ObjectiveTo summarize the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of pancreatic exocrine function.MethodIn this paper, we reviewed and summarized the related literatures about the application of MRI in the field of pancreatic exocrine function evaluation in recent years.ResultsA variety of MRI techniques could be used to detect the pancreatic exocrine function. In addition to conventional MRI techniques, there were also MRI stimulated by pancreatic secretions, cine (dynamic) cholangiopancreatography based on space selective reverse recovery pulse, and so on.ConclusionThe new MRI techniques have potential for semi-quantitative and quantitative evaluation of pancreatic exocrine function.
Objective To summarize the CT, MRI, and positron emission computed tomography (PET) imaging findings of hematologic malignancies of the pancreas, so as to improve the capacity of its diagnosis. Methods After searching articles concerning radiological research about hematologic malignancies of the pancreas, summarizing its imaging characteristics. Results Hematologic malignancies of the pancreas include pancreatic lymphoma, pancreatic multiple myeloma, myeloid sarcoma, posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder, and giant lymph node hyperplasia. ① Pancreatic lymphoma: imaging features of pancreatic lymphoma are segmental or diffuse homogeneous enlargement of the pancreas, diameter of mass >5 cm, adenopathy below the level of renal veins, and lack of pancreatic duct dilation. Blurred margins of pancreas by lymphadenopathy is highly suggestive of lymphoma. ② Pancreatic multiple myeloma: pancreatic multiple myeloma are hyperintense on both T1- and T2-weighted images. ③ Pancreatic granulocytic sarcoma: pancreatic granulocytic sarcoma present as homogeneous hypoenhancing mass on CT, usually without pancreatic duct dilation. On MRI, the lesions are isointense and mildly hyperintense on T1- and T2-weighted images respectively. ④ Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder: diameter of leison of posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder usually is >5 cm with poor enhancement. Lesions are mildly hyperintense on T2-weighted images and extremely hypermetabolic on PET images. ⑤ Giant lymph node hyperplasia: it mainly appear as solitary noninvasive masses. Punctate calcification and surrounding supply vessels are observed in hyaline vascular type. Plasma cell type demonstrate unapparent enhancement and less calcification. Conclusions Hematologic malignancies of the pancreas manifest different imaging features on CT, MRI, and PET. Familiarity with such characteristics helps to early recognize diseases and determine next-step measures.
ObjectiveTo investigate the value of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI) in gross morphological classification of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodsThe clinicopathologic data of patients with HCC who received surgical treatment in the Affiliated Huai’an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2017 to December 2022 were retrospectively gathered. The Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI was performed before operation. Two radiologists independently assessed the gross morphological classification of HCC according to the imaging performance. The tumors were cut into sections in a coronal plane and were taken pictures for recording pathological features after operation. The tumors were assigned into 4 types according to the references and clinical experiences: single nodular type (SN), single nodular with extranodular growth type (SN-EG), confluent multi-nodular type (CMN), and infiltration type (IF). Matching degree of morphological classification was analyzed between by the Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI and resected specimen. The pathological features of 4 types of HCC were also analyzed. ResultsA total of 87 patients with HCC were included. The gross morphological classification by the Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI was 28 (32.2%) patients with SN, 28 (32.2%) patients with SN-EG, 21 (24.1%) patients with CMN, 10 (11.5%) patients with IF, which by the resected specimen was 33 (37.9%) patients with SN, 24 (27.6%) patients with SN-EG, 21 (24.1%) patients with CMN, and 9 (10.4%) patients with IF in the 87 patients with HCC. The Kappa’s coefficient of agreement between the results of Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI and postoperative resection specimens was 0.776 (P=0.199). There were statistical differences in the tumor diameter and microvascular invasion (MVI) among the 4 types of gross morphology classification (F=2.937, P=0.038; χ2=16.852, P=0.001), the MVI rate was highest and tumor diameter was biggest in the patients with IF among the 4 types of gross morphology classification (P<0.05). ConclusionsFrom the results of this study, the gross morphological classification of HCC is closely related to the tumor diameter and MVI. Results of Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI and postoperative resection specimens in assessing the gross morphological classification are good agreement. Therefore, an accurate preoperative planning and better therapy strategy for the patients with HCC can be provided according to gross morphological classification by preoperative Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI.
ObjectiveTo analyze and conclude CT and MRI imaging features of ectopic pancreas in gastrointestinal tract so as to improve the understanding of the features.MethodsThe clinical, imaging, and pathological data of 12 patients with ectopic pancreas in the gastrointestinal tract confirmed by the pathology in the Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital from November 2016 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The characteristics of image presentation were summarized.Results① The anatomical distribution: all patients had a single lesion. Of the 12 cases, 6 cases located in the gastric body lesser curvature, 3 cases located in the gastric angle, 1 case located in the posterior wall of gastric antrum, 1 case occurred in the upper jejunum, and 1 case occurred in the terminal ileum; 8 cases located in the submucosa, 2 cases located in the submucosa and muscular layer simultaneously, 1 case located in the submucosa, muscular and serous layer simultaneously, and 1 case located in the muscular layer. ② Size of the lesions: the maxium dimensions of the lesions were all 3 cm or less, and the long axes of the lesions were parallel to the gastrointestinal tract wall in 10 cases. ③ The internal characteristics: the results of 9 of 11 cases showed the isodensity compared to main pancreas on the plain CT scan. The results of 8 patients with enhanced CT showed the moderate to obvious enhancement, with 2 cases showed the slightly enhanced flaky or tube-like foci. In the arterial phase and portal venous phase, 6 cases showed the isodensity compared to main pancreas respectively. The result of MRI in 1 patient showed the isointensity compared to main pancreas on the plain scan and obviously heterogeneous enhancement.ConclusionCT and MRI could provide some information about location, size, and internal density or intensity of ectopic pancreas, and could be helpful for diagnosis.
Objective To explore the application value of time of flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) in target bypass surgery for moyamoya disease. Methods The data of patients with moyamoya disease in Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical College, Nanjing University between May 1 and August 30, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into navigation group and control group according to whether navigation technology was used during operation. All patients completed TOF-MRA evaluation before operation, and all patients completed surgical treatment. One week after operation, TOF-MRA was reviewed to evaluate the patency of anastomotic stoma. The intraoperative and postoperative conditions of the two groups were compared. Results Finally, 48 patients with moyamoya disease were included. 22 patients who used intraoperative navigation were included in the navigation group, and 26 patients with moyamoya disease who did not use intraoperative navigation in the same period were included in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, Suzuki stage before operation, proportion of posterior circulation involvement, proportion of bleeding type, proportion of hypertension and proportion of diabetes (P>0.05). The operation duration [(3.3±0.4) vs. (3.6±0.6) h] and postoperative hospital stay [(7.3±1.9) vs. (8.8±2.7) d] in the navigation group were shorter than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the proportion of patients who completed bypass surgery, the proportion of middle meningeal artery retained, the postoperative patency rate, the proportion of temporary dysfunction, and the proportion of serious complications (P>0.05). Conclusion TOF-MRA sequence combined with navigation technology can effectively guide the surgical scheme design and postoperative evaluation of moyamoya disease.
Objective To summary the recent progression of imaging methods which mainly applied on the early detection and qualitative diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Method The newest related literatures between home and abroad were collected and reviewed. Results Ultrasonic, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography mostly be used on pancreatic cancer detection and diagnosis. Conclusion Each method gets its own advantage even computed tomography seems like dominated on the detection and diagnosis pancreatic cancer, moreover, magnetic resonance imaging has been improved rapidly in recent years which shows its enormous potential.
ObjectiveTo summarize the value of imaging in the evaluation of non-surgical therapy for pancreatic cancer.MethodThe relevant literatures about imaging evaluation of non-surgical therapy for pancreatic cancer were collected to make an review.ResultsAt present, most of the imaging evaluation of non-surgical therapy for pancreatic cancer were based on the assessment of morphological characteristics of tumors, such as contrast-enhanced CT and MRI. However, only morphological changes of tumors could not accurately evaluate the response of pancreatic cancer after non-surgical treatment. A few studies had explored the value of functional imaging and artificial intelligence.ConclusionsNon-surgical therapy provides new treatment opportunities for unresectable pancreatic cancer, especially the proposed of neoadjuvant therapy, which provides the possibility of operation for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. More imaging indicators with stronger objectivity, higher accuracy, and wider universality need to be improved and developed in the future.
Objective To summarize manifestation, imaging characteristics, and treatment of hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). Methods From January 2007 to December 2016, the patients pathologically confirmed hepatic FNH were included in this study. The clinical features and imaging characteristics were analyzed retrospectively. Results Twenty-two cases were pathologically diagnosed as hepatic FNH with an age of (36.8±11.2) years (range from 20 to 61 years). Ten were males and 12 were females. Three patients had abdominal pain and 19 patients had no symptoms. The diameter of the lesions was (4.16±1.92) cm (range from 1.0 to 7.8 cm) and approximately 9 (40.9%) lesions were more than 5.0 cm. The diagnosis rates of CT and MRI were 64.70% (11/17) and 84.21% (16/19), respectively. All the patients underwent hepatectomy successfully and recovered without severe complications. No recurrence and metastasis happened during following-up of 1–103 months. Conclusions Hepatic FNH is more common in young patients and has no typical symptoms. MRI is useful in diagnosis of hepatic FNH.
Objective To explore the correlations of serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and their ratios, with the severity of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Methods This prospective study included patients with CSVD who were treated at Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University between January 2022 and February 2024. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of WMH were performed using the Fazekas scale and lesion prediction algorithm. Biomarkers such as MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 were measured to explore their correlations with the severity of WMH. Results A total of 144 patients with CSVD were included in this study, comprising 63 males and 81 females, with an average age of (67.60±8.73) years. There were 83 (57.6%), 41 (28.5%), and 20 (13.9%) patients were categorized as Fazekas grade 1, 2, and 3 for WMH, respectively, with an median total WMH volume of 4.31 mL. Multinomial logistic regression analysis for Fazekas grade (grade 1 as the reference level) showed that MMP-2 [grade 2: odds ratio (OR)=1.059, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.016, 1.105); grade 3: OR=1.463, 95%CI (1.124, 1.905)], TIMP-1 [grade 2: OR=1.019, 95%CI (1.006, 1.032); grade 3: OR=1.048, 95%CI (1.008, 1.090)], and MMP-9/TIMP-1 [grade 3: OR=2.650, 95%CI (1.393, 5.039)] were independently associated with Fazekas grade (P<0.05). Multinomial logistic regression analysis for the quartile group of total WMH volume (group Q1 as the reference level) showed that MMP-2 [group Q2: OR=1.160, 95%CI (1.021, 1.318); group Q3: OR=1.238, 95%CI (1.086, 1.412); group Q4: OR=1.313, 95%CI (1.140, 1.512)] and TIMP-1 [group Q2: OR=1.095, 95%CI (1.054, 1.138); group Q3: OR=1.084, 95%CI (1.045, 1.125); group Q4: OR=1.102, 95%CI (1.057, 1.149)] were independently associated with the quartile group of total WMH volume (P<0.05). Conclusions Serum levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 demonstrate significant independent associations with both the Fazekas grade and the total volume of WMH in patients with CSVD. These correlations underscore the potential utility of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 as critical biomarkers for assessing the severity of WMH in CSVD, highlighting their prospective roles in clinical diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring.
ObjectiveTo explore performances of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluation of hepatic warm ischemia-reperfusion injury.MethodThe relative references about the principle of functional MRI and its application in the assessment of hepatic warm ischemia-reperfusion injury were reviewed and summarized.ResultsThe main functional MRI techniques for the assessment of hepatic warm ischemia-reperfusion injury included the diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD), dynamic contrast enhancement MRI (DCE-MRI), and T2 mapping, etc.. These techniques mainly used in the animal model with hepatic warm ischemia-reperfusion injury currently.ConclusionsFrom current results of researches of animal models, functional MRI is a non-invasive tool to accurately and quantitatively evaluate microscopic information changes of liver tissue in vivo. It can provide a useful information on further understanding of mechanism and prognosis of hepatic warm ischemia-reperfusion injury. With development of donation after cardiac death, functional MRI will play a more important role in evaluation of hepatic warm ischemia-reperfusion injury.