Objective To investigate the relationship between aquaporin-1, -2, -3, -4 mRNA (AQP1-4) and renal parenchyma thickness in congenital hydronephrotic kidney in children. Methods The expressions of aquaporin 1, -2, -3, and -4 mRNA in hydronephrotic kidney of 37 children (aged 60.3±48.8 months) were evaluated with congenital hydronephrosis and control kidney of 6 children (aged 62.7±17.1 months) by using semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction technique. Hydronephrotic kidney parenchyma thickness was measured by B-Ultrasound preoperative-ly and verified at operation. The relations of aquaporin 1, -2, -3, and -4 mRNA to the hydronephrotic kidney parenchyma thickness were analyzed by correlation analysis. Results The aquaporin 1 ,-2,-3, and -4/beta-actin ratio in the hydronephrotic kidney and normal kidney were 0.39±0.22 vs 0.90± 0.10, 0.42±0.20 vs 0.92±0.09, 0.525±0.22 vs 0.98±0.12, 0.30±0.18 vs 0.74±0.21 respec-tively, and the differences were significant (P<0.01). Hydronephrotic kidney parenchyma thickness measured by D-Ultrasound was 5.01±2.38 mm, which was identical with those measured at opera-tion. Significant correlation was found between the levels of aquaporin 1,-2,-3, and -4 mRNA and hydronephrotic kidney parenchyma thickness (r=0.773, 0.772, 0.557, 0.625, respectively; P< 0.01). Conclusions Significant correlation exists between decreased expressions of aquaporin 1 ,-2, -3, and -4 mRNA and atrophic change of renal parenchyma. This result may provide evidence to ex-plain the mechanism why the thinner renal parenchyma thickness, the weaker renal concentration and dilution function.

OBJECTIVE: To explore a method of demonstrating the facial nerve anatomical landmarks under transmastoid and epitympanum approach with multi-slice CT using double oblique multi-planar reconstruction (MPR). METHOD: Two temporal bone of a corpse were dissected, under transmastoid and epitympanum approach, to observe the anatomical landmarks of facial nerve. Based on that, the anatomical landmarks of facial nerve under transmastoid and epitympanum approach in 30 (60 ears) normal temporal bones of adult corpses were reconstructed using double oblique MPR in multi-slice CT. The achievement ratio was calculated and the differences among transverse plane, coronal plane, sagittal plane and double oblique were compared. RESULT: The different part of facial nerve, such as mastoid segment, tympanum segment, pyramid segment, geniculate ganglion and the outer labyrinthine segment could be exposed clearly with the main anatomical landmarks, such as horizontal semicircular canal, epitympanic recess and cochleariform process through transmastoid and epitympanum approach. The image of anatomical landmarks could be showed in the same sections by double oblique multi-planar reconstruction. The double oblique multi-planar reconstruction to show the landmarks of facial nerve displaying on the same imaging is better than transverse plane, coronal plane and sagittal plane. The achievement ratio of every section is 100%. CONCLUSION Double oblique MPR is a new method to demonstrate anatomical landmarks through transmastoid and epitympanum approach in one slice. Combined with the operative approach and purpose, the reconstructive images with double oblique MPR can provide valuable information for operation.
Adult ; Ear, Middle ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Facial Nerve ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Male ; Mastoid ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Tomography, Spiral Computed

Objective To explore the application value of multimodal MRI in the preoperative staging of cervical cancer.Methods The preoperative imaging data of 60 patients with cervical cancer confirmed by surgical pathology or biopsy were analyzed retro-spectively.The results of preoperative staging by multimodal MRI and postoperative pathological staging were compared.The diag-nostic accuracy of multimodal MRI in staging of cervical cancer was evaluated.Results Among the 60 cases,the preoperative staging results of multimodal MRI were 25 ⅠB,20 ⅡA1,9 ⅡA2,and 6 ⅢC.While the postoperative pathological staging results were 27 Ⅰ B,18 ⅡA1,9 ⅡA2,and 6 ⅢC.The staging results achieved by preoperative multimodal MRI and postoperative pathological staging were in good agreement.With the postoperative pathological staging as the gold standard,the diagnostic accuracy of multimodal MRI in preoperative staging was 100.00%(25/25),85.00%(17/20),77.78%(7/9),and 83.33%(5/6),respectively.Conclusion Multimodal MRI has a high accuracy in the preoperative staging of cervical cancer which can be used as a routine evaluation tool for the accurate preoperative staging of cervical cancer in clinical work.

Objective To investigate the value of ADC histogram in the differential diagnosis of angiomatous meningioma (AM) and hemangiopericytoma (HPC)and to screen out the best diagnostic parameter.Methods The MRI data of 21 cases with AM and 22 cases with HPC confirmed by surgical pathology were analyzed retrospectively.The ROI were drawn on the maximum cross section of the tumor on ADC maps,and the ADC histogram analysis was performed using the software named Mazda.Then the histogram parameters were statistically analyzed to find out the statistically significant parameters between the two groups,and the ROC curve was drawn to evaluate their diagnostic efficacy.Results ADCvariance ,ADC1th and ADC10th had statistical significances between the two groups (P＝0.030,0.002 and 0.02 1 ). ADC1th had the best diagnostic efficacy among them,with the optimal cut-off value of 0.086×10－3 mm2/s,the AUC was 0.814(P＝0.003),and the sensitivity and specificity were 86.70%and 64.70%,respectively.ADCvariance took the second place,for the AUC was 0.725 (P＝0.030),and the sensitivity and specificity were 7 6.50%and 80.00%,respectively.Conclusion The ADC histogram is of great value in the differential diagnosis of AM and HPC,and the ADC1th is the most effective parameter.

Objective To investigate the application value of quantitative relaxation parameters based on synthetic MRI technology in the differential diagnosis of parotid gland tumors.Methods Conventional MRI and synthetic MRI data of 59 patients with patho-logically confirmed parotid gland tumors were analyzed retrospectively.T1,T2,and proton density(PD)values of the tumor were extracted from T1,T2 and PD mapping.The differences in quantitative relaxation parameters of pleomorphic adenomas,Warthin tumors,and malignant tumors were further compared.Diagnostic performance of each quantitative relaxation parameter was assessed and com-pared via receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and DeLong test.Results T2 value was significantly higher in pleomorphic adenomas than that in malignant tumors(P<0.05).The T1,T2,and PD values of pleomorphic adenomas and malignant tumors were significantly higher than those of Warthin tumors(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of the T2 value in differentia-ting pleomorphic adenomas from malignant tumors was 0.794.The AUC for T1 value(0.939)in differentiating Warthin tumors from malignant tumors was significantly higher than that of T2(0.873,P=0.341)and PD(0.927,P=0.891)values,without sta-tistically significant difference.The AUC for T2 value(0.968)in differentiating pleomorphic adenomas from Warthin tumors was significantly higher than that of T1(0.931,P=0.360)and PD(0.876,P=0.120)values,without statistically significant difference.Conclusion Quantitative relaxation parameters based on synthetic MRI technology may contribute to differentiating pleomorphic adenomas,Warthin tumors,and malignant tumors of the parotid gland.

Objective:To assess the value of the parotid fat fraction (FF) and T 2 relaxation time (T 2 value) in the evaluation of early parotid involvment in patients with primary Sj?gren′s syndrome (pSS) using multi-echo Dixon technique and T 2 mapping imaging. Methods:From December 2018 to December 2019, 26 early pSS patients (pSS group) and 20 healthy controls (control group), matched to age and gender, were enrolled at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in this prospectively study. All subjects underwent conventional MRI, DWI, multi-echo Dixon and T 2 mapping sequences before treatment. The ADC, FF and T 2 value of bilateral parotid parenchyma in pSS group and control group were measured respectively. Paired sample t test was used to compare the differences of ADC, FF and T 2 values between left and right parotid glands for pSS group and control group, while independent sample t test was used to compare the differences of ADC, FF and T 2 values between pSS group and control group. The ROC curves were drawn to evaluate diagnostic performance of ADC, FF and T 2 values to distinguish early pSS, and the difference of diagnostic efficacy of each parameter was compared by Delong test. Binary logistic regression analysis and ROC curve were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the combination of the 3 parameters in early pSS. Results:There were no significant differences of ADC, FF and T 2 values between left and right parotid glands for pSS group and control group (all P>0.05). The parotid ADC values were significantly lower in pSS group than control group ( t=4.641, P=0.006), while the FF and T 2 values of pSS group were significantly higher than those of control group ( t=-2.910, -6.411, both P<0.001). The areas under the ROC curve of ADC, FF and T 2 values to distinguish early pSS were 0.666, 0.750 and 0.862, respectively. The area under ROC curve of the combination of ADC, FF and T 2 values was 0.930, with a sensitivity of 73.1% and a specificity of 97.5%. T 2 values showed a better diagnostic efficacy than ADC values ( Z=2.626, P=0.009) and FF values ( Z=2.112, P=0.035) when distinguishing pSS group from control group. The area under ROC curve of the combination of ADC, FF and T 2 values showed a better diagnostic efficacy than each parameter alone ( Z=4.869, P<0.001, Z=3.628, P<0.001, Z=2.162, P=0.031). Conclusions:Multi-echo Dixon technique and T 2 mapping can quantitatively evaluate the parotid gland fat deposition and inflammatory response in the early stage of pSS. T 2 value has great potential in evaluating early parotid gland injury of pSS, and the combination of ADC, FF and T 2 values can further improve the diagnostic efficiency.

Objective:To summarize the imaging features of severe unilateral transverse sinus and sigmoid sinus thromboses, and evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravascular interventional therapy in them.Methods:Thirty-seven patients with severe unilateral transverse sinus and sigmoid sinus thromboses clinically mainly manifested as intracranial hypertension and accepted endovascular intervention in Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2012 to September 2022 were chosen; their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed and imaging features were summarized. Short-term efficacy was evaluated according to blood flow restoration degrees and pressure gradient reduction in the occlusive sinus and modified neurological symptoms before and after endovascular intervention. Hospitalized complications were observed; safety and long-term efficacy were evaluated according to postoperative clinical follow-up and imaging results 6-12 months after endovascular intervention.Results:(1) Preoperative brain MRI and (or) CT showed different degrees of swelling of the brain tissues, with the affected side as the target; mixed signals/density shadow could be seen in the blocked transverse sinus and sigmoid sinus; venous cerebral infarction or post-infarction cerebral hemorrhage could be combined in some patients. MRV, CTV and DSA showed poor or completely occluded transverse sinus and sigmoid sinus while normal in the contralateral side; obvious thrombus filling-defect was observed in the occluded venous sinus after mechanical thrombolysis. (2) Occlusive sinus blood flow was restored in all patients after endovascular intervention, and pressure gradient of the occlusive segment decreased from (16.6±3.3) mmHg before to (2.8±0.8) mmHg after endovascular intervention. Before discharge, clinical symptoms of all patients were significantly improved (modified Rankin scale [mRS] scores of 0 in 30 patients, 1 in 5 patients, 2 in 1 patient and 3 in 1 patient), and 2 patients had unilateral limb movement disorder (muscle strength grading III and IV, respectively). All patients received clinical follow-up for (9.6±3.0) months. At the last follow-up, neurological function obviously improved compared with that before endovascular intervention, without new neurosystem-related symptoms (mRS scores of 0 in 30 patients, 1 in 6, and 2 in 1 patient). In 34 patients received MRV or DSA follow-up, 28 had complete recanalization of occlusive sinus and 6 had partial recanalization, without obvious stenosis or recurrent occlusion.Conclusions:Severe unilateral transverse sinus and sigmoid sinus thrombosis can cause local intracranial venous blood stasis, and then cause "increased regional venous sinus pressure", which is manifested as unilateral brain tissue swelling and even venous cerebral infarction or post-infarction cerebral hemorrhage. Early diagnosis and endovascular intervention can obviously improve the prognosis of these patients, enjoying good safety.

Objective:To investigate the application value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in evaluating flow diverter (FD) apposition and endothelialization in aneurysm animal models, and analyze the effect of incomplete stent apposition (ISA) on aneurysm lumen healing and stent endothelialization.Methods:Lateral common carotid artery aneurysm models in swines were established by surgical method and then FD was implanted. Immediately after surgery, OCT and IVUS were used to evaluate the locations and degrees of ISA, and difference between these 2 methods in evaluating FD apposition was compared. DSA was performed at 12 weeks after surgery to evaluate the aneurysm occlusion (Kamran grading) and stent patency. OCT and IVUS were used again to observe the stent endothelial situation; by comparing with histopathologic results, effect of ISA on aneurysm healing and stent endothelialization was analyzed.Results:Lateral common carotid artery aneurysm models in 6 swines were established, and 6 Tubridge FDs were successfully implanted. Compared with IVUS (3 stents, 4 locus), OCT could detect more ISA (6 stents, 14 locus); and the vascular diameter change area (7 locus), aneurysm neck area (4 locus) and the head and tail of FD (3 locus) were the main sites of FD malapposition; average distance between stent wire and vessel wall was (560.14±101.48) μm. At 12 weeks after surgery, DSA showed that 1 patient had a little residual contrast agent at the aneurysm neck (Kamran grading 3), and the remaining 5 had complete aneurysm occlusion (Kamran grading 4). One FD had moderate lumen stenosis, and the other 5 FDs had lumen patency. OCT indicated mostly disappeared acute ISA; ISA proportion decreased to 21.4 % (3/14), including 2 in the aneurysm neck and 1 in the partial stent. Histopathological results showed bare stent woven silk, without obvious endothelial coverage; in one FD with luminal stenosis, intimal hyperplasia was mainly composed of vascular smooth muscle cells.Conclusion:In carotid artery aneurysm model with FD implantation, OCT can detect more ISA than IVUS; most acute ISA have good outcome at 12 th week of follow-up, while severe ISA can cause delayed FD endothelialization and delayed aneurysm occlusion.