain is promising,however,feasibility studies on this are relatively scarce.The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of IVIM perfusion in patients with acute ischemic stroke （AIS）.Methods：Patients with suspected AIS were examined by magnetic resonance imaging within 24 h of symptom onset.Fifteen patients （mean age was 68.7 ± 8.0 years） who underwent arterial spin labeling （ASL） and diffusion-weighted imaging （DWI） were identified as having AIS with ischemic penumbra were enrolled,where ischemic penumbra referred to the mismatch areas of ASL and DWI.Eleven different b-values were applied in the biexponential model.Regions of interest were selected in ischemic penumbras and contralateral normal brain regions.Fast apparent diffusion coefficients （ADCs） and ASL cerebral blood flow （CBF） were measured.The paired t-test was applied to compare ASL CBF,fast ADC,and slow ADC measurements between ischemic penumbras and contralateral normal brain regions.Linear regression and Pearson＇s correlation were used to evaluate the correlations among quantitative results.Results：The fast ADCs and ASL CBFs of ischemic penumbras were significantly lower than those of the contralateral normal brain regions （1.93 ± 0.78 μm2/ms vs.3.97 ± 2.49 μm2/ms,P =0.007;13.5 ± 4.5 ml· 100 g-1 ·min-1 vs.29.1 ± 12.7 ml·100 g-1 ·min-1,P ＜ 0.001,respectively）.No significant difference was observed in slow ADCs between ischemic penumbras and contralateral normal brain regions （0.203 ± 0.090 μm2/ms vs.0.198 ± 0.100 μm2/ms,P =0.451）.Compared with contralateral normal brain regions,both CBFs and fast ADCs decreased in ischemic penumbras while slow ADCs remained the same.A significant correlation was detected between fast ADCs and ASL CBFs （r =0.416,P ＜ 0.05）.No statistically significant correlation was observed between ASL CBFs and slow ADCs,or between fast ADCs and slow ADCs （r =0.111,P =0.558;r =0.200,P =0.289,respectively）.Conclusions：The decrease in cerebral blood perfusion primarily results in the decrease in fast ADC in ischemic penumbras;therefore,fast ADC can reflect the perfusion situation in cerebral tissues.