DTI量化评估慢性肾脏病患者肾功能状态及损伤程度的价值

目的探讨扩散张量成像(diffusion tensor imaging,DTI)量化对慢性肾脏病(chronic kidney disease,CKD)患者肾功能状态及肾功能损伤程度的临床预测价值。方法选取本院诊治的轻度(1~2期)CKD患者43例为轻度组,中重度(3~5期)CKD患者45例为中重度组,同期体检健康者50例为健康对照组。比较三组DTI相关参数各向异性分数(fractional anisotropy,FA)及表观弥散系数(apparentdiffusion coefficient,ADC)水平与肾功能指标的相关性;评估DTI量化指标对CKD肾功能及肾损伤的预测价值。结果三组皮质和髓质ADC值与FA值水平比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)且皮质和髓质ADC、FA值对照组>轻度组>重度组。三组肾功能指标比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),Scr、24h-Upro水平对照组<轻度组<重度组,eGFR水平对照组>轻度组>重度组。相关分析显示,皮质和髓质的ADC和FA值与均Scr、24h-Upro呈负相关,与eGFR呈正相关(P<0.05)。ROC曲线显示,髓质FA预测中重度CKD具有一定准确性(AUC=0.852,敏感度、特异度为82.2%、79.8%)。结论DTI量化相关参数对CKD,患者肾功能状态及损伤程度具有重要的预测价值。     

Diffusion tensor imaging and tractography of the kidneys: assessment of chronic parenchymal diseases

Objective

To assess renal dysfunction in chronic kidney diseases using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Methods

Forty-seven patients with impaired renal function (study group) and 17 patients without renal diseases (control group) were examined using DTI sequences. Cortical and medullary regions of interest (ROIs) were located to obtain the corresponding values of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the fractional anisotropy (FA). The mean values of the ADC and FA, for each ROI site, were obtained in each group and were compared. Furthermore, the correlations between the diffusion parameters and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were determined.

Results

In both the normal and affected kidneys, we obtained the cortico-medullary difference of the ADC and the FA values. The FA value in the medulla was significantly lower (P?=?0.0149) in patients with renal function impairment as compared to patients with normal renal function. A direct correlation between DTI parameters and the eGFR was not found. Tractography visualised disruption of the regular arrangement of the tracts in patient with renal function alteration.

Conclusion

DTI could be a useful tool in the evaluation of chronic kidney disease and, in particular, the medullary FA value seems to be the main parameter for assessing renal damage.

Key Points

? Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (MRDTI) provides new information about renal problems. ? DTI allows non-invasive repeatable evaluation of the renal parenchyma, without contrast media. ? DTI could become useful in the management of chronic parenchymal disease. ? DTI seems more appropriate for renal evaluation than diffusion-weighted imaging.     

多带宽DTI-IVIM技术评估肾移植术后早期移植肾功能受损的价值

目的 探讨多带宽扩散张量成像-体素内不相干运动(multiband DTI-IVIM)技术评估肾移植术后早期不同程度受损移植肾功能的价值。方法 前瞻性收集异体肾移植术后2~4周病人92例行常规MRI、multiband DTIIVIM MRI检查。根据估算肾小球滤过率(eGFR)将病人分为3组:组1,eGFR≥60 mL/(min·1.73 m^2)(45例);组2,30 mL/(min·1.73 m^2)≤eGFR<60 mL/(min·1.73 m^2)(27例);组3,e GFR<30 mL/(min·1.73 m^2)(20例)。测量移植肾皮髓质的表观扩散系数(ADC)、单纯扩散系数(ADCslow)、微循环灌注系数(ADCfast)、灌注分数(f)、各向异性分数(FA)。采用配对t检验分析比较皮髓质间各参数值差异;采用单因素方差分析比较组间各参数值的差异;采用Pearson相关分析研究移植肾各参数值与eGFR间的相关性以及皮髓质FA值与其他各参数值的相关性。结果 组1肾皮质FA值低于髓质,余参数值高于髓质(P<0.05),组2、组3的ADCslow、ADCfast值及组2的f值皮髓质间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。组2肾皮髓质ADC、ADCslow、皮质f值及髓质FA值均低于组1(P<0.05)。组3肾皮髓质ADC、髓质ADCslow及髓质FA值均低于组2(P<0.05)。组3肾皮髓质ADC、ADCslow、f值、皮质ADCfast值及髓质FA值均低于组1(P<0.05)。各参数中,髓质FA值对组1和组2、组2和组3、组1和组3鉴别诊断效能最高(AUC分别为0.855、0.831、0.983);联合DTI-IVIM参数鉴别各组的能力最高(AUC分别为0.954、0.885、1.000)。除髓质ADCfast值、f值及皮质FA值外,移植肾各参数值与eGFR均呈中度正相关(r值为0.333~0.707,P<0.05)。髓质FA值与皮髓质ADC值、皮髓质ADCslow值及髓质f值均呈中度正相关(r值为0.335~0.526,P<0.05)。结论 multiband DTI-IVIM联合DTI和IVIM技术,可以评估并鉴别移植术后早期不同功能状态的移植肾功能。     

Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Lateral Pterygoid Muscle in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and Healthy Volunteers

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the feasibility of functional evaluation of the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs).Materials and MethodsA total of 119 patients with TMD (23 male and 96 female; mean age ± standard deviation, 41 ± 15 years; 58 bilateral and 61 unilateral involvements for a total of 177 joints) and 20 healthy volunteers (9 male and 11 female; 40 ± 13 years; 40 joints) were included in this prospective study. Based on DTI of the jaw in the resting state, the diffusion parameters, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA), λ1, λ2, and λ3 of the superior and inferior heads of the LPM (SHLPM and IHLPM) were measured. Patients with TMD with normal disc position (ND), anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADWR), and anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADWOR) were compared.ResultsPatients with TMD overall, and ADWR and ADWOR subgroups had significantly higher ADC, λ1, λ2, and λ3 in both the SHLPM and IHLPM than those in volunteers (p < 0.05 for all), whereas the ND subgroup only had significantly higher ADC and λ1 (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, significant differences in FA in the SHLPM and IHLPM were found between volunteers and ADWOR (p = 0.014 and p = 0.037, respectively). Among the three TMD subgroups, except for λ3 and FA in the ADWR subgroup, ADWR and ADWOR subgroups had significantly higher ADC, λ1, λ2, and λ3 and lower FA than those in the ND group (p < 0.050). There was no significant difference in diffusion variables between ADWR and ADWOR. In ADWOR, the osteoarthritis group had significantly higher λ3 and lower FA values in the IHLPM than those in the non-osteoarthritis group.ConclusionDTI successfully detected functional changes in the LPM in patients with TMD. The unsynchronized diffusivity changes in the LPM in different subgroups of TMD signified the possibility of using diffusion parameters as indicators to identify the severity of LPM hyperfunction at various stages of TMD.     

Impact of blood flow on diffusion coefficients of the human kidney: A time‐resolved ECG‐triggered diffusion‐tensor imaging (DTI) study at 3T

Purpose:

To evaluate the impact of renal blood flow on apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) using time‐resolved electrocardiogram (ECG)‐triggered diffusion‐tensor imaging (DTI) of the human kidneys.

Materials and Methods:

DTI was performed in eight healthy volunteers (mean age 29.1 ± 3.2) using a single slice coronal echoplanar imaging (EPI) sequence (3 b‐values: 0, 50, and 300 s/mm²) at the timepoint of minimum (20 msec after R wave) and maximum renal blood flow (200 msec after R wave) at 3T. Following 2D motion correction, region of interest (ROI)‐based analysis of cortical and medullary ADC‐ and FA‐values was performed.

Results:

ADC‐values of the renal cortex at maximum blood flow (2.6 ± 0.19 × 10^?3 mm²/s) were significantly higher than at minimum blood flow (2.2 ± 0.11 × 10^?3 mm²/s) (P < 0.001), while medullary ADC‐values did not differ significantly (maximum blood flow: 2.2 ± 0.18 × 10^?3 mm²/s; minimum blood flow: 2.15 ± 0.14 × 10^?3 mm²/s). FA‐values of the renal medulla were significantly greater at maximal blood (0.53 ± 0.05) than at minimal blood flow (0.47 ± 0.05) (P < 0.01). In contrast, cortical FA‐values were comparable at different timepoints of the cardiac cycle.

Conclusion:

ADC‐values in the renal cortex as well as FA‐values in the renal medulla are influenced by renal blood flow. This impact has to be considered when interpreting renal ADC‐ and FA‐values. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:233–236. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

     

Assessment of early renal allograft dysfunction with blood oxygenation level-dependent MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging

PurposeTo investigate blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) at 3 T for assessment of early renal allograft dysfunction.Materials and methods34 patients with a renal allograft (early dysfunction, 24; normal, 10) were prospectively enrolled. BOLD MRI and DWI were performed at 3 T. R2* and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured in cortex and medulla of the allografts. Correlation between R2* or ADC values and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was investigated. R2* or ADC values were compared among acute rejection (AR), acute tubular necrosis (ATN) and normal function.ResultsIn all renal allografts, cortical or medullary R2* and ADC values were moderately correlated with eGFR (P < 0.05). Early dysfunction group showed lower R2* and ADC values than normal function group (P < 0.05). AR or ATN had lower R2* values than normal allografts (P < 0.05), and ARs had lower cortical ADC values than normal allografts (P < 0.05). No significant difference of R2* or ADC values was found between AR and ATN (P > 0.05).ConclusionBOLD MRI and DWI at 3 T may demonstrate early functional state of renal allografts, but may be limited in characterizing a cause of early renal allograft dysfunction. Further studies are needed.     

Evaluation of Renal Oxygenation Level Changes after Water Loading Using Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging and T2* Mapping

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) while monitoring changes in renal oxygenation level after water loading.ResultsBoth medullary phase and medullary T2^* values increased after water loading (p < 0.001), although poor correlations were found between the phase changes and the T2^* changes (p > 0.05). Interobserver reliability was excellent for the T2^* values, good for SWI cortical phase values, and moderate for the SWI medullary phase values. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve of the SWI medullary phase values was 0.85 and was not different from the medullary T2^* value (0.84).ConclusionSusceptibility-weighted imaging enabled monitoring changes in the oxygenation level in the medulla after water loading, and may allow comparable feasibility to detect renal oxygenation level changes due to water loading compared with that of T2^* mapping.     

Diffusion Tensor Imaging Can Discriminate the Primary Cell Type of Intracranial Metastases for Patients with Lung Cancer

Purpose: Histopathological differentiation of primary lung cancer is clinically important. We aimed to investigate whether diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters of metastatic brain lesions could predict the histopathological types of the primary lung cancer.Methods: In total, 53 patients with 98 solid metastatic brain lesions of lung cancer were included. Lung tumors were subgrouped as non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC) (n = 34) and small cell carcinoma (SCLC) (n = 19). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and Fractional anisotropy (FA) values were calculated from solid enhanced part of the brain metastases. The association between FA and ADC values and histopathological subtype of the primary tumor was investigated.Results: The mean ADC and FA values obtained from the solid part of the brain metastases of SCLC were significantly lower than the NSCLC metastases (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). ROC curve analysis showed diagnostic performance for mean ADC values (AUC=0.889, P = < 0.001) and FA values (AUC = 0.677, P = 0.002). Cut-off value of > 0.909 × 10^-3 mm²/s for mean ADC (Sensitivity = 80.3, Specificity = 83.8, PPV = 89.1, NPV = 72.1) and > 0.139 for FA values (Sensitivity = 80.3, Specificity = 54.1, PPV = 74.2, NPV= 62.5) revealed in differentiating NSCLC from NSCLC.Conclusion: DTI parameters of brain metastasis can discriminate SCLC and NSCLC. ADC and FA values of metastatic brain lesions due to the lung cancer may be an important tool to differentiate histopathological subgroups. DTI may guide clinicians for the management of intracranial metastatic lesions of lung cancer.     

Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging of the testis: Preliminary observations

IntroductionTo evaluate the feasibility of testis diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), to determine normative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values and to assess the efficacy of DTI in characterizing testicular pathology.Materials and methodsFifty-six men underwent MRI of the scrotum, including DTI. Parametric and non-parametric statistical tests were used to compare the ADC and FA between the cranial, middle and lower thirds of normal testis and between the bilateral testicular thirds. Comparison between the ADC and FA of normal testis, malignant and benign testicular lesions was performed.ResultsNo significant differences of the ADC and FA in normal testis between the cranial, middle and lower thirds and between the bilateral testicular thirds were found. ADC was significantly lower in malignancies compared to normal testis (P = 0.006) and benign testicular lesions (P = 0.006). FA was significantly higher both in malignancies (P = 0.001) and benign lesions (P < 0.001) compared to normal testis. FA in malignancies did not differ from FA in benign lesions (P = 0.221)ConclusionsThis study shows the feasibility of testis DTI. Both ADC and FA significantly differ between testicular lesions and normal testis, although FA did not show an incremental diagnostic value compared to ADC in lesion differentiation.     

Accuracy of Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Diagnosing Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy in Patients Showing Spinal Cord Compression

ObjectiveTo assess the performance of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for the diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) in patients with deformed spinal cord but otherwise unremarkable conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.ResultsThe MD, LD, and RD cut-off values were 1.079 × 10^-3, 1.719 × 10^-3, and 0.749 × 10^-3 mm²/sec, respectively, and that of FA was 0.475. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were: 100 (4/4), 44.8 (13/29), 20 (4/20), and 100 (13/13) for MD; 100 (4/4), 27.6 (8/29), 16 (4/25), and 100 (8/8) for FA; 100 (4/4), 58.6 (17/29), 25 (4/16), and 100 (17/17) for MD∩FA; 100 (4/4), 68.9 (20/29), 30.8 (4/13), and 100 (20/20) for LD∩FA; and 75 (3/4), 68.9 (20/29), 25 (3/12), and 95.2 (20/21) for RD∩FA in percentage value. Diagnostic performance comparisons revealed significant differences only in specificity between FA and MD∩FA (p = 0.003), FA and LD∩FA (p < 0.001), FA and RD∩FA (p < 0.001), MD and LD∩FA (p = 0.024) and MD and RD∩FA (p = 0.024).ConclusionFractional anisotropy combined with MD, RD, or LD is expected to be more useful than FA and MD for diagnosing CSM in patients who show deformed spinal cords without signal changes on MRI.     

慢性肾脏病肾组织FA值与a-SMA表达的相关性研究

目的 评价慢性肾脏病(CKD)患者肾实质各向异性分数(FA)值与肾组织a-SMA表达的相关性.方法 对33例CKD患者进行3.0T MR肾脏扫描,扫描序列包括MRI常规扫描及扩散张量成像(DTI).在FA图上分别测量双侧肾脏皮质及髓质的FA值.其中有24例患者进行了肾组织活检.免疫组织化学法检测肾活检标本中a-SMA蛋白的表达,计算每个视野内阳色染色区域的积分光密度值,其平均值用于统计学分析.分别对肾皮质及肾髓质的FA值与免疫组织化学a-SMA的积分光密度值的相关性进行Bivariate相关分析.结果 肾皮质FA值与a-SMA的积分光密度值之间呈显著负相关(P=0.001).肾髓质FA值与a-SMA的积分光密度值之间呈显著相关性(P=0.035).结论 MR DTI获得的FA值与肾组织a-SMA表达具有相关性.     

Cerebral diffusion tensor imaging in tuberous sclerosis

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the features of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) in cortical tubers and white-matter lesions in patients with tuberous sclerosis (TS) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Materials and methods

Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and DTI were performed in 14 patients with clinically established TS. Based on these DT images, ADC and FA maps were generated. The ADC values in 32 cortical tubers, and the ADC and FA values in 18 white-matter lesions were measured and compared with those of the corresponding contralateral regions.

Results

Compared with the corresponding contralateral regions, cortical tubers of TS patients had significantly higher ADC values (P < 0.001); white-matter lesions had significantly higher ADC values (P < 0.001) and significantly lower FA values (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

DTI is a useful tool for demonstrating changes in cortical tubers and white-matter lesions resulting from TS.     

Diffusion tensor imaging in evaluation of thigh muscles in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis

Objective:

To explore the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) characteristics of thigh muscles in patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM).

Methods:

12 patients with known PM/DM and 10 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Both DTI and conventional MR sequences were performed on both thighs of all subjects. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA) and three eigenvalues were compared between the PM/DM group and the healthy group. One-way analysis of variance and Student''s t-test were used for statistical analyses with a significance of p < 0.05.

Results:

In the healthy group, the vastus intermedius muscle showed the highest ADC value and the gracilis (GA) muscle showed the lowest ADC value. These results were statistically significant when compared with other muscles (p < 0.05). The GA, semi-tendinosus and semi-membranosus muscles showed higher FA values than the other three thigh muscles (p < 0.05). The mean ADC value and three eigenvalues of oedematous muscles in the PM/DM group were higher on average and showed a statistically significant difference when compared with unaffected (non-oedematous muscles in patients) and normal muscles (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the mean FA value between oedematous and normal muscles. The mean ADC, FA and three eigenvalues in unaffected muscles (in patients) showed no statistical differences from those in normal muscles (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

DTI can be used to quantitatively evaluate the anisotropic diffusion characteristics of muscles in patients with PM/DM.

Advances in knowledge:

A new application of DTI is proposed for inflammatory myopathies. The results show that ADC and the three eigenvalues were significantly different between diseased and normal muscles, a finding of potential value in both diagnosis and treatment monitoring of myopathies.Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are two common idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. In the past, the diagnosis of PM/DM depended primarily on clinical features, enzyme levels within the blood, electromyogram and muscle biopsies.^1–3 Recently, MRI has been proven to be valuable in evaluating patients with PM/DM.^4–6 Using traditional sequences, MRI is able to detect muscle oedema and fat infiltration/fatty replacement in muscles, with high spatial resolution and superior soft-tissue contrast compared with other imaging modalities.^7–9However, conventional MR techniques, such as T₂ weighted imaging and short tau inversion recovery, are limited to providing qualitative information, as opposed to quantitative information, which is important for the early detection of inflammatory changes in these diseases. The findings of PM/DM on traditional MRI images are non-specific, making it difficult to distinguish PM/DM from other myopathies on MRI. In addition, the muscular microstructure needs to be evaluated for staging and therapy monitoring in clinical practice.Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an advanced functional MRI technique that has been used to evaluate the anisotropic diffusion characteristics of tissues, such as fibre bundles of white matter and peripheral nerves. Skeletal muscle fibres are cylindrical and well ordered along a specific direction, with the longitudinal axis significantly longer than the transverse axis. Therefore, the diffusion of water molecules in the muscle fibres is faster along the longitudinal axis than along the transverse axis because of the restrictions from the muscle cell membrane (sarcolemma) laterally. Based on these theories, DTI has also been successfully applied in the evaluation of skeletal muscles with quantitative measurements of muscular microstructure and physical function.^10,11In PM/DM, muscle degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration in the muscle fibres are typical pathological changes that could affect the diffusion of water molecules within muscles. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anisotropic diffusion characteristics of thigh muscles in patients with PM/DM using DTI and to compare it with DTI in healthy volunteers.     

3-T diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of normal uterus in young and middle-aged females during the menstrual cycle: evaluation of the cyclic changes of fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values

Objective:

To evaluate cyclic changes of fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of normal uterus in different age groups during the menstrual cycle, and the correlation with serum female hormone levels.

Methods:

29 normal volunteers accepted diffusion tensor imaging of the uterus on menstrual phase (MP), follicular phase (FP), ovulatory phase (OP) and luteal phase. FA and ADC values of different uterine layers on midsagittal images were measured. Differences between two age groups during the menstrual cycle were evaluated using liner mixed models and one-way analysis of variance. Pearson correlation analysis compared variation of FA and ADC values with serum female hormone levels measured in MP.

Results:

During menstrual cycle, endometrial FA values declined, whereas ADC values increased with significant differences (p < 0.05). Serum oestradiol (E) levels correlated moderately with variations of FA values between MP-FP (p = 0.045; r = 0.389) and MP-OP (p = 0.008; r = 0.511). FA and ADC values of junctional zones showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) as well as FA values of myometrium (p = 0.0961), while ADC values of myometrium showed significant increase from menstrual phase to luteal phase (p < 0.05). FA and ADC values of uterine three zonal structures showed significant differences (p < 0.05) at each phase during the menstrual cycle. No significant difference of FA and ADC values was found between age groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Dynamic changes of uterine FA and ADC values were observed during menstrual cycle. Variation of FA values between MP-FP, MP-OP correlated moderately with serum E levels.

Advances in knowledge:

No publications on the relationship between FA and ADC values and the female hormone levels were found; our study prospectively investigated the cyclic changes of FA and ADC values of the normal uterus and the correlation with the basic serum female hormone levels in MP.Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a well-established technique, which has been widely used in variable neurological diseases^1–4 and other parts of the body, such as the musculoskeletal system,^5,6 prostate^7,8 and kidney.^9,10In recent years, limited publications of its application in the female pelvis have been emerging. Current published studies include ex vivo and in vivo studies.^11–16 In 2006, three-dimensional fibre architecture of the normal human uterus based on DTI has been ex vivo evaluated in five samples by Weiss et al.¹¹ Toba et al¹² ex vivo study showed that DTI might be a useful tool for the diagnosis of myometrial invasion of uterine endometrial cancer. However, fractional anisotropy (FA) value of a normal uterus has not been thoroughly investigated yet. What is more there is no known publication, to the best of our knowledge, found on the relationship between FA value and female menstrual cycle. It would be ambiguous to use this MR parameter to evaluate malignancy situations without knowing the possible differences in various uterine structures, including endometrium, myometrium and junctional zone. In 2012, Fiocchi et al¹³ investigated the feasibility of depicting fibre architecture of the human uterus in vivo using 3-T MR-DTI based on 30 volunteers in different menstrual phases (MPs). In 2013, Fujimoto et al¹⁴ compared the DTI parameters in the different uterine layers of nine subjects in vivo, but limited their study group to the luteal phase (LP) only. A more comprehensive study based on 11 normal young females was reported by Kido et al;¹⁵ however, only apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value changes were evaluated during three phases of menstrual cycle. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published data focused on the cyclic changes of FA value in a normal uterus during four phases of menstrual cycle with a larger study cohort. Moreover, as it has been learned from MRI studies, anatomical and physiological characteristics of uterine structures, such as the endometrium and junctional zone, are heavily related to female hormone levels.^17–22 Nevertheless, no publications on the relationships between FA or ADC values and the hormone level were found.So, the aim of our study was to prospectively investigate the cyclic changes of FA and ADC values of the normal uterus in a larger population divided into different age groups during the four phases of the menstrual cycle, and the correlation with the basic serum hormone levels in MP.     

Combining Diffusion Tensor Metrics and DSC Perfusion Imaging: Can It Improve the Diagnostic Accuracy in Differentiating Tumefactive Demyelination from High-Grade Glioma?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Tumefactive demyelinating lesions with atypical features can mimic high-grade gliomas on conventional imaging sequences. The aim of this study was to assess the role of conventional imaging, DTI metrics (p:q tensor decomposition), and DSC perfusion in differentiating tumefactive demyelinating lesions and high-grade gliomas.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Fourteen patients with tumefactive demyelinating lesions and 21 patients with high-grade gliomas underwent brain MR imaging with conventional, DTI, and DSC perfusion imaging. Imaging sequences were assessed for differentiation of the lesions. DTI metrics in the enhancing areas and perilesional hyperintensity were obtained by ROI analysis, and the relative CBV values in enhancing areas were calculated on DSC perfusion imaging.RESULTS:Conventional imaging sequences had a sensitivity of 80.9% and specificity of 57.1% in differentiating high-grade gliomas (P = .049) from tumefactive demyelinating lesions. DTI metrics (p:q tensor decomposition) and DSC perfusion demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the mean values of ADC, the isotropic component of the diffusion tensor, the anisotropic component of the diffusion tensor, the total magnitude of the diffusion tensor, and rCBV among enhancing portions in tumefactive demyelinating lesions and high-grade gliomas (P ≤ .02), with the highest specificity for ADC, the anisotropic component of the diffusion tensor, and relative CBV (92.9%). Mean fractional anisotropy values showed no significant statistical difference between tumefactive demyelinating lesions and high-grade gliomas. The combination of DTI and DSC parameters improved the diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve = 0.901). Addition of a heterogeneous enhancement pattern to DTI and DSC parameters improved it further (area under the curve = 0.966). The sensitivity increased from 71.4% to 85.7% after the addition of the enhancement pattern.CONCLUSIONS:DTI and DSC perfusion add profoundly to conventional imaging in differentiating tumefactive demyelinating lesions and high-grade gliomas. The combination of DTI metrics and DSC perfusion markedly improved diagnostic accuracy.

Tumefactive demyelinating lesions (TDLs) are demyelinating lesions of >2 cm and can mimic high-grade gliomas (HGGs) on conventional MR imaging.¹ Classic conventional and advanced imaging findings may not be present in all cases.^2–4 Because TDLs can be mistaken for gliomas on histopathology, demonstration of the intact axonal process and myelin breakdown products within macrophages is confirmative of demyelination.^5–7 This diagnostic dilemma might lead to a biopsy, an inadvertent operation, and even radiation therapy, which eventually can exacerbate demyelination.Diffusion tensor imaging is a noninvasive method for analyzing the architectural integrity and orientation of axons in white matter. The eigenvalues can be used to calculate various scalar measures of DTI metrics such as ADC, fractional anisotropy (FA), the isotropic component of the diffusion tensor (p), the anisotropic component of the diffusion tensor (q), and the total magnitude of the diffusion tensor (L).^8–10 The most commonly used DTI parameters include ADC (ie, the magnitude of diffusion independent of tissue orientation) and FA (ie, anisotropic diffusion against the total magnitude of diffusion). Less often used measures include total magnitude of diffusion tensor (L) and its isotropic (p) and anisotropic (q) components.The use of FA as a sole measure of anisotropic diffusion can be fallacious because it varies with changes in the anisotropic component and the total magnitude of diffusion.^9,10 The utility of DTI parameters (ie, FA, p, q, and L) has been evaluated in the differentiation of various brain tumors.^11–13 Toh et al¹⁴ evaluated the role of FA in differentiating TDL from HGG by using DTI. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies available evaluating the role of p, qd , and L in differentiating TDL and HGG.Dynamic-susceptibility contrast perfusion imaging allows evaluation of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), a marker of neoangiogenesis, and aids in the differentiation of low- and high-grade gliomas.^15,16 TDLs usually have decreased rCBV values due to the absence of neovascular proliferation, which allows differentiation of TDL from HGG.¹⁷ However, TDL can also present with elevated rCBV values and mimic HGG on DSC perfusion, making differentiation difficult.⁴The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of conventional imaging, diffusion tensor metrics (ADC, FA, p, q, and L), and DSC perfusion (rCBV) in differentiating TDL and HGG. We also assessed the effect of combining imaging parameters—DTI and DSC perfusion imaging—on diagnostic accuracy.     

应用扩散加权成像双指数模型评价慢性肾脏病的初步研究

目的应用扩散加权成像(DWI)双指数模型计算肾脏皮髓质的纯扩散系数(ADCd)及灌注分数(Fp),并分析其在慢性肾脏病(CKD)患者评价中的应用价值。方法搜集临床确诊的52例CKD患者和27名健康志愿者,分别行0、50,0、100,0、500,0、1000(s/mm2)四组b值的DWI检查,根据体素内不相干运动(IVIM)的双指数模型计算肾脏皮髓质的ADCd和Fp值,分析CKD患者皮髓质ADCd、Fp值的变化规律及其与肾小球滤过率估算值(eG-FR)之间的相关性。结果正常对照组肾脏皮质ADCd值显著大于髓质(P<0.05)。正常对照组、CKD轻度损害组和中重度损害组之间的肾脏皮髓质ADCd值均存在显著性差异(正常对照组>CKD轻度损害组>CKD中重度损害组)(P<0.001),三组之间的肾脏皮髓质Fp值均存在显著性差异(正常对照组>CKD轻度损害组>CKD中重度损害组)(P<0.001)。CKD患者的皮髓质ADCd值、髓质Fp值与eGFR均呈正相关(P<0.05)。结论 DWI双指数模型能够得到反映肾脏真实水分子扩散运动及微循环灌注的指标,肾脏皮髓质ADCd值及髓质Fp值可以在一定程度上反映CKD患者的肾脏功能改变。     

Functional evaluation of transplanted kidneys with diffusion-weighted and BOLD MR imaging: initial experience

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate feasibility and reproducibility of diffusion-weighted (DW) and blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in patients with renal allografts, as compared with these features in healthy volunteers with native kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The local ethics committee approved the study protocol; patients provided written informed consent. Fifteen patients with a renal allograft and in stable condition (nine men, six women; age range, 20-67 years) and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers underwent DW and BOLD MR imaging. Seven patients with renal allografts were examined twice to assess reproducibility of results. DW MR imaging yielded a total apparent diffusion coefficient including diffusion and microperfusion (ADC(tot)), as well as an ADC reflecting predominantly pure diffusion (ADC(D)) and the perfusion fraction. R2* of BOLD MR imaging enabled the estimation of renal oxygenation. Statistical analysis was performed, and analysis of variance was used for repeated measurements. Coefficients of variation between and within subjects were calculated to assess reproducibility. RESULTS: In patients, ADC(tot), ADC(D), and perfusion fraction were similar in the cortex and medulla. In volunteers, values in the medulla were similar to those in the cortex and medulla of patients; however, values in the cortex were higher than those in the medulla (P < .05). Medullary R2* was higher than cortical R2* in patients (12.9 sec(-1) +/- 2.1 [standard deviation] vs 11.0 sec(-1) +/- 0.6, P < .007) and volunteers (15.3 sec(-1) +/- 1.1 vs 11.5 sec(-1) +/- 0.5, P < .0001). However, medullary R2* was lower in patients than in volunteers (P < .004). Increased medullary R2* was paralleled by decreased diffusion in patients with allografts. A low coefficient of variation in the cortex and medulla within subjects was obtained for ADC(tot), ADC(D), and R2* (<5.2%), while coefficient of variation within subjects was higher for perfusion fraction (medulla, 15.1%; cortex, 8.6%). Diffusion and perfusion indexes correlated significantly with serum creatinine concentrations. CONCLUSION: DW and BOLD MR imaging are feasible and reproducible in patients with renal allografts.     

急性期放射性脑损伤磁共振扩散张量成像的定量研究

目的 利用磁共振扩散张量成像(DTI)定量分析,探讨正常脑组织不同部位急性期放射损伤的敏感性。方法 44例欲行全颅放疗的颅内肿瘤患者,在放疗前及放疗后3周行磁共振常规扫描、增强扫描及扩散张量成像,测量非肿瘤侧大脑半球接受总放射剂量为27 Gy时的等剂量区域内脑回灰质、脑回白质、深部灰质、深部白质的表观扩散系数(ADC)、部分各向异性(FA)、相对各向异性(RA)、容积比率(VR)等指标,并进行对比分析。 结果 所有患者常规及增强磁共振扫描非肿瘤侧大脑半球均未发现异常信号,而放疗后脑回灰质ADC值升高(t=-3.819,P<0.05),脑深部灰质核团ADC、容积比率值升高(t=-3.31、-2.810,P<0.05),脑深部灰质核团FA、RA值降低(t=2.906、2.349,P<0.05),其余部位放疗前后DTI各指标差异无统计学意义。结论 在急性期脑灰质较白质对放疗损伤敏感,DTI能从组织细胞功能水平对放射性脑损伤急性反应进行评价。     

Susceptibility-weighted Imaging for Renal Iron Overload Assessment: A Pilot Study

Purpose: To explore the feasibility of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for evaluating renal iron overload.Methods: Twenty-eight rabbits were randomly assigned into control (n = 14) and iron (n = 14) group. In the 0th week, the study group was injected with iron dextran. Both groups underwent SWI examination at the 0th, 8th, and 12th week. The signal intensity (SI) of cortex and medulla was assessed. Angle radian value (ARV) calculated with phase image was taken as the quantitative value for cortical and medullary iron deposition. After the 12th week, the left kidneys of rabbits were removed for pathology. The difference in the ARV among three groups was analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis test. The difference of the iron content between two groups was analyzed through independent sample t-test.Results: In the iron group: at the 12th week, eight rabbits were found to have decreased SI of only cortex, and the other six rabbits had decreased SI of cortex and medulla by the same degree; the ARV of cortex at the 8th and 12th week was significantly higher than that of the 0th week (P < 0.05); the ARV of the six rabbits’ medulla at the 12th week was significantly higher than that of the 0th week, 8th week, and the other eight rabbits at the 12th week (P < 0.05); at the 12th week, eight rabbits (iron group) were found to have many irons only deposit in the cortex, and the others were found to have many irons deposit in both cortex and medulla; the iron content of cortex and six rabbits’ medulla in the iron group was significantly higher than that of the control (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The ARV of SWI can be used to quantitatively assess the excess iron deposition in the kidneys. Excessive iron deposition mainly occurs in the cortex or medulla and causes their SWI SI to decrease.     

Value of diffusion tensor imaging in differentiating malignant from benign parotid gland tumors

PurposeTo evaluate whether diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can be used to differentiate malignant parotid gland tumors from the benign ones.Materials and methodsThe study population comprised 59 parotid gland tumors (24 Warthin’s tumors, 19 pleomorphic adenomas, seven other benign tumors, and nine malignant tumors). Single-shot echo-planar DTI was performed with motion-probing gradients along 30 noncollinear directions (b = 1000 s/mm²) at 3.0 T. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values for benign and malignant tumors were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the ability of the ADC and FA values to differentiate malignant tumors from the benign ones.ResultsADC values showed no significant difference between malignant (0.93 ± 0.21 × 10⁻³ mm²/s) and benign tumors (1.19 ± 0.50 × 10⁻³ mm²/s) (p = 0.225). FA values of malignant tumors were significantly higher than those of benign tumors (0.26 ± 0.06 vs. 0.17 ± 0.05, p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve of FA was significantly greater than that under the curve of ADC (0.884 vs. 0.628, p = 0.010).ConclusionsDTI, particularly FA, can help differentiate malignant parotid gland tumors from the benign ones.