Objective To evaluate the MRI application in the common non-traumatic brachial plexopathies.Methods Twenty-seven patients with non-traumatic brachial plexopathies were retrospectively analyzed,which consisted of 10 males and 17 females with age range from 22 to 70 years old.Among the patients,2 were neurofibromatosis,8 were schwannoma,3 were metastases,2 were radiation plexopathy,1 was multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN),and 11 were typical thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS).Before treatment,all patients underwent MRI of brachial plexus,in which 8 patients underwent Gd-DTPA enhanced MRI.Results In 2 cases of neurofibromatosis,the tumors appeared as fusiform,bead-like masses,growing along the course of brachial plexus with involvement of rootlets in vertebral canal,and iso-to little hypointensity on T1WI,inhomogeneous hyperintensity on T2WI and inhomogeneously enhanced.Schwannoma of 8 cases displayed as fusiform mass,eccentric to the original nerve with sharply defined edge,and hypointensity or inhomogeneous hyperintensity on T1WI,inhomogeneous hyperintensity on T2WI with cystic necrosis in 3 cases which was inhomogeneously enhanced.Two of the 3 cases of metastases manifested as multiple masses besides brachial plexus,the other one appeared as widespread lesion infiltrating brachial plexus and surrounding structures.Two cases of radiation plexopathy displayed as diffused thickened nerves,with increased signal intensity on short time inversion recovery (STIR),clear structure and no mass surrounding the plexus.One case of MMN showed thickened nerves with increased signal intensity on STIR.Eleven cases of typical TOS manifested as arched elevation of C8,T1 and inferior trunk,with thickened nerves and increased signal intensity on STIR.Elevated subclavian artery could be seen in 8 cases.And in one case of TOS,a mass in the end of cervical rib compressed the local brachial plexus.Conclusions MRI can clearly show the location,involved scope and the relationship with adjacent structures.So MRI can provide reliable information for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Objective To study the values of HMRS and DTI technology for detecting brain damage in heroin-dependent patients.Methods The routine MRI,HMRS and DTI were performed in 7 heroin abuser8 and 8 healthy volunteers without the history of drug abuse.The regions of interest(ROI) were selected in the gray matter and white matter of prefrontal lobe in HMRS exam,and the ratio of NAA/ Cr、Cho/Cr and Cho/NAA were measured respectively.For the DTI,six ROIs were selected,and the values of fractional anisotropy(FA)and ADC were calculated respectively.The independent samples t test was used for the statistics.Results No abnormality was found in the routine MRI.The ratio of NAA/Cr decreased in the prefrontal lobe.the values were 1.40±0.16 in gray matter and 1.72±0.41 in white matter 0f the drug group.1.57±0.09 and 2.08±0.21 in the control group on HMRS examiation.The differenee between the two groups had statistical significance(t=2.183,2.190,P<0.05)On DTI examination,the values of FA decreased in GCC,SCC and AIC,each was 0.70±0.04,0.76±0.41,0.55±0.03 in drug group,and 0.76±0.03,0.82±0.03,0.64±0.03 in controlgroup.The difference betweenthetwo groups had statistical significance(t=3.830,3.713,5.555,P<0.05).The value8 of ADC increased in SCC,PIC and EC in drug group,each Was(8.18±0.48)×10-4,(7.54±0.22)×10-4,(7.72±0.30)× 10-4and(7.50±0.26)×10-4,(7.154-0.20)×10-4,(7.19±0.39)×10-4mm2/s in control group respectively.The difference between tlle two groups had statistical significance(t=3.477,3.507,2.895, P<0.05).Conclusion The early abnormalities of the brain in heroin-induced patients can be found combining HMRS and DRI.

Purpose: To determine breast carcinoma detection rate of a new mammographic computer-aided system (CAD) in order to assess its clinical usefulness. Methods: 467 cases of breast carcinoma proved by surgery and pathology were retrospectively analyzed. All the mammograms of the cases were reviewed by two radiologists working as a team and then analyzed by the CAD-system. The sensitivity for breast carcinoma detection (masses or calcification) was calculated respectively, and the results compared. Results: The sensitivity for breast carcinoma detection by the same radiologists without and with the CAD-system were 80. 94% , 88. 01% , respectively (P

Objective To evaluate MRI in diagnosing brachial plexus preganglionic injury.Methods Twenty cases with brachial plexus preganglionic injury underwent M R scanning before operation.MR imaging was obtained by GE Signa EXCITE 1.5 T scanner.The scanning sequences included SE T1 WI,FSE T2 WI,T2 WI STIR and 3D Fast imaging employing steady state with phase cycled(3D-FIESTA-c).All the patients had exploration of the supraclavicular plexus and electrophysiology examination. And the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of MRI in diagnosing preganglionic brachial plexus iniury were calculated with the standards of surgical and EMG results.Results Among the 73 pairs of i,jured roots.MR imaging detected the abnormalities in 63 pairs.The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of MRI in diagnosing preganglionic brachial plexus injury were 86.5/(83/96),86.3/(63/73).87.0/(20/23),respectively.The direct signs of brachial plexus preganglionic injury included (1) lack or mutilation of netwe root in 54 pairs (85.7/),(2)coarsening,bending,stiff course and unable to be traced to the intervertebral foramen continuously in 9 pairs (14.3/).The indirect signs included (1)cystic cerebrospinal fluid gathering in the vertebral canal,posttraumatic spinal meningocele in 46 pairs (73.0/),(2)abnormal shape of nerve sleeve in 13 pairs(20.6/),(3)displacement and deformity of spinal cord in 50 pairs(79.4/),(4)abnormal signal of paravertebral muscles in 1 9 patients.Conclusion MRI can distinctly show the nerve rootlets within the vertebral canal,so it is helpful in making a correct diagnosis of brachial plexus preganglionic injuries.

Objective To assess the clinical features and associated factors of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with dermatomyositis (DM).Methods Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed on 206 patients with DM collected at the Department of Dermatology,Huashan Hospital,Fudan University in the past 6 years.Chi-square test and t test were performed for statistical analysis.Results The prevalence of ILD was 49.03％ in the 206 patients with DM.Heliotrope rash on the upper eyelids,Gottron's sign (papules),arthralgia,and cough were correlated with the incidence of ILD in DM patients (all P ＜ 0.05),and of these factors,the prevalence of artharalgia and cough were positively correlated with the incidence of ILD,while the presence of Gottron's papules was negatively correlated.The patients with DM and ILD showed a higher prevalence of abnormal serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH) and anti-Jo-1 antibodies,as well as with a poorer pulmonary function,compared with those suffering from DM only (all P ＜0.05).Characteristic imaging findings on computed tomography (CT) scan in patients with DM and ILD included linear opacity (57.4％),high-density patchy opacity (31.7％),reticular opacity (16.8％) and even ground glass-like opacity (13.8％),usually at the bottom or apex of the lungs.Conclusions In patients with DM,the prevalence of artharalgia and cough is positively correlated,whereas the presence of Gottron's papules is negatively correlated,with the incidence of ILD.Characteristic imaging findings on CT scan in patients with DM and ILD are linear opacity,high-density patchy opacity,reticular opacity and ground glass-like opacity at the bottom and apex of lungs.

Objective To explore clinical significance of muhidetector(64-row)computed tomography carotid atherosclerosis angiography(MDCTA)in detecting carotid atherosclerotic plaque.Methods Data of 116 patients with carotid atherosclerosis undergone with MDCTA stayed at Huashan Hospital,Shanghai from January to August,2008 were analyzed retrospectively.Results Three hundred and seventy-seven plaques were identified among all the 116 patients in the study,with an incidence of calcified plaque of 63.40 percent,and more detected at the common carotid artery(27.85%).the carotid bifurcation(39.78%)and the internal carotid artery (21.48%).There was significantly statistical difference in plaque types between those with mild,moderate and severe carotid stenosis(P=0.000)and between those aged equal to or lower than 50 years and equal to or greater than 70 years(P=0.005).Plaque types at the common carotid artery were significantly difierent from those at the carotid bifurcation(P=0.000)and at the internal carotid artery(P=0.000).Results of regression analysis showed a positive and significant association between carotid occlusion and clinical symptomatology(with a coefficient of correlation of 1.080.P=0.023)and inverse association between calcified plaque and clinical symptomatology(with a coefficient of correlation of 0.688,P=0.006).Conclusions Not only imaging characteristics of carotid atherosclerotic plaque can be accurately assessed by MDCTA,but also measurement of its stenosis degree.Assessment of plaque type,degree of stenosis and distribution of plaque in different Vascular segments with MDCTA can be used to predict clinical occurrence of cerebevaseular events in patients with carotid atherosclerosis.

Total 52 patients with breast lesions underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI; and the breast vascularization was scored on the MRI vascular maps with a range of 0 to 3. The mean number of vessels per ipsilateral breast in malignant cases was higher than that of benign cases (3.8±2.0 vs. 1.3± 1.0; P=0.000). When the breast vascularity score 0-1 was defined as benign and 2-3 was defined as malignant, the sensitivity and specificity was 79% and 83%, respectively. Results indicate that dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI is of value in diagnosis of malignant breast lesions.

Objective To study MRI characteristics of the gray matter lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and to investigate the occult damage in normal appearing gray matter (NAGM) by quantitative analysis using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods Conventional brain MRI and DTI were performed in 34 clinically defined MS patients and 25 non-MS healthy volunteers. Main signs of the GMlesions detected by conventional MRI were analyzed, including the distribution, numbers, shape, size,signal intensity and enhanced pattern. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values derived by DTI were measured in normal appearing deep gray matter for all participants and the differences between the two groups were compared. Results MRI examination revealed 83 lesions in cerebral gray matter, 18. 7% of the total 443 lesions. The GM lesions distributed over all brain lobes especially in frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and thalamus. Thirty-four, 60, 78, and 36 plaques were detected on T1WI, T,2WI, FLAIR, and reconstructed DWI images, respectively. Nine small lesions were identified on DWI more easily than on T2WI and FALIR. The ADC values of the head of caudatum (8. 0±0. 7) ×10-4mm2/s, t=-3.079, P<0.05), putamen (7.4±0.5)× 10-4mm2/s, t= -2.564, P<0.05),and thalamus (7.7± 0. 4) × 10-4mm<'2>/s, t = -2. 722, P < 0. 05) in MS group were significantly higher than those in healthy controls [ the ADC values of head of candatum (7.4 ± 0. 6) × 10-4 mm2/s, putamen(7.0±0.5) ×10-4 mm2/s,and thalamus(7.2±0.7)×10-4mm2/s]. Conclusions This study confirms the presence of GM damage in MS. It shows MRI characteristics of the macro-lesions, and combination of FLAIR and DWI can improve the detection of GM lesions. Occult micro-change in NAGM can be evaluated by using DTI quantitative analysis.

Background and purpose: Primary intracranial epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (EH) was rare. This study was to discuss the clinical pathological features, radiographic findings, treatment and prognosis of primary intracranial EH combined with literature review. Methods: We reviewed a case of EH reported from our hospital, and comprehensively analyzed the related literature. Results: Based on our report and review of the literature, EH is rare and with borderline or uncertain behavior. The original tumors demonstrated specific image features. The tumor usually appeared as a small nest or cords composed of eosinophilic epithlioid or spindled cells.Immunohistochemical assay were positive for endothelial markers CD31, CD34 and FⅧ. EH may be treated with complete surgical resection whenever possible and is sensitive to radiation. The EH has a favorable prognosis. Conclusion: EH has variable malignant potential, and should be differentiated from meningioma. Total resection and close follow-up is recommended. Additional radiotherapy is advised for residual tumors.

Objective (1) To determine the relationship between the MR signal intensity and the actual flow velocity under steady flow condition (2) to analyze the influence produced by the angle (?) between the flow direction and the velocity encoded gradient direction, and flip angle as well as section thickness on the velocity measurement under oblique flow condition (3) to develop a suitable protocol for using this method to measure volumetric flow rate in the transverse sinus system Methods Flow phantom, which simulated blood flow conditions in the transverse sinus system, consisted of a fluid filled cylinder and a bent tube with a 3 4 mm internal diameter A 1 5 T superconductive MR imager and VIGRE sequence were used for these studies A suitable protocol was based on consideration of the effects of (1) the accuracy of velocity and transverse area measurement of flow, and (2) signal to noise ratio (SNR) Results (1) Signal intensity (y) determined by MR and the actual flow velocity (x) showed straight line correlation, y=68 914x+357 206, R 2=0 998 (2) As the angle (?) increased, the transverse area of the signal determined by MR also increased, but the value of flow velocity decreased (3) As the flip angle increased, the SNR varied from 5 7 to 11 2 The maximum SNR was obtained with 30?flip angle (4) As the section thickness increased, the SNR and the transverse area of the signal determined by MR slightly increased Conclusions Phase contrast MR imaging is a practical method for measuring volumetric flow rates The angle (?) influenced the accuracy of flow velocity and the measurement of transverse area of flow whereas the flip angle and the section thickness substantially influenced the signal to noise ratio and the transverse area of flow