Value of dynamic subtraction MRI in assessing HCC response to image-guided loco-regional therapy

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered one of the foremost cancers worldwide. Although the hepatic resection of HCC has a high existence in the clinical scenarios, locoregional management is preferred owing to the preservation of hepatic parenchyma with lower morbidity and mortality. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR with subtraction imaging improves the evaluation of managed HCC with easy detection of residual or recurrent viable lesions. Patients and methods: This study was designed in a retrospective pattern from December 2020 to December 2022. Forty patients were referred to our radiology department with solitary HCC, underwent therapeutic intervention, then underwent follow-up by dynamic MRI study. Results: Forty patients with solitary HCC were conducted during our study; all underwent locoregional therapy with follow-up by dynamic MRI with subtraction technique one month later. The subtraction image has a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, NPV of 100%, and 100% accuracy, compared to 90.91%, 77.78%, 83.33%, 87.5%, and 85% for conventional dynamic images, 45.45%, 100%, 100%, 60% and 70% for diffusion-weighted images. Analysis of those results exhibited a considerable additive value of the subtraction technique to the dynamic MRI to detect the response of HCC after management. Conclusions: Subtraction MRI is a pivotal tool to assess the interventional treatment of HCC, particularly in lesions having pre-contrast high signal intensity with distinguished radiologists' confidence

Vocal tract physiology and its MRI evaluation / Fisiología del tracto vocal y su evaluación por resonancia magnética

Introduction. The rapid technological evolution in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has recently offered a great opportunity for the analysis of voice production.Objectives. This article is aimed to describe main physiological principles at the base of voice production (in particular of vocal tract), and an overview about liter-ature on MRI of the vocal tract. This is presented in order to analyze both present results and future perspectives.Method. A narrative review was performed by searching the MeSH terms "vocal tract" and "MRI" in Pub Med database. Then, the obtained studies were subse-quently selected by relevancy.Results. Main fields described in literature concern technical feasibility and op-timization of MRI sequences, modifications of vocal tract in vowel or articulatory phonetics, modifications of vocal tract in singing, 3D reproduction of vocal tract and segmentation, and describing vocal tract in pathological conditions.Conclusions. MRI is potentially the best method to study the vocal tract physi-ology during voice production. Most recent studies have achieved good results in representation of changes in the vocal tract during emission of vowels and singing. Further developments in MR technique are necessary to allow an equally detailed study of faster movements that participate in the articulation of speaking, which will allow fascinating perspectives in clinical use.

Introducción. La rápida evolución tecnológica en la resonancia magnética (MRI) ha ofrecido recientemente una gran oportunidad para el análisis de la producción de voz.Objetivos. Este artículo tiene como objetivo describir los principales principios fisiológicos en la base de la producción de la voz (en particular, del tracto vocal) y una descripción general de la literatura sobre resonancia magnética del tracto vocal. Esto se presenta con el fin de analizar tanto los resultados actuales como las perspectivas futuras.Método. Se realizó una revisión narrativa mediante la búsqueda de los términos MeSH "tracto vocal" y "MRI" en la base de datos PubMed. Los estudios obtenidos se seleccionaron posteriormente por relevancia.Resultados. Los campos principales descritos en la literatura se refieren a la viabi-lidad técnica y optimización de secuencias de resonancia magnética, modificaciones del tracto vocal en una vocal o fonética articulatoria, modificaciones del tracto vocal en el canto, reproducción 3D del tracto vocal y segmentación y descripción del tracto vocal en condiciones patológicas.Conclusiones. La resonancia magnética es potencialmente el mejor método para estudiar la fisiología del tracto vocal en el momento de la producción de la voz. Los estudios más recientes han obtenido buenos resultados en la representación de cambios en el tracto vocal durante la emisión de vocales y el canto. Se necesitan más desarrollos en la técnica de RM para permitir un estudio igualmente detallado de los movimientos más rápidos que participan en la articulación del habla, lo que permi-tirá perspectivas fascinantes en el uso clínico.

Added value of dynamic magnetic resonance images in pelvic floor dysfunction / Valor agregado das imagens de ressonância magnética dinâmica na disfunção do assoalho pélvico

ABSTRACT Purpose Pelvic floor dysfunction has a high prevalence in the adult population. The Dynamic and Multiplanar Evaluation of the Pelvic Floor (DMRIPF) represents an ideal tool for multidisciplinary management. The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the added value of the Dynamic and Multiplanar Evaluation of the Pelvic Floor in patients with suspected pelvic floor disorders. Methods Retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of patients who underwent a DMRIPF due to suspected pelvic floor disorders between April 2005 and July 2019. Results 359 patients were included. The average number of diagnoses achieved by physical examination was 1.2 vs. 2.5 by the Dynamic and Multiplanar Evaluation of the Pelvic Floor (p < 0.001). Physical examination found a single pathology in 80.8 % of cases. Anterior rectocele (AR) was the most frequent isolated diagnosis on physical examination (68 %). On the Dynamic and Multiplanar Evaluation of the Pelvic Floor, anterior rectocele was diagnosed as an isolated condition in 10.9 %. In 231 cases, anterior rectocele was associated with up to 5 other pelvic floor disorders. The number of individuals with associated pathologies of the posterior and anterior compartments tripled. It modified physical examination findings in 17 % of individuals and, in 63.5 %, allowed the identification of additional pelvic floor pathologies that were missed by physical examination. The Dynamic and Multiplanar Evaluation of the Pelvic Floor had greater added value in patients with anterior rectocele (59.6 % vs. 20.9 %; p < 0.001). Female gender was also associated with a greater diagnostic yield (p < 0.001). Conclusion The Dynamic and Multiplanar Evaluation of the Pelvic Floor allows the detection of multi-compartment defects that could otherwise go undetected, or even alter the initial clinical diagnosis, representing an ideal tool for multidisciplinary approach of pelvic floor dislocations, allowing a comprehensive therapeutic planning.

RESUMO Objetivo A disfunção do assoalho pélvico tem alta prevalência na população adulta. A avaliação dinâmica e multiplanar do assoalho pélvico (DMRIPF) representa uma ferramenta ideal para o gerenciamento multidisciplinar. O objetivo desta análise é avaliar o valor agregado da avaliação dinâmica e multiplanar do assoalho pélvico em pacientes com suspeita de distúrbios do assoalho pélvico. Métodos Análise retrospectiva de uma série consecutiva de pacientes submetidos à avaliação dinâmica e multiplanar do assoalho pélvico por suspeita de distúrbios do assoalho pélvico entre Abril de 2005 e Julho de 2019. Resultados 359 pacientes foram incluídos. O número médio de diagnósticos alcançados pelo exame físico foi de 1,2vs. 2,5 pela avaliação dinâmica e multiplanar do assoalho pélvico p < 0,001. O exame físico encontrou uma única patologia em 80.8 % dos casos. A retocele anterior (RA) foi o diagnóstico isolado mais frequente no exame físico (68 %). Na avaliação dinâmica e multiplanar do assoalho pélvico, a retocele anterior foi diagnosticada como uma condição isolada em 10.9 %. Em 231 casos, a retocele anterior foi associada a até 5 outros distúrbios do assoalho pélvico. O número de indivíduos com patologias associadas dos compartimentos posterior e anterior triplicou. Modificou os achados do exame físico em 17 % dos indivíduos e em 63.5 %; permitiu a identificação de outras patologias do assoalho pélvico que foram esquecidas pelo exame físico. A avaliação dinâmica e multiplanar do assoalho pélvico teve maior valor agregado em pacientes com retocele anterior (59.6 % vs.20.9 %; p < 0,001. O sexo feminino também foi associado a um maior rendimento diagnóstico p < 0,001. Conclusão A avaliação dinâmica e multiplanar do assoalho pélvico permite a detecção de defeitos multicompartimentários que, de outra forma, poderiam não ser detectados, ou mesmo alterar o diagnóstico clínico inicial, representando uma ferramenta ideal para a abordagem multidisciplinar das luxações do assoalho pélvico, permitindo um planejamento terapêutico abrangente.

A Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Changes in Severity of Cervical Spinal Stenosis in Flexion and Extension

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in the severity of cervical spinal stenosis (CSS) in flexion and extension and determine whether the rate of change with motion varied with severity. METHODS: The study included 92 symptomatic patients with a mean age of 57.80±10.41, who underwent cervical spine dynamic magnetic resonance imaging. The severity of stenosis was evaluated using a semi-quantitative CSS score, ranging from 0 (no spinal stenosis) to 18 (severe stenosis). Radiological evaluation included flexion, neutral, and extension measurements, as determined by the C2–C7 Cobb angle. The severity of stenosis was represented by the total CSS score. The total CSS score in flexion, neutral, and extension positions was compared using repeated measures one-way analysis of variance. The change rate of stenosis per angle motion (CRSPAM) was defined as change in total CSS score divided by change in Cobb angle. The correlation of CRSPAM with severity of stenosis, represented by total CSS score in neutral position, was evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: The total CSS score was significantly higher in extension (6.04±2.68) than in neutral position (5.25±2.47) (p < 0.001), and significantly higher in neutral than in flexion position (4.40±2.45) (p < 0.001). The CRSPAM was significantly and positively correlated with total CSS score in neutral position in the flexion-extension range (r=0.22, p=0.04) and flexion-neutral range (r=0.27, p=0.01). CONCLUSION: In symptomatic CSS patients, the radiological severity of stenosis increases with extension and decreases with flexion. In patients with CSS, the rate of variation in spinal stenosis increases with increased severity.

Dynamic MRI for assessment of the anatomical and functional significance of the bladder and urethra in female stress urinary incontinence / 局解手术学杂志

Astract:Objective To assess the anatomical and functional significance of the bladder and urethra in female SUI by dynamic MRI and urodynamic. Methods The clinical data were retrospectively analysed on 60 cases of female stress urinary incontinence from Feb 2011 to Nov 2013. All the women received pelvic floor dynamic MRI and Urodynamic study. Measured the urethral angle,the distance of the H line, M line and the descent of the bladder,cervical,anorectal junction from the PCL in the mid-sagittal dynamic MR image of the pelvic. Pearson 's correlation coefficient was used to examine the association among the distance of the H line,M line and the urethral angle,the descent of the bladder,cervical,anorectal junction from the PCL and the Urodynamic data. Results The distance of the H line,M line were significantly and positively associated with urethral angle and the descent of the bladder,cervical,anorectal junction from the PCL. The distance of the H line,M line were significantly and negatively associated with functional profile length, maximum urethral closure pressure,VLPP and detrusor opening pressure. Conclusion Pelvic floor dynamic MRI combined with Urodynamic study is useful for assessing the anatomical and func-tional significance of the bladder and urethra in female SUI.

Imaging in the Diagnosis of Symptomatic Forearm Muscle Herniation.

Symptomatic muscle herniations are an unusual cause of upper extremity pain that is rarely reported in the literature. Out of 18 reported cases of upper extremity herniations, only 3 were caused by strenuous exertion6. Dynamic ultrasound and Dynamic MRI test are the very good tool for diagnosis of muscle herniation, FNAC and biopsy are rarely needed. This article describes a successful repair of a 22yr old manual worker’s ventral forearm herniation with polypropylene mesh. Prevalence Muscle herniation in an extremity is a well-known cause of pain, even though there have been extremely few documented cases. In a 2009 report published by the “Journal of Hand and Microsurgery,” only 200 cases of herniated muscles of the extremities had been reported since the mid-1800s, and only 17 cases of muscle herniation in the upper limb have been described10. Characteristics A herniated muscle in the forearm can cause mild to severe localized pain, affect grip, cause nerve pain or have no physical symptoms at all. Causes of documented cases include sporting or occupational activities, or an unrelated primary medical condition. Patients usually have a swollen mass that increases in size when the affected muscle is engaged and decreases when the muscles are relaxed. One differential diagnosis for a herniated forearm muscle is a tumor. Muscle herniation in the forearm typically affects males in their adolescent or young-adult years1. We report a case of a disappearing forearm nodule that appeared with muscle contraction. This is characteristic of a transfascial muscle hernia. Ultrasound and MRI are the key to identifying an area of fascial alteration. Treatment alternatives of this unusual condition are discussed.

Estimation of Pulmonary Motion in Healthy Subjects and Patients with Intrathoracic Tumors Using 3D-Dynamic MRI: Initial Results

OBJECTIVE: To estimate a new technique for quantifying regional lung motion using 3D-MRI in healthy volunteers and to apply the technique in patients with intra- or extrapulmonary tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intraparenchymal lung motion during a whole breathing cycle was quantified in 30 healthy volunteers using 3D-dynamic MRI (FLASH [fast low angle shot] 3D, TRICKS [time-resolved interpolated contrast kinetics]). Qualitative and quantitative vector color maps and cumulative histograms were performed using an introduced semiautomatic algorithm. An analysis of lung motion was performed and correlated with an established 2D-MRI technique for verification. As a proof of concept, the technique was applied in five patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 5 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). RESULTS: The correlation between intraparenchymal lung motion of the basal lung parts and the 2D-MRI technique was significant (r = 0.89, p < 0.05). Also, the vector color maps quantitatively illustrated regional lung motion in all healthy volunteers. No differences were observed between both hemithoraces, which was verified by cumulative histograms. The patients with NSCLC showed a local lack of lung motion in the area of the tumor. In the patients with MPM, there was global diminished motion of the tumor bearing hemithorax, which improved siginificantly after chemotherapy (CHT) (assessed by the 2D- and 3D-techniques) (p < 0.01). Using global spirometry, an improvement could also be shown (vital capacity 2.9 +/- 0.5 versus 3.4 L +/- 0.6, FEV1 0.9 +/- 0.2 versus 1.4 +/- 0.2 L) after CHT, but this improvement was not significant. CONCLUSION: A 3D-dynamic MRI is able to quantify intraparenchymal lung motion. Local and global parenchymal pathologies can be precisely located and might be a new tool used to quantify even slight changes in lung motion (e.g. in therapy monitoring, follow-up studies or even benign lung diseases).

Significance of Dynamic MRI in Brain Tumors

OBJECTIVE: On the magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the infiltrating brain tumor, enhancement is usually higher in malignant tumor than in benign tumor, and tumor cells can invade into the peritumoral area without definite enhancement. In various pathological conditions, the blood brain barrier (BBB) becomes changed to pathological condition, allowing various materials extravasating into the interstitial space, and degree of enhancement is depend on the pathology. Authors performed dynamic MRI on enhancing and surrounding edematous area in order to evaluate the degrees of opening of BBB, to differentiate tumor from non-tumorous condition, and to determine its relationship with the recurrence of the tumor. METHODS: Dynamic MRI was performed in 25 patients. Dynamic scans were done every 15 seconds after administration of Gd-DTPA on the enhancing and surrounding area for maximum 300 seconds, and the patterns of enhancement were analysed. The enhancement curve with initial steep increase followed by slow decrease was defined as "N pattern", those with initial steep increase followed by additional slow increase as "T pattern", and those with initial steep increase followed by plateau as "E pattern". Histopathological findings were compared with the dynamic scan. RESULTS: The graphs taken from enhancing area showed "T pattern" regardless of pathology. In the surrounding area, "T pattern" was noticed in the malignant tumors, but "E pattern" or "N pattern" was noted in low-grade or benign tumors and non-tumorous condition. "T pattern" in the surrounding area was related to the malignancy with tumor cell infiltration and recurrence. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the malignant tumor infiltration changes the condition of BBB enough to extravasate the Gd-DTPA. Enhancement pattern in the surrounding edematous area may be a useful information to differentiate the malignant glioma with the low-grade and benign tumors or other non-tumorous conditions.