Performance study of aluminum shielded room for ultra-low-field magnetic resonance imaging based on SQUID： Simulations and experiments

The aluminum shielded room has been an important part of ultra-low-field magnetic resonance imaging （ULF MRI） based on the superconducting quantum interference device （SQUID）. The shielded room is effective to attenuate the external radio-frequency field and keep the extremely sensitive detector, SQUID, working properly. A high-performance shielded room can increase the signal-to-noise ratio （SNR） and improve image quality. In this study, a circular coil with a diameter of 50 cm and a square coil with a side length of 2.0 m was used to simulate the magnetic fields from the nearby electric apparatuses and the distant environmental noise sources. The shielding effectivenesses （SE） of the shielded room with different thicknesses of aluminum sheets were calculated and simulated. A room using 6-mm-thick aluminum plates with a dimension of 1.5 m x 1.5 m x 2.0 m was then constructed. The SE was experimentally measured by using three-axis SQUID magnetometers, with tranisent magnetic field induced in the aluminum plates by the strong pre-polarization pulses. The results of the measured SE agreed with that from the simulation. In addition, the introduction of a 0.5-mm gap caused the obvious reduction of SE indicating the importance of door design. The nuclear magnetic resonance （NMR） signals of water at 5.9 kHz were measured in free space and in a shielded room, and the SNR was improved from 3 to 15. The simulation and experimental results will help us design an aluminum shielded room which satisfies the requirements for future ULF human brain imaging. Finally, the cancellation technique of the transient eddy current was tried, the simulation of the cancellation technique will lead us to finding an appropriate way to suppress the eddy current fields.

Development and in vitro study of a bi-specific magnetic resonance imaging molecular probe for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)ranks second in terms of cancer mortality worldwide.Molecular magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)targeting HCC biomarkers such as alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)or glypican-3(GPC3)offers new strategies to enhance specificity and help early diagnosis of HCC.However,the existing iron oxide nanoparticle-based MR molecular probes singly target AFP or GPC3,which may hinder their efficiency to detect heterogeneous micro malignant HCC tumors<1 cm(MHCC).We hypothesized that the strategy of double antibody-conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles which simultaneously target AFP and GPC3 antigens may potentially be used to overcome the tumor heterogeneity and enhance the detection rate for MRI-based MHCC diagnosis.AIM To synthesize an AFP/GPC3 double antibody-labeled iron oxide MRI molecular probe and to assess its impact on MRI specificity and sensitivity at the cellular level.METHODS A double antigen-targeted MRI probe for MHCC anti-AFP-USPIO-anti-GPC3(UAG)was developed by simultaneously conjugating AFP andGPC3 antibodies to a 5 nm ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle(USPIO).At the same time,the singly labeled probes of anti-AFP-USPIO(UA)and anti-GPC3-USPIO(UG)and non-targeted USPIO(U)were also prepared for comparison.The physical characterization including morphology(transmission electron microscopy),hydrodynamic size,and zeta potential(dynamic light scattering)was conducted for each of the probes.The antigen targeting and MRI ability for these four kinds of USPIO probes were studied in the GPC3-expressing murine hepatoma cell line Hepa1-6/GPC3.First,AFP and GPC3 antigen expression in Hepa1-6/GPC3 cells was confirmed by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry.Then,the cellular uptake of USPIO probes was investigated by Prussian blue staining assay and in vitro MRI(T2-weighted and T2-map)with a 3.0 Tesla clinical MR scanner.RESULTS Our data showed that the double antibody-conjugated probe UAG had the best specificity in targeting Hepa1-6/GPC3 cells expressing AFP and GPC3 antigens compared with single antibody-conjugated and unconjugated USPIO probes.The iron Prussian blue staining and quantitative T2-map MRI analysis showed that,compared with UA,UG,and U,the uptake of double antigen-targeted UAG probe demonstrated a 23.3%(vs UA),15.4%(vs UG),and 57.3%(vs U)increased Prussian stained cell percentage and a 14.93%(vs UA),9.38%(vs UG),and 15.3%(vs U)reduction of T2 relaxation time,respectively.Such bi-specific probe might have the potential to overcome tumor heterogeneity.Meanwhile,the coupling of two antibodies did not influence the magnetic performance of USPIO,and the relatively small hydrodynamic size(59.60±1.87 nm)of double antibodyconjugated USPIO probe makes it a viable candidate for use in MHCC MRI in vivo,as they are slowly phagocytosed by macrophages.CONCLUSION The bi-specific probe presents enhanced targeting efficiency and MRI sensitivity to HCC cells than singly-or non-targeted USPIO,paving the way for in vivo translation to further evaluate its clinical potential.

Effects of iodinated contrast on various magnetic resonance imaging sequences and field strength: Implications for characterization of hemorrhagic transformation in acute stroke therapy

AIM: To characterize the effects of iodinated contrast material(ICM) on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) comparing different sequences and magnetic fields, with emphasis to similarities/differences with well-known signal characteristics of hemorrhage in the brain. METHODS: Aliquots of iopamidol and iodixanol mixed with normal saline were scanned at 1.5T and 3T. Signal intensity(SI) was measured using similar spin-echo(SE)-T1, SE-T2, gradient-echo(GRE) and fluid-attenuationinversion-recovery(FLAIR) sequences at both magnets. Contrast to noise ratio(CNR)(SI contrast-SI saline/SD noise) for each aliquot were calculated and Kruskall-wallis test and graphic analysis was used to compare different pulse sequences and ICMs. RESULTS: Both ICM showed increased SI on SE-T1 and decreased SI on SE-T2, GRE and FLAIR at both 1.5T and 3T, as the concentration was increased. By CNR measurements, SE-T2 had the greatest conspicuity at 3T with undiluted iopamidol(92.6 ± 0.3, P < 0.00) followed by iodixanol(77.5 ± 0.9, P < 0.00) as compared with other sequences(CNR range: 15-40). While SE-T2 had greatest conspicuity at 1.5T with iopamidol(49.3 ± 1, P < 0.01), SE-T1 showed similar or slightly better conspicuity(20.8 ± 4) than SE-T2 with iodixanol(23 ± 1.7). In all cases, hypo-intensity on GRE was less conspicuous than on SE-T2.CONCLUSION: Iodixanol and iopamidol shorten T1 and T2 relaxation times at both 1.5T and 3T. Hypo-intensity due to shortened T2 relaxation time is significantly more conspicuous than signal changes on T1-WI, FLAIR or GRE. Variations in signal conspicuity according to pulse sequence and to type of ICM are exaggerated at 3T. We postulate T2 hypointensity with less GRE conspicuity differentiates ICM from hemorrhage; given the wellknown GRE hypointensity of hemorrhage. Described signal changes may be relevant in the setting of recent intra-arterial or intravenous ICM administration in translational research and/or human stroke therapy.

Ultra-high-field magnetic resonance:Why and when?

This paper briefly summarizes the development of magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy in medicine.Aspects of magnetic resonancephysics and-technology relevant at ultra-high magnetic fields as well as current limitations are highlighted.Based on the first promising studies,potential clinical applications at 7 Tesla are suggested.Other aims are to stimulate awareness of the potential of ultra-high field magnetic resonance and to stimulate active participation in much needed basic or clinical research at 7 Tesla or higher.

Detection of Repair of the Zone of Calcified Cartilage with Osteoarthritis through Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Ultrashort Echo Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objective：Currently,magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） is the most commonly used imaging modality for observing the growth and development of mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） after in vivo transplantation to treat osteoarthritis （OA）.However,it is a challenge to accurately monitor the treatment effects of MSCs in the zone of calcified cartilage （ZCC） with OA.This is especially true in the physiological and biochemical views that are not accurately detected by MRI contrast agents.In contrast,ultrashort time echo （UTE） MRI has been shown to be sensitive to the presence of the ZCC,creating the potential for more effectively observing the repair of the ZCC in OA by MSCs.A special focus is given to the outlook of the use ofUTE MRI to detect repair of the ZCC with OA through MSCs.The limitations of the current techniques for clinical applications and future directions are also discussed.Data Sources：Using the combined keywords：＂osteoarthritis＂,＂mesenchymal stem cells＂,＂calcified cartilage＂,and ＂magnetic resonance imaging＂,the PubMed/MEDLINE literature search was conducted up to June 1,2017.Study Selection：A total of 132 published articles were initially identified citations.Of the 132 articles,48 articles were selected after further detailed review.This study referred to all the important English literature in full.Results：In contrast,UTE MRI has been shown to be sensitive to the presence of the ZCC,creating the potential for more effectively observing the repair of the ZCC in OA by MSCs.Conclusions：The current studies showed that the ZCC could be described in terms of its histomorphology and biochemistry by UTE MRI.We prospected that UTE MRI has been shown the potential for more effectively observing the repair of the ZCC in OA by MSCs in vivo.

Magnetic resonance imaging of knees:a novel approach to predict recombinant human growth hormone therapy response in short-stature children in late puberty

Background There is no appropriate tool to predict recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH)response before therapy initiation in short-stature children in late puberty.The current study aimed to explore the associations between magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)stages of the knee growth plates and rhGH response in short-stature children in late puberty.Methods In this prospective cohort study,short-stature children in late puberty were treated with rhGH and followed up for 6 months.We proposed a novel knee MRI staging system according to the growth plate states of distal femurs or proximal tibias and divided the participants into three groups:unclosed growth plate group,marginally closed growth plate group,and nearly closed growth plate group.The primary outcomes were height gain and growth velocity(GV),which were assessed three months later.Results Fifty participants were enrolled,including 23 boys and 27 girls.GV and height gain after 6 months of rhGH therapy decreased successively in the three groups with an increased degree of growth plate fusion,especially when grouped by proximal tibias(GV_(1-3 mon)from 9.38 to 6.08 to 4.56 cm/year,GV_(4-6 mon)from 6.75 to 4.92 to 3.25 cm/year,and height gain from 4.03 to 2.75 to 1.95 cm,all P<0.001).Moreover,the MRI stages of growth plates independently served as a significant variable for GV and height gain after therapy,especially when grouped by proximal tibias(all P<0.01).Conclusion The MRI staging method is expected to be an effective tool for predicting rhGH response before therapy initiation in short-stature children in late puberty.

APPLICATION OF WHOLE BODY DIFFUSION WEIGHTED MR IMAGING FOR DIAGNOSIS AND STAGING OF MALIGNANT LYMPHOMA

Objective To evaluate the clinical impact of whole body diffusion weighted imaging （WB-DWI） on diagnosis and staging of malignant lymphoma. Methods Thirty-one patients with suspected lymphadenopathy were enrolled. WB-DWI was performed by using short TI inversion recovery echo-planar imaging sequence with free breathing and built-in body coil. Axial T2- weighted imaging images of the same location were used as reference. The results of WB-DWI were compared with pathological results and other imaging modalities. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient （ADC） values of different kinds of lymph nodes were compared. Results WB-DWI was positive in all 18 cases with lymphoma, 5 cases with metastatic lymph nodes and 4 of 8 eases with benign lymphadenopathy. The mean ADC value of lymphomatous, metastatic and benign lymph nodes was （0.87 ± 0.17） × 10^3, （0.98± 0.09） × 10^3 and （1.20 ± 0.10） × 10^3 mm^2/s. There was significant difference in ADC value between benign lymph nodes and other two groups （P 〈 0.01）. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of WB-DWI in diagnosis of lymphoma were 100% （18/18）, 30.8% （4/13） and 71.0% （22/31）. When an ADC value of 1.08 × 10^-3 mm^2/s was used as the threshold value for differentiating malignant from benign lymph nodes, the best results were obtained with sensitivity of 87.8% and specificity of 91.3%. Sixteen of eighteen cases （88.9%） of lymphoma were accurately staged in accordance with clinical staging. Conclusions WB-DWI is a sensitive, but less specific technique for diagnosis of lymphoma. It is difficult to differentiate lymphnmatous from metastatic lymph nodes using WB-DWI. However, it is a valuable imaging modality for staging of patients with malignant lymphoma.

Diffusion weighted imaging for the detection and evaluation of cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma is a collection of keratinous debris and stratified squamous epithelium.It is trapped in the middle ear and can lead to bony erosion.The disease is treated surgically often followed by a second-look procedure to check for residual tissue or recurrence.Cholesteatoma has specific signal-intensity characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging with very high signal intensity on diffusion weighted imaging(DWI).Various DWI techniques exist:Echo-planar imaging(EPI)-based and non-EPI-based techniques as well as new approaches like multi-shot EPI DWI.This article summarizes all techniques,discusses the significance in detecting cholesteatoma and mentions actual studies.Further recommendations for daily clinical practise are provided.

Epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide particles for magnetic resonance molecular imaging of lung cancer cells in vitro

Background Magnetic resonance （MR） molecular imaging can detect abnormalities associated with disease at the level of cell and molecule. The epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR） plays an important role in the development of lung cancer. This study aimed to explore new MR molecular imaging targeting of the EGFR on lung cancer cells. Methods We attached ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide （USPIO） particles to cetuximab （C225） anti-human IgG using the carbodiimide method. We made the molecular MR contrast agents C225-USPIO and IgG-USPIO, the latter as a control reagent, and determined concentrations according to the Fe content. Lung cancer A549 cells were cultured and immunocytochemistry （SP） was used to detect the expression of EGFR on cells. We detected the binding rate of C225-USPIO to A549 cells with immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. We cultured A549 cells with C225-USPIO at a Fe concentration of 50 pg/ml and assayed the binding of C225-USPIO after 1 hour with Prussian blue staining and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. We determined the effects on imaging of the contrast agent targeted to cells using a 4.7T MRI. We did scanning on the cells labeled with C225-USPIO, IgG-USPIO, and distilled water, respectively. The scanning sequences included axial T1WI, T2WI. Results Immunocytochemical detection of lung cancer A549 cells found them positive for EGFR expression. Immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry after cultivation with different concentrations of C225-USPIO showed the binding rate higher than the control. Prussian blue staining and transmission electron microscopy revealed that in the C225-USPIO contrast agent group of cells the particle content of Fe in cytoplasmic vesicles or on surface was more than that in the control group. The 4.7T MR imaging （MRI） scan revealed the T2WI signal in the C225-USPIO group of cells decreased significantly more than in unlabeled cells, but there was no significant difference between the time gradients. Conclusions We successfully constructed the molecular imaging agent C225-USPIO targeting the EGFR of A549 lung cancer cells. The imaging agent showed good targeting effect and specificity, and reduced MRI T2 value significantly, thus such molecular contrast agents could provide a new way to measure EGFR levels.

基于MRI定量非对称回波最小二乘估算水脂分离技术的成人腰椎骨髓脂肪与年龄和性别的相关性研究

目的:基于MRI定量非对称回波最小二乘估算水脂分离(iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation image quantitation,IDEAL-IQ)技术探讨成年人腰椎不同节段骨髓脂肪与年龄和性别的关系。方法:收集298例受检者的MRI IDEAL-IQ脂肪分数图像,其中男性138例,女性160例,年龄20~69岁。将所有患者按照每10岁为一个年龄段分为5组:20~29岁(20~组),男24例,女20例;30~39岁(30~组),男47例,女39例;40~49岁(40~组),男36例,女47例;50~59岁(50~组),男20例,女37例;60~69岁(60~组),男11例,女17例。使用脂肪分数图在GE ADW4.6工作站测量L1~L5的骨髓质子密度脂肪分数(proton density fat fraction,PDFF)。结果:同一年龄组、不同性别间PDFF存在差异,20~、30~、40~组人群中,男性L1~L5椎体PDFF均高于女性(P<0.05);50~组人群中男性L1~L5椎体PDFF与女性的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);60~组人群,男性L1~L5椎体PDFF均低于女性(P<0.05)。腰椎椎体PDFF与年龄呈正相关,女性(r=0.72,P<0.05)相关性高于男性(r=0.32,P<0.05)。从20~69岁,男性L4 PDFF增长率最大(21.08%),女性L1 PDFF增长率最大(65.68%);男性各椎体PDFF增长主要集中在30~及50~组,其中L1、L4、L5椎体PDFF在50~组增长率最大,L2、L3椎体PDFF在30~岁组增长率最大;女性各椎体PDFF在30~组呈轻微下降趋势,此后各椎体PDFF逐渐升高,增长主要集中在40~、50~、60~三个年龄组,其中50~组增长率最大。结论:成人不同年龄组男女性各椎体脂肪分布存在差异,椎体PDFF增长率也有所不同;腰椎不同节段椎体PDFF均与年龄呈正相关。

基于深度学习技术的TSE-T2WI在纵隔MRI中的应用价值

目的:探讨基于深度学习重建(deep learning reconstruction,DLR)技术的快速自旋回波(turbo spin echo,TSE)T2加权成像(T2 weighted imaging,T2WI)序列提高纵隔T2WI图像质量和减少扫描时间的应用价值。方法:前瞻性收集35例纵隔病变的患者进行纵隔常规T2WI序列和基于DLR的T2WI(T2WIDLR)序列扫描。由2位放射科医师各自独立对两组图像的伪影、图像清晰度、病灶的细节显示和整体图像质量进行定性评分,并测量和比较两组图像的病灶信噪比(SNR_(病灶))和病灶与竖直肌的对比噪声比(CNR_(病灶/肌肉))。结果:T2WIDLR在伪影、图像清晰度、病灶细节显示和整体图像质量的评分均优于常规T2WI(P均<0.001)。T2WIDLR序列图像的SNR和CNR均优于常规T2WI序列(P均<0.001)。结论:与常规T2WI序列相比,T2WI_(DLR)序列的运动伪影更少,图像清晰度、病灶细节显示和整体图像质量更优,图像SNR和CNR更高,在纵隔疾病的临床应用中有较大潜力。

基于深度学习重建的卵巢高分辨单次激发快速自旋回波MRI在卵泡计数中的应用研究

目的与经阴道超声(transvaginal ultrasonography,TVUS)以及常规算法重建(conventional reconstruction,CR)的高分辨单次激发快速自旋回波(single-shot fast spin-echo,SSFSE)和螺旋桨(periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction,PROPELLER)T2WI图像进行比较,评估深度学习重建(deep learning reconstruction,DLR)的高分辨SSFSE图像在卵泡计数中的应用价值。材料与方法前瞻性招募临床确诊或疑似多囊卵巢综合征的患者进行卵巢MRI检查,无性生活史的患者同时接受TVUS检查。MRI扫描序列包括三平面高分辨PROPELLER和SSFSE序列,SSFSE序列同时采用DLR和CR,分别生成SSFSE-DLR和SSFSE-CR图像。SSFSE-DLR、SSFSE-CR以及PROPELLER图像间定性指标(模糊伪影、主观噪声、卵泡清晰性)的比较采用Wilcoxon秩和检验。采用组内相关系数(intra-class correlation coefficient,ICC)和Bland-Altman法进行卵泡计数的重复性评估,同时采用配对t检验比较SSFSE-DLR的观察者内和观察者间差异的绝对值与SSFSE-CR和PROPELLER之间的显著性。基于SSFSE-DLR和TVUS的卵泡计数间比较采用配对t检验。结果24例患者接受了MRI检查,其中18例同时接受了TVUS检查。除SSFSE-DLR和PROPELLER的主观噪声评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)之外,观察者1对SSFSE-DLR的定性评价均优于SSFSE-CR和PROPELLER(P<0.05)。观察者2对SSFSE-DLR的定性评价均优于SSFSE-CR和PROPELLER(P<0.05)。SSFSE-DLR具有最高的ICC、最窄的95%一致性限度以及最小的观察者内和观察者间差异的绝对值(P<0.05),表现出最佳的卵泡计数可重复性。而且,SSFSE-DLR相比TVUS可以检出更多的卵泡(P<0.001)。结论深度学习重建的SSFSE图像能够显著改善卵泡显示的清晰性,从而提高卵泡计数的可重复性,可以作为识别多囊卵巢形态的更可靠的成像方法。

7T超高场磁共振颅内血管壁成像在缺血性脑卒中病因分型中的研究进展

缺血性脑卒中的病因分型对临床治疗决策和预后判断有重要价值。近年来,随着高分辨率磁共振血管壁成像(high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging,HR-VW-MRI)在脑卒中临床研究和实践中的应用增加,7 T MRI以其更高信噪比和更优图像质量,可发现脑血管早期、细微的病理变化,为深入了解各种脑血管疾病的病理机制提供了新思路。然而,超高场强也存在B1场不均、扫描时间长等技术挑战。本文就7 T HR-VW-MRI在缺血性卒中病因分型及临床应用中的进展进行综述,深入分析7 T HR-VW-MRI在提升临床诊断精确性与指导临床治疗中的潜在价值,为临床实践与科研探索提供参考。

单次屏气3D-GRASE序列在MRI胰胆管成像的应用

目的探讨MRI单次屏气3D-GRASE成像技术在胰胆管的应用价值。方法选取本院57例胰胆管疾病患者,所有患者均进行自由呼吸自旋回波技术(3D-RT-TSE)和屏气梯度-自旋回波技术(3D-BH-GRASE)胰胆管水成像,分别记录两种成像方法的扫描时间;测量计算图像胆总管信噪比(SNR)、胆总管与其周围组织对比度(CR)及胆总管和肝脏之间对比噪声比(CNR),并由2位高年资医师分别对图像质量、伪影、背景抑制及胰胆管的显示进行评分。结果与3D-RT-TSE技术比较,3D-BH-GRASE技术扫描时间明显缩短,差异有统计学意义(t=70.995,P<0.001);3D-BH-GRASE的整体图像质量、伪影、胰胆管的效果评分均高于3D-RT-TSE,两种方法差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。3D-BH-GRASE图像SNR、CR、CNR及图像背景抑制方面均小于3D-RT-TSE,差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.001)。结论相比呼吸触发(3D-RTTSE)序列,3D-BH-GRASE序列扫描时间更短,整体图像质量和胰胆管显示更好,值得进一步推广应用。

深度学习算法在前列腺TSE-T_(2)WI序列中的应用价值

目的:探讨深度学习(DL)算法在改善前列腺快速自旋回波(TSE)T_(2)WI序列图像质量和加快扫描速度中的应用价值。方法:前瞻性收集54例前列腺疾病患者,均行前列腺常规T_(2)WI序列和联合DL的T_(2)WI(T_(2)WI_(DL))序列扫描。对2组图像质量进行定性、定量评估,定性评估包括:伪影、前列腺包膜清晰度、病灶的细节清晰度和整体图像质量;定量评估包括:以前列腺病灶和髂腰肌为ROI,测量并比较2组图像病灶SNR,以及病灶与髂腰肌的CNR。结果:T_(2)WI_(DL)序列在伪影、前列腺包膜清晰度、病灶的细节清晰度和整体图像质量的评分均优于常规T_(2)WI序列(均P<0.001)。T_(2)WI_(DL)序列图像的SNR_(病灶)和CNR_(病灶/肌肉)均优于常规T_(2)WI序列(均P<0.05)。结论:与常规T2WI序列相比,T_(2)WI_(DL)序列可提高图像质量,且扫描时间减少了96 s(约47%),在前列腺疾病的临床应用中有较大潜力。

高分辨率磁共振成像对臂丛神经损伤的预测价值

目的探析高分辨率磁共振(MRI)成像对臂丛神经损伤(brachial plexus injury,BPI)的预测价值。方法对59例临床拟诊BPI的病例行高分辨MRI检查。根据年龄,将年龄≥65岁者纳入老年组,18~64岁者纳入青中年组。观察两组臂丛神经显像效果,计算臂丛神经成像评分、臂丛神经信噪比(signal-to-noise ratio,SNR)、对比度噪声比(contrast-to-noise ratio,CNR)和背景抑制评分,分析高分辨率MRI成像对不同年龄段BPI的预测价值。结果59例临床拟诊BPI病例中,MRI诊断为BPI 20例,其余正常。20例经MRI确诊BPI中,老年组7例和青中年组13例。老年组节前损伤2例(28.57%),节后损伤5例(71.43%);青中年组节前损伤5例(38.46%),节后损伤8例(61.54%)。两组病人臂丛神经成像评分由低到高依次为三维双回波稳态(3D-DESS)序列增强扫描、三维短时反转恢复快速自旋回波(3D SPACE)序列平扫、DESS序列平扫和SPACE序列增强扫描,且在干3、支5 DESS序列平扫、股6 DESS序列增强扫描及支5 SPACE序列增强扫描上,老年组臂丛神经成像评分明显低于青中年组(P<0.05)。两组SNR、CNR由低到高依次为DESS增强、SPACE平扫、DESS平扫和SPACE增强(P<0.05),两组背景组织抑制评分比较,SPACE增强最高,其次为DESS平扫,DESS增强和SPACE平扫最低(P<0.05)。老年组DESS序列增强扫描的SNR、CNR以及SPACE序列平扫、增强扫描的SNR、CNR均明显低于青中年组(P<0.05)。结论与青中年BPI病人相比,老年BPI病人臂丛神经成像评分、SNR与CNR更低,MRI 3D SPACE序列可清晰显示臂丛神经内部信号改变,同时降低神经周围背景组织信号干扰,对于显示神经损伤优势明显,值得临床优先选择。

三维多回波聚合梯度回波序列在腰骶丛成像中的初步应用

目的 探讨3D多回波聚合梯度回波序列(3D GEMEC)在腰骶丛神经成像中的应用价值。方法 回顾性分析2022年8~9月六安市人民医院以腰腿疼为主诉的32例住院患者的影像学资料,男15例,女17例,年龄28~78(60.1±15.8)岁。在不同1.5T平台上分别完成腰骶丛3D GEMEC序列和三维T2加权快速梯度回波(3D T2 FFE)序列,比较两种序列腰骶丛神经的信噪比、对比噪声比和主观显示效果。结果 3D GEMEC序列腰骶丛神经的信噪比、对比噪声比以及主观显示效果与3D T2 FFE序列的差异均无统计学意义(P=0.250、0.146、0.083)。结论 3D GEMEC序列可以清晰地显示腰骶丛神经的解剖结构并抑制背景信号,在腰骶丛神经病变的诊断方面具有一定的临床应用前景。

7T磁共振成像在脑小血管病中的应用进展

脑小血管病在老年人群具有很高的发病率,可显著增加脑卒中和痴呆的发生风险。迄今为止,该疾病尚无有效的临床和体液生物标志物,诊断鉴别高度依赖于MRI。然而,由于临床影像的空间分辨率所限,脑小血管损害难以直接评价,因此研究者们主要使用一些反映脑实质损害的影像标志物来评估小血管损伤。近年来,随着超高场(7T)MRI技术的不断成熟,其在脑小血管病领域的研究亦日趋广泛。7T-MRI能够直接评估脑小血管结构、功能,并显著提高微小脑实质病灶的检测敏感性,为脑小血管病机制研究和精准诊断提供了重要工具。本文将回顾近年来基于7T-MRI的脑小血管病研究,并讨论潜在的问题和未来研究方向,为相关研究工作者提供借鉴。

MRI ideal-iq技术联合血清学指标在乙型肝炎患者肝纤维化分期中的应用

目的探讨磁共振最小二乘法估计和不对称回波迭代分解水和脂肪的脂肪成像(MRI ideal-iq)技术联合血清学指标在乙型肝炎患者肝纤维化分期中的应用价值。方法选取2021年1月至2023年1月淮南市第一人民医院收治的乙型肝炎患者100例,其中S0~S1期41例、S2期28例、S3期17例和S4期14例。比较4组患者IDEAL-IQ参数、血清学指标[透明质酸(HA)、Ⅳ型胶原(CⅣ)、层联蛋白(LN)]和肝功能[丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天门氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、白蛋白]。ROC分析ideal-iq参数联合血清学指标预测早期肝硬化(S4期)的价值;相关性分析ideal-iq参数、血清学指标与肝纤维化的关系。结果S0~S1期组FF、R2^(*)值、HA、CIV为(1.51±0.33)%、(54.58±8.15)Hz、(139.05±60.57)μg/L、(88.24±24.78)ng/mL,S2期组为(2.01±0.42)%、(69.07±7.44)Hz、(337.56±113.24)μg/L、(106.04±30.21)ng/mL,S3期组为(3.07±0.46)%、(94.55±10.53)Hz、(416.08±124.51)μg/L、(134.07±38.76)ng/mL,S4期组为(4.32±0.53)%、(111.14±11.42)Hz、(583.76±150.54)μg/L、(190.06±42.83)ng/mL,4组间比较差异有统计学意义(F=188.442、178.839、75.985、38.451,均P<0.05);4组间血清LN水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。ROC分析显示,FF、R2^(*)值和血清HA、CⅣ水平预测早期肝硬化的曲线下面积分别为0.777、0.782、0.819、0.744,最佳截断值分别为FF≥3.560%,R2^(*)值≥102.950 Hz,HA≥517.210μg/L,CⅣ≥173.895 ng/mL,(均P<0.05),联合预测早期肝硬化的曲线下面积为0.832,敏感度为0.786,均高于单项指标。S0~S1期组ALT、AST、白蛋白为(134.65±37.85)U/L、(74.22±20.57)U/L、(45.15±3.76)g/L,S2期组为(192.08±47.52)U/L、(100.25±30.16)U/L、(43.45±3.01)g/L,S3期组为(214.12±55.63)U/L、(127.13±38.53)U/L、(40.35±5.24)g/L,S4期组为(159.14±43.71)U/L、(101.54±33.48)U/L、(37.42±3.65)g/L,4组间比较差异有统计学意义(F=18.341、14.667、16.786,P<0.05)。经相关性分析发现,FF、R2^(*)值和血清HA、CⅣ水平与肝纤维化分期呈显著正相关(P<0.05);血清LN水平与肝纤维化分期无显著相关性(P>0.05)。结论FF、R2^(*)值和血清HA、CⅣ水平在不同肝纤维化分期患者中均存在显著差异,且二者联合诊断早期肝硬化具有较高敏感度。

磁共振脂肪定量技术在肝脏肿瘤中的应用

体内器官的脂肪堆积会增加包括肝良性病变在内的多种疾病癌变的风险。近年来,脂肪性肝病越来越被认为是肝细胞癌的危险因素,与代谢相关脂肪性肝病相关的肝细胞癌已是全球日益增加的医疗负担。肝肿瘤瘤内及瘤周脂肪含量在肿瘤的诊断、鉴别、分级及预后等方面有一定价值。肝移植作为肝肿瘤治疗手段之一越来越受到重视,肝脏脂肪变性与肝移植术前评估及术后监测密切相关。除此之外,肿瘤治疗过程中所致肝损伤也与肝脏脂肪含量直接相关。因此,肝脏脂肪定量在肝脏肿瘤的发生发展、诊断治疗及预后评估中具有重要意义。本文综述了磁共振波谱成像(magnetic resonance spectroscopy,MRS)、化学位移成像(chemical shift imaging,CSI)以及多回波Dixon(包括IDEAL-IQ和mDixon-Quant)等MRI脂肪定量技术在肝脏肿瘤中的应用,旨在提供更精准定量肝脏脂肪的影像标志物,为肿瘤治疗方式的选择和疗效评估提供客观和科学的依据,用以帮助临床对肝脏肿瘤进行无创诊断及治疗评估。