New clinical application of digital intraoral scanning technology in occlusal reconstruction: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Digital intraoral scanning, although developing rapidly, is rarely used in occlusal reconstruction. To compensate for the technical drawbacks of current occlusal reconstruction techniques, such as time consumption and high technical requirements, digital intraoral scanning can be used in clinics. This report aims to provide a way of selecting the most suitable maxillo-mandibular relationship (MMR) during recovery. CASE SUMMARY: A 68-year-old man with severely worn posterior teeth underwent occlusal reconstruction with fixed prosthesis using digital intraoral scanning. A series of digital models in different stages of treatment were obtained, subsequently compared, and selected using digital intraoral scanning together with traditional measurements, such as cone beam computed tomography, joint imaging, and clinical examination. Using digital intraoral scanning, the MMR in different stages of treatment was accurately recorded, which provided feasibility for deciding the best occlusal reconstruction treatment, made the treatment process easier, and improved patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: This case report highlights the clarity, recordability, repeatability, and selectivity of digital intraoral scanning to replicate and transfer the MMR during occlusal reconstruction, expanding new perspectives for its design, fabrication, and postoperative evaluation.

Effects of Danhong Injection () on Peri-Procedural Myocardial Injury and Microcirculatory Resistance in Patients with Unstable Angina Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Pilot Randomized Study / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect of Danhong Injection (, DH) on the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) and myocardial injury in patients with unstable angina undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).@*METHODS@#Seventy-eight patients with unstable angina were randomly divided into DH group (39 cases) and the control group (39 cases) during elective PCI. Randomization was performed using a random-number table. The DH group received DH at a dosage of 40 mL (mixed with 250 mL saline, covered by a light-proof bag, intravenous drip) during PCI and daily for 7 consecutive days, while the control group only received the same dosage of saline. Both groups received standardized treatment. The IMR and fractional flow reserve (FFR) were measured at maximal hyperemia before and after PCI. Myocardial markers, including myoglobin, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and coronary troponin T (cTnT) values were measured at baseline and 24 h after PCI.@*RESULTS@#Among the 78 patients enrolled, the baseline and procedural characteristics were similar between the two groups. There was no significant difference in pre-PCI myocardial markers and coronary physiological indexes between the two groups. However, post-PCI CK and CK-MB levels in the DH group were significantly lower than those in the control group (111.97 ± 80.97 vs. 165.47 ± 102.99, P=0.013; 13.08 ± 6.90 vs. 19.75 ± 15.49, P=0.016). Post-PCI myoglobin and cTNT-positive tend to be lower in the DH group than in the control group but did not reach statistical significance (88.07 ± 52.36 vs. 108.13 ± 90.94, P=0.52; 2.56% vs.7.69%, P=0.065). Compared with the control group, the post-IMR levels of the DH group tended to decrease, but there was no statistical difference (20.73 ± 13.15 vs. 26.37 ± 12.31, P=0.05). There were no statistical differences in post-FFR in both groups. The peri-procedural myocardial injury of the DH group was significantly lower than that of the control group (2.56% vs. 15.38%, P=0.025). During the 30-d follow-up period, no major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in either group.@*CONCLUSION@#This study demonstrated benefit of DH in reducing myocardial injury and potential preserving microvascular function in patients with unstable angina undergoing elective PCI.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss after Pituitary Adenoma Resection-A Case Series with Literature Review / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Objective Complications after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma have been well documented in the literatures, but the occurrence of delayed sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) after pituitary adenoma resection is extremely rare. In this study three cases who developed sudden SNHL 3 to 7 days after pituitary adenoma surgery without experiencing cerebrospinal fluid leak or meningitis were presented, and the possible causes of SNHL were discussed. Methods Three cases with sudden hearing loss after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma were reviewed. The past medical history, onset of sudden hearing loss, accompanying symptoms such as headache, tinnitus, dizziness and aural fullness, and the post-operative MRI images, therapy, and hearing results were reported. Results Three cases developed profound sudden SNHL on the 3rd to 7th post-operative day, all accompanied by prior headache, tinnitus and dizziness. One patient developed episodic vertigo, ear fullness accompanying with fluctuating hearing loss in the first post-operative month. Two patients had past medical history of arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease or cerebral infarction. Two of three demonstrated obstructive hydrocephalus on MRI on the first post-operative day. Under treatment with prednisone orally, dexamethasone intratympanic injection, neurotrophic and vasodilatation drugs for 3 to 8 months, hearing of all three improved partially. Obstructive hydrocephalus and ischemia might be responsible for the hearing loss. Conclusion Post-operative obstructive hydrocephalus and ischemia of labyrinthine arteries might lead to the delayed SNHL after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma.

Correlations of F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging Parameters with the Pathological Differentiation of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Their Diagnostic Efficiencies / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To evaluate the correlation of the positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MR) parameters with the pathological differentiation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC) and the diagnostic efficiencies of PET/MR parameters. Methods Patients with clinical suspicion of HNSCC were included and underwent PET/MR scan. HNSCC was pathologically confirmed in all these patients. The PET/MR examination included PET and MR sequences of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2-and T1-weighted imaging. The multiple parameters of PET/MR included the mean values of apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) and the maximum and mean values of standardized uptake value (SUV and SUV) were measured and estimated. The correlations of all the parameters and distribution between the different tumor differentiation groups were analyzed. Logistic regression was utilized to build the model as the PET/MR combined parameter for predicting the differentiation by multiple parameters of PET/MR. The receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated for each parameter and the combination. Results Totally 23 patients were included in this study:9 patients (9 males and 0 female) had well-differentiated tumor,with an average age of (61.0±6.8)years;14 cases had moderately-differentiated (n=10) or poorly-differentiated tumors (n=4),with an average age of (62.0±9.1) years. All the patients were males. There was statistical correlation between SUV and SUV (P<0.001);however,ADC showed no statistical correlation with SUV and with SUV (P=0.42,P=0.13). ADC and SUV showed significant difference between well-differentiated group and moderately-poorly-differentiated group (P=0.005,P=0.007). Compared with the individual parameters,the combination of PET/MR parameters with SUV and ADC had higher efficacy in predicting tumor differentiation,with an area under curve of 0.84. Conclusions The distributions of ADC,SUV and SUV differ among HNSCC with different pathological differentiation. Compared with the individual parameters,the combination of the PET/MR parameters has higher efficiency in predicting tumor differentiation.

Sodium selenate regulates the brain ionome in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Many studies have shown that imbalance of mineral metabolism may play an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. It was recently reported that selenium could reverse memory deficits in AD mouse model. We carried out multi-time-point ionome analysis to investigate the interactions among 15 elements in the brain by using a triple-transgenic mouse model of AD with/without high-dose sodium selenate supplementation. Except selenium, the majority of significantly changed elements showed a reduced level after 6-month selenate supplementation, especially iron whose levels were completely reversed to normal state at almost all examined time points. We then built the elemental correlation network for each time point. Significant and specific elemental correlations and correlation changes were identified, implying a highly complex and dynamic crosstalk between selenium and other elements during long-term supplementation with selenate. Finally, we measured the activities of two important anti-oxidative selenoenzymes, glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase, and found that they were remarkably increased in the cerebrum of selenate-treated mice, suggesting that selenoenzyme-mediated protection against oxidative stress might also be involved in the therapeutic effect of selenate in AD. Overall, this study should contribute to our understanding of the mechanism related to the potential use of selenate in AD treatment.

Crude Saponins of Panax notoginseng Have Neuroprotective Effects To Inhibit Palmitate-Triggered Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Associated Apoptosis and Loss of Postsynaptic Proteins in Staurosporine Differentiated RGC-5 Retinal Ganglion Cells.

Increased apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) contributes to the gradual loss of retinal neurons at the early phase of diabetic retinopathy (DR). There is an urgent need to search for drugs with neuroprotective effects against apoptosis of RGCs for the early treatment of DR. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of saponins extracted from Panax notoginseng, a traditional Chinese medicine, on apoptosis of RGCs stimulated by palmitate, a metabolic factor for the development of diabetes and its complications, and to explore the potential molecular mechanism. We showed that crude saponins of P. notoginseng (CSPN) inhibited the increased apoptosis and loss of postsynaptic protein PSD-95 by palmitate in staurosporine-differentiated RGC-5 cells. Moreover, CSPN suppressed palmitate-induced reactive oxygen species generation and endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP and caspase 12 pathways. Thus, our findings address the potential therapeutic significance of CSPN for the early stage of DR.

Value of CT Density Measurements in Distinguishing Parathyroid Adenoma,Thyroid,and Lymph Node / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To explore the value of multi-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography in the differential diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma,lymph node,and thyroid. Methods The enhanced multi-slice CT (MSCT) results of 21 parathyroid adenoma patients were analyzed,and their postoperative pathological specimens were examined. During the MSCT,the plain CT scan was recorded,along with the density of thyroid adenoma,lymph nodes,and thyroid at 35 s and 65 s (D0,D35,D65) following the injection of contrast medium. Results During the D0 phase,there was significant difference in CT values between the parathyroid adenoma and thyroid parenchyma[(45?12) HU vs.(90?15)HU,P=0.007]. According to ROC curve,75 HU,with 95.2% sensitivity and specificity,was the critical value for distinguishing the density of parathyroid adenoma and that of thyroid parenchyma. At 35 s following the injection of contrast medium,there was significant difference in the enhancement degree between parathyroid adenoma and lymph node[(182?39) HU vs.(80?20)HU,P=0.004]. According to ROC curve,111 HU,with 95.2 % sensitivity and specificity,was the critical value for distinguishing the density of parathyroid adenoma and that of lymph node 35 s following the injection of contrast medium. At 35 s to 65 s following the injection of contrast medium,the parathyroid adenoma experienced a decline in density,which was dramatically different from parathyroid adenoma,however,lymph node experienced a rise in density. Conclusion Enhanced CT measurements at different time points enable the differentiation among parathyroid adenomas,lymph nodes,and thyroid.

Three-dimensional Pseudo-continuous Arterial Spin Label Non-contrast Enhanced Perfusion Imaging of Head and Neck Tumors with High-field MR System / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the feasibility of three-dimensional pseudo-continuous arterial spin label (3D pCASL) non-contrast enhanced perfusion imaging applied to head and neck tumors in high-field MR and detect the effects of different postlabeling delay (PLD) time on image quality and the reliability of repeated measurements of tumor blood flow (BF) in different 3D pCASL groups.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this prospective study,all the 25 patients received neck 3D pCASL non-contrast enhanced perfusion examinations in a 3.0 T MR system by using an 8-channel head and neck joint coil. Conventional T1-weighted (TIWI) and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) were performed firstly. Finally,three 3D pCASL with different PLD time [ASL1(PLD1=1525 ms),ASL2 (PLD2=2025 ms), ASL3(PLD3=2525 ms)] were acquired. Patients' perfusion-weighted images acquired from different 3D pCASL sequences underwent the analysis of signal to noise ratio (SNR) and contrast noise ratio (CNR) for tumors. Two observers performed the qualitative assessments on spiral artifacts and vascular artifacts of perfusion-weighted images from different 3D pCASL sequences. Blood flow (BF) of tumors from different 3D pCASL sequences were measured by the two observers respectively for the first time and by observer 2 for the second time.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seventeen enrolled patients (age:50.1 ± 12.7 years,M/F=10:7) with histopathologic.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>underwent the evaluation of image quality and measurements of BF values. The SNRs and CNRs of ASL1,ASL2, and ASL3 showed a descending trendency. SNRs (P=0.011) and CNRs (P=0.009) of ASL1 were significant higher than those of ASL3. There was no significant difference of scores of spiral artifacts among the three ASL groups (P=0.932). The scores of vascular artifacts of ASL1,ASL2,and ASL3 showed a descending trendency,also. And scores of ASL1 was significant higher than that of ASL3(P=0.000). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of intre-and intraobserver were high (ICC>0.9). Although the BF values of ASL1,ASL2, and ASL3 showed an ascending trendency,there was no significant difference among the three groups (P=0.977).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The 3D pCASL no-contrast enhanced perfusion MR imaging can be used for head and neck tumor. The image quality of perfusion weighted images and reliability of BF measurements were satisfied. The 3D pCASL series with PLD of 1525 ms and 2025 ms have better image quality than PLD of 2525 ms. And BF values do not show significant statistic difference among the three groups. Therefore, 3D pCASL series with PLD of 1525 ms and 2025 ms are more suitable for the perfusion imaging of head and neck tumors</p>

Comparative selenoproteome analysis reveals a reduced utilization of selenium in parasitic platyhelminthes.

Background. The selenocysteine(Sec)-containing proteins, selenoproteins, are an important group of proteins present in all three kingdoms of life. Although the selenoproteomes of many organisms have been analyzed, systematic studies on selenoproteins in platyhelminthes are still lacking. Moreover, comparison of selenoproteomes between free-living and parasitic animals is rarely studied. Results. In this study, three representative organisms (Schmidtea mediterranea, Schistosoma japonicum and Taenia solium) were selected for comparative analysis of selenoproteomes in Platyhelminthes. Using a SelGenAmic-based selenoprotein prediction algorithm, a total of 37 selenoprotein genes were identified in these organisms. The size of selenoproteomes and selenoprotein families were found to be associated with different lifestyles: free-living organisms have larger selenoproteome whereas parasitic lifestyle corresponds to reduced selenoproteomes. Five selenoproteins, SelT, Sel15, GPx, SPS2 and TR, were found to be present in all examined platyhelminthes as well as almost all sequenced animals, suggesting their essential role in metazoans. Finally, a new splicing form of SelW that lacked the first exon was found to be present in S. japonicum. Conclusions. Our data provide a first glance into the selenoproteomes of organisms in the phylum Platyhelminthes and may help understand function and evolutionary dynamics of selenium utilization in diversified metazoans.

Normative measurements of extraocular musculature by multislice computed tomography / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Objective To establish the normal measurements of diameter of extraocular muscles (EOMs) by multislice computed tomography (CT). Methods Orbits of 50 volunteers (25 male and 25 female) were scanned with a multislice CT scanner. For each subject, one axial image at the central level of the eyeball, one coronal image about 1 cm behind globe, and two oblique sagittal images respectively along the left and right optic nerve were used for measurements of the thickness and width of EOMs. The statistic significance of measurement value between male and female and between left and right eyes was evaluated. Results There were no significant differences in the thickness and width of superior muscle group, lateral rectus, medial rectus, lateral rectus, superior oblique, inferior oblique and the thickness of levator palpebrae superioris between the left and right eyes as well as between male and female groups (all P>0.05). The thickness of superior muscle group and inferior rectus had not significant difference (2.9±0.7 vs. 3.3±0.8 mm, P=0.162), while the thickness of medial rectus was significantly higher than that of lateral rectus (3.1±0.5 vs. 2.2±0.6 mm, P=0.000). Conclusions The CT measurement of extraocular musculature is simple and time-saving and can be applied in the clinical work. The normative data obtained may be useful in determining pathologic enlargement of the EOMs in both thyroid-associated orbitopathy patients and other various orbital conditions.

Assessment of dysphagia: report of 37 cases / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the assessment methods of dysphagia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The data of 37 patients with dysphagia were retrospectively analyzed. These patients took the Kubota drinking test, Tengdao's evaluation, videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fourteen out of thirty-seventh patients showed abnormal results during Kubota drinking test. Tengdao's evaluation results showed that 29/37 patients were abnormal. There 27/37 and 33/37 patients showed abnormalities in positive-aspiration score and swallow dysfunction score of VFSS. The number of abnormal patients in aspiration score of FEES was 19/21. The Kappa values were 0.137, 0.416 between Kubota drinking test. Tengdao's evaluation and VFSS. The FEES was measured against the VFSS for sensibility, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value, the values were 88.9%, 66.7%, 94.1% and 50.0%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Kubota drinking test and Tengdao's evaluation can be applied for screening purpose and evaluating result after treatment; VFSS and FEES can be used as more accurate assessments, they can study the dysphagia's character, position and severity. The combination of a variety of dysphagia evaluation methods is the most important basis for diagnosis and treatment of deglutition disorders.</p>

Quantitative evaluation of extraocular muscle with high-field magnetic resonance in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy with upper-lid retraction / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the feasibility of high-field magnetic resonance in measuring the thickness and width of extraocular muscles, calculate the ratio of thickness to width, and summarize the characters of the diameters and its ratio in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) with upper-lid retraction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixteen GO patients with upper-lid retraction (GO group) and 14 healthy control group were enrolled in this study. All the patients underwent enhanced high-field magnetic resonance orbital scan. The thickness and width of extraocular muscles were measured on axial, coronal or oblique sagittal enhanced T1 weighted images. The ratio of thickness to width (R1) and width to thickness (R2) were calculated. The diameters or ratio was evaluated as enlarged when they were 2 standard deviation greater than mean values of extraocular muscle in healthy control.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The thickness of levator palpebrae superioris, medial rectus, and inferior rectus muscles in GO group were significantly larger than those in the control group (P=0.000, P=0.017, P=0.032, respectively. The width of superior oblique muscles in GO group was significantly larger than that in control group (P=0.000). The R1 values of levator palpebrae superioris, inferior rectus, medial rectus, and lateral rectus muscles in GO group were significant larger than those in the control group (P=0.000,P=0.037, P=0.019,P=0.032, respectively. The R2 value of superior oblique muscles was significant larger than that in the control group (P=0.027). Aslo in GO group, 32 extraocular muscles showed an increased thickness. 47% of thickened extraocular muscles had an increased R1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Enhanced orbit imaging with high-field magnetic resonance is helpful in the quantitative assessment of the thickness and width of extraocular muscles. In GO patients, in addition to the levator palpebrae superioris muscles, some other extraocular muscles also becomes thicker. Moreover, the increased diameters of superior oblique muscles is mainly due to the increase of its width R1 and R2 values can reflect the thickness and width of extraocular muscles and their relationship.</p>

Coronary computed tomographic angiography using low-dose prospectively electrocardiographic triggered high-pitch spiral acquisition by dual-source computed tomography: image quality and radiation dose / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate image quality (IQ) and radiation exposure of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) with prospectively electrocardiographic (ECG) triggered high-pitch spiral acquisition using dual source CT.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 75 consecutive patients with a stable heart rate (HR) ≤65 bpm underwent coronary CTA. patients were divided into two groups according to their HR (group A HR≤60 bpm, group B HR >60 bpm to≤65 bpm) . A dual-source CT scanner was used (0.6mm collimation, 0.28s rotation time, 80~100 kV, 370 mAs/rot) . Data acquisition was prospectively ECG-triggered at 60% of the R-R interval with a pitch of 3.4. Images were reconstructed with 75ms temporal resolution, 0.75mm slice thickness and 0.5mm increment. IQ was evaluated using a four-point scale (1=excellent, 4=unevaluable) .</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean HR and scan time of all patients was (57.2 ± 4.8) bpm and (0.42 ± 0.02) s. Of 1103 coronary artery segments, 934 (84.7%) had an IQ score of 1, 135 (12.2%) score of 2, 18 (1.6%) score of 3,and 16 (1.5%) were rated as unevaluable. There was no significant difference between the two groups in IQ [mean score (1.19 ± 0.52 vs. 1.22 ± 0.55;Z=-1.107,P=0.268) . The rate of evaluable segments showed no significant difference between the two groups (98.5% vs. 98.6%;X2=0.000,P=1.000) . Mean dose-length product of all patients was (67.2 ± 30.4) mGy × cm, mean effective dose was (0.94 ± 0.43) mSv.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In patients with a stable HR of 65 bpm or less, prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral CT acquisition provides high IQ at low radiation dose.</p>

Assessment of coronary stent lumen visibility and patency by dual-source computed tomographic angiography / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the in-stent lumen visibility and image quality of coronary stents by dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) coronary angiography, and the diagnostic accuracy of DSCT in the detection of coronary in-stent restenosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>DSCT was performed at 147 stents in 78 patients at an interval of (21.8?22.2) months after coronary stent implantation. Axial multi-planar reconstruction of the stents and curved-planar reconstruction through the median of the stents were evaluated for stent image quality on a 5-point scale, and the stent lumen diameters were detected. Thirty out of these 78 patients underwent conventional coronary angiography within one month after CT angiography. The patency of 60 stents were independently evaluated by two blinded readers.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Image quality was good to excellent on average score (1.6?0.6) . Stent image quality score was correlated with stent diameter, stent location, and heart rate. All stents were assessable in lumen visibility with an average visible lumen diameter percentage of (72.2?12.2) %. Visible lumen diameter percentage was correlated with stent diameter and stent location. For the stents with calcified plaques, the visible lumen diameter percentage at the calcified site was significantly lower than that at the non-calcified site (P<0.001) . Compared with the conventional coronary angiography, 12 out of 14 in-stent stenoses were correctly detected. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the detection of in-stent stenosis was 85.7%, 95.7%, 85.7%, and 95.7%, respectively. For stents whose diameter >0.275cm, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were all 100%. The agreement between CT findings and coronary angiography results was 93.3%, and it was correlated with stent diameter and heart rate.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Using a DSCT, coronary stent lumen is partially visible and the image quality is high. Stent diameter and location can influence the stent lumen visibility and image quality. DSCT has a high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of in-stent restenosis and may be a valuable modality for the follow-up of coronary artery stent patency."</p>

Assessment of coronary stents by 64-slice computed tomography: in-stent lumen visibility and patency / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess lumen visibility of coronary stents by 64-slice computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography, and determine the value of 64-slice CT in non-invasive detecting of in-stent restenosis after coronary artery stent implantation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally, 60 patients (54 males, aged 57.0+/-12.7 years) and 105 stents were investigated by 64-slice CT at a mean interval of 20.0+/-16.6 months after coronary stents implantation. Axial multi-planar reconstruction images of the stents and curved-planar reconstruction images through the median of the stents were reconstructed for evaluating stent image quality on a 5-point scale (1=excellent, 5=non-assessable), and stent lumen diameter was detected. Conventional coronary angiography was performed in 18 patients, and 32 stents were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Image quality was good to excellent on average (score 1.71+/-0.76). Stent image quality score was correlated to heart rate (r=0.281, P<0.01) and stent diameter (r=-0.480, P<0.001). All the stents were assessable in lumen visibility with an average visible lumen diameter percentage of 60.7%+/-13.6%. Visible lumen diameter percentage was correlated to heart rate (r=-0.193, P<0.05), stent diameter (r=0.403, P<0.001), and stent image quality score (r=-0.500, P<0.001). Visible lumen diameter percentage also varied depending on the stent type. In comparison with the conventional coronary angiography, 4 of 6 in-stent stenoses were correctly detected. The sensitivity and specificity for the detection of in-stent stenosis were 66.7% and 84.6%, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Using a 64-slice CT, the stent lumen is partly visible in most of the stents. And 64-slice CT may be useful in the assessment of stent patency.</p>

Comparison of imaging characteristics of magnetic resonance myocardial delayed enhancement between ischemic and nonischemic myocardial diseases / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the imaging characteristics of magnetic resonance (MR) delayed enhancement between ischemic and nonischemic myocardial diseases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed the imaging and clinical characteristics of 25 patients who had MR delayed enhancement.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 25 cases, 19 cases were ischemic heart diseases, in which the delayed enhancement was subendocardium, non-transmural or transmural; two cases were hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, in which the delayed enhancement was midwall in the hypertrophic myocardium, strip- and patch-shaped; one case was dilated cardiomyopathy, in which the delayed enhancement was diffuse small midwall spots two cases was restrictive cardiomyopathy, in which the delayed enhancement was located in the area of the subendocardium both of the right and left ventricles; and one case was a mass of the lateral wall of the left ventricle, in which the delayed enhancement with a clumpy shape was shown.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>MR myocardial delayed enhancement is not a specific sign of myocardial infarction of ischeminc heart disease. The differentiation of the etiology of the delayed enhancement relies upon both the MR images and the clinical history.</p>

Diagnostic value of dual-source CT coronary angiography on the detection of coronary artery disease with myocardial perfusion defect / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the accuracy of dual-source CT (DSCT) coronary angiography (CAG) for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) that induces perfusion defects at myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), by using SPECT and conventional CAG as the reference standard.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-five patients with suspected or known CAD underwent both DSCT coronary angiography and MPI (using exercise or adenosine stress-rest protocol) with technetium-99m sestamibi SPECT. All the patients were beta-blockers-naïve before DSCT scan. The DSCT CAG studies were classified as having no stenosis, non-obstructive (< 50% luminal narrowing) stenosis, or obstructive (> or = 50% luminal narrowing) stenosis. MPI examinations were classified as showing normal or abnormal (reversible and/or fixed defects). A comparative regional analysis of coronary stenosis on DSCT versus myocardial perfusion on SPECT was made. In a subset of 20 patients, CAG was performed as a reference standard for CT angiography.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>On the basis of the DSCT data, 98.4% of coronary segments were assessable. Twenty-seven branches were classified as having no stenosis, among which 85% had normal MPI. Nine branches showed non-obstructive stenosis and 69 branches showed at least one obstructive lesion. Only 50 (64%) branches with an abnormal DSCT had abnormal MPI; even in branches with obstructive stenosis on DSCT, 23 (33%) still had a normal MPI. By receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, at the optimal cutoff value of 58% stenosis, the sensitivity and specificity of DSCT to detect myocardial perfusion defect as defined by SPECT were 85% and 65%. In the subgroup compared with CAG, the sensitivity and specificity of DSCT to identify obstructive stenosis were 93% and 96%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>DSCT and SPECT provide mutually complementary information on CAD. CT angiography can help rule out functionally relevant CAD, but has poor capability in predicting ischemia. DSCT provides high-quality diagnostic image without heartbeat controlling and has a high accuracy in detecting obstructive stenosis.</p>

Radiological features of dual-energy CT lung perfusion imaging in patients with acute pulmonary embolism: comparison with CT pulmonary angiography / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship of the perfusion defects in the dual-energy CT lung perfusion image and the filling defects in the CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 22 patients with acute pulmonary embolism were retrospectively analyzed. All of them underwent contrast CT scan in two phases using dual-energy CT: the first is pulmonary artery phase, and the second was performed immediately after the first phase using dual-energy scan covered the whole lung. Perfusion defects in the lung perfusion images were compared with the filling defects in the CTPA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Complete filling defects of segmental and subsegmental pulmonary arteries mostly showed correspondence perfusion defects in the CT perfusion map, accounting for 83% and 62% respectively. However, when there were partial or central filling defects, most of them were partial perfusion defects or normal in the CT perfusion map. Three segmental perfusion defects were depicted without the visualization of endoluminal thrombi within the corresponding arteries.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The perfusion defects in the CT lung perfusion image are not completely corresponding to the filling defects in the CTPA. The combination of CTPA and CT lung perfusion map will offer more information for the acute pulmonary embolism.</p>

Evaluation of cardiac structure and function by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in healthy volunteers / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the role of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) sequence in assessing the cardiac structure and function.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 36 healthy volunteers were examined with fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition cine MR sequence. All the MR images were processed on Report Card software to test the cardiac dimensions and function. The relationships between the CMR results and the ultrasonic cardiography (UCG) results were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>CMR analysis showed that interventricular septum thickness, left ventricle posterior wall thickness, end diastolic dimension of left ventricle, and end systolic dimension of left ventricle were (9.2 +/- 2.1), (8.0 +/- 2.1), (48.6 +/- 5.5), and (30.3 +/- 5.3) mm, respectively. Major dimension of right ventricle, minor dimension of right ventricle, index of major, dimension of right ventricle and index of minor dimension of right ventricle were (69.2 +/- 9.7), (30.6 +/- 6.6) mm, and (39.4 +/- 5.5), (18.1 +/- 3.4) min/m2, respectively. The left ventricle indicators above measured by CMR correlated with those by UCG (r = 0.843, 0.784, 0.686, 0.730, all P < 0.01). CMR analysis showed that left ventricular end diastolic volume, right ventricular end diastolic volume, left ventricular end systolic volume, and right ventricular end systolic volume were (93.6 +/- 17.2), (108.6 +/- 28.2), (39.5 +/- 13.0), and (45.6 +/- 15.1) ml, respectively. The left ventricular ejection fraction and right ventricular ejection fraction were (58.5 +/- 8.19)% and (58.2 +/- 7.4)% , respectively. Left ventricular ejection fraction measured by CMR was correlated with that (64.1 +/- 6.8)% by UCG (r = 0.75, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CMR sequence with standard location is well applicable for accurate measurement of left and right ventricle dimensions and function, especially for right ventricle. CMR can be used to diagnose the heart disease and monitor the efficacy.</p>