表观扩散系数值鉴别良恶性骨肿瘤及肿瘤样病变的价值

目的 探讨MR DWI的ADC值鉴别良、恶性骨肿瘤及肿瘤样病变的价值.方法 对18例良性骨肿瘤及肿瘤样病变和26例恶性骨肿瘤行DWI.采用单激发EPI序列,3个扩散敏感梯度,b值分别为0.500、1000 s/nun2.在ADC图上测量每个病变的最低、最高和整体ADC值.结果 良性骨肿瘤及肿瘤样病变的最低ADC值[(1.28±0.49)×10-3mm2/s]高于恶性骨肿瘤[(0.92±0.35)×10-3mm2/s,t=2.839,P<0.01],整体ADC值[(1.62±0.51)×10-3mm2/s]也高于恶性骨肿瘤[(1.21±0.36)×10-3mm2mm/s,t=3.092,P<0.01],但两者都有很大重叠.良性骨肿瘤及肿瘤样病变的最高ADC值[(2.02±0.55)×10-3mm2/s]与恶性骨肿瘤的最高ADC值[(1.71±0.65)×10-3mm2/s]差异无统计学意义(t:1.669,P＞0.05).去掉以囊腔为主的骨囊肿及动脉瘤样骨囊肿病例,则良性骨肿瘤及肿瘤样病变的最低、最高和整体ADC值分别为(1.11±0.31)×10-3mm2/s、(1.88±0.49)×10-3mm2/s和(1.45±0.35)×10-3mm2/s,与恶性骨肿瘤比较差异无统计学意义(t值分别为1.728、0.964、2.012,P值均>0.05).结论 ADC值不能鉴别良、恶性骨肿瘤及肿瘤样病变.     

全身MR扩散加权成像在鉴别淋巴结肿大原因的应用研究

目的 探讨全身磁共振扩散加权成像(WB MR DWI)对初诊不明原因淋巴结肿大的鉴别诊断价值.方法 经病理或临床证实的初诊淋巴结病变患者78例,其中淋巴瘤31例(淋巴瘤组),肿瘤转移性淋巴结病变30例(转移性淋巴结组),炎性淋巴结17例(炎性淋巴结组),所有患者均于治疗前行WB MR DWI检查,分别记录淋巴结病变个数并测量其表观扩散系数(ADC)值,应用独立样本t检验及受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析每两组病变的ADC值鉴别价值.结果淋巴瘤组、转移性淋巴结组及炎性淋巴结组平均ADC值分别为(1.197 ±0.388)×10-3mm2/s、(1.343±0.299)×10-3mm2/s和(1.677 ±0.466)×10-3mm2/s,淋巴瘤与转移性淋巴结组的平均ADC值均明显小于炎性组,淋巴瘤组的平均ADC值也小于转移性淋巴结组(P＜0.01),应用ROC曲线得出鉴别淋巴瘤与转移性淋巴结、淋巴瘤与炎性淋巴结、转移性淋巴结与炎性淋巴结及良、恶性淋巴结的ADC值鉴别诊断阈值分别为1.085×10-3mm2/s、1.575×10-3mm2/s、1.655×10-3mm2/s和1.575×10-3mm2/s,敏感性和特异性分别为41.5％、80.9％,78.6％、64.5％,84.5％、57.1％和78.2％、64.5％.结论 WB MR DWI结合ADC值对初诊不明原因淋巴结肿大原因有一定鉴别诊断价值,但对淋巴瘤与转移性淋巴结的鉴别价值有限.     

肾上腺肿瘤MR扩散加权成像分析

目的 探讨正常人及肾上腺肿瘤MR扩散加权成像(DWI)表现,评价DWI对肾上腺肿瘤的诊断及鉴别诊断价值.方法 对10例正常人、33例肾上腺肿瘤行常规MRI及DWI检查,观察肾上腺的信号强度及测量肿瘤的表观扩散系数(ADC)值.结果 (1)在DWI像上正常肾上腺表现为均匀高信号.(2)肾上腺腺瘤、嗜铬细胞瘤、转移瘤均表现为高信号,中心坏死区呈低信号,髓脂瘤表现为高低混杂信号,肾上腺囊肿表现为低信号.(3)肾上腺囊肿、腺瘤、嗜铬细胞瘤、髓脂瘤的ADC值分别为(2.896±0.114)×10-3 mm2/s、(2.009±0.08)×10-3 mm2/s、(1.903±0.076)×10-3 mm2/s、(1.861±0.073)×10-3 mm2/s.肾上腺腺瘤、嗜铬细胞瘤、髓脂瘤的ADC值差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),肾上腺囊肿与腺瘤、嗜铬细胞瘤、髓脂瘤的ADC值差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).(4)肾上腺良恶性肿瘤的ADC值分别为(2.114±0.109)×10-3 mm2/s、(1.327±0.132)×10-3 mm2/s(P＜0.05).结论 DWI对肾上腺肿瘤性质鉴别有重要价值,是对常规MR检查的有益补充.     

扩散加权成像在子宫内膜癌术前组织学分级评估中的价值

目的 探讨扩散加权成像(DWI)及表观扩散系数(ADC)值定量分析对子宫内膜癌术前组织学分级的应用价值.方法 回顾性分析105例经手术病理证实的子宫内膜癌患者术前MR资料,比较不同组织学分级间ADC值差异,分析ADC值与组织学分级的相关性,并通过受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)评估ADC对分级的诊断效能.结果 不同观察者所测肿瘤的ADC值具有良好一致性,组内相关系数为0.901;子宫内膜癌组织学分级包括:G1 27例,G2 60例,G3 18例,三者的平均ADC值分别为(0.990 ±0.128)×10-3mm2/s、(0.915±0.122)×10-3mm2/s、(0.851 ±0.104) ×1O-3mm2/s,三者间差异具有统计学意义(P=0.001);ADC值与组织学分级呈负相关(r=-0.356,P＜0.001);平均ADC值鉴别高低级别子宫内膜癌的ROC曲线下面积为0.693(P=0.003),95％置信区间为0.584 ～0.802,最佳诊断界值为0.910×10-3 mm2/s,敏感度为74.1％,特异度为61.5％,阳性预测值为85.3％,阴性预测值为45.9％,准确度为71.4％.结论 ADC值定量分析能够在一定程度上反映子宫内膜癌的组织学分级特征,具备无创评估肿瘤组织学分级的潜力.     

MR扩散加权成像表观扩散系数在乳腺结节病变诊断中的应用价值

目的 评价ADC值及相对ADC值(rADC)在乳腺结节病灶检查中的应用价值.方法 对52例66个乳腺结节病灶行MR DWI扫描,b值分别为0、800、1000 s/mm2,测量乳腺结节及同侧、对侧乳头层面未受累乳腺实质组织ADC值,计算rADC1(病灶ADC值/同侧未受累乳腺实质ADC值)及rADC2(病灶ADC值/对侧未受累乳腺实质ADC值),对所获资料采用两独立样本t检验、x2检验进行统计学分析.所有病灶均经穿刺活检或手术病理证实.结果 52例患者中,浸润性导管癌18例,纤维腺瘤34例,DWI显示50例,共64个病灶.b=800s/mm2时,良、恶性结节平均ADC值、同侧rADC800-1及对侧rADC800-2分别为(1.54±0.28)×10-3、(1.01±0.09)×10-3 mm2/s和0.77±0.15、0.52±0.07,0.76±0.14、0.51±0.06;其差异均有统计学意义(t值分别为8.217、9.339、10.394,P值均＜0.01);以乳腺浸润性导管癌平均值95％参考值范围上限界值作为恶性病变上限阈值点,ADC值、rADC8o0-1及rADC800-2分别为1.05×10-3 mm2/s、0.55、0.53,诊断的敏感度分别为75.0％、65.0％、60.0％,特异度分别为100.0％、95.7％、97.8％,阳性预测值分别为100.0％、86.7％、92.3％,阴性预测值分别为90.2％、86.3％、84.9％,诊断符合率分别为92.4％、86.4％、86.4％.b=1000 s/mm2时,良、恶性结节平均ADC值、rADC1000-1及rADC1000-2分别为(1.45±0.28)×10-3、(0.93±0.08)×10-3mm2/s和0.75±0.16、0.53±0.09,0.74±0.15、0.52±0.07;其差异有统计学意义(t值分为11.844、5.820、8.082;P值均＜0.01);ADC值、rADC1ooo-1及rADC1000-2阈值点分别为0.97×10-3 mm2/s、0.58、0.55,诊断的敏感度均为70.0％,特异度分别为100.0％、95.7％、93.5％,阳性预测值分别为100.0％、87.5％、82.4％,阴性预测值分别为88.5％、88.0％、87.8％,诊断符合率分别为90.9％、87.9％、86.5％.以上6种诊断方法的敏感度及诊断符合率差异无统计学意义(x2值分别为1.232、2.263,P值分别为0.942、0.812).结论 ADC值与rADC值均为鉴别良恶性乳腺病变的重要参数,尤其是b= 800 s/mm2时的ADC值临床应用价值最高.     

磁共振扩散加权成像在评估鼻咽癌放射治疗中的应用

目的 探讨磁共振扩散加权成像(DW-MRI)在鼻咽癌放射治疗中的应用价值.方法 经穿刺活检病理确诊鼻咽癌病例15例,在放射治疗前及放射治疗剂量达10、20 Gy及40 Gy时行磁共振检查(包括常规MRI及DW-MRI),观察肿瘤原发灶及颈部转移淋巴结大小、DWI信号及ADC值的变化.结果 放疗前DWI序列显示肿瘤原发灶最大层面面积要明显小于增强T1WI脂肪抑制序列(P<0.05);肿瘤原发灶及转移淋巴结在放疗后T2WI信号不均匀增高,其ADC值在放疗后逐渐升高,放疗前及放疗剂量达40 Gy时ADC值分别为(0.690±0.072)×10-3 mm2/s和(0.813±0.091)×10-3 mm2/s及(1.167±0.057)×10-3 mm2/s和(1.802±0.173)×10-3 mm2/s,且放疗前后各组间相互差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);放疗前转移淋巴结最大层面面积为(2.58±0.64) cm2,放疗剂量达10 Gy时为(1.07±0.25) cm2,缩小率为58.5%,而肿瘤原发灶缩小率为2%.结论 与常规磁共振比较,扩散加权成像能更早、更特异、更敏感地反映鼻咽癌放疗后的生物学变化,对其疗效的监测具有重要价值.     

MR扩散加权成像在胃良恶性肿瘤鉴别诊断中的应用价值

目的探讨扩散加权成像(diffusion-weighted imaging,DWI)及其表观扩散系数(apparent diffusion coeffi-cient,ADC)在胃良、恶性肿瘤鉴别中的价值,确定ADC值在良恶性肿瘤鉴别中的最佳临界点。方法 39例经手术或胃镜活检病理证实的胃肿瘤性病变患者,进行常规MRI及DWI,b值采用800 s/mm2,以病理结果为金标准,统计分析胃良性和恶性占位之间的ADC值差异。结果当b值为800 s/mm2,良性组ADC平均值为(2.200±0.959)×10-3mm2/s,恶性组ADC平均值为(1.89±0.463)×10-3mm2/s,两组间有显著差异(F=25.12,P<0.05)。受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线显示,区别良恶性胃部肿瘤的最佳临界点为1.915×10-3mm2/s,其敏感性为88.7%,特异性为91.1%,约登指数为0.798。结论 DWI在胃肿瘤诊断中具有可行性。b值为800 s/mm2时,胃良性和恶性肿瘤之间的ADC值存在显著统计学差异,区别胃部良恶性肿瘤的最佳临界点为1.915×10-3mm2/s,ADC值对于鉴别胃良恶性肿瘤有辅助诊断价值。     

肝脏病变的磁共振扩散成像的量化研究初探

目的　量化分析肝脏病变的磁共振扩散成像 (DWI)的表面扩散系数 (ADC值 )及磁共振影像特点。方法　对 12 7例磁共振检查发现的病变行磁共振扩散成像 ,计算病变的ADC值及肝细胞癌和肝转移瘤的瘤 /肝ADC值比值。结果　病变的ADC值均值为 :肝细胞癌 (0 .99± 0 .2 6)× 10 -3 mm2 /s ,肝转移瘤 (1.17± 0 .3 2 )× 10 -3 mm2 /s ,肝血管瘤 (1.81± 0 .42 )× 10 -3 mm2 /s ,肝囊肿 (3 .11±0 .3 8)× 10 -3 mm2 /s ,肝硬化 (0 .92± 0 .2 5 )× 10 -3 mm2 /s ,脂肪肝 (1.3 7± 0 .3 2 )× 10 -3 mm2 /s ;肝细胞癌的瘤 /肝ADC值比值均值是 0 .89± 0 .17,肝转移瘤的瘤 /肝ADC值比值均值是 1.2 7± 0 .2 1,二者存在显著性差异。结论　综合量化分析病变的ADC值、瘤 /肝ADC值比值的变化规律 ,能准确地判断肝脏有关病变的性质 ,对肝脏病变的诊断及鉴别诊断做出更准确的结论     

3.0 T MR DWI在肝脏良、恶性局灶性病变诊断中的初步研究

目的 探讨3.0 T MR扩散加权成像(DWI)在肝脏良、恶性局灶性病变诊断和鉴别诊断中的价值.资料与方法 采用GE 3.0T Signal EXCITE超导型磁共振扫描系统对47例肝脏局灶性病变(57个病灶)行DWI,其中25例良性病变30个病灶,22例恶性病变27个病灶.b值选用0、500、1000 s/mm2,测量病灶的表观扩散系数(ADC)值并进行统计学分析.用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评价ADC值对肝脏良、恶性病变的诊断价值.结果 b值为500 s/mm2和1000 s/mm2时,良性病变的ADC值分别为(3.12±1.58)×10-3mm2/s、(2.23±1.01)×10-3 mm2/s;恶性病变的ADC值分别为(2.01±0.95)×10-3mm2/s、(1.31±0.37)×10-3 mm2/s,两者之间差异有统计学意义(P<0.01).ROC曲线评价ADC值诊断肝脏良、恶性病变的曲线下面积、敏感性、特异性、准确性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为0.799、77.8%、76.6%、77.2%、75.0%、79.3%和0.852、81.5%、90.0%、85.9%、88%、84.3%.结论 3.0 T MR DWI ADC值在肝脏良、恶性病变的鉴别中具有重要参考价值,且b值为1000 s/mm2时所测ADC值较准确.     

扩散加权成像对肺癌术前纵隔淋巴结的评价研究

目的:利用磁共振扩散加权成像(DWI)评估肺癌术前纵隔淋巴结的转移情况,探讨其在鉴别转移性和非转移性纵隔淋巴结中的临床价值.方法:对30例肺癌患者行肺部MRI常规和DWI检查.DWI采用单次激发自旋回波-平面回波(SSEPI)和短反转时间恢复序列(STIR)序列.将DWI图像中纵隔淋巴结和术中切除淋巴结进行严格匹配,利用感兴趣区法分别测量原发灶和各纵隔淋巴结的表观扩散系数(ADC)值为ADC原发灶和ADC淋巴结,并计算得到ADC原发灶和ADC淋巴结的差值绝对值D-value,比较转移组淋巴结和非转移组淋巴结的ADC值和D-value值有无统计学差异.结果:转移组淋巴结的ADC值为(2.04±0.53)×10-3 mm2/s,非转移组淋巴结ADC值为(2.98±0.48)×101 mm2/s,转移组淋巴结ADC值明显低于非转移组淋巴结(P＜0.001).转移组淋巴结的D-value值为(0.76±0.45)×10-3 mm2/s,非转移组淋巴结的D-value值为(1.58±0.46)×10-3mm2/s,转移组淋巴结的D-value值明显低于非转移组淋巴结(P＜0.001).ADC值取0.0025×10-3mm2/s为临界值鉴别转移和非转移性淋巴结的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为87.3％、84.6％、82.7％、88.7％;D-value值取0.001×10-3mm2/s为临界值鉴别转移和非转移性淋巴结的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为76.4％、87.7％、84.0％、81.4％.结论:DWI通过测量、计算纵隔淋巴结的ADC值和D-value值,可用于肺癌患者术前评估淋巴结转移情况.     

A monitoring,feedback, and triggering system for reproducible breath-hold MR imaging

A technique is described that provides improved reproducibility of breath-holding for MR image acquisition by monitoring the superior-inferior (S/I) position of the diaphragm. The method incorporates detection of the level of inspiration using an MR signal, rapid display to the patient of diaphragm position to enable breath-hold adjustment, and triggering of image data acquisition once appropriate position is attained. The response time of the system is short, approximately 10 ms. Studies in six volunteers using this method demonstrate a considerable decrease in the S/I range of diaphragm position over 10 consecutive periods of suspended respiration. The mean range is 1.3 mm with the system, while it is 8.3 mm without using it is expected that this method will be of assistance in many abdominal and cardiothoracic studies that use breath-hold techniques.     

DSA功能性参数的提取与利用

本文介绍了在临床实际中利用功能性参数，对冠状动脉ＤＳＡ心肌血流灌注成像、冠状动脉血流量测定、左心室功能测定、肺动脉高压程度的评价等项目研究结果。重点讨论了提取ＤＳＡ功能性参数的一般方法，认为功能性参数在现代影像诊断学中的作用是对疾病做出程度、定量、动态及功能诊断。     

RARE spiral T2-weighted imaging

Spiral imaging has a number of advantages for fast imaging, including an efficient use of gradient hardware. However, inhomogeneity-induced blurring is proportional to the data acquisition duration. In this paper, we combine spiral data acquisition with a RARE echo train. This allows a long data acquisition interval per excitation, while limiting the effects of inhomogeneity. Long spiral k-space trajectories are partitioned into smaller, annular ring trajectories. Each of these annular rings is acquired during echoes of a RARE echo train. The RARE refocusing RF pulses periodically refocus off-resonant spins while building a long data acquisition. We describe both T₂-weighted single excitation and interleaved RARE spiral sequences. A typical sequence acquires a complete data set in three excitations (32 cm FOV, 192 × 192 matrix). At a TR = 2000 ms, we can average two acquisitions in an easy breath-hold interval. A multifrequency reconstruction algorithm minimizes the effects of any off-resonant spins. Though this algorithm needs a field map, we demonstrate how signal averaging can provide the necessary phase data while increasing SNR. The field map creation causes no scan time penalty and essentially no loss in SNR efficiency. Multiple slice, 14-s breath-hold scans acquired on a conventional gradient system demonstrate the performance.     

Echo-Time-Encoded Burst Imaging (EBI): A Novel Technique for Spectroscopic Imaging

A new technique for rapid spectroscopic imaging is presented. The proposed experiment enables a complete mapping of the two-dimensional reciprocal space k_x, k_o, and thus the acquisition of a 1D spectroscopic image in a single scan. The properties of the pulse sequence, based on the use of a burst of low flip angle pulses, are analyzed in the framework of linear response theory, and it is shown that chemical shift information may be introduced into the spatially encoded echoes. First experimental results are presented demonstrating that 32 x 32 proton spectroscopic images may be acquired within less than 1 min with a conventional imaging system.     

Fast imaging of phosphocreatine in the normal human myocardium using a three-dimensional RARE pulse sequence at 4 Tesla

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of a three-dimensional rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) pulse sequence for direct acquisition of phosphocreatine (PCr) images of the human myocardium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A short elliptical birdcage radiofrequency (RF) body coil was constructed to produce a uniform flip angle throughout the chest cavity. In vivo images using a spectrally-selective RARE sequence with a spatial resolution of 1.2 cm x 1.2 cm x 2.5 cm (4 cm(3)) were acquired in nine minutes and 40 seconds. RESULTS: Scans of phantoms demonstrated excellent spectral selectivity. The signal-to-noise ratio in the myocardium ranged from 12.6 in the anterior wall to 5.3 in the mid septum. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that PCr data can be acquired using a three-dimensional RARE sequence with greater spatial and temporal resolution than spectroscopic techniques.     

Current Status of Optical Imaging for Evaluating Lymph Nodes and Lymphatic System

Optical imaging techniques use visual and near infrared rays. Despite their considerably poor penetration depth, they are widely used due to their safe and intuitive properties and potential for intraoperative usage. Optical imaging techniques have been actively investigated for clinical imaging of lymph nodes and lymphatic system. This article summarizes a variety of optical tracers and techniques used for lymph node and lymphatic imaging, and reviews their clinical applications. Emerging new optical imaging techniques and their potential are also described.     

Simultaneous multislice (SMS) imaging techniques

Simultaneous multislice imaging (SMS) using parallel image reconstruction has rapidly advanced to become a major imaging technique. The primary benefit is an acceleration in data acquisition that is equal to the number of simultaneously excited slices. Unlike in‐plane parallel imaging this can have only a marginal intrinsic signal‐to‐noise ratio penalty, and the full acceleration is attainable at fixed echo time, as is required for many echo planar imaging applications. Furthermore, for some implementations SMS techniques can reduce radiofrequency (RF) power deposition. In this review the current state of the art of SMS imaging is presented. In the Introduction, a historical overview is given of the history of SMS excitation in MRI. The following section on RF pulses gives both the theoretical background and practical application. The section on encoding and reconstruction shows how the collapsed multislice images can be disentangled by means of the transmitter pulse phase, gradient pulses, and most importantly using multichannel receiver coils. The relationship between classic parallel imaging techniques and SMS reconstruction methods is explored. The subsequent section describes the practical implementation, including the acquisition of reference data, and slice cross‐talk. Published applications of SMS imaging are then reviewed, and the article concludes with an outlook and perspective of SMS imaging. Magn Reson Med 75:63–81, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society of Medicine in Resonance.     

Dynamic bioluminescence imaging for quantitative tumour burden assessment using IV or IP administration of <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">d</Emphasis>-luciferin: effect on intensity,time kinetics and repeatability of photon emission

Introduction In vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is a promising technique for non-invasive tumour imaging. d-luciferin can be administrated intraperitonealy or intravenously. This will influence its availability and, therefore, the bioluminescent signal. The aim of this study is to compare the repeatability of BLI measurement after IV versus IP administration of d-luciferin and assess the correlation between photon emission and histological cell count both in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methods Fluc-positive R1M cells were subcutaneously inoculated in nu/nu mice. Dynamic BLI was performed after IV or IP administration of d-luciferin. Maximal photon emission (PE_max) was calculated. For repeatability assessment, every acquisition was repeated after 4 h and analysed using Bland–Altman method. A second group of animals was serially imaged, alternating IV and IP administration up to 21 days. When mice were killed, PE_max after IV administration was correlated with histological cell number. Results The coefficients of repeatability were 80.2% (IV) versus 95.0% (IP). Time-to-peak is shorter, and its variance lower for IV (p < 0.0001). PE_max was 5.6 times higher for IV. A trend was observed towards lower photon emission per cell in larger tumours. Conclusion IV administration offers better repeatability and better sensitivity when compared to IP. In larger tumours, multiple factors may contribute to underestimation of tumour burden. It might, therefore, be beneficial to test novel therapeutics on small tumours to enable an accurate evaluation of tumour burden. Marleen Keyaerts is a Ph. D. fellow of the Research Foundation—Flanders (Belgium; FWO).     

Molecular imaging programs in the United States: results of a national survey

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We sought to identify and describe the characteristics of molecular imaging (MI) programs in the United States and to determine the factors considered critical for their future. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, a validated survey was sent to members of the Society of Chairmen in Academic Radiology Departments (SCARD) in the United States, and 26 variables were studied. RESULTS: The response rate was 40.3%; 67.9% of the departments surveyed have an MI program. The main focus of 47.4% of departments is oncology. The number of radiologists working for the department was the only variable found to be significantly positively correlated with (1) number of researchers in the MI program, (2) number of MI modalities available, (3) total number of grants, and (4) having ongoing MI clinical trials. These four variables plus the number of federal grants and the space used by MI programs were independent of the geographical region, hospital size (number of beds), and department size (number of radiological examinations per year). All the MI programs received grants during 2005. Only 16.1% have no alliances with industry. Among all the departments, 82% identified staff training and recruitment as the keys for success; 78.57% considered oncology the most important future application of MI and cancer management the hospital service most affected by MI. CONCLUSION: MI programs are starting to be more widespread throughout the United States, and the trend is for more academic radiology departments to become engaged in MI activities; their development is independent of department characteristics. Radiology departments strongly agreed about the key components for success of MI initiatives and the areas that will be most affected by MI applications.