Combination of conventional axial and thin-layer sagittal diffusion-weighted imaging to improve the detection ability of acute brainstem infarction
10.3760/cma.j.issn.1673-4165.2021.05.004
- VernacularTitle:常规轴位和薄层矢状位弥散加权成像联合应用改善急性脑干梗死检测能力
- Author:
Liming WANG
1
;
Huimin HOU
;
Jinchao YU
;
Mengfan LI
Author Information
1. 山东大学附属威海市立医院影像科，威海 264200
- Keywords:
Brain stem infarctions;
Brain stem;
Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging
- From:
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases
2021;29(5):337-341
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate whether the combination of conventional axial and thin-layer sagittal diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can improve the detection ability of acute brainstem infarction (ABI).Methods:Patients with ABI diagnosed clinically and admitted to Weihai Municipal Hospital, Shandong University from January 2019 to July 2020 were enrolled retrospectively. All patients underwent conventional axial and thin-layer sagittal DWI examination after admission. Those who could not make a definite diagnosis were confirmed by DWI reexamination before discharge. The numbers of positive and negative cases of brainstem infarction at different sites detected by conventional axial and conventional axial+ thin-layer sagittal DWI were recorded.Results:A total of 65 patients with ABI were included. Conventional axial DWI was positive in 51 patients (78.5%) and was negative in 14 (21.5%); conventional axial+ thin-layer sagittal DWI were positive in 60 patients (92.3%) and was negative in 5 (7.7%). In 8 patients with medullary infarction, only 4 (50.0%) were positive on conventional axial DWI, and 6 (75.0%) were positive on conventional axial+ thin-layer sagittal DWI; in 50 patients with pontine infarction, only 44 (88.0%) were positive on conventional axial DWI, and 48 (96.0%) were positive on conventional axial+ thin-layer sagittal DWI; in 4 patients with midbrain infarction, only 1 (25.0%) was positive on conventional axial DWI, and 3 (75.0%) were positive on conventional axial+ thin-layer sagittal DWI; in 3 patients with pontine+ midbrain infarction, only 2 (66.7%) were positive on conventional axial DWI, and 3 (100.0%) were positive on conventional axial DWI+ thin-layer sagittal DWI. The detection rate of ABI on conventional axial+ thin-layer sagittal DWI was significantly higher than that on conventional axial DWI, and difference was statistically significant (92.3% vs. 78.5%; χ2=4.993, P=0.026). Conclusion:The combination of conventional axial and thin-layer sagittal DWI improved the detection rate of ABI. For ABI patients whose axial DWI did not find lesions or whose diagnosis was not clear, thin-layer sagittal DWI should be added.
