Magnetic Resonance Examinations Research Articles

A Comparison of the Association of Septal Scar Burden on Responses to LBBAP-CRT and BVP-CRT.

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is an alternative to biventricular pacing (BVP) for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, despite the presence of left bundle branch block, whether cardiac substrate may influence the effect between the 2 strategies is unclear. This study aims to assess the association of septal scar on reverse remodeling and clinical outcomes of LBBAP compared with BVP. We analyzed patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy who had CRT indications undergoing preprocedure cardiac magnetic resonance examination. Changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and echocardiographic response (ER,≥5% absolute LVEF increase) were assessed at 6months. The clinical outcome was the composite of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, or major ventricular arrhythmia. There were 147 patients included (51 LBBAP and 96 BVP). Among patients with low septal scar burden (below median 5.7%, range: 0 to 5.3%), LVEF improvement was higher in the LBBAP than the BVP group (17.5% ± 10.9% vs 12.3% ± 11.8%; P=0.037), with more than 3-fold increased odds of ER (odds ratio: 4.35; P=0.033). In high sepal scar subgroups (≥5.7%, range: 5.7% to 65.9%), BVP trended towards higher LVEF improvement (9.2% ± 9.4% vs 6.4% ± 12.4%; P=0.085). Interaction between septal scar burden and pacing strategy was significant for ER (P=0.002) and LVEF improvement (P=0.011) after propensity score adjustment. During median follow-up of 33.7 (Q1-Q3: 19.8 to 42.1) months, the composite clinical outcome occurred in 34.7% (n=51) of patients. The high-burden subgroups had worse clinical outcomes independent of CRT method. Remodeling response to LBBAP and BVP among nonischemic cardiomyopathy patients is modified by septal scar burden. High septal scar burden was associated with poor clinical prognosis independent of CRT methods.

Intracranial extra-axial chondromas: clues to computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis.

We aimed to describe the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of intracranial extra-axial chondroma. We retrospectively evaluated the imaging findings of CT and MR examinations of six patients (three men and three women, aged 21-66 years) with histopathological diagnoses of intracranial extra-axial chondroma. Four tumors were located in the frontal region and two in the cavernous sinus. All the tumors showed low signals on diffusion-weighted images and high signals on apparent diffusion coefficient maps without restricted diffusion. There was no perifocal edema in all the tumors. Cavernous sinus chondromas were associated with bone erosion and anterior displacement of the internal carotid arteries, but without calcification. Calcification was present in all frontal chondromas. All the tumors revealed low signals on T1-weighted MR images. Frontal chondromas revealed mixed signals, but cavernous sinus chondromas were brightly hyperintense on T2-weighted MR images. No enhancement was detected in the two chondromas. An intense homogeneous enhancement was detected in a cavernous sinus chondroma. The imaging appearances of frontal extra-axial chondromas and cavernous sinus chondromas may have different imaging appearances. Although there is a wide range of imaging findings, the absence of restricted diffusion, perifocal edema, enhancement, and presence of low signals on T1-weighted MR images in a well-circumscribed calcified extra-axial mass should suggest an intracranial chondroma.

Assessing right ventricular peak strain in myocardial infarction patients with mitral regurgitation by cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking.

Although it is known that mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) may increase the right ventricular (RV) afterload, leading to RV dysfunction, the exact detrimental effects on RV function and myocardial peak strain remain unresolved. In this study, we assessed the impact of MR on the impairment of RV myocardial deformation in patients with MI and explored the independent influential factors of RV peak strain. A total of 199 MI participants without or with MR were retrospectively assessed in this study. The cardiovascular magnetic resonance examination protocol included a late gadolinium-enhanced (LGE) imaging technique and a cine-balanced steady-state free precession sequence. Statistical tests, including two independent sample t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test, analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple linear regression analysis models were performed. The MI (MR+) group exhibited significantly lower RV strain parameters in the radial, circumferential and longitudinal directions when compared to the control and the MI (MR-) groups (both P<0.05). The RV global longitudinal peak strain (GLPS) in the MI group significantly decreased when compared with that in the control group (P<0.05). As moderate-severe MR worsened in patients with MI, RV myocardial global peak strain and the peak systolic strain rate (PSSR) gradually decreased. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that left ventricular (LV) GLPS, triglycerides, and age were independently correlated with RV GLPS (all P<0.05). RV end-systolic volume (RVESV) acted as an independent association factor for RV global peak strain. MR may exacerbate the impairment of RV peak strain and functions in patients with MI. LV GLPS was positively correlated with RV GLPS. However, RVESV, triglycerides, and age acted as independent risk factors associated with worsening RV GLPS.

Features of MR signals of retroplacental basal decidual space and its diagnostic significance.

With more pregnant women undergoing cesarean section, the number of women with scarring in the uterus undergoing uterine magnetic resonance (MR) examination in the second and third trimesters following a subsequent pregnancy, has increased. To investigate features of MR signals in retroplacental basal decidual space. The MR imaging data of patients with clinically and pathologically confirmed placenta implantation and complete placental abruption were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with high-intensity signals in T2-weighted images (T2WI) of the retroplacental basal decidual space did not suffer placenta implantation after delivery, while high-intensity signals in T2WI of the retroplacental basal decidual space was not observed in patients with different degrees of placenta implantation. As the retroplacental basal decidual space is the barrier between the placenta and myometrium, high-intensity signals in T2WI can improve the confidence of MR exclusion diagnostics of placenta implantation, and can be used as exclusion criteria for MR diagnosis of placenta implantation.

Servikal Disk Herniasyonları ile Omuz kompleks kuşağı patolojileri arasında ki ilişkinin incelenmesi

Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between shoulder complex pathologies and cervical disc herniations.&#x0D; Methods: This study retrospectively included 524 patients with both dominant extremity shoulder and neck magnetic resonance examinations obtained from the information processing unit of Düzce University Faculty of Medicine between 01.08.2009-01.08.2023. The results were compared in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).&#x0D; Results: A total of 524 patients, 153 (29.2%) males and 371 (70.8%) females, with a mean age of 51.17±13.70 (range, 13-93) years, were included in the study.According to the statistical analysis of our study, 410 of the participants had supraspinatus pathology, 234 had infraspinatus pathology, 243 had subscapularis pathology and 11 had teres minor pathology. In addition, a statistically significant relationship was found between other shoulder pathologies and herniations at the C4-C5 and C5-C6 disc level (p

Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection With Isolated “Minor” Lesions at Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Long-Term Neurological Outcome

BackgroundThe prognostic relevance of fetal/early postnatal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (MRI) isolated “minor” lesions in congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is still unclear, because of the heterogeneity of previously reported case series. The aim of this study was to report the imaging and long-term clinical follow-up data on a relatively large cohort of infected fetuses. MethodsAmong 140 CMV-infected fetuses from a single-center 12-year-long fetal MRI database, cases that showed isolated “minor” lesions at MRI, mainly represented by polar temporal lesions, were selected. MRI features were described, and clinical follow-up information was collected through consultation of medical records and telephone interview to establish the auditory and neurological outcome of each patient. ResultsThirty-six cases were included in the study. The frequency of “minor” lesions increased progressively with ongoing gestational age in cases who underwent serial MR examination; 31% of cases were symptomatic at birth for unilateral altered auditory brainstem response. At long-term clinical follow-up, performed in 35 patients at a mean age of 64.5 months (range: 25 to 138), 43% of patients were asymptomatic and 57% presented with mild/moderate disability including hearing loss (34%), unilateral in all cases but one (therefore classified as severe), and/or minor cognitive and behavioral disorders (49%). ConclusionsDescriptive analysis of the type and modality of occurrence of “minor” lesions suggests performing serial fetal/postnatal MR examinations not to miss later-onset lesions. Follow-up data from the present cohort, combined with maternal/fetal factors and serologic-laboratory parameters may contribute to improve prenatal and neonatal period counselling skills.

Cine-cardiac magnetic resonance to distinguish between ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies: a machine learning approach.

This work aimed to derive a machine learning (ML) model for the differentiation between ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) on non-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). This retrospective study evaluated CMR scans of 107 consecutive patients (49 ICM, 58 NICM), including atrial and ventricular strain parameters. We used these data to compare an explainable tree-based gradient boosting additive model with four traditional ML models for the differentiation of ICM and NICM. The models were trained and internally validated with repeated cross-validation according to discrimination and calibration. Furthermore, we examined important variables for distinguishing between ICM and NICM. A total of 107 patients and 38 variables were available for the analysis. Of those, 49 were ICM (34 males, mean age 60 ± 9years) and 58 patients were NICM (38 males, mean age 56 ± 19years). After 10 repetitions of the tenfold cross-validation, the proposed model achieved the highest area under curve (0.82, 95% CI [0.47-1.00]) and lowest Brier score (0.19, 95% CI [0.13-0.27]), showing competitive diagnostic accuracy and calibration. At the Youden's index, sensitivity was 0.72 (95% CI [0.68-0.76]), the highest of all. Analysis of predictions revealed that both atrial and ventricular strain CMR parameters were important for the identification of ICM patients. The current study demonstrated that using a ML model, multi chamber myocardial strain, and function on non-contrast CMR parameters enables the discrimination between ICM and NICM with competitive diagnostic accuracy. A machine learning model based on non-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance parameters may discriminate between ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy enabling wider access to cardiovascular magnetic resonance examinations with lower costs and faster imaging acquisition. • The exponential growth in cardiovascular magnetic resonance examinations may require faster and more cost-effective protocols. • Artificial intelligence models can be utilized to distinguish between ischemic and non-ischemic etiologies. • Machine learning using non-contrast CMR parameters can effectively distinguish between ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies.

Quantitative Assessment of Breast Tumor: Comparison of Four Methods of Positioning Region of Interest for Synthetic Relaxometry and Diffusion Measurement

ObjectivesTo compare the differences in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and synthetic magnetic resonance (MR) measurements of four region of interest (ROI) placement methods for breast tumor and to investigate their diagnostic performance. Methods110 (70 malignant, 40 benign) newly diagnosed breast tumors were evaluated. The patients underwent 3.0T MR examinations including diffusion-weighted imaging and synthetic MR. Two radiologists independently measured ADCs, T1 relaxation time (T1), T2 relaxation time (T2), and proton density (PD) using four ROI methods: round, square, freehand, and whole-tumor volume (WTV). The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess their measurement reliability. Diagnostic performance was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. ResultsThe mean values of all ROI methods showed good or excellent interobserver reproducibility (0.79~0.99) and showed the best diagnostic performance compared to the minimum and maximum values. The square ROI exhibited superior performance in differentiating between benign from malignant breast lesions, followed by the freehand ROI. T2, PD, and ADC values were significantly lower in malignant breast lesions compared to benign ones for all ROI methods (p < 0.05). Multiparameters of T2 + ADC demonstrated the highest AUC values (0.82~0.95), surpassing the diagnostic efficacy of ADC or T2 alone (p < 0.05). ConclusionsROI placement significantly influences ADC and synthetic MR values measured in breast tumors. Square ROI and mean values showed superior performance in differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions. The multiparameters of T2 + ADC surpassed the diagnostic efficacy of a single parameter.

Investigation of incidental findings of temporomandibular joint disorders on brain magnetic resonance imaging in three-dimensional T2-weighted SPACE sequence performed for brain imaging.

The study aimed to determine the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) findings, to investigate the prevalence contribution of this sequence on cases in which cranial magnetic resonance examination was performed and three-dimensional (3D) T2-SPACE (T2-weighted sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip-angle evolutions) sequence was used by retrospectively scanning the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) archive of our hospital, and to reveal the advantages of the 3D-T2 SPACE sequence in patients with TMJ disorders. The cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted with 499 patients (289 females, 210 males; mean age: 50.1±17.7 years; range, 8 to 92 years) who underwent brain MRI and had 3D-T2 SPACE between March 1, 2021 and March 1, 2022. Two radiologists analyzed the TMJs of the subjects included in the study in 3D-T2 SPACE sequences. At least one incidental finding was detected in the TMJ in 37.1% (n=185) of the patients included in our study. In our study, the most common (13.6%) MRI findings were osteoarthritic changes and synovial cysts. Joint effusion (13.2%) and disc displacement (9%) were less frequent. When the relationship between the age of the patients and the presence of incidental findings, degeneration, effusion, disc displacement, and cyst was examined, the age of the patients with incidental findings (p=0.001) and osteoarthritic changes (p<0.001) was statistically significantly higher. Incidental findings, particularly osteoarthritic changes and synovial cysts, can be seen quite commonly in the TMJ in brain MRI using 3D T2-SPACE sequences in the general population. The 3D T2-SPACE sequence provides valuable information in the recognition of TMJ disorders.

Endovascular treatment strategy and clinical outcome of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula.

To evaluate treatment strategies and clinical outcomes following endovascular embolization of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas. We retrospectively analyzed 19 patients with tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery at Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital between October 2015 and May 2022, all treated with endovascular therapy. To collect and analyze patients' clinical presentation, imaging data, postoperative complications, and prognosis and to analyze the safety and clinical outcomes of endovascular treatment of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas. Imaging cure was achieved in 18 patients, with the arterial route chosen for embolization in 17 patients and the venous route in one patient; one patient received partial embolization. Staged embolization was performed in four patients. At postoperative follow-up of 9-83 months (37.8 ± 21.2), all 19 patients had recovered well (mRS score ≤ 2). Three patients experienced perioperative complications: intraoperative Onyx reflux into the middle cerebral artery in one patient; postoperative permanent limited left visual field loss and deafness in the left ear in one patient; and transient diplopia, vertigo, and decreased pain and temperature sensation of the left limb in one patient, with no abnormalities on post-procedure magnetic resonance examinations. A total of 17 patients completed a postoperative digital subtraction angiography review during follow-up, and one patient had a recurrence of an arteriovenous fistula. Endovascular treatment of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas is safe and effective. Reduction of the Borden or Cognard classification via eliminating cortical venous reflux through multi-staged embolization or combined open surgery is a reasonable goal of treatment where complete obliteration of the fistula is not achievable.

Decrease of 7T MR short-term effects with repeated exposure

PurposeAlthough participants in 7 T magnetic resonance (MR) studies tolerate ultra-high field (UHF) well, subjectively experienced short-term effects, such as dizziness, inconsistent movement, nausea, or metallic taste, are reported. Evidence on subjectively experienced short-term effects in multiple exposures to UHF MR is scarce. The purpose of this study is to investigated experience of short-term effects, and occurrence of motion in healthy subjects exposed to seven weekly 7 T MR examinations.MethodsA questionnaire on short-term effects was completed by participants in an fMRI motor skill study. Seven UHF MR examinations were conducted over 7 weeks (exposure number: 1 to 7). Changes of experienced short-term effects were analyzed. Motion in fMRI images was quantified.ResultsThe questionnaire was completed 360 times by 67 participants after one to seven 7T MR examinations. Logistic mixed model analysis showed a significant association between dizziness, inconsistent movement, nausea, and headache and the examination numbers (p<0.03). Exposure to repeated examinations had no significant effect on peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) or motion of the subjects. The overall experience of a 7T examination improved significantly (p<0.001) with increasing examination numbers.ConclusionDuring multiple 7T examinations, subjects adapt to the strong static field. The short-term effects dizziness, inconsistent movement, nausea, and headache decrease over time as the MR sessions continue and experienced comfort increases. There was no significant difference in motion during the multiple fMRI examinations.

Study on the positivity rate and influencing factors of anxiety in pregnant women during the first fetal magnetic resonance examination: A cross-sectional study.

This study investigated the positive rate and related influencing factors of anxiety screening in pregnant women during the first fetal magnetic resonance examination. A total of 303 pregnant women who met the criteria for magnetic resonance pregnancy examination in a Grade III maternity hospital from December 2021 to December 2022 were included by the convenience sampling method. A cross-sectional survey was conducted before the examination using the General Situation Questionnaire and Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). The positive rate of anxiety was 31.02% (94/303), and the average score of anxiety was 45.71±9.84. Univariate analysis results showed that age, educational level, occupation, place of residence, per capita monthly income, and number of pregnancies were related to the anxiety status of pregnant women in the fetal magnetic resonance examination (P<0.05). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the factor of college degree [OR: 2.168, 95% CI: (1.119, 4.273)] in the classification of cultural level and country factor [OR: 2.162, 95% CI: (1.066, 4.385)] in the classification of place of residence had an impact on the anxiety score of pregnant women in the fetal magnetic resonance examination (P<0.05). The positive rate of anxiety screening of pregnant women before the first prenatal magnetic resonance examination is high. A low education level and living in the countryside will increase the probability of anxiety in pregnant women during magnetic resonance examination. Based on the above research results, it is suggested that medical institutions pay attention to the mental health of pregnant women, improve mental health care services, and reduce the adverse psychological problems caused by prenatal examination.

Glucose Metabolism and Cognitive Decline in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Syndrome: A Preliminary Study.

Multiple studies have analyzed the possible correlations between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Less is known about the context of cognitive deterioration among patients with atypical Parkinsonian syndromes and glucose metabolism impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the impaired glucose metabolism and cognitive decline among patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS). The study included 22 patients with PSP and CBS with disease durations varying from 3 to 6 years. The levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), fasting blood glucose, fasting C-peptide and the presence of microalbuminuria were evaluated, and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed. Based on the OGTT results, the glycemic variability, mean glycemia, glycemia standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (%CV) were calculated. All patients underwent a three-Tesla brain magnetic resonance (MRI) examination and neuropsychological cognitive assessment with the use of standardized scales: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). A statistical analysis revealed that poor control of glycemia with high glycemic variability and increased atrophy of the medial temporal lobe among patients with PSP and CBS correlated with worse cognitive performance independent of age or sex, even among patients who did not fulfill the criteria for diabetes. The study results indicate the importance of glucose metabolism control and optimal treatment in the context of cognition maintenance among patients with PSP and CBS. Due to the relatively small number of analyzed patients, the issue requires further assessment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study discussing the role of glycemic variability in atypical Parkinsonian syndromes.

Prediction of osteoporosis using MRI and CT scans with unimodal and multimodal deep-learning models.

Osteoporosis is the systematic degeneration of the human skeleton, with consequences ranging from a reduced quality of life to mortality. Therefore, the prediction of osteoporosis reduces risks and supports patients in taking precautions. Deep-learning and specific models achieve highly accurate results using different imaging modalities. The primary purpose of this research was to develop unimodal and multimodal deep-learning-based diagnostic models to predict bone mineral loss of the lumbar vertebrae using magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) imaging. Patients who received both lumbar dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and MRI (n = 120) or CT (n = 100) examinations were included in this study. Unimodal and multimodal convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with dual blocks were proposed to predict osteoporosis using lumbar vertebrae MR and CT examinations in separate and combined datasets. Bone mineral density values obtained by DEXA were used as reference data. The proposed models were compared with a CNN model and six benchmark pre-trained deep-learning models. The proposed unimodal model obtained 96.54%, 98.84%, and 96.76% balanced accuracy for MRI, CT, and combined datasets, respectively, while the multimodal model achieved 98.90% balanced accuracy in 5-fold cross-validation experiments. Furthermore, the models obtained 95.68%-97.91% accuracy with a hold-out validation dataset. In addition, comparative experiments demonstrated that the proposed models yielded superior results by providing more effective feature extraction in dual blocks to predict osteoporosis. This study demonstrated that osteoporosis was accurately predicted by the proposed models using both MR and CT images, and a multimodal approach improved the prediction of osteoporosis. With further research involving prospective studies with a larger number of patients, there may be an opportunity to implement these technologies into clinical practice.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging detection of intramyocardial hemorrhage in patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction: comparison between susceptibility-weighted imaging and T1/T2 mapping techniques.

Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and T1/T2 mapping can be used to detect reperfusion intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. However, the sensitivity and accuracy of the SWI and T1/T2 mapping sequences were not systematically compared. The study aimed to evaluate image quality and diagnostic performance of SWI in patients with IMH, compared with T1/T2 mapping. A prospective study was conducted on consecutive acute STEMI patients who were recruited from January to July 2022. Within 2-6 days after reperfusion treatment, all patients underwent a 3T cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) examination, including T2-weighted short-tau inversion recovery (T2W-STIR), T1/T2 mapping, and SWI. A total of 36 patients [age, 56.50±17.25 years; males, 83.33% (30/36)] were enrolled. The relative infarct-remote myocardium signal intensity ratio (SIinfarct-remote) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated for each patient on T1/T2 mapping and SWI, and the difference between relative signal intensity-to-noise ratio (rSNR) in the IMH (rSNRIMH) was measured for IMH patients on T1/T2 mapping and SWI. SIinfarct-remote, CNR, and rSNRIMH were compared among the three sequences. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of three sequences by SIinfarct-remote and visual assessment. A total of 26 (72.22%) patients had IMH. Quantitatively, the SIinfarct-remote of three sequences had excellent diagnostic performance for detecting IMH [SWI area under the curve (AUC) =1.000, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.000-1.000 vs. T1 mapping AUC =0.954, 95% CI: 0.885-1.000 vs. T2 mapping AUC =0.985, 95% CI: 0.955-1.000; SWI vs. T1 mapping, P=0.300; SWI vs. T2 mapping, P=0.188; T1 mapping vs. T2 mapping, P=0.302). Qualitatively, three sequences had similar performance on detecting IMH (SWI AUC =0.895, 95% CI: 0.784-1.000; T1 mapping AUC =0.835, 95% CI: 0.711-0.958; and T2 mapping AUC =0.855, 95% CI: 0.735-0.974; SWI vs. T1 mapping, P=0.172; SWI vs. T2 mapping, P=0.317; T1 mapping vs. T2 mapping, P=0.710). The rSNRIMH was highest in T1 mapping, followed by T2 mapping and SWI, but SWI had the highest CNR. SWI, as well as T1/T2 mapping, is a feasible and accurate approach for clinical diagnosis of IMH with excellent performance.

The Visualization and Frequency of Cerebral Cavernous Angioma on Magnetic Resonance.

Cavernous angiomas (CAs) are abnormal, congenital, vascular malformations, which often grow in size over the course of life. Conservative treatment, microsurgical resection, and stereotactic radiosurgery are the three main options for treatment of CA. Radiological studies play a key role in diagnosis, with magnetic resonance (MR) being the method of choice. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of cavernous angiomas, the size, appearance, that is, the type of CAs and to determine visualization of cavernous angiomas by magnetic resonance. The study included all patients who underwent an MR of the brain in the period from January 2011 to the end of December 2017 at the Radiology Clinic of Tuzla University Clinical Centre, and in whom MR examination verified one or more CAs. The prevalence of cavernous angioma in the study was 0.57%, and men and women were equally represented. The number of cavernous angiomas per patient was between 1 and 79 ; the average diameter was 11mm, and the most common type at ≥ 3mm was equivalent to Type II, whilst the largest number of cavernous angiomas, regardless of the size and visualization on individual sequences, were equivalent to Type IV. No significant difference was found in sensitivity between spin echo sequence and T2W gradient echo sequence in the group comprised of cavernous angiomas ≥ 3mm, whilst in the group comprised of punctiform cavernomas < 3mm, T2W* was a significantly more sensitive sequence than spin echo, that is, spin echo sequence had significantly lower sensitivity in the detection of punctiform CAs. The prevalence of CAs was in line with the results of other studies. T2W* sequence is significantly more sensitive in comparison with spin echo only in the detection of punctiform CAs, and is important in the detection of multiple familiar CAs.

[Reduction of Motion Artifacts in Liver MRI Using Deep Learning with High-pass Filtering].

To investigate whether deep learning with high-pass filtering can be used to effectively reduce motion artifacts in magnetic resonance (MR) images of the liver. The subjects were 69 patients who underwent liver MR examination at our hospital. Simulated motion artifact images (SMAIs) were created from non-artifact images (NAIs) and used for deep learning. Structural similarity index measure (SSIM) and contrast ratio (CR) were used to verify the effect of reducing motion artifacts in motion artifact reduction image (MARI) output from the obtained deep learning model. In the visual assessment, reduction of motion artifacts and image sharpness were evaluated between motion artifact images (MAIs) and MARIs. The SSIM values were 0.882 on the MARIs and 0.869 on the SMAIs. There was no statistically significant difference in CR between NAIs and MARIs. The visual assessment showed that MARIs had reduced motion artifacts and improved sharpness compared to MAIs. The learning model in this study is indicated to be reduced motion artifacts without decreasing the sharpness of liver MR images.

METHODS OF RADIATION DIAGNOSTICS IN EXAMINATION OF PREGNANT WOMEN AT DIFFERENT GESTATIONAL AGE

Currently, due to a variety of radiation examination methods, the question arises about the safety of fetal health when choosing a method of examination for pregnant women. The purpose of the review is to analyze and evaluate current data concerning the opportunities of using X–ray and magnetic resonance examinations in pregnant women at different gestational age, taking into account minimization of possible adverse effects. Materials and methods. Domestic and foreign sources of literature from 1987 to 2022 were used, they were taken from electronic libraries of scientific publications and medical databases, in particular "CyberLeninka", "Google Academy", "ScienceResearch", Elibrary.ru and PubMed. The review included the sources relevant to the topic of this review, which were searched using keywords such as pregnancy, radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, ionizing radiation, fetus, scintigraphy, radiation diagnostics, dose absorbed by the fetus, ultrasound diagnostics and positron emission tomography, with the exception of sources that did not mention the influence of certain diagnostic methods directly on the pregnant woman and the fetus. Study results. Ionizing radiation represents the greatest danger during embryo implantation (the first 2-3 weeks of pregnancy), as well as during organogenesis (from the 5th to the 8th week of pregnancy), when the anlage and development of the main organs and systems occur. MRI throughout the gestation period is preferable to any other study using ionizing radiation, but during the first trimester of pregnancy, a careful, reasonable and balanced approach to the use of MRI is necessary if there are indications and there are no alternative diagnostic methods. Conclusions. If there is a threat to life, there are no absolute contraindications to examination by radiation methods of pregnant women at any gestation period; however, it is always necessary to adhere to the principle when the potential benefit of the study will exceed its possible risk.

Goniometric measurements of the femoral joint in dogs with hip dysplasia

Canine hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic dieseases presents in most breeds of dogs but more prevalent in large breeds. Clinical examination through tests such as Ortolani, Barlow, and Bardens, alongside with radiological, tomographic, magnetic resonance, and ultrasonographic examinations, are the only methods for screening and diagnosing canine hip dysplasia. Canine hip dysplasia can lead to other musckuloskeletal diseases, with the most common ones being cruciate ligaments tear and spinal conditions such as IVDD or degenerative myelopathy. To assess hip changes, it is recommended that the patient to be heavily sedated, and the standard exposure will be with the hips in forced extension. Among knee conditions related to hip dysplasia, the most commonly reported are patellar luxation, partial cranial cruciate ligament rupture, and osteoarthritic changes. A study conducted on 65 dogs found concurrent hip dysplasia and patellar luxation in 28% of cases. Clinical goniometry is an objective and non invasive method of measuring joint angles, allowing for the assessment of the normal range of joint movements. This method can indicate the severity of joint pathology. Currently, goniometry is often used in the field of imaging and it can be an important element in assessing the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of goniometric measurements at the knee and hip joint levels in dogs with hip dysplasia and if there is a correlation. A total of 10 dogs from varying breeds of dogs aging from 1 to 3 years old, were deeply sedated in order to measure perform the x-rays in ventro-dorsal hip extended view for measuring the Norberg angle (Na), anatomic Latero-Proximal Femoral Angle (aLPFA), anatomic Latero-Distal Femoral Angle (aLDFA), mechanical Latero-Distal Femoral Angle (mLDFA), mechanical Latero-Proximal Femoral Angle (mLPFA). All patients were part of the clinical cases present in our department and the written consent of the owners was obtained for each dog. Norberg and femoral angles were measured within the local DICOM viewer and the statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics. All images were reviewed by an ECVDI resident, a radiology professor and a radiology intern. All patients within our study had a Na under the reference value of 105º. All the femoral angles were within limits regarding their normal values. We conclude that there is not a signicative relation between the Na and the goniometric values obtained, most likely because of other factors that are influencing these measurements (ex. breed variations, femoral slightly rotation, muscle contracture due to poor anesthesia management, other musculoskeletal genetic disorders etc.). Further research on a more relevant statistical sample is recommended, in order to determine the normal goniometric values and the changes that appear in case of hip dysplasia.

Two-center validation of Pilot Tone based cardiac triggering of a comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance examination.

The electrocardiogram (ECG) signal is prone to distortions from gradient and radiofrequency interference and the magnetohydrodynamic effect during cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Although Pilot Tone Cardiac (PTC) triggering has the potential to overcome these limitations, effectiveness across various CMR techniques has yet to be established. To evaluate the performance of PTC triggering in a comprehensive CMR exam. Fifteen volunteers and 20 patients were recruited at two centers. ECG triggered images were collected for comparison in a subset of sequences. The PTC trigger accuracy was evaluated against ECG in cine acquisitions. Two experienced readers scored image quality in PTC-triggered cine, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and T1- and T2-weighted dark-blood turbo spin echo (DB-TSE) images. Quantitative cardiac function, flow, and parametric mapping values obtained using PTC and ECG triggered sequences were compared. Breath-held segmented cine used for trigger timing analysis was collected in 15 volunteers and 14 patients. PTC calibration failed in three volunteers and one patient; ECG trigger recording failed in one patient. Out of 1987 total heartbeats, three mismatched trigger PTC-ECG pairs were found. Image quality scores showed no significant difference between PTC and ECG triggering. There was no significant difference found in quantitative measurements in volunteers. In patients, the only significant difference was found in post-contrast T1 (p = 0.04). ICC showed moderate to excellent agreement in all measurements. PTC performance was equivalent to ECG in terms of triggering consistency, image quality, and quantitative image measurements across multiple CMR applications.