Objective:To explore the application value of three dimensional T 1 weighted sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts by using different flip angle evolutions (3D T 1-SPACE) combined with three dimensional time of flight MR angiography (3D-TOF MRA) in the follow-up of stent-assisted coil embolization for intracranial aneurysm. Methods:From December 2017 to October 2018, 25 patients with intracranial aneurysm who underwent stent-assisted coil embolization in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital were enrolled. All of them had wide neck intracranial aneurysms and were followed up for 6 to 10 months after endovascular treatment using 3D-TOF MRA, 3D T 1-SPACE sequence and DSA. The DSA and 3D-TOF MRA were performed to evaluate aneurysm remnants using Raymond grade scale. Meanwhile, 3D-TOF MRA and 3D T 1-SPACE sequence were performed to evaluate in-stent lumen visibility using the 4-point scale. The paired sample Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate the aneurysm remnants and the parent artery patency. DSA was used as the gold standard to calculate the specificity and accuracy of the aneurysm remnants evaluated by 3D-TOF MRA. Results:Six to ten months′ follow up after the procedure, for aneurysm occlusion, the Raymond grade scale of the 25 patients evaluated by DSA indicated grade 1 in 23 patients, 2 in 1 and 3 in 1. For patients evaluated by 3D-TOF MRA, the results demonstrated grade 1 in 21 patients, 2 in 3 and 3 in 1. There was no difference between the 2 methods ( Z=-0.557, P=0.577). The in-stent lumens of parent vessel evaluated by 3D-TOF MRA showed that there were 14 patients with grade 3, 8 patients with grade 2 and 3 patients with grade 1. However, 3D T 1-SPACE demonstrated that all 25 patients were grade 4. The 3D T 1-SPACE was superior to evaluate the in-stent lumens than 3D-TOF MRA ( Z=-4.484, P<0.001). Taking DSA as standard, the specificity and accuracy of the aneurysm remnants evaluated by 3D-TOF MRA were 86.9% (20/23) and 84.0% (21/25), respectively. Conclusion:3.0 T 3D T 1-SPACE MR sequence can be used to assess parent artery patency, with in-stent lumen being clearly visible. 3D-TOF MRA can evaluate intracranial aneurysm remnants. The combination of these two MRI imaging techniques can be used as an optional follow-up evaluation after the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

Objective:To identify the causative genes of sporadic thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection (TAAD) and their correlation with clinical phenotype in the southern Chinese.Methods:We analyzed 11 core genes of TAAD probands without specific family history of 226 cases by next-generation sequencing technology, and performed sanger sequencing for their close relatives. Clinical data of each patient, including age of onset, syndromic phenotypes, involvement of aortic root, aortic maximum diameter and D-dimer were collected. And statistical software SPSS was used to evaluate the correlation between clinical phenotypes and gene mutations.Results:A total of 106 variants were detected in 226 probands with gene-positive frequency of 44.69%, consist of 16 pathogenic (P) variants, 18 likely pathogenic (LP) variants and 71 variants of uncertain significance (VUS). More than half of the mutations were from the non-syndromic TAAD, in which the FBN1 still was the most common causative gene. Earlier age of onset, an increase of women, larger diameter of aorta, Stanford B dissection and severe aortic regurgitation were likely to occur on carriers of P/LP, while thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs on carriers of VUS. Phenotype of both syndrome and dissection with aneurysm could increase the likelihood of carrying gene mutation, but D-dimer and involvement of aortic root couldn’t.Conclusion:Patients with sporadic aortic diseases in southern China have significant genetic heterogeneity and specific correlation between their clinical phenotype and gene mutation, especially in non-syndromic population. Earlier age of onset in carriers of FBN1 or ACTA2 genes, and larger maximum diameters of aorta in carrier of P/LP.

Objective To research the procedure for creating an animal model of mitral regurgitation by implanting a device through the apical artificial chordae tendineae, and to assess the stability and dependability of the device. Methods Twelve large white swines were employed in the experiments. Through a tiny hole in the apex of the heart, the artificial chordae tendineae of the mitral valve was inserted under the guidance of transcardiac ultrasonography. Before, immediately after, and one and three months after surgery, cardiac ultrasonography signs were noted. Results All models were successfully established. During the operation and the follow-up, no swines died. Immediately after surgery, the mitral valve experienced moderate regurgitation. Compared with preoperation, there was a variable increase in the amount of regurgitation and the values of heart diameters at a 3-month follow-up (P<0.05). Conclusion In off-pump, the technique of pulling the mitral valve leaflets with chordae tendineae implanted transapically under ultrasound guidance can stably and consistently create an animal model of mitral regurgitation.