Investigation of T2-weighted signal intensity of infarcted myocardium and its correlation with delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging in a porcine model with reperfused acute myocardial infarction

To assess the signal pattern in T2-weighted images (T2WI) and determine its relation to persistent microvascular obstruction (PMO) and intramyocardial hemorrhage in a porcine model with reperfused acute myocardial infarction. Left anterior descending artery was occluded (90 or 180 min) and reperfused (90 min). T2WI and delayed-enhanced magnetic resonance images (DE-MRI) were acquired. The T2WI signal pattern, T2WI contrast ratio, PMO, and intramyocardial hemorrhage were evaluated, and their interrelationships were analyzed. The infarct area on T2WI was recorded as a homogeneous high-intensity signal or as low- or iso-intensity signals. The contrast ratio of the T2WI in the cases with PMO was significantly lower than that in those without PMO (1.38 ± 0.25 vs. 1.89 ± 0.31, P < 0.05), and it showed significant inverse correlation with the extent of PMO observed in DE-MRI images (r =?0.8, P < 0.05). The extent of PMO correlated strongly with that of intramyocardial hemorrhage (r = 0.97, P < 0.05). The abnormal signal area in the T2WI was larger than the infarct area in the DE-MRI images (47.0 ± 9.9% vs. 37.8 ± 9.9%, P < 0.05) and the infarct area observed after TTC staining (47.0 ± 9.9% vs. 37.4 ± 8.4%, P < 0.05). We observed variable T2WI signal patterns for the infarcted myocardium. Lower T2WI contrast ratios significantly correlated with the extent of PMO in DE-MRI and intramyocardial hemorrhage in the gross specimen.     

Acute infarct selective MRI contrast agent

To determine the infarct affinity of a low molecular weight contrast agent, Gd(ABE-DTTA), during the subacute phase of myocardial infarct (MI). Dogs (n = 7) were examined, using a closed-chest, reperfused MI model. MI was generated by occluding for 180 min the Left Anterior Descending (LAD) coronary artery with an angioplasty balloon. DE-MRI images with Gd(ABE-DTTA) were obtained on days 4, 14, and 28 after MI. Control DE-MRI by Gd(DTPA) was carried out on day 27. T2-TSE images were acquired on day 3, 13 and 27. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) histomorphometry validated postmortem the existence of infarct. Gd(ABE-DTTA) highlighted the infarct on day 4, but not at all on day 14 or on day 28, following MI. On day 4, the mean ± SD signal intensity (SI) of infarcted myocardium in the presence of Gd(ABE-DTTA) significantly differed from that of healthy myocardium (45 ± 6.0 vs. 10 ± 5.0, P < 0.05), but it did not on day 14 (11 ± 9.4 vs. 10 ± 5.7, P = NS), nor on day 28 (7 ± 1.5 vs. 7 ± 2.4, P = NS). The mean ± SD signal intensity enhancement (SIE) induced by Gd(ABE-DTTA) was 386 ± 165% on day 4, significantly different from mean SIE on day 14 (9 ± 20%), and from mean SIE on day 28 (12 ± 18%), following MI (P < 0.05). The last two mean values did not differ significantly (P = NS) from each other. As control, Gd(DTPA) was used and it did highlight the infarct on day 27, inducing a mean SIE value of 312 ± 40%. The mean SIE on day 3, 13, or 27 did not vary significantly (P = NS) on the T2-TSE images (114 ± 41%, 123 ± 41%, and 150 ± 79%, respectively). Post mortem, the existence of infarcts was confirmed by TTC staining. The infarct affinity of Gd(ABE-DTTA) vanishes in the subacute phase of scar healing, allowing its use for infarct age differentiation early on, immediately following the acute phase.     

Myocardial strain in sub-acute peri-infarct myocardium

Purpose In the absence of additional ischemic insults, the peri-infarct region surrounding the infarct myocardium can recover function. T2 weighted MRI signal is sensitive to edema and used to detect peri-infarct, salvageable myocardium. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the alterations in myocardial strain in the peri-infarct myocardium as compared to normal and infarct myocardium. Materials and methods Comprehensive MRI of the myocardium was performed in five pigs 6–7 days following coronary artery occlusion–reperfusion myocardial injury. MRI included tagged cine images for myocardial strain, T2weighted (T2w)-images and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) for assessing myocardial viability. Automated signal intensity thresholds were used to define tissue edema and myocardial infarct. Maximum-shortening strains were analyzed in the infarct, peri-infarct and normal myocardial sectors. The results were correlated with triphenyltetrazolium-chloride (TTC) and hemotoxylin–eosin stained tissue images. Results We found an excellent correlation of LGE with TTC (r = 0.94, P < 0.05). T2w-images markedly overestimated the infarct size (25 ± 3%). Both the healthy and peri-infarct myocardial sectors had higher myocardial strain than infarct myocardial sectors (P < 0.05). Clear demarcation between infarct and non-infarct myocardium was noted on histology. Conclusion Peri-infarct myocardium continues to demonstrate T2 signal enhancement to at least 7 days, but this region has preserved mechanical function. T2-weighted imaging and myocardial strain measurements provide complementary information and both may be useful for characterization of the peri-infarct myocardium. Balázs Ruzsics and Pál Surányi have contributed equally.     

Intramyocardial hemorrhage and microvascular obstruction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Reperfusion may cause intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH) by extravasation of erythrocytes through severely damaged endothelial walls. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical significance of IMH in relation to infarct size, microvascular obstruction (MVO) and function in patients after primary percutaneous intervention. Forty-five patients underwent cardiovascular MR imaging (CMR) 1 week and 4 months after primary stenting for a first acute myocardial infarction. T2-weighted spin-echo imaging (T2W) was used to assess infarct related edema and IMH, and delayed enhancement (DE) was used to assess infarct size and MVO. Cine CMR was used to assess left ventricular volumes and function at baseline and at 4 months follow-up. In 22 (49%) patients, IMH was detected as areas of attenuated signal in the core of the high signal intensity region on T2W images. Patients with IMH had larger infarcts, higher left ventricular volumes and lower ejection fraction. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between hyperintense periphery and the hypo-intense core of the T2W ischemic area correlated to peak CKMB, total infarct size and MVO size. Using univariable analysis, CNR predicted ejection fraction at baseline (β = −0.62, P = 0.003) and follow-up (β = −0.84, P < 0.001). However, after multivariable analysis, baseline ejection fraction and presence of MVO were the only parameters that predicted functional changes at follow-up. IMH was found in the majority of patients with MVO after reperfused myocardial infarction. It was closely related to markers of infarct size, MVO and function, but did not have prognostic significance beyond MVO.     

Superparamagnetic iron-oxide-enhanced diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of intrapancreatic accessory spleen

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of superparamagnetic iron-oxide (SPIO)-enhanced diffusion-weighted image (DWI) for distinguishing an intrapancreatic accessory spleen from pancreatic tumors.

Materials and methods

Twenty-six cases of intrapancreatic accessory spleen and nine cases of pancreatic tail tumors [neuroendocrine tumor (n = 8) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n = 1)] were analyzed. Two blind reviewers retrospectively reviewed the SPIO-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The lesion visibility grades were compared and the diagnostic performance of SPIO-enhanced DWI was compared to those of SPIO-enhanced T2WI and T2*WI with the use of a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

The grade of lesion visibility was the highest on DWI [mean ± standard deviation (SD): 2.8 ± 0.3] followed by T2WI (2.3 ± 0.7, p < 0.001) and T2*WI (2.1 ± 0.7, p < 0.0001). Reviewers 1 and 2 correctly characterized the presence or absence of SPIO uptake in 34 of 35 cases (97.1%) on DWI, 24 (68.6%) and 25 (71.4%) cases on T2WI, respectively, and 16 (45.7%) and 17 (48.6%) cases on T2*WI. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of DWI was 0.974 and 0.989 for reviewers 1 and 2, respectively. For Reviewer 1, the AUC of DWI was significantly higher than that of T2*WI (0.756, p < 0.01), although it was not significantly different from that of T2WI (0.868, p = 0.0857). For Reviewer 2, the AUC of DWI was significantly higher than those of T2WI (0.846, p < 0.05) and T2*WI (0.803, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The diagnostic performance of SPIO-enhanced DWI was better than those of SPIO-enhanced T2*WI and T2WI for the diagnosis of intrapancreatic accessory spleen.

     

Correlation of right ventricular ejection fraction and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion in tetralogy of Fallot by magnetic resonance imaging

The correlation between right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) by two-dimensional (2-D) echo has been repeatedly validated, but not by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) nor in patients with congenital heart disease. We tested whether TAPSE measurements by MRI correlate with RVEF in surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) patients. TAPSE was measured from systolic displacement of the RV-freewall/tricuspid annular plane junction in the apical 4-chamber view in 7 normal subjects and 14 TOF patients. The RV was reconstructed in 3-D from manually traced borders on MR images to compute true EF. Because we previously observed discrepancy between TAPSE and RVEF in the presence of regional dysfunction, we also analyzed RV wall motion in terms of regional stroke volume at 20 short axis slices from apex to tricuspid annulus. RVEF was 52 ± 3% in normal subjects and 41 ± 9% in TOF (P < 0.01). TAPSE correlated weakly (r = 0.50, P < 0.05) with RVEF. TOF patients exhibited increased regional stroke volume from apical portions of the RV and decreased regional stroke volume at the base compared to normal (P < 0.05 at 15 of 20 slices). Regional stroke volume in apical slices correlated inversely with RVEF such that patients with higher apical stroke volume had lower RVEF (P < 0.05). TAPSE is not a reliable measure of RVEF in TOF by MRI. TAPSE may be of limited use in conditions that exhibit abnormal regional contraction.     

Differences of signal evolution of intraplaque hemorrhage and associated stenosis between symptomatic and asymptomatic atherosclerotic carotid arteries: an in vivo high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging follow-up study

To evaluate the differences of signal evolution of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) and associated stenosis between symptomatic and asymptomatic atherosclerotic carotid arteries. Thirty-three carotid arteries (15 symptomatic and 18 asymptomatic plaques) with recent carotid IPH underwent serial high-resolution MRI examinations on a 3.0-Tesla (3.0T) MRI scanner over a period of 18 months. MR sequences included three-dimensional time-of-flight (3D-TOF), quadruple-inversion-recovery T1-weighted imaging (QIR T1 WI), proton density-weighted imaging (PDWI), and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). The contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of subsequent IPH during the follow-up period between symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid IPH showed a significant difference on 3D-TOF (P = 0.029), T1 WI (P = 0.005), and PDWI (P = 0.028), except for that on T2WI (P = 0.362). Compared with no significant signal intensity change of symptomatic IPH, CNRs of asymptomatic IPH exhibited a gradually descending trend on all contrast weighted images (P < 0.05). Compared with asymptomatic arteries, the degree of diameter stenosis associated with IPH increased significantly in the symptomatic atherosclerotic carotid arteries between baseline and the 18th month (10.53 ± 12.29% vs. 1.65 ± 7.74%, P = 0.017). Symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid IPH demonstrated different MRI signal evolution and associated carotid stenosis. Repeated carotid IPH may be more common in symptomatic plaques than in asymptomatic plaques and might produce a stronger stimulus for progression of atherosclerosis than one-time carotid IPH.     

Closed-chest animal model of chronic coronary artery stenosis. Assessment with magnetic resonance imaging

To evaluate the consequences of chronic non-occlusive coronary artery (CA) stenosis on myocardial function, perfusion and viability, we developed a closed-chest, closed-pericardium pig model, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as quantitative imaging tool. Pigs underwent a percutaneous copper-coated stent implantation in the left circumflex CA (n = 19) or sham operation (n = 5). To evaluate the occurrence of myocardial infarction, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels were repetitively measured. At week 6, CA stenosis severity was quantified with angiography and cine, first-pass and contrast-enhanced MRI were performed to evaluate cardiac function, perfusion and viability. In the stenting group, cTnI values significantly increased at day 3 and day 5 (P = 0.01), and normalized at day 12. At angiography, 13/19 stented pigs had a stenosis >75%. Mean degree of CA stenosis was 91 ± 4%, range 83–98%. At contrast-enhanced MRI, mean infarct size was 7 ± 6%, range 0.7–18.4%. Five of the 6 pigs with stenosis <75% had no infarction. Stented pigs showed significantly higher Left-ventricular volumes and normalized mass (P < 0.05), and lower ejection fraction (P = 0.03) than the sham pigs. Both wall thickening and myocardial perfusion were significantly lower in animals with at least one segment >50% infarct (23 ± 8%; 0.05 ± 0.01 a.u./s) and animals with only <50% infarct segments (29% ± 12%; 0.07 ± 0.02 a.u./s), than sham pigs (52 ± 6%; 0.10 ± 0.03 a.u./s) (P < 0.001; P < 0.05). This minimally-invasive animal model of chronic, non-occlusive CA stenosis, presenting a mixture of perfusion and functional impairment and a variable degree of myocardial necrosis, can be used as substitute to study chronic myocardial hypoperfusion.     

Longitudinal left ventricular function is globally depressed within a week of STEMI

Sixty percent of stroke volume (SV) is generated by atrioventricular plane displacement (AVPD) in a healthy left ventricle (LV). The aims were to determine the effect of ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) on AVPD and contribution of AVPD to SV and to study the relationship between AVPD and infarct size (IS) and location. Patients from CHILL‐MI and MITOCARE studies with cardiovascular magnetic resonance within a week of STEMI (n = 177, 59 ± 11 years) and healthy controls (n = 20, 62 ± 11 years) were included. Left ventricular volumes were quantified in short‐axis images. AVPD was measured in six locations in long‐axis images. Longitudinal contribution to SV was calculated as AVPD multiplied by the short‐axis epicardial area. Patients (IS 17 ± 10% of LV) had decreased ejection fraction (48 ± 8%) compared to controls (60 ± 5%, P<0·001). Global AVPD was decreased in patients (11 ± 2 mm versus 15 ± 2 mm in controls, P<0·001) and this held true for both infarcted and remote segments. AVPD contribution to SV was lower in patients (58 ± 9%) than in controls (64 ± 8%) (P<0·001). There was a weak negative correlation between IS and AVPD (r²=0·06) but no differences in global AVPD linked to infarct location. Decrease in global and regional AVPD occur even in remote myocardium within 1 week of STEMI. Global AVPD decrease is independent of MI location, and MI size has only minor effect. Longitudinal pumping is slightly lower compared to controls but remains to be the main component to SV even after STEMI. These results highlight the difficulty in determining infarct location and size from longitudinal measures of LV function.     

PAR1 contribution in acute electrophysiological properties of oral anticoagulants in rabbit pulmonary vein sleeve preparations

Whether oral anticoagulants, vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), and nonvitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOACs) frequently prescribed to atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, do themselves have a pro‐ or anti‐arrhythmic effect have never been addressed. Transmembrane action potentials were recorded in an acute rabbit model of superfused pulmonary veins (PVs) sleeves preparations using standard microelectrode technique. Fluindione 10 μm (n = 6) increased the AP (action potential) duration (APD), induced a significantly V_max depression (from 95 ± 14 to 53 ± 5 V/s, P < 0.05), and 2 : 1 blocks during rapid atrial pacing thus evoking class I anti‐arrhythmic properties, and prevented spontaneous trigger APs. Apixaban 10 μm (n = 6) increased the APD, significantly prolonged the effective refractory period (from 56.3 ± 4.2 to 72.0 ± 8.6 ms, P < 0.05), and prevented triggered APs occurrence. Fluindione and apixaban effects were suppressed with the addition of the protease‐activated receptors 1 (PAR 1) agonist SFLLR‐NH₂. Warfarin 10 μm (n = 6) significantly abbreviated the early refractory period (from 56.3 ± 4.2 to 45.0 ± 2.2 ms, P < 0.05) and increased triggered APs occurrence that were successfully prevented by nifedipine but not by the addition of the protease‐activated receptors 1 agonist SFLLR‐NH₂. In this acute rabbit PVs model, VKAs and NOACs, at physiological concentrations, exhibited very different pharmacological properties that influence PVs electrophysiology, implying PAR1, with fluindione and apixaban which exhibited more anti‐arrhythmic properties, whereas warfarin exhibited more pro‐arrhythmic properties.     

3D-FS-FLASH序列在肝细胞癌MRI诊断中的应用价值

目的　评价MRI三维 ( 3D)FS FLASH序列诊断肝细胞癌的价值。方法　 2 0名患者 2 8枚病灶运用二维和三维序列行二次动态增强检查。观察各序列对病灶的显示能力 ,测量信号值 ,计算对比噪声比 (CNR)和增强指数 (EI)。并对三维资料运用多种方法重建。结果　 3D FS FLASH动态增强发现病灶 2 8枚 ,优于二维增强的 2 4枚 (P <0 .0 5 )。二维增强动脉期、T2WI和三维增强动脉期CNR高于二维和三维平扫及增强实质期 (P <0 .0 0 1)。三维序列中病灶的EI >二维序列病灶EI>三维序列肝实质EI >二维序列肝实质EI (P <0 .0 0 1)。经重建 ,5枚病灶可显示供血动脉 ,1枚显示引流静脉 ,1例静脉曲张避免了误诊为肿瘤。结论　 3D FS FLASH动态增强扫描不但诊断肝细胞癌优于 2D序列 ,还能提供更多有价值信息。     

大脑中动脉粥样硬化责任斑块与非责任斑块的高分辨磁共振对比研究

目的 探讨高分辨磁共振成像(HR-MRI)评估大脑中动脉(MCA)粥样硬化患者高危斑块的价值。方法 选取88例症状性MCA粥样硬化患者(症状组)和23例无症状狭窄者(无症状组),行头颅TOF磁共振血管成像(MRA)、覆盖MCA的M1段的轴位T1WI、T2WI和对比剂增强T1WI(CE-T1),以及脑DWI。定量分析狭窄率、最小管腔面积、斑块负荷以及各序列中斑块的信号强度指数。结果 症状组中,责任斑块88个,非责任斑块20个;无症状组非责任斑块23个。症状组责任病变的狭窄率和斑块负荷均明显高于无症状组非责任病变者(狭窄率:63.61%±24.13% vs 55.61%±24.83%,P=0.002;斑块负荷:86.24%±13.83% vs 75.40%±17.08%,P<0.0001);且责任病变的最小管腔面积明显低于非责任病变[(0.95±0.70)mm² vs (2.22±0.65)mm²,P<0.0001]。责任斑块与非责任斑块间斑块的T2WI和T1WI信号强度指数差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05),但责任斑块呈混杂信号者所占比例明显高于非责任斑块(P均<0.05),症状组责任病变的CE-T1信号强度指数也明显高于无症状组非责任斑块(1.66±0.59 vs 1.37±0.62,P=0.0002)。结论 与单纯应用狭窄率对MCA动脉粥样硬化患者进行评价相比,HR-MRI的MCA管壁成像能够提供更多有价值的信息。评价MCA粥样硬化责任斑块时除了狭窄率,还应结合斑块负荷、斑块信号和强化等形态学指标进行综合考虑。     

Perfusion weighted color maps for enhanced visualization of myocardial infarction by MSCT: preliminary experience

Purpose The reliable detection of myocardial perfusion defects and myocardial infarction (MI) is of great interest in the comprehensive workup of coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to optimize the ability of contrast-enhanced cardiac multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) for detecting hypoperfused myocardium as surrogate marker of MI using a newly developed post-processing technique. Methods First a model-based software tool for semi-automated detection of the long axis of the left ventricle and assignment of left-ventricular segments was developed using a region growing algorithm and a point distribution model. To visualize changes of the myocardial contrast enhancement pattern color coding was performed after spreading of the attenuation values. 15 patients (12 men, mean age 57 ± 15 years) with a history of MI underwent cardiac MSCT (16 × 0.75 mm, 120 kV, 550 mA s_eff., 100 ml Iopromide) and contrast enhanced delayed enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI) after administration of 0.2 mmol Gd-DTPA/kg/bodyweight as reference standard. Presence of infarction was assessed from MSCT, post-processed MSCT images and DE-MRI using a 17-segment model of the left ventricle. Results On DE-MRI MI was present in 78/255 myocardial segments. From conventional MSCT images MI was detected in 63/255 segments (5 false positive; sensitivity 74.4%; specificity: 97.1%), while on post-processed images MI was assigned to 74/255 segments (6 false positive; sensitivity 87.2%; specificity: 96.6%). Agreement between DE-MRI and conventional MSCT images for detecting MI was κ = 0.756. Using post-processed images agreement improved to κ = 0.850. Conclusion MSCT detection of hypoperfused myocardium as surrogate for MI can be improved using dedicated post processing algorithms.     

Response to hypercapnic challenge is associated with successful weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation due to brain stem lesions

Objective  We propose that higher airway occlusion pressure (P0.1) responses to hypercapnic challenge (HC) indicate less severe injury. The study aim was to determine whether P0.1 responses to HC were associated with successful weaning after prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) in patients with brainstem lesions and to determine a reference value for clinical use. Design and setting  Forty-two patients with brainstem lesions on PMV were recruited. Breathing parameters and P0.1 were measured before HC. Three-minute HC challenges with increasing CO₂ concentrations were initiated and P0.1, respiratory rate, minute ventilation (V _e), tidal volume (V _t) and end tidal CO₂ were measured. Measurements and results  Patients were classified into high (group I) and low (group II) response groups on the basis of P0.1 responses to HC. Increases in V _e and V _t after HC were significantly greater in group I patients (12.22 ± 8.22 vs. 3.08 ± 4.84 L/min, P < 0.001 and 399.11 ± 278.18 vs. 110.54 ± 18.275 ml, P < 0.001). P0.1 levels were significantly higher in group I compared to group II before HC (2.69 ± 1.81 vs. 1.28 ± 1.04 cmH₂O, P = 0.003). The increase in P0.1 following HC was significantly greater in group I compared to group II patients (11.05 ± 4.06 vs. 2.90 ± 2.53 cmH₂O, P < 0.001). Weaning success was significantly higher in group I compared to group II patients (72.2% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.02). A P0.1 increase of >6 cmH₂O following HC was significantly associated with successful weaning. Conclusions  Assessing the P.01 response to serial increases in the level of HC may be a safe means to ascertain whether patients with brainstem lesions are ready for ventilator weaning. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Effect of iron overload on exercise capacity in thalassemic patients with heart failure

In b-thalassemia, myocardial iron overload contributes to heart failure, despite chelation treatment. We hypothesized that myocardial T2*, an index of iron overload, influences patients’ physical activity. We assessed a thalassemic population by both cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and ergospirometry test. Sixty-six thalassemic patients aged 27 (19–40) years, 30 without (NHF) and 36 with heart failure (HF), were studied. Cardiac T2* and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were evaluated using a 1.5 T system. VO_2max, AT, Mets and duration of exercise by ergospirometry were also assessed. Myocardial T2* was lower in HF compared to NHF patients (14.7 ± 6.6 vs. 39 ± 2 ms, P < 0.001). LVEDV and LVESV were higher in HF group compared to NHF patients (139.9 ± 16.3 vs. 124.6 ± 20.86 ml, P < 0.01 and 94.9 ± 24 vs. 38.3 ± 10.1 ml, P < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, LVEF in HF was lower compared to NHF patients (21.3 ± 6.1% vs. 69.6 ± 3.7, P < 0.001, respectively). All exercise parameters were lower in HF compared to NHF patients (P < 0.001). Patients within the HF group were additionally analyzed according to T2* values (<10 ms). HF patients with T2* < 10 ms (n = 13) were considered as high iron overloaded (HF-H) and the rest of them (n = 23) as (HF-L). Although LVEDV, LVESV, LVEF were similar in the two subgroups, the exercise parameters were significantly lower in the HF-H group (P < 0.001). Heart T2* correlated with all exercise parameters (P < 0.001). HF thalassemic patients have reduced exercise indexes compared to non HF. Myocardial iron overload, expressed as T2*, has a direct influence on exercise capacity, independent of LV ejection fraction and functional class.     

Gastric cancer staging at isotropic MDCT including coronal and sagittal MPR images: endoscopically diagnosed early vs. advanced gastric cancer

Background  The aims of this study are to evaluate and compare the accuracies of isotropic multi-detector row CT (MDCT) including multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images for preoperative staging of endoscopically diagnosed early gastric cancer (eEGC) and advanced gastric cancer (eAGC). Methods  One hundred and five patients with endoscopically proven gastric cancer underwent isotropic MDCT. Three independent radiologists evaluated T and N staging both on transverse images only and on three orthogonal MPR images. The staging of each tumor was surgico-pathologically confirmed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the Wilcoxon signed ranked test were used for statistical analyses. Results  In 30 eAGCs, the accuracies for T and N staging with MPR imaging were better than those with transverse imaging (each P < 0.05). In 34 eEGCs, however, only the accuracy of T2 or higher with MPR imaging was higher than that with transverse imaging (P < 0.05). Conclusions  Isotropic MDCT with MPR images including coronal or sagittal reconstructions can improve the accuracies of preoperative T and N staging of eAGC, while having little impact on the accuracy for eEGC.     

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging with single-shot echo-planar imaging in the upper abdomen: preliminary clinical experience in 61 patients

Background: To determine the potential ability of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with single-shot echo-planar imaging (DW imaging) in the upper abdomen by apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and signal:intensity ratio (SIR) measurements. Methods: DW imaging was performed in 61 clinical patients. ADCs in the liver, pancreas, spleen, kidney, and different pathological conditions were calculated. Spleen-to-liver SIR and segmental intensity difference of the liver (SID) were also calculated. Results: The mean ADCs (mm²/s) were 2.28 × 10⁻³± 0.07 in the liver, 1.44 × 10⁻³± 0.05 in the spleen, 1.94 × 10⁻³± 0.19 in the pancreas, and 5.76 × 10⁻³± 0.06 in the kidney. The mean ADC of cirrhotic liver was 1.96 × 10⁻³± 0.62, which was lower than that of normal liver. Other pathologic conditions also showed ADCs different from those of normal tissues. All DW images showed significantly higher spleen-to-liver SIRs and SIDs than did T2-weighted images (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The mean ADCs obtained with DW imaging were different in each upper abdominal organ and with each pathologic condition. DW images showed better soft tissue contrast than did T2-weighted images with regard to SIR and CNR in depicting and characterizing upper abdominal disorders. Received: 24 July 1998/Revision accepted: 2 December 1998     

自制线圈辅助支架及表面线圈组合用于新生儿颅脑1.5T MR检查北大核心CSCD

目的观察自制线圈辅助支架及相控阵表面线圈组合(简称组合线圈)用于新生儿颅脑1.5T MRI的价值。方法针对水模分别以组合线圈及常规头颅线圈以相同参数采集T1WI进行体外实验。采用组合线圈(试验组)及常规头颅线圈(对照组)以相同参数对10名健康足月新生儿采集颅脑T1WI、T2WI和T2液体衰减反转恢复(T2-FLAIR)序列图像,比较图像信噪比(SNR)、对比噪声比(CNR)和信号一致性(Cs),综合分析新生儿颅脑各序列图像,比较组间图像主观评分的差异。结果体外实验中,相比常规头颅线圈,以组合线圈采集的T1WI中,各区域SNR均有所增加(P均<0.05),前后部及左右侧Cs值均降低(P均<0.01)。临床试验中,相比对照组,试验组新生儿颅脑T1WI、T2WI及T2-FLAIR序列图像的前额部SNR均提高(P均<0.05),T1WI基底节及左右颞部SNR均降低(P均<0.05),其余区域各序列图像SNR差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05);组间新生儿颅脑各序列图像所示各区域CNR差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05);试验组图像质量主观评分(4.45±0.27)高于对照组[(3.01±0.42),t=35.25,P<0.01]。结论自制线圈辅助支架及表面线圈组合有利于提高新生儿颅脑1.5T MR图像质量。     

Quantitative T2 mapping for detecting myocardial edema after reperfusion of myocardial infarction: validation and comparison with T2-weighted images

This study evaluates the clinical usefulness of T2 mapping for the detection of myocardial edema in the re-perfused acute myocardial infarction (MI). Cardiac MRIs were reviewed in 20 patients who had acute MI after reperfusion therapy. The regional T2 values and T2-weighted image (T2WI) signal intensities (SI) were measured in the infarcted and remote zones of the myocardium. Patients were divided into three groups according to the signal patterns of the infarcted myocardium on the T2WIs. The T2 values of the infarcted zones were compared on the T2 maps among the three groups. Validation of the T2 values was performed in the normal myocardium of seven healthy volunteers. There were no significant differences in mean T2WI-SI or T2 values in the normal myocardium of healthy volunteers compared to the remote myocardium of acute MI patients (p > 0.05). Mean SI on the T2WIs was significantly higher in the infarcted myocardium (81.3 ± 37.6) than in the remote myocardium (63.8 ± 18.1) (p < 0.05). The T2WIs showed high SI in ten patients (group 1), iso-SI in seven (group 2), and low SI in three (group 3) in the infarcted myocardium, compared to the remote myocardium. The T2 maps showed that T2 values in the infarcted myocardium had mostly increased, regardless of group, with values of 71 ± 9 ms in group 1, 64.9 ± 7.4 ms in group 2, and 61.4 ± 8.5 ms in group 3. T2 mapping is superior to T2WI for detecting areas of high SI in the infarcted myocardium. Therefore, quantitative T2 mapping sequences may be more useful and reliable in identifying myocardial edema in the infarcted myocardium than T2WI.     

Cardiac magnetic resonance visualizes acute and chronic myocardial injuries in myocarditis

Our objective was to evaluate the ability of CMR to visualize myocardial injuries over the course of myocarditis. We studied 42 patients (39 males, 3 females; age 37 ± 14 years) with myocarditis during the acute phase and after 12 ± 9 months. CMR included function analyses, T2-weighted imaging (T2 ratio), T1-weighted imaging before and after i.v. gadolinium injection (global relative enhancement; gRE), and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). In the acute phase, the T2 ratio was elevated in 57%, gRE in 31%, and LGE was present in 64% of the patients. In 32 patients (76%) were any two (or more) out of three sequences abnormal. At follow-up, there was an increase in ejection fraction (57.4 ± 11.9% vs. 61.4 ± 7.6; P < 0.05) while both T2 ratio (2.04 ± 0.32 vs. 1.70 ± 0.28; P < 0.001) and gRE (4.07 ± 1.63 vs. 3.11 ± 1.22; P < 0.05) significantly decreased. The LGE persisted in 10 patients. Dilated cardiomyopathy was present in 3 patients and 4 patients received a defibrillator or a pacemaker. A comprehensive CMR approach is a useful tool to visualize myocardial tissue injuries over the course of myocarditis. CMR may help to differentiate acute from healed myocarditis, and add information for the differential diagnoses.