Application of Sphenoid Sinus Morphological Characteristics in Sex Estimation Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Images / Aplicación de las Características Morfológicas del Seno Esfenoidal en la Estimación del Sexo Basada en Imágenes de Resonancia Magnética

SUMMARY: Sex determination of unknown persons plays an important role in forensic science. As most bones used for sex determination are recovered in incomplete state, it is often necessary to use bones that are recovered intact e.g., the sphenoid sinus. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of sphenoid sinuses dimensions for sex determination using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images in Chinese adults. MRI images of 79 sphenoid sinuses (from 44 men and 35 women) were retrospectively selected. The height, anterior-posterior diameter, area, and perimeter were measured in the midsagittal view of the sphenoid sinuses. All data were subjected to descriptive and discriminative functional analysis with unpaired t-test and canonical discriminant. Comparison between male and female groups showed significant statistical differences regarding the height, anterior-posterior diameter, area, and perimeter of sphenoid sinuses. The predictive accuracy rate of the sphenoid sinus to identify sex was 63.6 % in males and 62.9 % in females with an overall accuracy of 63.3 %. This study proposed the importance of sexual dimorphism of sphenoid sinus dimensions, especially if other methods are not available. It suggested using MRI in forensics science thus obviating the complete dependence on the usage of conventional computed tomography (CT) and facilitating the study of forensic anatomy at the level of soft tissue.

La determinación del sexo de personas desconocidas juega un papel importante en la ciencia forense. Como la mayoría de los huesos utilizados para la determinación del sexo se recuperan en un estado incompleto, a menudo es necesario utilizar huesos recuperados intactos, por ejemplo, el seno esfenoidal. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el valor diagnóstico de las dimensiones de los senos esfenoidales para la determinación del sexo utilizando imágenes de resonancia magnética en individuos adultos chinos. Se seleccionaron retrospectivamente imágenes de resonancia magnética de 79 senos esfenoidales (de 44 hombres y 35 mujeres). La altura, el diámetro anteroposterior, el área y el perímetro de los senos esfenoidales, se midieron en vista mediana sagital. Todos los datos se sometieron a análisis funcional descriptivo y discriminativo con prueba t no pareada y discriminante canónico. La comparación entre los grupos de hombres y mujeres mostró diferencias estadísticas significativas en cuanto a la altura, el diámetro anteroposterior, el área y el perímetro de los senos esfenoidales. La tasa de precisión predictiva del seno esfenoidal para identificar el sexo fue del 63,6 % en hombres y del 62,9 % en mujeres, con una precisión general del 63,3 %. Este estudio propuso la importancia del dimorfismo sexual de las dimensiones del seno esfenoidal, especialmente si no se dispone de otros métodos. Se sugiere utilizar la resonancia magnética en la ciencia forense, obviando así la dependencia total del uso de la tomografía computarizada convencional y facilitando con esto el estudio de la anatomía forense a nivel de los tejidos blandos.

The eyes see what the mind knows – Interpretation of magnetic resonance imaging

Background: In 1978, the advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was a remarkable volte-face in the world of diagnostics. Employing the phenomenon of nuclear resonance enables us to exploit the properties of differential protons in living tissues. The ability of providing higher and variable contrast and the absence of ionizing radiations make it superior to computed tomography. Being the diagnostic tool of choice, it is an indispensable part of assessment of the location and characteristics of different ocular and orbital pathologies (vascular, inflammatory, and neoplastic). Purpose: The intrinsic and extrinsic properties of MRI provide multi-parametric imaging, making it of paramount importance in ophthalmological evaluation. Also, MRI-dynamic color mapping provides non-invasive and quantitative assessment of soft tissues in motion. An in-depth knowledge of the basic principle and technique of MRI aids in diagnosing as well optimal planning of surgical interventions. Synopsis: In this video, we shall be displaying the anatomical, clinical, and radiological aspects of MRI with an overlap to make it easier to understand the implications of this miraculous invention. Highlights: A good understanding of MRI analysis makes the ophthalmologists independent and helps in ruling out the differential diagnoses, exact extent and invasion, precise surgical planning and therefore, avoiding tragic outcomes. This video is an attempt to simplify and emphasize on the importance of MRI interpretation for an ophthalmologist.

AA Amyloidosis Secondary to Horton's Disease Complicated by Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Very Challenging Diagnosis and Therapy

AA amyloidosis is a classic and serious complication of many chronic inflammatory processes, whether of infectious, autoimmune, or neoplastic origin. It is frequently complicated by kidney damage, often in the form of a nephrotic syndrome. Giant cell arteritis is a common inflammatory arteritis in the elderly; however, it rarely causes AA amyloidosis. We report a rare case of Horton disease causing AA amyloidosis in an elderly patient with history of myopericarditis and repeated episodes of congestive heart failure. Patient was treated initially with dual therapy based on corticosteroids and anti TNF therapy (Tocilizumab) associated with heart failure therapy recommended by the European society of cardiology (ESC 2021 guidelines on Heart Failure). The initial outcome was favorable but later complicated by the involvement of the lungs; pulmonary fibrosis, responsible for repeated episodes of pleural effusion non controlled in spite of high dose of loop diuretics and repeated pleural punction. Patient died shortly after her second hospitalization due to respiratory insufficiency.

MRI as a Diagnostic Tool for the Determination of Acute Ischaemic Stroke: A Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Stroke is a prevalent and potentially fatal medical condition that affects individuals worldwide. Ischemic strokes, caused by arterial blockages, are the most common type, accounting for about 80% of all cases. Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, are less frequent but can have more severe consequences. Accurate and timely diagnosis of stroke is critical for effective treatment and optimal patient outcomes. In this context, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has emerged as a valuable tool for identifying and monitoring ischemic stroke. This article provides an overview of the role of DWI in stroke assessment and management, with a focus on early detection and intervention. The aim of this study is to investigate the reliability of diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) as an imaging modality in the evaluation of acute ischemic stroke. Material & Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Radiology and Imaging at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, between June 2020 and June 2021. The study aimed to examine 120 patients clinically diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. Prior to the study, verbal consent was obtained from all patients. The Study subjects were identified in the emergency and casualty department and had undergone an MRI of the brain in the Department of Radiology and Imaging at CMH, Dhaka. . Data were collected on pre-designed forms, and the relevant information was compiled on a master chart for statistical analysis using SPSS software. Descriptive analysis and frequency of results were presented in the form of tables, pie charts, and bar graphs. The ethical clearance of this study was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of CMH, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Results: The study included 64 males and 56 females with a mean age of 65.2 ± 7.83 years. The majority of patients had an acute ischemic lesion (88.30%) in the MCA (50.0%) with small-sized lesions (41.7%) and low ADC values (90.0%). The most common clinical presentation was hemiplegia (100%), and diffusion-weighted MRI had a high diagnostic accuracy in detecting acute ischaemic lesions (96.3%). Overall, these findings highlight the importance of MRI in the evaluation of stroke patients and can guide clinical decision-making. Conclusion: The present study concluded that DWI in conjunction with ADC map MR imaging is a gold standard diagnostic modality in the evaluation and management of acute ischaemic stroke.

Acute abducens nerve palsy with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis-like presentation following COVID-19 vaccination

We report two adult cases of abducens nerve palsy presenting immediately (within weeks) after they received the first dose of Covishield vaccination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain obtained after the onset of diplopia demonstrated demyelinating changes. The patients had associated systemic symptoms. Post-vaccination demyelination typically known as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) associated with several vaccines is more common in children. Although the mechanism of the nerve palsy remains unclear, it is suspected to be related to the post-vaccine neuroinflammatory syndrome. Cranial nerve palsies and ADEM-like presentations may represent part of the neurologic spectrum following COVID-vaccination in adults, and ophthalmologists should be aware of these sequelae. Although cases of sixth nerve palsy following COVID vaccination are already reported, associated MRI changes have not been reported from India.

Metronidazole: A culprit to balance and speech

In a country like India, oral metronidazole is the commonly prescribed drug of choice for entities such as amebiasis and visceral abscesses. Oral such cases, it is usually well tolerated and safe but can cause serious neurological adverse events. Peripheral neuropathy commonly encounters in practice but central nervous system toxicity is also well documented as it crosses the blood–brain barrier easily. Neurological toxicity of metronidazole may be due to prolonged administration, high doses, or high cumulative doses. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain is the modality of choice to evaluate brain involvement. In the brain, the splenium of the corpus callosum, dentate nucleus of the cerebellum, and posterior pons involvement are commonly seen and diagnostic. Here, we have an interesting case report of a patient who was on oral metronidazole treatment for his large liver abscess, presenting with a complaint of neurological symptoms of unsteady gait, vertigo, dysdiadochokinesia, and difficulty in speech. Moreover, thus suspected as metronidazole drug toxicity and further investigated for the same, and MRI typically shows cerebellar and posterior corpus callosal involvement

Echocardiographic and Etiopathogenic Features of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Casablanca University Hospital Experience

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with a prevalence of 1:500 in the general population, based on the recognition of the phenotype. HCM is defined by the presence of increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness that is not solely explained by abnormal loading conditions and the phenotype also includes disorganized myocyte arrangement, fibrosis, small-vessel disease, and abnormalities of the mitral valve apparatus. In particular to this pathology, we have conducted a one-year prospective study to determine clinical, echocardiographic features and etiopathogenic aspects of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Casablanca university hospital. The results concluded that 50% of the causes was due to amyloidosis 35%, sarcomeric HCM and 15% Fabry disease in which 2 cases were related with pregnancy. Transthoracic echocardiography and cardia MRI plays an important role in HCM diagnosis and prognosis.

The role of MRI and 18F-FDG PET/CT with respect to evaluation of pathological response in the rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy

Background: We aimed to evaluate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography朿omputed tomography (PET-CT) in determining the correct stage and predicting the pathological response. Methods: Seventy one patients with pathologic proven rectal adenocarcinoma, clinical stage IIA-IVA, and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) were evaluated retrospectively. Radiotherapy was delivered 45� Gy in 25 fractions with concomitant oral capecitabine. Pelvic MRI, colonoscopy, and 18F-FDG PET-CT were performed before the neoadjuvant treatment (NAT). After NAT, MRI and PET-CT were performed for re-evaluation. Results: The median follow-up time was 25 months (range: 3� months). Of the 71 patients who underwent NAT, 57 patients underwent surgery. Downstaging was recorded in 48 (84.2%) of 57 patients who underwent surgery. There was no statistically significant difference between both MRI and PET-CT with pathology results in terms of response evaluation. As a result of the comparison of MRI and PET-CT with pathological results; sensitivity and specificity were 91.6% (44/48) and 22.2% (2/9) for MRI, and 100% (47/47) and 12.5% (1/8) for PET-CT, respectively. Conclusion: PET-CT and MRI are effective in predicting response to NAT and predictive for the pathological response. A more accurate response can be judged when both PET-CT and MRI are executed together in restaging after NAT

Does TGFBR3 Polymorphism Increase the Risk of Silent Cerebral Infarction in Egyptian Children with Sickle Cell Disease?

Objectives To evaluate the relationship between TGFBR3 rs284875 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) state and silent cerebral infarction (SCI) in asymptomatic patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 children with SCD above 2 y of age followed up at the hematology outpatient clinic of Alexandria University Children's Hospital in Egypt. Twenty-four healthy children were included as a control group. All patients included in the study were subjected to complete history and clinical examination. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed on patients and controls for identifcation of SNP rs284875 of the TGFBR3 gene. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain were performed only on patients for detection of SCI. Results Fifty SCD patients were enrolled (26 males and 24 females), with a median age of 10.9 y (2.3–17.8 y), and 24 children as healthy control for the studied SNP. Thirty-fve (70%) patients had homozygous SCD, while 30% had sickle ?-thalassemia. The brain MRI was normal in all the patients except for 2 patients who had features of SCI. The TGFBR3 rs284875 SNP was detected in 15 (30%) patients in the homozygous state (GG) versus only 1 (4.2%) child from the control group (p=0.003). The prevalence of SCI was low in the study population and there was no statistically signifcant relationship between the TGFBR3 rs284875 SNP status and the presence of SCI in the brain MRI (p=0.621). Conclusions This study confrmed a low prevalence of SCI in the SCD patient included in the study. The TGFBR3 rs284875 SNP did not signifcantly increase SCI among those patients.

Utilidad de la resonancia magnética en el diagnóstico del stroke agudo / Usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of acute stroke

Resumen El ataque cerebrovascular (ACV) es la primera causa de discapacidad y la tercera causa de muerte en la Argentina y en el mundo. La etiología del stroke es isquémica en su mayoría (más del 80% de los casos), siendo las causas más frecuentes las lesiones isquémicas de pequeños vasos de tipo lacunar y las tromboembólicas debido a ateroesclerosis de grandes arterias o cardioembolia. Las secuencias utilizadas en nuestro protocolo de estudio incluyen DWI, FLAIR, angio-RM 3D-TOF, SWI y FSE-T1 (tiempo aproximado de exploración de 13 minutos). Pueden observarse diferentes hallazgos en cada una de estas secuencias que son orientativos para determinar la etiología subyacente y estimar el tiempo de evolución de la lesión. En la actualidad, la trombectomía mecánica se ha convertido en el tratamiento de elección en pacientes seleccionados con accidente cerebral isquémico agudo. La transformación hemorrágica es la complicación más temida luego de la terapia de reperfusión intraarterial. La técnica de difusión de la resonancia magnética (RM) posee una mayor sensibilidad para detectar lesiones isquémicas, permite sospechar la etiología según el patrón lesional y aporta información valiosa para la selección de los pacientes candidatos a la reperfusión arterial.

Abstract Stroke or cerebrovascular attack (CVA) is the first cause of disability and the third cause of death in Argentina and in the world. The etiology of strokes is mostly ischemic (more than 80% of cases), with the most frequent causes being lacunar-type ischemic lesions of small vessels and thromboembolic lesions due to atherosclerosis of large arteries or cardioembolism. The sequences used in our study protocol include DWI, FLAIR, angio-RM 3D-TOF, SWI, and FSE-T1 (approximate scan time of 13 minutes). Different findings can be observed in each of these sequences that are indicative to determine the underlying etiology and estimate the time of evolution of the lesion. Currently, mechanical thrombectomy has become the treatment of choice in selected patients with acute ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic transformation is the most feared complication after intra-arterial reperfusion therapy. The diffusion magnetic resonance technique is more sensitive for detecting ischemic lesions, allows one to suspect the etiology based on the lesion pattern, and provides valuable information for the selection of patients who are candidates for arterial reperfusion.

Characterization of Alar Ligament in Young Adult on 3.0T MRI: A Cross-sectional Study in IIUM Medical Centre, Kuantan

@#Introduction: Alar ligament is a paired craniocervical junction ligaments which stabilizes the atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial joints. The main purpose of the study was to compare the normal anatomy of alar ligament on MRI between male and female. The prevalence of alar ligament visualized on MRI and its characteristics were also studied apart from determining the association between the heights of respondents with alar ligament signal intensity and dimensions. Methods: Fifty healthy volunteers were studied using 3.0T MR scanner (Siemens Magnetom Spectra) by 2-mm proton density, T2 and fat-suppression sequences. Alar ligament visualization, dimensions and variability of the ligament courses, shapes and signal intensity characteristics were determined. Results: The orientation of the ligament was laterally ascending in most of the subjects (60%), predominantly oval in shaped (54%) and 67% showed inhomogenous signal. Females are 70% less likely to exhibit alar ligament signal inhomogeneity than males. There were positive correlation between height and the craniocaudal diameter of the alar ligament as well as the anteroposterior diameter, which were statistically significant (r = 0.25, n = 100, p = 0.01 and r = 0.201, n = 100, p = 0.045 respectively). Conclusion: Tremendous variability of alar ligament shows that clinical and multimodality correlation needs to be exercised, especially in evaluating alar ligament MR signal in male. Taller individuals otherwise tend to have longer and thicker ligaments. Future studies with larger samples of alar ligaments including trauma cases are also recommended to supplant a new classification system of alar ligament injury.

A case of stage Ⅲ pneumoconiosis with large shadow by burr-like changes misdiagnosed as lung cancer / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Pneumoconiosis is characterized by chronic lung inflammation and fibrosis, and inflammation can promote pulmonary fibrosis, which in turn leads to pneumoconiosis. When a large shadow with a long diameter of not less than 2 cm and a short diameter of not less than 1 cm appears in the lung, it can be classified as stage Ⅲ pneumoconiosis. This paper reports a case of stage Ⅲ pneumoconiosis with a large shadow in the upper right lung accompanied by burr-like changes misdiagnosed as lung cancer by CT examination.When the large shadow lesions in patients with pneumoconiosis and lung cancer are difficult to distinguish on CT, an additional MRI examination, particularly T(2)W imaging sequence is useful sequence for identifying the two.

The Brain Structure Volume Estimation Based on Synthetic MRI in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveCentral nervous system （CNS） infiltration commonly occurs in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia （ALL）. Early subclinical CNS infiltration in pediatric ALL is hard to detect with conventional methods. This study aimed to investigate the changes of brain structure volume parameters based on Synthetic MRI （SyMRI） in pediatric ALL without clinically diagnosed CNS infiltration. MethodsThirty-six ALL and twenty-nine typically developing （TD） children were prospectively collected and all underwent SyMRI. The Synthetic MR software was used to obtain brain volumetric parameters including total white matter volume （WMV）， gray matter volume （GMV）， cerebrospinal fluid （CSF） volume， etc. and their within-group differences were assessed by analysis of covariance. The Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the correlation between biological characteristics and statistically significant brain volume parameters. ResultsALL children showed increased CSF volume （PFDR-corrected = 0.009） and decreased GMV （PFDR-corrected = 0.027） when compared to TD children. We also found a moderately negative association between GMV/intracranial volume and risk classification in pediatric ALL （rs = -0.380， P = 0.022）. ConclusionsPediatric ALL without clinically diagnosed CNS infiltration presented with accumulation of CSF and reduction of gray matter. The brain volumetric changes in subclinical CNS infiltration of pediatric ALL provides a new attempt for exploring the underlying mechanism and early detection of CNS infiltration in pediatric ALL.

Advances in multimodal MRI-based study of brain networks in patients with carotid artery stenosis / 中国辐射卫生

@#Stenosis and occlusion caused by carotid atherosclerosis is an important cause of ischemic stroke. In recent years, with the continuous development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and the introduction of complex network theory, brain network analysis can be used not only to explain the clinical symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in patients with carotid stenosis caused by changes in network topological properties of different brain regions, but also to explore the imaging markers of carotid stenosis, thus providing important reference data for the diagnosis of early asymptomatic carotid stenosis, the selection of individualized intervention programs, and the assessment of efficacy. Brain network analysis has been used as a powerful tool. In this paper, we review the studies of structural and functional brain networks in patients with carotid stenosis, and introduce the definitions of brain network nodes and edges and important topological properties of complex networks. We also analyze the current research on brain network in patients with carotid stenosis, and discuss the challenges and outlook of existing imaging techniques and network construction methodologies in this field.

Diagnostic Value of Structural MRI in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo explore the role of structural MRI in the diagnosis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 （SCA3） and further evaluate its correlation with disease severity and disease duration. MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 81 genetically diagnosed SCA3 patients ［59 symptomatic （sym-SCA3） and 22 pre-symptomatic （pre-SCA3）］ and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy controls （HCs）. MRI structural images （3D T1 MPRAGE） and clinical data of all subjects were collected. Three observers with different radiological experience measured the width of the superior， middle and inferior cerebellar peduncle （SCP， MCP and ICP）， the anterior-posterior diameters of the pons and spinal cord at the levels of the foramen magnum and upper edge of the 3rd-5th cervical vertebra. One observer performed the measurements again 2 months later to assess for the intra- and inter-observer reliability， respectively. One-way ANOVA， rank-sum test， ROC curve and Random Forest were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of the above metrics for SCA3， and the correlation between the metrics and clinical variables was analyzed. ResultsNot depending on the radiological experience， the metrics based on morphological MRI showed high intra- and inter-observer reliability， among which bilateral superior and middle cerebellar peduncles performed best. The diameters of bilateral SCP， MCP， ICP， pons and spinal cord （except spinal cord at the level of the upper edge of the 5th cervical vertebra） decreased successively in HCs， pre-SCA3 and sym-SCA3 with a statistical difference （P<0.017）. ROC analysis revealed that the left MCP had the highest diagnostic value for pre-SCA3 （AUC=0.911）， with sensitivity， specificity and a cut-off value of 85.7%， 95.5% and 10.15 mm， respectively. In contrast， the right SCP had the highest diagnostic value for sym-SCA3 （AUC=0.999）， with sensitivity， specificity and a cut-off value of 100%， 98.3% and 2.62 mm， respectively. The Random Forest model based on the above metrics also had high diagnostic efficiency （AUC= 0.970， specificity=93.1%）， and the left MCP contributed the most. Correlation analysis showed that the above metrics had a significantly or moderately negative correlation with the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia （SARA） and disease duration （P<0.05）. ConclusionNot depending on radiological experience， measurements of brain structure based on morphological MRI are reliable， which can help diagnose SCA3 and predict disease severity and duration. The left MCP and the right SCP perform best for predicting pre-SCA3 and sym-SCA3， respectively. Therefore， the structural MRI is recommended for assisting the clinical diagnosis of SCA3.

Value for combination of T1WI star -VIBE with TWIST -VIBE dynamic contrast -enhanced MRI in distinguishing lung nodules / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#With the increasing detection rate of lung nodules, the qualitative problem of lung nodules has become one of the key clinical issues. This study aims to evaluate the value of combining dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI based on time-resolved imaging with interleaved stochastic trajectories-volume interpolated breath hold examination (TWIST-VIBE) with T1 weighted free-breathing star-volumetric interpolated breath hold examination (T1WI star-VIBE) in identifying benign and malignant lung nodules.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed 79 adults with undetermined lung nodules before the operation. All nodules of patients included were classified into malignant nodules (n=58) and benign nodules (n=26) based on final diagnosis. The unenhanced T1WI-VIBE, the contrast-enhanced T1WI star-VIBE, and the DCE curve based on TWIST-VIBE were performed. The corresponding qualitative [wash-in time, wash-out time, time to peak (TTP), arrival time (AT), positive enhancement integral (PEI)] and quantitative parameters [volume transfer constant (Ktrans), interstitium-to-plasma rate constant (Kep), and fractional extracellular space volume (Ve)] were evaluated. Besides, the diagnostic efficacy (sensitivity and specificity) of enhanced CT and MRI were compared.@*RESULTS@#There were significant differences in unenhanced T1WI-VIBE hypo-intensity, and type of A, B, C DCE curve type between benign and malignant lung nodules (all P<0.001). Pulmonary malignant nodules had a shorter wash-out time than benign nodules (P=0.001), and the differences of the remaining parameters were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). After T1WI star-VIBE contrast-enhanced MRI, the image quality was further improved. Compared with enhanced CT scan, the sensitivity (82.76% vs 80.50%) and the specificity (69.23% vs 57.10%) based on MRI were higher than that of CT (both P<0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#T1WI star-VIBE and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI based on TWIST-VIBE were helpful to improve the image resolution and provide more information for clinical differentiation between benign and malignant lung nodules.

GE Signa HDxt 1.5 T MRI PAC Module Troubleshooting and Repair / 中国医疗器械杂志

Through the analysis of PAC module faults in two GE Signa HDxt 1.5 T MRI cases, the fault performance was analyzed. According to the working principle of PAC module, the fault was analyzed and processed, and then the suspicious fault parts were located and repaired to make the equipment run normally. Finally, the operating principles of PAC module in terms of power supply, signal transmission and data transmission were summarized to facilitate the subsequent quickly and find out fault points for maintenance accurately.

Transrectal ultrasound examination of prostate cancer guided by fusion imaging of multiparametric MRI and TRUS: avoiding unnecessary mpMRI-guided targeted biopsy / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The purpose of this study was to explore transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) findings of prostate cancer (PCa) guided by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and to improve the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) system for avoiding unnecessary mpMRI-guided targeted biopsy (TB). From January 2018 to October 2019, fusion mpMRI and TRUS-guided biopsies were performed in 162 consecutive patients. The study included 188 suspicious lesions on mpMRI in 156 patients, all of whom underwent mpMRI-TRUS fusion imaging-guided TB and 12-core transperineal systematic biopsy (SB). Univariate analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between TRUS features and PCa. Then, logistic regression analysis with generalized estimating equations was performed to determine the independent predictors of PCa and obtain the fitted probability of PCa. The detection rates of PCa based on TB alone, SB alone, and combined SB and TB were 55.9% (105 of 188), 52.6% (82 of 156), and 62.8% (98 of 156), respectively. The significant predictors of PCa on TRUS were hypoechogenicity (odds ratio [OR]: 9.595, P = 0.002), taller-than-wide shape (OR: 3.539, P = 0.022), asymmetric vascular structures (OR: 3.728, P = 0.031), close proximity to capsule (OR: 3.473, P = 0.040), and irregular margins (OR: 3.843, P = 0.041). We propose subgrouping PI-RADS score 3 into categories 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d based on different numbers of TRUS predictors, as the creation of PI-RADS 3a (no suspicious ultrasound features) could avoid 16.7% of mpMRI-guided TBs. Risk stratification of PCa with mpMRI-TRUS fusion imaging-directed ultrasound features could avoid unnecessary mpMRI-TBs.

Study on the evaluation of glenoid bone defects by MRI three-dimensional reconstruction / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the feasibility of MRI three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction model in quantifying glenoid bone defect by comparing with CT 3D reconstruction model measurement.@*METHODS@#Forty patients with shoulder anterior dislocation who met the selection criteria between December 2021 and December 2022 were admitted as study participants. There were 34 males and 6 females with an average age of 24.8 years (range, 19-32 years). The injury caused by sports injury in 29 cases and collision injury in 6 cases, and 5 cases had no obvious inducement. The time from injury to admission ranged from 4 to 72 months (mean, 28.5 months). CT and MRI were performed on the patients' shoulder joints, and a semi-automatic segmentation of the images was done with 3D slicer software to construct a glenoid model. The length of the glenoid bone defect was measured on the models by 2 physicians. The intra-group correlation coefficient ( ICC) was used to evaluate the consistency between the 2 physicians, and Bland-Altman plots were constructed to evaluate the consistency between the 2 methods.@*RESULTS@#The length of the glenoid bone defects measured on MRI 3D reconstruction model was (3.83±1.36) mm/4.00 (0.58, 6.13) mm for physician 1 and (3.91±1.20) mm/3.86 (1.39, 5.96) mm for physician 2. The length of the glenoid bone defects measured on CT 3D reconstruction model was (3.81±1.38) mm/3.80 (0.60, 6.02) mm for physician 1 and (3.99±1.19) mm/4.00 (1.68, 6.38) mm for physician 2. ICC and Bland-Altman plot analysis showed good consistency. The ICC between the 2 physicians based on MRI and CT 3D reconstruction model measurements were 0.73 [95% CI (0.54, 0.85)] and 0.80 [95% CI (0.65, 0.89)], respectively. The 95% CI of the difference between the two measurements of physicians 1 and 2 were (-0.46, 0.49) and (-0.68, 0.53), respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#The measurement of glenoid bone defect based on MRI 3D reconstruction model is consistent with that based on CT 3D reconstruction model. MRI can be used instead of CT to measure glenoid bone defects in clinic, and the soft tissue of shoulder joint can be observed comprehensively while reducing radiation.

Practical aspects of functional mri in clinical examinations / Aspectos práticos de rm funcional em exames clínicos / Aspectos prácticos de la rm funcional en los exámenes clínicos

The eloquent cerebral cortices are involved in movement, sensation, speech, vision, and higher cortical functions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows the evaluation of brain function, aiding in neurosurgical planning by mapping eloquent cortical areas. Considering the high cost of the hardware involved, the purpose of this work is to present a more affordable, in-house alternative for these studies that can provide adequate results in a clinical setting. We also present some practical information on how to perform these exams. We describe an affordable in-house hardware solution used by an imaging center, and examples of fMRI paradigms used to evaluate motor and language tasks. The fMRI studies show robust activations in eloquent areas consistent with the tasks performed on the exam. Images of post-processed studies illustrate clinical cases. The fMRI have well-established applications, mapping eloquent cortical areas in patients with brain lesions. In the case of surgical planning, it allows the surgeon to maximize the resection area while minimizing sequelae. More affordable hardware can reduce the cost of these exams, making them more accessible to the general public.

O córtex cerebral eloquente está envolvido nas atividades motora, sensação, fala, visão e funções corticais superiores. A ressonância magnética funcional (RMf) permite a avaliação da função cerebral, ajudando no planejamento neurocirúrgico através do mapeamento de áreas corticais eloquentes. Considerando o elevado custo do hardware envolvido, o objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma alternativa mais acessível para estes estudos, que possa fornecer resultados adequados em um ambiente clínico. Também apresentamos algumas informações práticas sobre a realização destes exames. Descrevemos uma solução de hardware acessível utilizada por um centro de imagens, e exemplos de paradigmas de RMf usados para avaliar tarefas motoras e relacionadas à fala. Os estudos de RMf mostram ativações em áreas eloquentes, consistentes com as tarefas realizadas no exame com imagens de estudos pós-processados ilustrando casos clínicos. A RMf tem aplicações bem estabelecidas, mapeando áreas corticais eloquentes em pacientes com lesões cerebrais. No caso do planejamento cirúrgico, permite que o cirurgião maximize a área de ressecção enquanto minimiza potenciais sequelas. Equipamentos mais acessíveis podem reduzir o custo destes exames, podendo aumentar a disponibilização ao público em geral.

La corteza cerebral elocuente está implicada en las actividades motoras, la sensibilidad, el habla, la visión y las funciones corticales superiores. La resonancia magnética funcional (RMf) permite la evaluación de la función cerebral, ayudando en la planificación neuroquirúrgica mediante el mapeo de las áreas corticales elocuentes. Teniendo en cuenta el elevado coste del hardware implicado, el objetivo de este artículo es presentar una alternativa más asequible para estos estudios que pueda proporcionar resultados adecuados en un entorno clínico. También presentamos información práctica sobre cómo realizar estos exámenes. Describimos una solución de hardware asequible utilizada por un centro de diagnóstico por imagen, y ejemplos de paradigmas de RMf utilizados para evaluar tareas motoras y relacionadas con el habla. Los estudios de RMf muestran activaciones en áreas elocuentes, coherentes con las tareas realizadas en el examen, con imágenes de estudios postprocesados que ilustran casos clínicos. La RMf tiene aplicaciones bien establecidas en el mapeo de áreas corticales elocuentes en pacientes con lesiones cerebrales. En el caso de la planificación quirúrgica, permite al cirujano maximizar el área de resección minimizando las posibles secuelas. Un equipo más asequible puede reducir el coste de estas exploraciones, aumentando potencialmente su disponibilidad para el público en general.