Diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) in the evaluation of epidural spinal lesions

Introduction Epidural spinal cord compression is one of the most critical emergency conditions requiring medical attention and requires prompt and adequate treatment. The aim of our study was to assess the role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (DWI) in the diagnosis and differentiation of epidural spinal lesions. Methods Three patients with epidural lymphoma, two with sarcoma and three with epidural metastatic disease were imaged on a 1.5T MRI unit. DWI was performed using navigated, interleaved, multi-shot echo planar imaging (IEPI). Three region of interest (ROI)-measurements were obtained on corresponding apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, and the mean ADC value was used for further analysis. The cellularity of tumors was determined as the N/C ratio (nucleus/cytoplasma ratio) from histological samples. The ADC values and N/C ratios of lesions were compared using a Kruskal-Wallis test. Results The mean ADC of the lymphomas was 0.66 × 10⁻³ mm²/s, that of the sarcomas was 0.85 × 10⁻³ mm²/s and the ADC of the metastatic lesions was 1.05 × 10⁻³ mm²/s; however, the differences were not statistically significant. Mean N/C ratios in the lymphoma, sarcomas and metastases were 4:1, 2:1, and 2.6:1, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.025). Conclusion Although not statistically significant due to the small patient sample, our results clearly show a tendency toward decreased diffusivity in neoplastic lesions with higher cellularity. The data from our study suggest that DWI is a feasible and potentially useful technique for the evaluation of epidural lesions that cause spinal cord compression on a per-patient basis.     

磁共振扩散成像及磁敏感加权成像在脊髓损伤中的应用

目前,脊髓MR成像常规检查是诊断脊髓损伤的最佳手段,能清楚地显示受损伤脊髓形态及信号改变,以此明确疾病,但是当MRI常规检查出现信号改变时往往提示脊髓损伤严重,并非病变的早期,使得病人错过最佳治疗时期。而MR扩散加权成像(DWI)和磁敏感加权成像(SWI)对脊髓损伤的早期诊断、治疗和预后均具有重要价值。对DWI及SWI在急慢性脊髓损伤中的应用情况及研究进展进行综述。     

Abnormal hypermyelination in a neonate with Sturge-Weber syndrome demonstrated on diffusion-tensor imaging

In Sturge-Weber syndrome in neonates, evaluation of the extent of the brain parenchymal involvement is difficult due to the lack of calcification, although it is important for initiation of preventive antiepileptic treatment and prediction of prognosis. We present the first application of diffusion-tensor imaging with fractional anisotropy and ADC maps in a 7-day-old neonate. Abnormal T2 hypointensity in the subcortical white matter corresponded to the areas of increased FA and decreased ADC on diffusion-tensor imaging, which probably represents abnormal hypermyelination. Diffusion-tensor imaging enabled to quantify the abnormal hypermyelination, and is useful in early diagnosis of Sturge-Weber syndrome.     

DWI和~1H-MRS在肝纤维化中的诊断价值

目的:探讨扩散加权成像(DWI)与氢质子波谱分析(1 H-MRS)在肝纤维化中的诊断价值。方法:使用腹腔注射CCl4溶液法诱导建立兔肝纤维化模型并进行DWI和1 H-MRS检查。DWI使用SE-EPI序列(b1=0s/mm2,b2=600s/mm2),1 H-MRS使用单体素点分辨波谱分析(PRESS)序列(TR 1500ms,TE 35ms),测量表观扩散系数(ADC)值及胆碱(Cho)和脂质(lipid)波峰下面积的比值(Cho/lipid)。以病理学肝纤维化分期为基础,将兔划分为无肝纤维化组(S0)、轻度-中度纤维化组(S1-S2)和重度纤维化及肝硬化组(S3-S4),比较不同组间ADC值和Cho/lipid变化规律。结果:随肝纤维化程度加重,ADC值依次降低(P<0.01),Cho/lipid依次升高(P<0.05);重度纤维化及肝硬化组与另两组ADC值及Cho/lipid差异均具有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。结论:DWI和1 H-MRS具备一定的定量肝纤维化及检测重度纤维化及肝硬化的能力。     

多发性硬化脑内病灶的扩散张量成像

目的研究多发性硬化(MS)的脑内病灶在磁共振扩散张量成像(DTI)上的主要特征,量化分析不同时期病灶的ADC值的差异,探讨DTI在反映MS病理变化中的价值。方法应用3.0 T磁共振设备对34例MS病人行常规头颅MRI和DTI检查,根据病灶有无强化和在T1WI上的信号强度,进行急慢性期病灶的分组。分析不同时期MS病灶在DTI后处理所获得的DWI、ADC、FA图上的特征,并测量各组病灶的ADC值。结果35个急性期病灶中的33个病灶(94.3%)于DWI上呈高信号,5个环形强化病灶在DWI上亦呈环形高信号。急、慢性期病灶的ADC值均升高。慢性期病灶的ADC值明显高于急性期病灶[(12.43±3.78)×10-4 mm2/s∶(10.10±2.28)×10-4 mm2/s,P=0.001]。急性期环形强化病灶的ADC值较非环形强化病灶的高,慢性期T1WI低信号病灶的ADC值较T1WI等信号病灶的高,T1WI明显低信号病灶的ADC值最高。急、慢性期病灶的FA值均降低。FA图能够清晰显示纤维通路上的病灶和纤维束的中断,定位上明显优于常规MRI。病灶于FA图上显示的范围较常规MRI T2WI上显示的大。结论DTI可以反映MS不同时期病灶的病理变化,为观测疾病演变和评价临床疗效提供有效的指标。     

全身DWI的正常表现及在转移瘤筛查中的临床应用

目的:探讨磁共振全身扩散加权成像(全身DWI)的正常表现及在转移瘤筛查中的应用价值。方法:20例健康志愿者及25例疑似或确诊恶性肿瘤患者行磁共振全身扩散加权成像,其中11例肿瘤患者同时行PET/CT检查。全身DWI应用STIR抑制背景信号,从头顶至股骨上分段无间隔扫描,共覆盖1080～1440mm,b值取0及600s/mm2。结果:在健康志愿者的全身DWI像上,脑实质、涎腺、椎间盘、脊髓、脾脏、肾脏和前列腺、睾丸、子宫、卵巢等脏器呈高信号,其余脏器及骨骼呈等信号。原发恶性肿瘤及转移灶在全身DWI呈明显高信号,对比度高于常规MRI序列。25例患者全身DWI共检出70处高信号病灶,包括原发恶性肿瘤及转移灶68处,良性病灶2处,显示率为98.6%。11例PET/CT检查共有20处阳性显像,原发恶性肿瘤及转移灶16处,良性病灶4处,显示率100%。结论:磁共振全身扩散加权成像一次检查可完成从头顶至股骨上段的大范围成像,对恶性肿瘤原发灶及转移灶有较高的显示率,可以作为恶性肿瘤患者原发及转移灶筛查的有力工具之一。     

MR扩散加权成像在眼眶良恶性肿块鉴别诊断中的应用

目的 分析眶内良恶性肿块的扩散加权成像(DWI)特征,评价表观扩散系数(ADC)值对其诊断价值.方法 对77例眶内肿块进行常规MRI及DWI,其中良性肿块55例,恶性肿块22例.扩散敏感系数(b)值=0、1000 s/mm2,测量病变对侧颞叶脑白质感兴趣区DWI信号,获得相应的肿块区ADC(ADCM)值、病变对侧颞叶脑白质ADC(ADCw)值,计算二者比值(ADCR).以不同ADCM值及ADCR作为临界点区分眶内良恶性肿块绘制出受试者工作特征曲线(ROC).结果 眶内良性肿块ADCM值及ADCR分别为(1.56±0.75)×10-3mm2/s、1.85±0.91;恶性肿块ADCM值及ADCR分别为(1.09±0.42)×10-3mm2/s、1.28±0.53;良性肿块ADCM值及ADCR显著高于恶性肿块(t值分别为2.803、2.735,P值均＜0.01).以不同ADCM值、ADCR作为临界点判断眶内良恶性肿块绘制ROC,曲线下面积均为0.71±0.07.以ADCM值为1.05×10-3mm2/s作为判断眶内良恶性肿块的决定值,灵敏度、特异度和准确率分别为59.1%(13/22)、78.2%(43/55)和72.7%(56/77);以ADCR为1.24作为决定值,灵敏度、特异度和准确率分别为59.1%(13/22)、76.4%(42/55)和71.4%(55/77).结论 DWI可揭示眼眶肿块的扩散特征,ADC值对于良恶性肿块的鉴别诊断具有辅助诊断价值.     

Various diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors and remains a treatment-refractory cancer with a poor prognosis. Currently, the diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasm depends mainly on imaging and which methods are conducive to detecting small lesions. Compared to the other techniques, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has irreplaceable advantages and can provide valuable information unattainable with other noninvasive or minimally invasive imaging techniques. Advances in MR hardware and pulse sequence design have particularly improved the quality and robustness of MRI of the pancreas. Diffusion MR imaging serves as one of the common functional MRI techniques and is the only technique that can be used to reflect the diffusion movement of water molecules in vivo. It is generally known that diffusion properties depend on the characterization of intrinsic features of tissue microdynamics and microstructure. With the improvement of the diffusion models, diffusion MR imaging techniques are increasingly varied, from the simplest and most commonly used technique to the more complex. In this review, the various diffusion MRI techniques for pancreatic cancer are discussed, including conventional diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), multi-b DWI based on intra-voxel incoherent motion theory, diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion kurtosis imaging. The principles, main parameters, advantages and limitations of these techniques, as well as future directions for pancreatic diffusion imaging are also discussed.     

Diffusion-weighted imaging of pancreatic cancer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a reliable and accurate imaging method for the evaluation of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a relatively recent technological improvement that expanded MRI capabilities, having brought functional aspects into conventional morphologic MRI evaluation. DWI can depict the random diffusion of water molecules within tissues (the so-called Brownian motions). Modifications of water diffusion induced by different factors acting on the extracellular and intracellular spaces, as increased cell density, edema, fibrosis, or altered functionality of cell membranes, can be detected using this MR sequence. The intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) model is an advanced DWI technique that consent a separate quantitative evaluation of all the microscopic random motions that contribute to DWI, which are essentially represented by molecular diffusion and blood microcirculation (perfusion). Technological improvements have made possible the routine use of DWI during abdominal MRI study. Several authors have reported that the addition of DWI sequence can be of value for the evaluation of patients with PDAC, especially improving the staging; nevertheless, it is still unclear whether and how DWI could be helpful for identification, characterization, prognostic stratification and follow-up during treatment. The aim of this paper is to review up-to-date literature data regarding the applications of DWI and IVIM to PDACs.     

扩散张量成像在脑小血管病中的研究进展

脑小血管病（CSVD）是引起痴呆、认知下降、步态障碍、卒中等的主要原因之一,临床常根据其MRI表现诊断。扩散张量成像（DTI）作为目前唯一能无创在体显示白质微观结构的MRI技术,可通过不同参数及后处理分析方法提供组织微结构信息,在CSVD的发生发展机制、严重程度及疾病进展等方面研究中起着非常重要的作用。综述DTI主要参数及常见后处理分析方法在CSVD研究中的应用现状及进展。     

MR扩散加权成像对脑实质内表皮样囊肿的诊断价值

目的探讨MR扩散加权成像(DWI)对脑实质内表皮样囊肿(EC)的诊断价值。资料与方法回顾性分析6例脑实质内EC的常规MRI和DWI的信号特征。定量测定EC、正常脑白质和脑脊液(CSF)的平均表观扩散系数(mADC)值,并比较常规MRI和DWI各自诊断的准确性。结果(1)4例位于幕下小脑实质内,其中1例合并蛛网膜囊肿。1例呈巨块状跨左侧额、颞叶实质,另1例位于左颞叶内;(2)2例为均匀性长T1、长T2信号,类似CSF信号,4例表现为不均匀性囊实性混杂信号,其内可见漩涡状或卷发状短T1信号。所有病灶DWI上均表现为明显高信号、ADC图表现为等低、等高信号,部分病灶内信号不均;所有病灶均无灶周水肿信号;增强后均无异常强化;(3)所有EC的mADC值均较CSF值显著减低(t=39.97,P<0.001),较脑实质值显著增高(t=4.73,P<0.01);(4)单纯常规MRI对EC的诊断正确率为50%(3/6),结合DWI后的正确率为100%(6/6)。结论DWI有助于确诊脑实质内EC,对预防术中化学性脑膜炎的发生有重要意义。DWI应作为颅内囊性病灶检查时的常规序列。     

Clinical decision support systems for brain tumor characterization using advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques

In recent years, advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy, diffusion weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging and perfusion weighted imaging have been used in order to resolve demanding diagnostic problems such as brain tumor characterization and grading, as these techniques offer a more detailed and non-invasive evaluation of the area under study. In the last decade a great effort has been made to import and utilize intelligent systems in the so-called clinical decision support systems (CDSS) for automatic processing, classification, evaluation and representation of MRI data in order for advanced MRI techniques to become a part of the clinical routine, since the amount of data from the aforementioned techniques has gradually increased. Hence, the purpose of the current review article is two-fold. The first is to review and evaluate the progress that has been made towards the utilization of CDSS based on data from advanced MRI techniques. The second is to analyze and propose the future work that has to be done, based on the existing problems and challenges, especially taking into account the new imaging techniques and parameters that can be introduced into intelligent systems to significantly improve their diagnostic specificity and clinical application.     

全身一体化MRI和扩散加权成像在淋巴结肿瘤性病变中的应用

目的:初步探讨全身一体化MR和扩散加权成像对全身淋巴结肿瘤性病变的应用价值,并研究影响图像质量的技术参数.方法:病理证实淋巴结肿瘤性病变患者31例,1.5T HD MR行全身一体化MR和全身STIR-DWI扫描.全身一体化扫描采用常规技术,从头到腹股沟区行冠状面扫描.全身STIR-DWI进行轴位分段扫描,利用软件包将各段图像拼接重建成全身图像.结果:所有DWI 、T1WI、T2WI和STIR检查顺利,获得清晰的图像.全身一体化MR有较好的空间分辨力,能够较好的显示全身的解剖结构,但对较小的淋巴结显示欠佳.全身STIR-DWI对肿瘤淋巴结的显示较为敏感.但是图像质量较差,伪影明显增加.结论:全身MR成像和扩散加权成像对全身淋巴结肿瘤性病变是快速可行并行之有效的技术,具有一定的临床价值.     

扩散加权成像在脊髓梗死中的应用

目的研究扩散加权成像(DWI)在脊髓梗死中的诊断及鉴别诊断价值。方法6例临床诊断为脊髓梗死患者,在发病后1～30d内采用1.5T磁共振仪行常规MRI和DWI。DWI均采用导航回波校正多次激励平面回波序列,并在矢状面进行表观扩散系数(ADC)值的测量。结果均成功行常规MRI和DWI检查,颈髓2例,胸腰段4例。常规T2WI表现为矢状面条状和片状长T2信号(6/6),早期多伴有肿胀(5/6),轴面表现为对称长T2信号,部分呈典型“蛇眼征”。其中,1例仅累及脊髓后动脉,表现为脊髓后部长T2信号。DWI除1例接近等信号外(发病后30d),余(发病1～12d)均表现为明显高信号,ADC平均值[(0.37±0.10)×10-3mm2/s],较正常值[(0.89±0.08)×10-3mm2/s]明显减低,差异有统计学意义(t=4.71,P<0.01)。本组中2例在3个月内进行复查,DWI信号逐渐减低,同时ADC值逐渐升高至正常,分别为0.85×10-3mm2/s和0.95×10-3mm2/s。结论DWI是脊髓梗死较为特异的诊断和鉴别诊断方法,值得推广应用。     

梗阻性脑积水的弥散加权成像及弥散张量成像研究

目的探讨磁共振弥散加权成像(DWI)与弥散张量成像(DTI)对梗阻性脑积水的诊断价值。方法 25例梗阻性脑积水患者和30例志愿者均行3.0T磁共振常规序列以及DWI和DTI扫描,重建出ADC图、MD图、FA图、RA图、VR图及AI图,并对各参数图进行测量和记录,所得数据进行统计学分析。结果 30例志愿者及25例梗阻性脑积水患者分别测量双侧侧脑室周围脑白质、胼胝体膝部及压部区域的ADC、MD、FA、RA、VR及AI进行测量,ADC图中胼胝体膝部两组ADC值差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),双侧侧脑室外侧脑白质两组所测得MD、FA、VR、AI值均有统计学意义(P<0.05),两组胼胝体压部RA值有统计学差异(P<0.05),两组间胼胝体膝部所有测得DTI各参数值均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论 DWI和DTI在脑积水的诊断中具有重要的诊断价值。     

急性一氧化碳中毒后迟发性脑病的MRI研究进展

急性CO中毒后迟发性脑病（DEACMP）是急性CO中毒后最严重的并发症之一,其发病机制迄今不明。MRI能较好的显示DEACMP的脑组织的病理改变有重要的临床应用价值,而功能MR成像技术为该疾病开辟了新的研究方向。本文主要对MRI及功能MR技术在DECAMP中的研究近况予以综述。     

3.0 T磁共振扩散加权成像及表观扩散系数在淋巴瘤诊断及随访中的应用价值

目的 观察恶性淋巴瘤的扩散加权成像(DWI)特征及表观扩散系数(ADC)值在治疗前后的变化,探讨 DWI及ADC值在淋巴瘤诊断和随访中的应用价值.资料与方法 恶性淋巴瘤初发患者15例,男8例,女7例,平均年龄48.7岁.其中10例化疗后进行复查;健康志愿者10名,男5名,女5名,平均年龄48.4岁.在3.0 T MRI上行常规MRI及DWI检查.在ADC图上分别测量恶性淋巴瘤患者及健康志愿者颈部淋巴结的ADC值.10例复查患者在初次检查相一致部位再次测量淋巴结的ADC值,并进行前后对比,同时与健康志愿者进行比较.采用PSS 11.0统计软件,对淋巴瘤患者及正常对照组淋巴结的ADC值进行独立样本的t检验.结果 DWI与常规T2WI脂肪抑制序列比较,DWI能更敏感、直观地显示淋巴结.15例恶性淋巴瘤患者平均ADC值(753.33±31.28)×10-3 mm2/s,化疗后复查,平均ADC值(1088.32±51.28)×10-3 mm2/s.化疗前后ADC值差异有统计学意义(t=5.79,P＜0.05).健康志愿者颈部淋巴结平均ADC值(1264.20±71.60)×10-3 mm2/s.15例淋巴瘤患者治疗前ADC值与健康志愿者差异有统计学意义(t=6.53,P＜0.05),治疗后ADC值与正常人差异无统计学意义(t=1.97,P＞0.05).结论 3.0 T磁共振DWI及ADC值测量为淋巴瘤的诊断及疗效的观察提供了有价值的信息.     

Diffusion tensor imaging of the brain: review of clinical applications

Abstract We review the theoretical background to diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and some of its commoner clinical applications, such as cerebral ischemia, brain maturation and traumatic brain injury. We also review its potential use in diseases such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimers disease. The value of DTI in the investigation of brain tumors and metabolic disorders is assessed.     

联合DWI和常规MRI对非出血性弥漫性轴索损伤的诊断价值

目的 探讨扩散加权成像(DWI)和常规MRI对非出血性弥漫性轴索损伤(DAI)的诊断价值以及推测非出血性DAI病灶表观扩散系数值(ADC)变化的病理基础.资料与方法 回顾性分析17例经临床和影像证实的非出血性DAI患者的常规MRI和DWI资料,比较两者对非出血性DAI病灶的检出数目,并测量DWI所发现病灶的ADC值.结果 DWI和液体衰减翻转恢复(FLAIR)序列共发现各期非出血性DAI病灶121个,17例患者中15例胼胝体受累;其中DWI显示病灶但FLAIR显示为阴性的各期病灶总数为47个,而FLAIR显示病灶但DWI显示为阴性的各期病灶总数为25个;非出血性DAI病灶的ADC值可以降低、升高或者无变化.结论 对于急性期和亚急性期非出血性DAI病灶的显示,DWI比FALIR序列敏感,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).联合DWI和FALIR可以提高非出血性DAI病灶的检出率,非出血性DAI病灶的ADC值的升高和降低反映了轴索损伤的程度不同,有助于临床准确评估病情.     

Diffusion-weighted MRI in a liver protocol: its role in focal lesion detection

AIM: To evaluate the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the detection of focal liver lesions (FLLs), using a conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol. METHODS: Fifty-two patients (22 males, average age 55.6 years, range: 25-82 years), studied using a 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance scanner, were retrospectively analyzed; detection of FLLs was evaluated by considering the number of lesions observed with the following sequences: (1) respiratory-triggered diffusion-weighted single-shot echo-planar (DW SS-EP) sequences; (2) fat-suppressed fast spin-echo (fs-FSE) T2 weighted sequences; (3) steady-state free precession (SSFP) images; and (4) dynamic triphasic gadolinium-enhanced images, acquired with three-dimensional fast spoiled gradient-echo (3D FSPGR). Two radiologists independently reviewed the images: they were blinded to their respective reports. DW SS-EP sequences were compared to fs-FSE, SSFP and dynamic gadolinium-enhanced acquisitions using a t -test. Pairs were compared for the detection of: (1) all FLLs; (2) benign FLLs; (3) malignant FLLs; (4) metastases; and (5) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was very good (weighted = 0.926, CI = 0.880-0.971); on the consensus reading, 277 FLLs were detected. In the comparison with fs-FSE, DW SS-EP sequences had a significantly higher score in the detection of all FLLs, benign FLLs, malignant FLLs and metastases; no statistical difference was observed in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCCs). In the comparison with SSFP sequences, DW SS-EP had significantly higher scores (P < 0.05) in the detection of all lesions, benign lesions, malignant lesions, metastases and HCC. All FLLs were better detected by dynamic 3D FSGR enhanced acquisition, with P = 0.0023 for reader 1 and P = 0.0086 for reader 2 in the comparison with DW SS-EP sequences; with reference to benign FLLs, DW SS-EP showed lower values than 3D FSPGR enhanced acquisition (P < 0.05). No statistical differences were observed in the detection of malignant lesions and metastases; considering HCCs, a very slight difference was reported by reader 1 (P = 0.049), whereas no difference was found by reader 2 (P = 0.06). CONCLUSION: In lesion detection, DWI had higher scores than T2 sequences; considering malignant FLLs, no statistical difference was observed between DWI and dynamic gadolinium images.