Objective To investigate the applicative value in stages of pre-infarction period using dynamic perfusion CT. Methods Dynamic perfusion CT was performed in 32 cases of cerebral hypoperfusion. The ratios of side-to-side were measured at hypoperfusion areas in the regional cerebral ischemia. The stages of pre-infarction period were made as the following: (Ⅰ 1) TTP was delayed, MTT, rCBF and rCBV were normal; (Ⅰ 2) TTP and MTT were delayed, rCBF was normal, and rCBV was normal or slightly increased; (Ⅱ 1) TTP and MTT were delayed, rCBF was decreased, and rCBV was normal or slightly decreased; (Ⅱ 2) TTP and MTT were delayed, rCBF and rCBV were decreased. Results There were 4 cases in stage Ⅰ 1. Regional hypoperfusion was revealed only by TTP map. The mean ratios of rCBF, rCBV, MTT, and TTP were 1.00, 1.00, 1.00, and 1.30, respectively. In stage Ⅰ 2, the areas of delayed TTP and MTT were found in all 13 cases. The rCBF and rCBV maps appeared normal in 8 cases. Another 5 cases showed normal rCBF and slightly increased rCBV areas. The mean ratios of rCBF, rCBV, MTT, and TTP were 1.00, 1.03, 1.38, and 1.30, respectively. In stage Ⅱ 1, the areas of delayed TTP and MTT were revealed in all 8 cases. The depiction of decreased rCBF was also found in 8 cases. The areas of decreased rCBV were showed in 5 cases, and normal rCBV maps were revealed in 3. The mean ratios of rCBF, rCBV, MTT, and TTP were 0.56, 0.94, 1.49, and 1.47, respectively. In stage Ⅱ 2, the areas of delayed TTP and MTT were revealed in all 4 cases, in whom depiction of decreased rCBF and rCBV was also found. The mean ratios of rCBF, rCBV, MTT, and TTP were 0.42, 0.59, 1.57, and 1.55, respectively. Conclusion CT perfusion imaging and its parameters' analysis may play an increasing role to delineate the depiction of cerebral hypoperfusion in pre-infarction period. Analyzing the relationship of rCBF, rCBV, MTT, and TTP is very helpful to know the status of the capillary vessels in regional cerebral hypoperfusion area and to provide functional information with our stages of pre-infarction period.

Objective To intruduce a method of making cerebral perfusion mapping and measurement using dynamic CT with a personal computer. Methods We generated the cerebral perfusion mapping and measurement from a series dynamic CT images with a personal computer. The theoretic basis of our technique is central volume principle. The application software was made using visual C++ language with Windows 98 platform. Results This method was applied to a case of transient ischemic attack (TIA). The cerebral perfusion mapping contributed to display the abnormal area of ischemia, which showed as normal imaging appearances in routine CT and MR images. Conclusion Personal computer aided mapping and measurement of cerebral perfusion with dynamic CT is a simple and accessible technique for delineating the hemodynamic response, including abnormal regional cerebral blood flow, blood volume, mean transit time, and time to peak in cases of hyperacute ischemic stroke which was viewed as normal imaging findings in routine CT and MR examination. This method is more suitable to examine emergency cases than MR perfusion imaging and may be used in any facility where CT scanner and personal computer are available.

Objective 　To evaluate the clinical measurement of cerebral perfusion by dynamic CT. Methods　 Thirteen normal adults were examined by dynamic CT for the measurement of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Another dynamic CT scans with the measurement of CBF were performed separately to rule out cerebral ischemia in 5 cases and secondary Parkinson disease in 2. Results　 Normal cerebral cortical perfusion was measured at 59.3～96.8 ml*min-1*100g-1 with the　mean value 76.2 ml*min-1*100g-1. Normal white matter perfusion was measured at 27.1～43.1 ml*min-1*100g-1 with the mean value 33.9 ml*min-1*100g-1. In 5 cases of suspending cerebral ischemia, one showed increase of CBF and 4 presented decrease of CBF. In 2 cases of suspending secondary Parkinson disease, one appeared decrease of CBF and other one was normal. Conclusion　 Dynamic CT scan with the measurement of CBF can demonstrate the hemodynamic status of normal brain and pathological lesion. Combined with routine CT scan, measurement of cerebral perfusion by dynamic CT is an ideal method to show the morphological and functional changes of brain tissue simultaneously.

Objective To investigate variation in the carotid bifurcation geometry of adults of different age by MR angiography images combining image post-processing technique. Methods Images of the carotid bifurcations of 27 young adults (≤40 years old) and 30 older subjects ( >40 years old) were acquired via contrast-enhanced MR angiography. Three dimensional (3D) geometries of the bifurcations were reconstructed and geometric parameters were measured by post-processing technique. Results The geometric parameters of the young versus older groups were as follows: bifurcation angle (70.268°± 16.050° versus 58.857°±13.294°), ICA angle (36.893°±11.837° versus 30.275°± 9.533°), ICA planarity (6.453°±5.009° versus 6.263°±4.250°),CCA tortuosity (0.023°0.011 versus 0.014± 0.005), ICA tortuosity (0.070±0.042 versus 0.046±0.022), ICA/CCA diameter ratio (0.693± 0.132 versus 0.728±0.106), ECA/CCA diameter ratio (0.750±0.123 versus 0.809±0.122), ECA/ ICA diameter ratio (1.103±0.201 versus 1.127±0.195), bifurcation area ratio (1.057±0.281 versus 1.291±0.252). There was significant statistical difference between young group and older group in bifurcation angle, ICA angle, CCA tortuosity, ICA tortuosity, ECA/CCA and bifurcation area ratio (F= 17.16,11.74,23.02,13.38,6.54,22.80,respectively, P<0.05). Conclusions MR angiography images combined with image post-processing technique can reconstruct 3D carotid bifurcation geometry and measure the geometric parameters of carotid bifurcation in vivo individually. It provides a new and convenient method to investigate the relationship of vascular geometry and flow condition with atherosclerotic pathological changes.

Objective To apply a non-invasive and feasible method for the quantification of local wall shear stress (WSS) in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging. Methods The fight common carotid artery of a young healthy male volunteer was examined using cine phase-contrast MR sequence. The cross- sectional area, average flow velocity, maximum velocity and flow rate were obtained. Three dimensional paraboloid model was applied to measure WSS value at common carotid artery. Results The mean/peak WSS was (0.75±0.41)N/m2 for the common carotid artery; The mean (range) velocity was (23.4± 12.0) cm/s; The mean (range) luminal vessel area was (32.2±2.9) mm2; The blood flow rate was (7.8±4. 6) ml/s; Conclusion WSS's magnitude, distribution and changes can be determined by MR imaging combining with the three-dimensional paraboloid method.

Objective To investigate the CT perfusion imaging and the pathological features on the disturbance of regional cerebral microcirculation in a pre-infarction period, and to evaluate the relationship between the astrocytes and regional cerebral microcirculation. Methods Dynamic CT perfusion imaging of the models with regional cerebral hypoperfusion and astrocytic swelling in rats was performed to assess the presence or absence of the disturbance of regional cerebral microcirculation. Then, the histopathologic examination was made for both models, respectively. The ratios of side-to-side were measured at hypoperfusion areas in the models of regional cerebral ischemia. Results Regional hypoperfusion was revealed by regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and mean transit time (MTT) maps in the group of hypoperfusion for 6 hours. Regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and time-to-peak (TTP) maps were normal in that group. The ratios of rCBF, rCBV, MTT and TTP were 0 39-0 55, 0 92-1 00, 1 20-1 50 and 1 00-1 00 respectively. Astrocytic swelling pressing the capillary wall was obvious and subtle neuronal reversible degeneration was occasionally found. TTC stain was normal. In the tACPD group of astrocytic swelling, the abnormal hemodynamic regions on rCBF and MTT maps were found. The rCBV maps of 3 rats in the tACPD group showed the area of reduced rCBV. In 2 rats of tACPD group, the areas of delayed TTP were also found. The ratios of rCBF, rCBV, MTT and TTP were 0 25-0 44, 0 70-1 01, 1 20-2 00 and 1 02-1 45 respectively. TTC stain was negative. Electron microscope study revealed remarkable swelling of astrocytes, especially endfoot processes of astrocytes around capillaries. The abnormal hemodynamic region on rCBF and MTT maps matched with abnormal extent on histopathologic examination. The rCBV and TTP maps appeared normal. Conclusion The astrocytes can react in a way faster than the neurons in the pre-infarction period, viz. astrocytic swelling. The swelling of astrocytic foot, which pressed capillary vessel, induced the disturbance of regional cerebral microcirculation, and then aggravated hypoxic ischemic state in regional brain parenchyma. Perfusion CT and its parameters' analysis may play an increasing role to delineate the reversible hypoperfusion areas in pre-infarction period. Analyzing the relationship of rCBF and rCBV is very helpful to know the status of the capillary vessels in regional cerebral hypoperfusion area.

Objective To investigate the visualization and quantitation of hemodynamic variables at carotid artery bifurcation in vivo by combining computational fluid dynamics(CFD)and vascular imaging. Methods A healthy volunteer underwent CT angiography of left carotid artery by SIEMENS multi-slice CT. Parameters of hemodynamics at this carotid bifurcation were calculated and visualized by combining vascular imaging post-processing and CFD.Results (1) The average range of flow velocity was 0.04～0.36 m/s. A region of high velocity was seen at medial wall of internal carotid artery (ICA) and medial wall of external carotid artery (ECA), respectively. The largest contiguous region of low velocity occurred at the carotid bulb. (2)The average range of absolute pressure, static pressure and dynamic pressure was 100 266.70～101 615.90 Pa, -1058.34～290.88 Pa, and 6.12～553.25 Pa, respectively. (3) The average range of wall shear stress (WSS) at the bifurcation was 0.59～5.35 Pa. There was a large region of low WSS at carotid bulb and posterior wall of ICA, with the lowest value of 0.25 Pa. Also there was a small region of low WSS at anterior and lateral wall of ECA.Conclusion CFD combined with vascular imaging can calculate and visualize the parameters of hemodynamics at carotid bifurcation in vivo individually. It is an interdisciplinary science of computer, radiology and hemodynamics and provides a new method to investigate the relationship of vascular geometry and flow condition with atherosclerotic pathological changes.

Objective To study a nucleic acid extraction method suitable for detecting methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by PCR method .Methods Under different incubation conditions ,MRSA was cracked by lysozyme ,lysostaphin or chel‐ex100R resin for obtaining DNA ,then the target gene was detected by using the PCR method .Results DNA was obtained by sim‐ultaneously using lysozyme ,lysostaphin and chelex100R resin solution ,the obtained Ct value was significantly lower than that of the other components of schizolysis solutions when PCR was used to detect mecA gene of obtained DNA .There was no statistically sig‐nificant difference between adopting the 56 ℃ one‐step method and the 37 ℃ and 56 ℃ two‐step method for conducting MRSA schizolysis(P> 0 .05) ,but the steps were simplified .Conclusion Incubating MRSA in solution containing lysozyme ,lysostaphin , chelex100R resin for 30 min at 56 ℃ is the convenient and efficient schizolysis method to extract DNA ,which can be used immedi‐ately for the next step of PCR and lays the foundation for PCR rapid detection of clinical MRSA infection .

Objective To enhance the understanding of cystitis, obstructive uropathy (OU) and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods We presented a case of SLE complicated with cystitis, OU and CIPO, and reviewed relevant English and Chinese literature. Results The case was a 37 year-old female with a history of SLE for 4 years. She developed urinary irritant symptoms for 1 year and abdominal distention for 1 month before admission. Ultrasound and cystoscopic studies revealed a thickening of bladder wall and reduced bladder volume; cystoscopic study revealed inflammatory and edematours mucosa; Ultrasound study and X-ray image confirmed the existence of OU and CIPO. Symptoms of urinary irritant and CIPO were relieved after initiation of prednisone and cyclophosphamide (CTX), but reducing the dosage of prednisone and CTX had caused a relapse. Conclusion Cystitis is a rare clinical manifestation of SLE, it is likely to be misdiagnosed. The pathological change of cystitis complicated with SLE is interstitial cystitis and is the most common cause of OU in SLE. OU is closely related to CIPO and it is suggested that patients with these complications may be classified as a unique subgroup of SLE. Intestinal obstruction is a severe complication of SLE with high mortality rate, clinicians should be aware of this unique subgroup of SLE and treat it properly.

Objective: To study magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) technique. Methods: An external force actuator was developed, the imaging pulse sequence of MRE was designed,and tissue simulating phantoms were constructed. The actuator controlled by the pulse sepuence produced shear waves at low frequency on the surface of the phantoms. A modified gradient echo sequence was developed with motion sensitizing gradient (MSG)imposed along X,Y or Z direction.Cyclic displacement within the medium induced by shear waves caused a measurable phase shift in the received MR signal.From the measured phase shift,the displacement at each voxel could be calculated,and the propatating shear waves within the medium were directly imaged. By adjusting the phase offsets,the dynamic propagation of shear waves in a wave cycle was obtained.The phase images were processed to aquire quantitative elasticity image using local frequency estimation(LFE)method. The experiments were implemented with 1.0% and 1.5% tissue simulating agarose gel. Shear waves at frequency of 150 Hz,200 Hz,250 Hz,and 300 Hz were applied. Results: The phase images of MRE directly imaged the propagating shear waves within the phantoms.The wavelength of shear waves varied with the change of exciting frequency and stiffness of the phantoms. The wavelength of shear waves was exactly proportional to the frequency and stiffness of the phantom. The contrast of elasticity in agarose gel with two concentrations was clearly demonstrated on elasticity images.Conclusion: The phase images of MRE can directly visualize the propagation of shear waves in the medium. The elasticity image of MRE can quantitatively image the elastic modulus of the medium