Diffusion-Weighted MRI for the Initial Viability Evaluation of Parasites in Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis: Comparison with Positron Emission Tomography

OBJECTIVE: More than 70% of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) are inoperable. Thus, long-term, or even life-long, pharmacological treatment with benzimidazoles is necessary. For effective treatment, it is of great importance to employ imaging techniques to detect and monitor the non-resectable parasitic viability. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in assessing the viability of HAE in comparison to 18-fluoro-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography, combined with computed tomography (PET/CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Positron emission tomography, computed tomography and DWI (b-values: 0, 800 s/mm2) were retrospectively analysed in eight patients with clinically-verified HAE to, generate the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map. The activity of HAE lesions in both techniques were determined independently by two radiologists according to the following standard: (+), marked focally or perilesionally increased FDG uptake/high signal intensity; (−), a hepatic defect without FDG uptake/no high signal intensity. Every lesion's maximum standardized uptake value (SUV(max)) on the PET/CT images and mean ADC values on the parametric ADC maps were measured respectively. Results of PET/CT and DWI were compared on a per-lesion-basis. Pearson's correlation coefficient was assessed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 14 HAE lesions were detected. Eight lesions (diameter 3–15 cm) showed perilesional hyper-signal intensity on DWI. This was visualised on PET/CT as increased FDG uptake. They mainly existed in the lesion's border with normal liver parenchyma. Five lesions (diameter < 2 cm) were detected as nodular hyperintensity on DWI and a ‘hot spot’ on PET/CT in the same distribution. One patient, who had received oral drug therapy for three years showed significantly decreased perilesional hyperintensity on the DWI and a hepatic defect without any FDG uptake on PET/CT. Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated a significant inverse correlation of the ADC and the SUV(max) (r = −0.67, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Diffusion-weighted imaging is capable of offering information on visually detecting the HAE lesions' viability and may be useful for routine application in the initial diagnosis of HAE.

Association rules in health check-up receivers with food intolerance / 中华健康管理学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship among 14 kinds of intolerant food by using association rules to provide evidence for more reasonable diet intake.Methods A total of 2962 adults who received medical examination at the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University during January 2008 and June 2010 were enrolled in this investigation.ELISA was used to detect allergen-specific IgG antibody of 14 kinds of food.An association rules model was established by SPSS Clementinel2.0.In order to find positive intolerance association rules,food frequency was recorded with SPSS 16.0.Results Five most commonly seen food intolerance were eggs,crabs,shrimp,milk,and cod (positive rates were 32.5％,26.0％,19.8％,13.8％ and 12.0％,respectively).Positive association rules were found in crab and shrimp,or milk and eggs.Single order association was found in female,while multi-order association was identified in male.Conclusions Our data show a strong positive association among animal foods.Female may be affected by milk,eggs and seafood,while male may be affected by a variety of foods.

Food intolerance in 2962 health check-up receivers / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective To evaluate food intolerance sensitivity among 2962 health check-up receivers from the First Hospital of China Medical University.Methods Serum samples of 2962 adults were collected from January 2008 to June 2010.Serum allergen-specific IgG antibodies of 14 kinds of food were detected by ELISA.The data were analyzed by using One-way analysis of variance.Results In this study,the rate of food intolerance was 0.4%(mushrooms) to 38.0%(eggs).Higher rates of food intolerance were found in egg,crab,shrimp,milk,and cod fish(Eggs 32.5%,crabs 26.0%,shrimps 19.8%,milk 13.8%,and cod fish 12.0% respectively).However,wheat,pork,and mushroom showed relatively lower rates of food intolerance(Wheat 0.8%,pork 0.4%,and mushrooms1.4% respectively).Positive reaction to food intolerance was even stronger in women(9.4% versus 8.2%).Conclusion It is discovered by study that in general population,the diversity of intolerance among different food is associated with 4 factors: gender; age; feature of food; individual diversity.It is recommended that the status of intolerance to food in the general population be investigated by health management.