三维动态增强MR血管成像对门静脉高压症的评价

目的通过规范扫描时相、增加三维采集厚度及采用减影后处理技术,评价三维动态增强MR血管成像(3D DCE MRA)对显示门静脉高压症患者侧支循环的作用。方法30例门静脉高压症患者进行3D DCE MRA,其中12例采用75～90 mm的三维采集厚度,扫描时相以呼吸次数粗略估计,采集3-5次,18例采用150～180 mm三维采集厚度,扫描时相以秒表计时确定,分别于0、20、40、60、90 s采集5次。比较减影前后的最大强度投影(MIP)重组图像对门静脉系统血管主干及侧支的显示能力(以4级法评价),并统计患者显示的所有侧支血管及其显示的最佳时间。结果减影技术会降低门静脉主干的显示效果[减影前(2．74±0．31)级,减影后(2．53±0．49)级],差异有统计学意义(t=2．65,P<0．05),而提高食管胃底曲张静脉的显示[减影前(1．63±0．50)级,减影后(2．58±0．30)级],差异有统计学意义(t=-12．56,P<0．01)。门静脉主干与多数侧支循环为20 s左右显示最佳,个别侧支血管显影延迟。结论采用减影后处理技术能提高对门静脉高压症患者侧支血管的显示,规范的扫描时相不会遗漏显影较晚的侧支循环,增大采集厚度能保证前后腹壁侧支循环的显示。     

Varices from portal hypertension: correlation of CT and angiography

Two hundred abdominal CT and angiographic examinations were performed on 137 patients with portal hypertension. These patients were being evaluated before or after a distal splenorenal shunt. CT increased the detection of umbilical and retroperitoneal varices. Angiography better detected peripancreatic varices and cavernous transformation. Both modalities together added more information than either alone in identification of coronary and/or gastroesophageal, retrogastric, and perisplenic-mesenteric varices. This additional anatomic information helped in the patient's management pre- and postoperatively.     

MR angiography in portal hypertension: detection of varices and imaging techniques

This study was performed to compare time-of-flight MR angiography in detecting varices with conventional portography and endoscopy in patients with chronic liver disease and to compare MR tomographic images with projection angiograms. In eight patients findings on conventional arterial portography (considered the gold standard) were compared with the MR findings. Varices were graded by size and extent on a scale of 0-3. Splenic varices were detected in all patients by MR but were scored larger on portography in 6 (55%) of 11 comparisons. All left gastric varices were identified at MR and were rated within one grade of those seen at portography. All esophageal varices were identified at MR. Among 12 patients with upper endoscopy, MR rated varices significantly (p less than 0.05) larger than endoscopy in 8 (67%) of 12 comparisons. Varices were detected in two patients on MR that were not seen endoscopically. Extraperitoneal varices were identified in six (75%) of eight patients on MR and were only visualized in one patient at portography. Varices were equally well detected using either axial or coronal images. No significant difference existed when tomographic images were compared with projection images. Time-of-flight MR angiography is a valid technique for noninvasive imaging of abdominal varices. Tomographic single slice images are generally as good as projection images except possibly in the demonstration of extraperitoneal varices.     

Shunts for portal hypertension: MR and angiography for determination of patency

Twenty-eight patients with selective and nonselective shunts for portal hypertension were evaluated using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Angiographic correlation was obtained in 25 patients. MR imaging enabled the detection of a patent shunt by visualizing the "flow void" phenomenon in 21 patients. Two patients had thrombosed shunts. In these 23 patients, there was no discrepancy between the findings from MR imaging and those from angiography. In the remaining five patients, there was an area of artifact in which no signal was noted, and the shunt could not be evaluated. In all five patients who had this artifact, steel coils were noted in the area of the phenomenon. Thus, MR imaging seems to be an accurate method for detecting shunt patency in all patients with shunts except those who have had prior embolization with steel coils.     

MR imaging in idiopathic portal hypertension

Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in four patients with biopsy proven idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH). The MR images show proximity of medium-sized intrahepatic vessels to each other and to the liver surface in all patients. Small vessels running parallel to the second order branches of the intrahepatic portal vein are commonly seen as collateral pathways of portal flow in IPH and were seen in two patients. These findings were clearly demonstrated on gradient-recalled echo images. Intrahepatic periportal abnormal high intensity was seen in all patients on T2-weighted images and may reflect abnormalities in the portal tracts such as fibrous enlargement and increase in the number of vascular channels. Tiny low-intensity nodules sometimes observed in liver cirrhosis were not seen in any patient. Magnetic resonance was a useful noninvasive method in the differentiation of IPH from liver cirrhosis.     

彩色多普勒超声相关指数与门脉高压病例门脉压力相关性的实验研究

目的通过对门脉高压病例多普勒超声相关指数与门脉压力相关性分析,探讨多普勒超声评定门脉压力的敏感、特异参数。方法门脉高压手术患者80例和健康志愿者20例,测定入组者PVVel、HAPI、HARI,SpARI、SpAPI、CI、HBI、LVI和PHI,与手术病例的门脉压力直接测定值进行相关性分析。结果门脉高压患者HARI、HAPI、HBI与门脉压力呈显著性正相关;LVI与门脉压力呈显著性负相关。结论彩色多普勒超声可为评价高血压患者的门脉压力准确提供量化指标,且可重复;HAPI、HARI、HBI以及LVI是间接测定门脉高压较为敏感的指标。     

Cerebral hemodynamics in Moyamoya disease: correlation between perfusion-weighted MR imaging and cerebral angiography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In Moyamoya disease, the relationship between cerebral hemodynamics and angiographic findings has not been fully evaluated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate hemodynamics in Moyamoya disease with perfusion-weighted MR imaging (PWI) and cerebral angiography. METHODS: Twenty patients with Moyamoya disease were the subjects. Mean transit time (MTT) derived from PWI was calculated in the medial frontal lobes, the posterior frontal lobes, the occipital lobes, and the basal ganglia. From the angiographies, we classified the degrees of internal carotid artery (ICA) and posterior cerebral artery (PCA) stenoses as well as the degrees of Moyamoya vessels and leptomeningeal anastomosis (LMA). MTT in each region was compared with the angiographic findings. RESULTS: MTT positively correlated with the degree of ICA stenosis in the medial frontal (P < .01), posterior frontal (P < .001), and occipital (P < .001) lobes, as well as in the basal ganglia (P < .001). MTT correlated with the degree of PCA stenosis in the medial frontal (P < .001), posterior frontal (P < .001), and occipital (P < .001) lobes, as well as in the basal ganglia (P < .001). MTT correlated with the degree of Moyamoya vessels in the medial frontal (P < .05) and posterior frontal (P < .01) lobes. A multivariate analysis revealed that ICA and PCA stenoses and Moyamoya vessels were independent factors that prolonged MTT. CONCLUSION: Both ICA and PCA stenoses may influence overall cerebral perfusion in Moyamoya disease. The development of Moyamoya vessels may indicate hemodynamic impairment.     

Evaluation of portal MR angiography using superparamagnetic iron oxide

The purpose of our research was to determine the effects of superparamagnetic iron oxide on MR imaging of the portal venous system. Eight piglets were examined in deep anaesthesia and respiratory arrest using a time-of-flight magnetic resonance fast low angle shot, two-dimensional angiography sequence at 1.5T. MR angiograms were acquired precontrast and after intravenous administration of a cumulative dose of 10, 20 and 40 μmol/kg SHU 555A, a superparamagnetic iron oxide contrast agent for MR imaging with a particle size of 60 nm. For each dose, two subsequent sets of scans were obtained and reconstructed by a maximum-intensity-projection algorithm. Hepatic parenchymal and portal venous signal intensities were measured, and portal vein contrast calculated for each set of scans. All examinations were visually rated as to portal vein contrast and homogeneity by two blinded observers. Receiver operating characteristics of both observers were analyzed. The contrast agent reduced hepatic parenchymal signal in a dose-dependent way. After a cumulative dose of 10 μmol iron oxide, hepatic parenchymal signal intensity decreased to 63 ± 6% (average of measurements at 4 and 14 minutes, mean ± standard error of the mean), after 20 μmol to 24 ± 3%, and after 40 μmol to 12 ± 1% of control. Intra-vascular signal in the left main portal vein branch increased to 117 ± 6%, 127 ± 10%, and 133 ± 9% of control, respectively. The contrast-to-noise ratio of the portal vein improved (521 ± 90%, 891 ± 178%, and 995 ± 201% of control in the left portal vein main branch). Intravascular signal intensities increased slightly. The combined effect improved contrast of the portal vein stem and its branches. Receiver operating characteristics analysis documented dose-dependency of contrast medium effects on portal venous contrast and intravascular homogeneity. Visual rating also indicated a positive effect on portal venous contrast. The superparamagnetic iron oxide agent improved portal venous contrast with surrounding hepatic parenchyma in this normal animal model, and could potentially result in more accurate diagnosis of portal venous pathology.     

Streamlined flow in the portal vein: demonstration with MR angiography

PURPOSE: To demonstrate whether streamlining of the portal vein flow exists by evaluating the relative distribution of blood flowing from the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and splenic vein (SV) into the portal venous system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen healthy adult volunteers underwent MR angiography of the main portal vein (PV) and portal vein branches after an overnight fast. Transverse two dimension time-of-flight gradient echo sequences were obtained three times, in suspended expiration and inspiration, respectively, as follows: 1) No presaturation slab, 2) presaturation slab across the SMV, 3) presaturation slab across the SV. Signal intensity (SI) measurements were obtained for all acquisitions. using regions of interest traced manually within the PV and portal branches. RESULTS: After presaturation of the SMV and SV during expiration, the overall SI average in the PV decreased by 47% +/- 8 (mean +/- SD) and 17% +/- 9, respectively. Right to left portal branch SI ratio and right-anterior to left-posterior SI ratio in the PV were 0.91 +/- 0.09 and 1.02 +/- 0.08 at baseline, respectively. They decreased significantly (P < 0.05) to 0.87 +/- 0.09 and to 0.95 +/- 0.09 after saturation of the SMV, and increased significantly to 0.95 +/- 0.08 and to 1.07 +/- 0.10 after saturation of the SV. CONCLUSION: MR angiography with selective saturation of the SMV and SV provided reproducible assessment of the respective contributions of the SMV and SV to portal flow, and allows demonstration that streamlining of splanchnic blood occurs in the portal vein of normal subjects.     

Value of contrast-enhanced MR angiography and helical CT angiography in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced MR angiography (ce MRA) and helical CT angiography (CTA) of the pulmonary arteries in the preoperative workup of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The ce MRA and CTA studies of 32 patients were included in this retrospective evaluation. Image quality was scored by two independent blinded observers. Data sets were assessed for number of patent segmental, subsegmental arteries, and number of vascular segments with thrombotic wall thickening, intraluminal webs, and abnormal proximal to distal tapering. Image quality for MRA/CTA was scored excellent in 16 of 16, good in 11 of 14, moderate in 2 of 5, and poor in no examinations. The MRA/CTA showed 357 of 366 patent segmental and 627 of 834 patent subsegmental arteries. CTA was superior to MRA in visualization of thrombotic wall thickening (339 vs 164) and of intraluminal webs (257 vs 162). Abnormal proximal to distal tapering was better assessed by MRA than CTA (189 vs 16). In joint assessment of direct and indirect signs, MRA and CTA were equally effective (353 vs 355). MRA and CTA are equally effective in the detection of segmental occlusions of the pulmonary arteries in CTEPH. CTA is superior for the depiction of patent subsegmental arteries, of intraluminal webs, and for the direct demonstration of thrombotic wall thickening.     

MR angiography and dynamic flow evaluation of the portal venous system

We studied the value of MR angiographic techniques in imaging the portal venous system. Projection angiograms were created by postprocessing a series of two-dimensional, flow-compensated gradient-echo images. Flow velocity was determined by a bolus-tracking method with radiofrequency tagging and multiple data readout periods. Each image was acquired during a breath-hold. MR angiography was applied to six normal subjects and four patients with abnormal hemodynamics in the portal venous system. Flow velocity determined by MR was correlated with the results of duplex sonography. The main portal vein and intrahepatic branches were shown in all cases. Portosystemic collaterals were identified in all patients with portal hypertension. In normal subjects, peak flow velocities (17.9 +/- 2.8 cm/sec) on MR correlated well with values determined by duplex sonography (17.5 +/- 2.2 cm/sec) (r = .846, p less than .04). Reversed portal blood flow was shown in two patients. One patient with portal vein thrombosis had no evidence of flow by MR angiography. Our results indicate that MR angiography can provide a three-dimensional display of normal and abnormal vascular anatomy as well as functional information in the portal venous system.     

MDCT血管成像对肝硬化门脉高压侧支血管分流途径的研究

目的 应用16层螺旋CT肝门静脉成像(CTPV)技术,探讨肝硬化门脉高压侧支血管分流途径及其临床意义.方法 收集并分析我院16层螺旋CT肝门静脉成像145例.进行常规平扫及三期增强扫描,三维重建方法采用MIP、VR、MPR.结果 仅向上腔静脉引流45例(31％);仅向下腔静脉引流11例(7.7％);分别向上、下腔静脉引流89例(61.3％).结论 CTPV可显示肝硬化门脉高压患者的门-体静脉之间各种侧支循环血管,有助于对门脉高压患者上消化道出血等合并症选择合理治疗方案及进行疗效随访.     

Origin of high signal intensity in the cavernous sinus in MR angiographic source images: correlation between MR and conventional angiography

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the origin of a high signal intensity in a cavernous sinus on magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. METHODS: Time-of-flight MR angiography was performed in 20 patients scheduled for conventional angiography for disease not related to carotid cavernous fistula. Venous drainage pattern was assessed, and flow rate to a cavernous sinus was semiquantitatively evaluated on conventional angiography. RESULTS: Two sinuses showed high signal intensity in the anterior portion. These were associated with direct venous drainage to the anterosuperior aspect of the cavernous sinus from the superficial middle cerebral vein, and their flow rates were among the 10% of the sides with the highest flow rates. Two other sinuses showed high signal intensity in the posterior portion. Their flow rates from the superficial petrosal sinus were also among the 10% of the sides with the highest flow rates. CONCLUSION: High signal intensity in the anterior or posterior portions of the cavernous sinus is probably a result of inflow from the superficial middle cerebral vein and the superior petrosal sinus, respectively.     

动态增强磁共振门静脉造影在门脉高压症诊断中的价值

目的:探讨动态增强磁共振门静脉造影(DCE MRP)在门脉高压症诊断中的价值。方法:对门脉高压症组23例和正常对照组15例行DCE MRP检查。观察23例门静脉高压症在DCE MRP上的表现。结果:对照组15例均清楚显示门静脉。门脉高压症表现为门静脉增粗(21例)、脾静脉迂曲扩张(23例);门静脉分支级数减少(18例);门静脉延迟显影(7例);显示侧枝循环静脉(6例);门静脉血栓形成(3例)。结论:DCE MRP是评价门静脉的一项快速无创的技术,可准确显示门静脉高压症门静脉系统的病理改变。     

Noninfarcted myocardium: correlation between dynamic first-pass contrast-enhanced myocardial MR imaging and quantitative coronary angiography

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of first-pass contrast material-enhanced stress myocardial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for depiction of myocardial ischemia in patients without myocardial infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First-pass contrast-enhanced MR images of the entire left ventricle were acquired in 104 patients at rest and during dipyridamole-induced stress by using an interleaved notched saturation technique. Coronary angiography was performed in all patients, and stress perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was performed in 69 patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to compare the diagnostic accuracies of first-pass contrast-enhanced stress MR imaging and stress SPECT, with coronary angiography as the reference standard. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity of MR imaging for depicting at least one coronary artery with significant stenosis was 90% (69 of 77 patients). The sensitivities of MR imaging for depiction of single-, double-, and triple-vessel stenoses were 85% (33 of 39 patients), 96% (22 of 23 patients), and 100% (15 of 15 patients), respectively. The specificity of MR imaging for identification of patients with significant coronary artery stenoses was 85% (23 of 27 patients). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for detection of significant stenosis in individual coronary arteries were 0.888 (observer 1) and 0.911 (observer 2) for MR imaging and 0.707 (observer 1, P <.001) and 0.750 (observer 2, P <.001) for SPECT. CONCLUSION: In patients without myocardial infarction, stress enhancement at dynamic MR imaging correlates more closely with quantitative coronary angiography results than does stress enhancement at SPECT.     

Peripheral vascular disease: correlation of MR imaging and angiography

The capability of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for detecting aortic, iliac, and femoral stenoses and occlusions was evaluated. Multisection spin-echo studies at 0.35 tesla were obtained of the infrarenal aorta to the femoral bifurcation in 24 patients, all of whom had undergone intraarterial angiography within 14 days of imaging. Transaxial MR images were compared with the angiograms. Arterial stenoses and occlusions in these vessels detected by MR imaging correlated with angiographic findings in 91% of the instances. Protrusional atherosclerotic plaques and occlusions and stenoses in the aortoiliac region were demonstrated accurately on MR images; complications of previous vascular surgery, such as aneurysms at sites of previous anastomoses or endarterectomy, were also identified. Due to the limited spatial resolution, MR images failed to demonstrate some femoral stenoses. MR imaging may be used for evaluation of aortoiliac vascular disease and for follow-up study after surgical revascularization. However, the limited spatial resolution, noncomposite display of the aortoiliofemoral circulation, and lack of evaluation of peripheral runoff provided by current MR imaging techniques militate against its replacing angiography prior to vascular intervention.     

Comparison of pulsed Doppler sonography and angiography in patients with portal hypertension

Pulsed Doppler sonography and liver panangiography were performed in 43 patients with cirrhosis. Fourteen patients were evaluated preoperatively, and 28 patients were evaluated after a variceal decompressive shunt. One patient was studied before and after undergoing a shunt. The direction of portal blood flow by Doppler sonography was compared with both the grading pattern and direction of flow by angiography. When portal blood flow was determined to be antegrade by Doppler sonography, angiography showed antegrade flow in 84% (grade I, II, or III portal venous pattern). Six percent had retrograde flow (grade IV), and 10% had portal vein thrombosis. When the portal blood flow was determined to be retrograde by Doppler sonography, angiography showed retrograde flow (grade IV portal venous pattern) in 80% and antegrade flow (grade I, II, or III) in 20%. When an inadequate Doppler tracing was obtained from the portal vein, angiography showed either grade I, II, or III in 38%; grade IV in 50%, and portal vein thrombosis in 13%. There was poor correlation between the calculated mean flow rates, as determined by Doppler sonography, and the angiographic grade. We conclude that pulsed Doppler sonography is accurate in determining the direction of portal flow when an adequate tracing is obtained (36 of 44 studies). When an inadequate tracing is obtained, retrograde portal flow or portal vein thrombosis is likely.     

Preoperative angiography of the superior mesenteric and portal vein with prostaglandin F2 alpha in portal hypertension

In a comparative study, we showed that a gain in diagnostic reliability justifies the routine use of PGF in indirect superior mesenteric venograms of patients with portal hypertension. Three radiologists without knowledge of patients' data and treatment analyzed 30 angiograms with and 30 examinations without PGF. Complicating factors, such as presence of varices and dose of contrast medium (CM), were taken into account by a Mantel and Haenszel procedure. When PGF was used, intrahepatic portal branches could be outlined beyond their second ramification more frequently. The superior mesenteric and portal veins, but not the confluence, were visualized significantly more often using this agent, so that patency, constriction, partial thrombosis or occlusion could be reliably diagnosed. Independent of the use of PGF, visualization of the confluence was improved by high CM doses in combination with high flow rates.