Objective To study the value of three dimensional contrast enhanced subtraction MRA (3D CES MRA) in the diagnosis of extremity musculoskeletal diseases. Methods Fifteen cases of extremity musculoskeletal diseases proved by operation and pathology were studied, including upper extremity ( n =5), lower extremity ( n =10), soft tissue and vascular lesions ( n =8), and skeletal lesions ( n =7). All examinations were performed with GE 1.5 T MRI scanner. Sagittal scout images were obtained by 2D FMPSPGR sequences. Before and after contrast enhancement, coronal 3D FSPGR sequence was performed in the same parameters within 32 seconds. The plain source images were subtracted by enhanced source images in the workstation. The subtracted images were processed by MIP technique, such method is so called 3D CES MRA. Results All lesions were demonstrated accurately by 3D CES MRA, including vascular lesions ( n =6), tumors in the soft tissue ( n =3), benign skeletal tumors ( n =1), and malignant skeletal tumors ( n =3). Compared with pathology, the diagnosing accuracy rate of 3D CES MRA was more than 90%. Conclusion 3D CES MRA is an advanced, safe, and noninvasive method in diagnosing extremity musculoskeletal diseases, further more, it can save time and resources. In general, 3D CES MRA has a great value in clinical application.

Objective To analyze the best methods for diagnostic scanning and image processing of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) in the detection of renal malformations (RM). Methods From June 2008 to Februany 2012, one hundred and four patients with kidney malformation received 64-slice MSCT assay were enrolled in our Hospital. Related materials of the patients were used for retrospective analysis. Diagnostic accuracy of urinary malformation were calculated on the image of axial and MPR, Curve, MIP, VR by MSCT unenhangced scanning, enhangced cortical phase scanning, enhangced parenchymal phase scanning and enhangced excretory phase scanning. Results One hundred and four patients with kidney abnormalities received the MSCT unhangced scan axial and MPR, Curve film, enhangced cortical phase scanning, enhangced parenchymal phase scanning, enhangced excretory phase scanning and MPR, MIP, VR film, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy were as follws: renal dysplasia (72.73%, 81.82%, 81.82%, 72.73%), renal hypoplasia (83.33%, 91.67%, 95.83%, 100%), solitary kidney (100%, 100%, 100%, 100%), ectopic kidney (76.92%, 100%, 100%, 100%), horseshoe kidney (100%, 100%, 100%, 100%),misplaced renal lobe (0%,100%). Conclusion The MSCT with image post-processing techniques in the diagnosis of RM has its unique advantages, MSCT can be preferred as a method for renal malformation examination.

Objective To study the therapeutic efficacy of the chondroplasty with radiofrequency technique under arthroscope for osteoarthritic knees in the senile patients.Methods Thirty-six patients were divided randomly into control and test groups(in each with 18 patients).The patients suffered from osteoarthritis of knees.The control group confirmed and treated by knee arthroscope,which was subjected to debridement with routine technique.The test group was treated by chondroplasty with radiofrequency technique under arthroscope.Results The patients developed no infection or other complications.Better therapeutic results were obtained after follow up of 6 to 18 months.Conclusions Chondroplasty with radiofrequency technique under arthroscope for the osteoarthritic knees has the advantages of less injury,less bleeding,less complication and quick recovery.

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate if Gadolinium-enhanced MRI can detect early reversible ischemia of the femoral head epiphysis caused by hip hyper-abduction in piglets. Between 3 and 6 h consistent hyper-abduction, gadolinium-enhanced MRI was performed in 20 femoral heads of 10 piglets. After completion of MRI scan, the piglets were allowed to ambulate freely for 1 or 7 days and re-imaged. The enhanced-MRI results of epiphyseal and physeal cartilage and the secondary center of ossification were observed. MRI appearances and histological findings were compared. On Gadolinium-enhanced MRI, decreased or absent enhancement was seen in 14 cartilaginous epiphyses of all 20 femoral heads. Reperfusion was completed in 10 of 14 femoral heads after one day of ambulation and in the rest 4 after 7 days of ambulation. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI can identify early ischemia and its reversal of the capital femoral epiphysis induced by hip hyper-abduction.

Objective To compare the efficiency of enhanced T2* weighted angiography (ESWAN) sequence with that of a conventional T2*-weighted gradient-recalled-echo (GRE T2*WI) sequence for the detection of hemorrhagic shearing lesions in patients with diffuse axonal injury (DAI). And combined with MRI parameters, to further discuss the principles and virtues of ESWAN sequence. Methods Seventeen patients with DAI were enrolled in this study. The raw data acquired from ESWAN scan were postprocessed by using the mean square root of multi-echoes. Then, the postprocessed images were compared with the conventional GRE T2* weighted images. The global and regional (superficial, deep and posterior fossa) lesion numbers determined by both sequences were compared by using Wilcoxon signed ranks test (two-tailed). Differences were considered to be significant at P≤0.05. Results Hemorrhagic lesions were more obvious on ESWAN images than those on conventional GRE T2* weighted images. The median and range value of the detected lesion numbers on ESWAN images were 27 and (1-239) in whole brain, 13 and (1-89) in cerebral superficial region, 5 and (0-111) in cerebral deep region and 1 and (0-39) in posterior fossa region, respectively; whereas, on GRE T2* weighted images, they were 7 and (1-34) in whole brain, 5 and (1-27) in cerebral superficial region, 2 and (0-25) in cerebral deep region and 0 and (0-4) in posterior fossa region, respectively. There were significant statistical differences between the two sequences in revealing the lesions in all the four regions (Z=-3.519,-3.182,-3.185,-2.677,P＜0.05). Conclusion In ESWAN sequence, multi-echo acquisition ensured sufficient magnetic susceptibility for detecting small hemorrhagic lesions. So, ESWAN is more sensitive to small hemorrhage, which revealed more hemorrhagic lesions than conventional GRE T2*WI and presented more valuable information for the diagnosis of DAI.

Objective To observe the differences in functional areas of the brain in response to two different acupuncture techniques using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).Methods Deqi and non-deqi acupuncture were performed on twenty healthy right-handed volunteers.fMRI was conducted in the process of acupuncture.The experiment adopted a single-chunk design and the procedure contained periods of stimulation and rest.The brain regions stimulated during deqi and non-deqi acupuncture were assessed using xjview software.Results After acupuncture at the Zusanli point (ST36),differences in activity were observed between the deqi and non-deqi groups in the language,sports,perception and limbic systems.Conclusions ①Under deqi conditions,acupuncture at ST36 increases circulation and the activation of brain areas dealing with language,sports,perception and the limbic system.This may be one of the mechanisms by which acupuncture can improve aphasia,coordination and perception.②Under deqi conditions acupuncture at ST36 decreases circulation and deactivates brain areas associated with the limbic system.This may explain acupuncture's analgesia and regulation of autonomic nerve and endocrine function,its amelioration of internal organ functions and regulation of immunologic function.

Non-coding RNA refers to a class of RNAs that cannot encode proteins, and they play a very important role in regulating cellular activities. Pulmonary arteryhypertension is a group of diseases characterized by progressive elevation of pulmonary vascular pressure. Its pathogenesis is complex and its influencing factors are numerous. The study found that non-coding RNA, as a transcription product that does not participate in translational functions, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of patients with pulmonary arteryhypertension. With regard to the more well-studied and relatively mature circRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs in non-coding RNAs, this article review the pathophysiological processes involved in the formation of pulmonary arteryhypertension.

Objective To investigate the technique and application of nasolacrimal duct imaging using MR hydrography.Methods Eight healthy volunteers(16 lacrimal ducts)and 17 patients affected by primary epiphora(32 lacrimal ducts)underwent MRl with three.dimensional fast recovery fast spin echo (3D-FRFSE)MR dacryocystography(MRD)sequence after sterile saline solution had been instilled into the conjunctival sac.For all patients affected by primary epiphora,FRFSE T2-weighted oblique coronal and axial images were obtained after MRD.All patients(32 lacrimal ducts)underwem lacrimal endoscopy.which served as a standard of reference for confirming MR findings.Results Eight cases of 16 normal lacrimal passages were showed by MR hydrography with administering topical sterile saline solution,which demonstrated the lacrimal sac well and whole course of the nasolacrimal duct.Endoscopic findings confirmed nasolacrimal duct obstruction secondary to chronic non-specific inflammation:the color of the mucosa of the nasolaerimal ducts was grey-red,and the obstructive sinuses were filled with nonelastic grey-white membrane.The accuracy of 3D-FRFSE MRD sequence in diagnosing obstructive level was 78%(25/32). The lacrimal ducts above the obstructive level showed watery hypo-intensity on 3D-FRFSE MRD.and the lacrimal ducts below the obstructive level could not be showed.Abnormal findings were presented in all cases of obstructive nasolacrimal ducts with Axi-FRFSET2 WI and Cor-FRFSET,WI sequences:long T2 fluid signals were seen in the lumens of tlle lacrimal sac and(or)nasolacrimal duct above the obstructive level. equal or slightly long T2 soft-tissue signals were seen in the lumens of the nasolaerimal duct below the obstructive level.and the mucosa of the ducts thickened Conclusion MR imaging performed after the topical administration of sterile saline solution can reveal normal nasolacrimal duct and is feasible in evaluating obstructive nasolacrimal ducts.

To determine the characteristics of magnetic resonance (MR) signals of normal growing cartilage and identify the difference in transverse relaxation times between physeal and epiphyseal cartilage in vivo. 24 distal femora of 12 two-week-old piglets were imaged on a 1.5 Tesla GE MR scanner. Comparison was made between signal intensity on MR images and the structure shown in corresponding histologic sections. T2 values were measured in eight piglets by means of multiecho spin-echo sequences. Our results showed that MR imaging delineated five regions between the secondary ossification center and the metaphysis, which histologically correspond to the zone of provisional calcification of the secondary ossification center, physis of the secondary ossification center, epiphyseal cartilage, physis and zone of provisional calcification. The T2 value in the physeal cartilage was much larger than that in the epiphyseal cartilage (P<0.05). It is concluded that MRI findings could differentiate the different regions of growing cartilage. T2 is longer in physeal than in epiphyseal cartilage, perhaps reflecting differences in water binding by proteoglycans.
Animals, Newborn ; Femur/anatomy & histology ; Femur/growth & development ; Femur/metabolism ; Growth Plate/*anatomy & histology ; Growth Plate/*growth & development ; Growth Plate/metabolism ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Osteogenesis/physiology ; Swine

Objective To investigate the change of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters on extracorticospinal tract and some domain in Parkinson disease (PD), and to explore the relationship between DTI parameters and PD. Methods Ten PD patients with unilateral symptoms and 20 with bilateral symptoms were enrolled in PD group 1 and PD group 2, respectively. Control group included 30 volunteers whose age and sex matched with those of PD group. PD patients and the subjects in control group underwent routine MR plain scan and DTI scan. FA and ADC maps were obtained after postprocessing. FA values and ADC values of ROI (region of interest) were measured. ROI included substantia nigra (SN), red nucleus (NR), globus pallidus (GP), putamen (PUT), caudate nucleus (CN), thalamus, genu of corpus callosum, splenium of corpus callosum, callosal gyrus, white matter of frontal lobe and anterior centra gyrus. All data were analyzed statistically. Results FA value of SN, CN, thalamus and splenium of corpus callosum of PD group degraded obviously compared with that of control group (P<0.05). FA value of PD group 1 was lower than control group and PD group 2 at anterior central gyrus and callosal gyrus (P<0.05). There was no significant difference of FA value among PD groups and control group at other ROI's. There was negative correlation between the changes of FA value at SN and PD grade. No significant difference was found in ADC value among PD group 1, PD group 2 and control group, but there was an increasing tendency of ADC value along with the progress of PD. Conclusion FA values of SN, CN, thalamus and splenium of corpus callosum can offer some important information for the early diagnosis of PD. DTI is useful for the study about PD's pathomechanism and clinical manifestation in vivo.