Time-signal Intensity Curve Research Articles

Diagnostic evaluations of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in mammary duct ectasia and breast cancer.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of mammary duct ectasia (MDE) and breast cancer. This retrospective study was performed on 35 patients with MDE and 105 patients with breast cancer using US and MRI. Imaging features, semi-quantitative and quantitative parameters were analyzed to determine their diagnostic value for MDE and breast cancer. The average age of patients with breast cancer was increased compared with that of patients with MDE. There were no significant differences in local packages with or without tenderness ratio (P=0.259) and grade of color Doppler flow imaging (P=0.273) between the two groups. However, the morphological changes were significantly increased in breast cancer compared with MDE. In addition, there were significant diagnostic differences in US and MRI between breast cancer and MDE, including resistance index, US elastography, time-signal intensity curve, apparent diffusion coefficient, early-stage enhancement ratio, peak-of-enhancement ratio and Tpeak (P<0.05). However, there were no observable significant diagnostic differences between US, MRI and US with MRI for MDE and breast cancer (P=0.103, P=0.263 and P=0.403 respectively). Diagnosis of MDE and breast cancer requires full evaluation of multiple parameters and morphological changes of US and MRI to increase the diagnostic efficiency. US, MRI and US with MRI were all of diagnostic value for MDE and breast cancer, while US with MRI had the highest efficacy.

3.0T MRI for long-term observation of lung nodules post cryoablation: a pilot study

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to use serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations to observe changes in malignant lung tumors over time post-cryoablation.MethodsThe study protocol was approved by Institutional Review Board, and written informed consent was obtained from each participant in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Patients with primary or metastatic lung tumors eligible for cryoablation were included in this prospective study. Cryoablation was performed according to standard procedures. Unenhanced and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI scans were performed pre-cryoablation and at 1 day, 1 week, and 3-, 6-, and 12 months after cryoablation. At each time point, the signal intensity of the ablated zone on both T1WI and T2WI images, and volume and characteristics of the ablation zone were examined, and changes over time analyzed.ResultsA total of 26 nodules in 23 patients were included in the study. The mean patient age was 53.7 ± 13.6 years, and 57.7% were males. Ablation zone volume increased to 1 week after the procedure, and then returned to baseline by 3 months. Cavitation post-cryoablation was found in 34.6% (9/26) of the nodules 1 month after treatment. Two types of time-signal intensity curves post-cryoablation were found: a straight line representing no definite enhancement from 1-day to 1-month, and an inflow curve representing mild delayed enhancement from month 3 to month 12. Local progression was associated with an incomplete hypointense rim around the ablation zone and absence of cavitation post-treatment.ConclusionsCharacteristic changes are present on MRI after cryoablation of lung tumors. A complete hypointense rim and cavitation may be signs of adequate treatment and that local tumor progression is less likely.

The value of DCE-MRI in assessing histopathological and molecular biological features in induced rat epithelial ovarian carcinomas

BackgroundTo investigate dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) for assessing histopathological and molecular biological features in induced rat epithelial ovarian carcinomas (EOCs).Methods7,12-dimethylbenz[A]anthracene (DMBA) was applied to induce EOCs in situ in 46 SD rats. Conventional MRI and DCE-MRI were performed to evaluate the morphology and perfusion features of the tumors, including the time-signal intensity curve (TIC), volume transfer constant (Ktrans), rate constant (Kep), extravascular extracellular space volume ratio (Ve) and initial area under the curve (IAUC). DCE-MRI parameters were correlated with histological grade, microvascular density (MVD), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fraction of Ki67-positive cells and the serum level of cancer antigen 125 (CA125).ResultsThirty-five of the 46 rats developed EOCs. DCE-MRI showed type III TIC more frequently than type II (29/35 vs. 6/35, p < 0.001) in EOCs. The two types of TIC of tumors had significant differences in the histological grade, MVD, expression of VEGF and Ki67, and the serum level of CA125 (all p < 0.01). Ktrans, Kep and IAUC values showed significant differences in different histological grades in overall and pairwise comparisons except for IAUC in grade 2 vs. grade 3 (all p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in Ve values among the three grade groups (p > 0.05). Ktrans, Kep and IAUC values were positively correlated with MVD, VEGF and Ki67 expression (all p < 0.01). Ve was not significantly correlated with MVD, VEGF expression, Ki67 expression and the CA125 level (all p > 0.05).ConclusionsTIC types and perfusion parameters of DCE-MRI can reflect tumor grade, angiogenesis and cell proliferation to some extent, thereby helping treatment planning and predicting prognosis.

Discrimination between benign and malignant breast lesions using volumetric quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging.

To determine the diagnostic performance of volumetric quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (qDCE-MRI) in differentiation between malignant and benign breast lesions. DCE-MRI was performed in 124 patients with 136 breast lesions. Quantitative pharmacokinetic parameters Ktrans, Kep, Ve, Vp and semi-quantitative parameters TTP, MaxCon, MaxSlope, AUC were obtained by using a two-compartment extended Tofts model and three-dimensional volume of interest. Morphologic features (lesion size, margin, internal enhancement pattern) and time-signal intensity curve (TIC) type were also assessed. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of malignancy, followed by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance. qDCE parameters (Ktrans, Kep, Vp, TTP, MaxCon, MaxSlope and AUC), morphological parameters and TIC type were significantly different between malignant and benign lesions (P≤0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that Ktrans, Kep, MaxSlope, size, margin and TIC type were independent predictors of malignancy. The diagnostic accuracy of logistic models based on qDCE parameters alone, morphological features plus TIC type, and all parameters combined was 94.9%, 89.0%, and 95.6% respectively. qDCE-MRI can be used to improve diagnostic differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions in relation to morphology and kinetic analysis. • qDCE-MRI parameters are useful for discriminating between malignant and benign breast lesions. • K trans , K ep and MaxSlope were independent predictors of breast malignancy. • qDCE-MRI has a better diagnostic ability than morphology and kinetic analysis. • qDCE-MRI can be used to improve the diagnostic accuracy of breast malignancy.

T1-Weighted Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MR Perfusion Imaging Characterizes Tumor Response to Radiation Therapy in Chordoma.

Chordomas notoriously demonstrate a paucity of changes following radiation therapy on conventional MR imaging. We hypothesized that dynamic contrast-enhanced MR perfusion imaging parameters of chordomas would change significantly following radiation therapy. Eleven patients with pathology-proved chordoma who completed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR perfusion imaging pre- and postradiation therapy were enrolled. Quantitative tumor measurements were obtained by 2 attending neuroradiologists. ROIs were used to calculate vascular permeability and plasma volume and generate dynamic contrast-enhancement curves. Quantitative analysis was performed to determine mean and maximum plasma volume and vascular permeability values, while semiquantitative analysis on averaged concentration curves was used to determine the area under the curve. A Mann-Whitney U test at a significance level of P < .05 was used to assess differences of the above parameters between pre- and postradiation therapy. Plasma volume mean (pretreatment mean = 0.82; posttreatment mean = 0.42), plasma volume maximum (pretreatment mean = 3.56; posttreatment mean = 2.27), and vascular permeability mean (pretreatment mean = 0.046; posttreatment mean = 0.028) in the ROIs significantly decreased after radiation therapy (P < .05); this change thereby demonstrated the potential for assessing tumor response. Area under the curve values also demonstrated significant differences (P < .05). Plasma volume and vascular permeability decreased after radiation therapy, suggesting that these dynamic contrast-enhanced MR perfusion parameters may be useful for monitoring chordoma growth and response to radiation therapy. Additionally, the characteristic dynamic MR signal intensity-time curve of chordoma may provide a radiographic means of distinguishing chordoma from other spinal lesions.

Preoperative predicting malignancy in breast mass-like lesions: value of adding histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient maps to dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for improving confidence level.

This study aims to find out the benefits of adding histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps onto dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in predicting breast malignancy. This study included 95 patients who were found with breast mass-like lesions from January 2014 to March 2016 (47 benign and 48 malignant). These patients were estimated by both DCE-MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and classified into two groups, namely, the benign and the malignant. Between these groups, the DCE-MRI parameters, including morphology, enhancement homogeneity, maximum slope of increase (MSI) and time-signal intensity curve (TIC) type, as well as histogram parameters generated from ADC maps were compared. Then, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the most valuable variables in predicting malignancy. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were taken to assess their clinical values. The lesion morphology, MSI and TIC Type (p < 0.05) were significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that irregular morphology, TIC Type II/III and ADC10 were important predictors for breast malignancy. Increased area under curve (AUC) and specificity can be achieved with Model 2 (irregular morphology + TIC Type II/III + ADC10 < 1.047 ×10-3 mm2 s-1) as the criterion than Model 1 (irregular morphology + TIC Type II/III) only (Model 2 vs Model 1; AUC, 0.822 vs 0.705; sensitivity, 68.8 vs 75.0%; specificity, 95.7 vs 66.0%). Irregular morphology, TIC Type II/III and ADC10 are indicators for predicting breast malignancy. Histogram analysis of ADC maps can provide additional value in predicting breast malignancy. Advances in knowledge: The morphology, MSI and TIC types in DCE-MRI examination have significant difference between the benign and malignant groups. A higher AUC can be achieved by using ADC10 as the diagnostic index than other ADC parameters, and the difference in AUC based on ADC10 and ADCmean was statistically significant. The irregular morphology, TIC Type II/III and ADC10 were significant predictors for malignant lesions.

Enhanced cell killing and apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells with ultrasound in combination with cetuximab coated albumin microbubbles

Targeted microbubbles have the potential to be used for ultrasound (US) therapy and diagnosis of various cancers. In the present study, US was irradiated to oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (HSC-2) in the presence of cetuximab-coated albumin microbubbles (CCAM). Cell killing rate with US treatment at 0.9 W/cm2 and 1.0 W/cm2 in the presence of CCAM was greater compared to non-targeted albumin microbubbles (p < .05). On the other hand, selective cell killing was not observed in human myelomonocytic lymphoma cell line (U937) that had no affinity to cetuximab. Furthermore, US irradiation in the presence of CCAM showed a fivefold increase of cell apoptotic rate for HSC-2 cells (21.0 ± 3.8%) as compared to U937 cells (4.0 ± 0.8%). Time-signal intensity curve in a tissue phantom demonstrated clear visualisation of CCAM with conventional US imaging device. Our experiment verifies the hypothesis that CCAM was selective to HSC-2 cells and may be applied as a novel therapeutic/diagnostic microbubble for oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Diagnostic value of combined diffusion-weighted imaging with dynamic contrast enhancement MRI in differentiating malignant from benign bone lesions

To determine the diagnostic value of combined diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with dynamic contrast enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in differentiating malignant from benign bone lesions. DWI and DCE-MRI were performed in 36 patients (14 were benign and 22 were malignant). The mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and signal enhanced extent (SEE), slope value, and time-signal intensity curve (TIC) type were recorded by two observers. Between-group comparison was made using the independent sample t-test and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. There was a significant difference between the mean ADC value of the benign ([1.75±0.50]×10-3mm2/s) and malignant ([1.11±0.47]×10-3mm2/s) groups (p=0.001). The threshold ADC value of ≤1.10×10-3mm2/s resulted in a sensitivity of 77.3%, a specificity of 92.9%, and an accuracy of 85.1%. A type III curve was found in 23 cases (21 malignant and two benign), a type II curve was seen in six cases (one malignant and five benign), and a type I curve in seven cases (all were benign). The SEE and slope values in the benign and malignant groups were 227.96±172.08, 325.60±125.86 (p=0.058); 0.97±0.67%/s, 3.19±3.20%/s (p=0.016), respectively. ROC analysis showed a sensitivity of 95.5%, a specificity of 85.7%, and an accuracy of 90.6% for malignancy, based on a slope cut-off value of >1.46%/s. Combining ADC and slope values resulted in a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 85.7%, and an accuracy of 92.9%. Both DWI and DCE-MRI showed promising results for differentiating malignant from benign bone lesions. A combination of DWI and DCE-MRI was the most valuable of the three.

Perfusion MR imaging detection of carcinoma arising from preexisting salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma by computer-assisted analysis of time-signal intensity maps.

Tumor perfusion can be evaluated by analyzing the time-signal intensity curve (TIC) after dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MR imaging. Accordingly, TIC profiles are characteristic of some benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. A carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) arises from a long-standing pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and has a distinctive prognostic risk depending on the tumor growth potential such as invasion beyond the preexisting capsule. Differentiating CXPA from PA can be very challenging. In this study, we have attempted to discriminate CXPA from PA based on a two-dimensional TIC mapping algorithm. TIC mapping analysis was performed on 8 patients with CXPA and 20 patients with PA after dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MR imaging using a 1.5-T MR system. The TIC profiles obtained were automatically categorized into 5 types based on the enhancement ratio, maximum time, and washout ratio (Type 1 TIC with flat profile, Type 2 TIC with slow uptake, Type 3 TIC with rapid uptake and a low washout ratio, Type 4 TIC with rapid uptake and a high washout ratio, and Type 5 TIC not otherwise specific). The percentage tumor areas with each of the 5 TIC types were compared between CXPAs and PAs. Stepwise differentiation and cluster analysis using multiple TIC cut-off thresholds distinguished CXPAs from PAs with 75% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 86% accuracy, and 86% positive and 90% negative predictive values, when tumors with ≤1.1% Type 1 and ≥15% Type 4, or those with ≤1.1% Type 1, ≥78.1% Type 2, ≥16.1% Type 3, and <15% Type 4, or those with >1.1% Type 1, ≥78.1% Type 2, and ≥16.1% Type 3 areas were diagnosed as CXPAs. The overall TIC profiles predicted some aggressive CXPA growth patterns. These results suggest that stepwise differentiation based on TIC mapping is helpful in differentiating CXPAs from PAs.

Prognostic Role of Conventional and Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Optic Pathway Gliomas.

The natural history of optic pathway glioma (OPG) is highly variable and unpredictable. We present a pilot study of the prognostic role of conventional and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE MRI) in the evaluation of OPG. We retrospectively reviewed 17 patients with 20 pretreatment OPG lesions who underwent conventional and DCE MRI between January 2010 and December 2016. Conventional MRI was evaluated for enhancement pattern, cystic component, optic nerve tortuosity, optic nerve dural ectasia, and optic nerve perineural thickening. The DCE MRI data were analyzed for quantitative parameters using the two-compartment pharmacokinetic model (Ktrans , kep , and ve ) and for semiquantitative parameters based on time-signal intensity curve (AUC60 , peak, and wash-in). The results were compared with the clinically progressive or nonprogressive tumor. Five progressive OPGs and 15 nonprogressive OPGs were included. Conventional MRI findings of diffuse enhancement and cystic component were significantly correlated with progressive OPGs (both P = .01). Conventional MRI yielded sensitivity of 60%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 90%. Ktrans , kep , and ve as well as AUC60 , peak, and wash-in were significantly higher in progressive OPGs (P < .05). Using DCE MRI increased diagnostic performance up to a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 93%, and accuracy of 95%. DCE MRI accurately distinguished progressive and nonprogressive OPGs, with high sensitivities and specificities. DCE MRI has a significant prognostic role in predicting progressive OPGs, thus making it useful for the identification of patients who need close clinical and imaging follow-up.

Correlation with MRI features, cell density and the expression of immunohistochemistry of pure mucinous breast carcinoma

Objective: To explore the MRI features of the pure mucinous breast carcinoma(PMBC) and the correlation with cell density and the expression of immunohistochemistry. Methods: MRI features of 35 pure mucinous carcinomas were retrospectively analyzed from January 2011 to May 2016 in Guangdong General Hospital. MR images were reviewed for shape, margin, the signal intensity, enhancement patterns of tumors and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) features and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value. All the patients were detected by immunohistochemical staining with expression of ER, PR, CerbB-2, Ki-67 and Her-2. Correlations between MRI features of PMBC and cell density and the expression of immunohistochemistry were analyzed. Results: A total of 16 oval masses(16/35, 45.7%) and 10 round masses(10/35, 28.6%)were found in 35 PMBC with clear boundary(26/35, 74.3%) and lobulated shape(31/35, 88.6%). Very high signal intensity on T(2)-weighted images was found in 33 PMBC (33/35, 94.3%) and early enhancement rate was 115%±9% for PMBC. 28 PMBC demonstrated persistent enhancing pattern on time-signal intensity curve and 7 PMBC demonstrated plateau pattern.Mean ADC value was (1.91±0.06)×10(-3)mm(2)/s for PMBC. There was significant difference with early enhancement rate and ADC value between PMBC with more or less quantities of cellular mucin (P<0.05). There was no significant difference with ER, PR, CerbB-2, Her-2 and Ki-67 expression between PMBC with more or less quantities of cellular mucin (all P>0.05). Conclusions: PMBC has distinctive MRI features. The prognosis of PMBC is better from correlation between MRI features, cell density and the expression of immunohistochemistry.

Basic principles of magnetic resonance imaging for beginner oral and maxillofacial radiologists

The basic principles and diagnostic methods of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for beginning surgeons are described in this review. MRI is an important technique that is essential for diagnoses in the maxillofacial area. It is a scanning method that obtains tomographic images of the human body using a magnetic field. In contrast to computed tomography, it does not utilize X-rays and, therefore, represents a noninvasive test that lacks radiation exposure. It is particularly effective for soft-tissue diagnoses. MRI involves imaging protons in vivo. Protons emit a signal when a radio frequency pulse is applied in a magnetic field; the MRI device then forms an image from these signals. The basic images produced are T1- and T2-weighted images; comparison of these images is the first step of MRI-based diagnosis. Short-T1 inversion recovery images, which eliminate the signal from fat, are also useful for diagnosis. Gadolinium is used as a contrast agent for MRI. Taking sequential images at fixed intervals while injecting the contrast agent and then graphing the contrast effect along the time axis produces a time–signal intensity curve, which is useful for identifying features such as malignant neoplasms based on the graph pattern.

Value of Dynamic Contrast-enhanced and Diffusion-weighted MR Imaging in the Detection of Pathologic Complete Response in Cervical Cancer after Neoadjuvant Therapy: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Purpose To evaluate the association between dynamic contrast material-enhanced (DCE) and diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with pathologic complete response after preoperative combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cervical carcinoma and evaluate the risk of local recurrence. Materials and Methods The institutional ethics committee approved the study and waived the requirement to obtain informed consent. The study comprised 52 patients with locally advanced carcinoma, treated first with combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy, who underwent MR imaging before final surgery between June 2011 and July 2015. Three radiologists evaluated conventional, DW, and DCE MR images to identify a complete response. The standard of reference was surgical-pathologic findings. Results An initial increase in signal intensity on DCE MR images that was greater in the cervical lesion than in the myometrium was defined as time-signal intensity curve type B and showed a significant association with incomplete response (P = .0004). DCE MR imaging parameters (ie, maximum slope enhancement, area under the gadolinium concentration-time curve during the first 90 seconds after gadolinium injection [AUGC90], and volume transfer constant [Ktrans]) and a low signal intensity on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were significantly associated with an incomplete response (P = .027, P = .041, P = .037, and P = .032, respectively). A mean ADC of 0.0014 m2/sec or less (hazard ratio [HR] = 8.3), low ADC signal intensity (HR = 7.3), high signal intensity at DW imaging (HR = 7.1), and time-signal intensity curve type B (HR = 4.3) were associated with earlier recurrence (P < .05). Excellent agreement between readers was found for time-signal intensity curve analysis (κ > 0.9) and the following parameters: AUGC90, Ktrans, and maximum slope enhancement (intraclass correlation coefficient, >0.9). Conclusion DCE MR imaging parameters, especially the time-signal intensity curve, and DW imaging are associated with complete response and incomplete response and could potentially help oncologists with management decisions. Moreover, DCE and DW MR imaging could help oncologists accentuate the follow-up for patients with a high risk of local recurrence to assess for recurrence. © RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Value of DCE-MRI and DWI in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory pseudotumor and lymphoma in the lacrimal gland

Objective: To evaluate the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR (DCE-MRI) and diffusion weighted MR (DWI) in differential diagnosis of inflammatory pseudotumor and lymphoma in the lacrimal gland. Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 24 cases of inflammatory pseudotumor and 22 cases of lymphoma in the lacrimal gland at Beijing Tongren Hospital confirmed by histological results were enrolled from January 2010 to January 2015.DCE-MRI and DWI were performed in these cases, and the type of time-signal intensity curve (time-intensity curve, TIC), the peak contrast index (CIpeak), maximum enhancement ratio (ERmax), washout ratio (WR) and ADC value were analyzed.Differences of these parameters between inflammatory pseudotumor and lymphoma in the lacrimal gland was evaluated by independent samples t test or Mann-Whitney U test.The receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate the utility of these parameters in discriminating the two diseases. Results: Type of TIC, CIpeak, WR, ERmax and ADC values were statistically different (all P<0.05) between the inflammatory pseudotumor and lymphoma in the lacrimal gland.ERmax, CIpeak and ADC values of inflammatory pseudotumor were greater than those of lymphoma, but the WR values of inflammatory pseudotumor was less than those of lymphoma.The area under the ROC of the CIpeak, WR, ERmax and ADC values was 0.68±0.08, 0.70±0.08, 0.70±0.08, 0.84±0.81 respectively.Using an ADC(b=0, 1000) value of 1.005×10(-3) mm(2)/s as the diagnostic threshold, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy to differentiate benign lesions from malignant lesions were 84.2%, 65.0% and 75.0% respectively.The diagnostic ability of DWI combined with DCE-MRI was superior to that of DCE-MRI(P=0.000) or DWI alone(P=0.008) with overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 86.3%, 87.5% and 86.9%. Conclusion: DCE-MRI and DWI may improve the diagnostic accuracy in differentiation of the inflammatory pseudotumors and lymphomas in the lacrimal gland, and play an important role in differentiation among them.

BOLD-fMRI with median nerve electrical stimulation predict hemodynamic improvement after revascularization in patients with moyamoya disease.

To assess the severity of cerebral hemodynamic impairment and hemodynamic improvements, after revascularization in moyamoya disease (MMD) by means of blood-oxygen-level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI). BOLD-fMRI with median nerve electrical stimulation based on echo planar imaging was performed in 73 volunteers with MMD and 15 healthy volunteers using a 3.0 Tesla MRI scanner. Twenty-four MMD patients were reexamined after encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis. Time-signal intensity curves of the activated area of the contralateral primary somatosensory cortex were computed. Negative response time (Tnr) and peak (Pnr), positive response time (Tpr) and peak (Ppr), and time to negative peak (TTPn) and positive peak (TTPp) were measured. Compared with nonparesthesia group and the asymptomatic side of paresthesia group, the patients with paresthesia showed extended Tnr (22.04 ± 3.34 s versus 9.57 ± 2.27 s and 12.67 ± 2.69 s, P = 0.0096), decreased Pnr (-0.47 ± 0.06 versus -0.30 ± 0.09 and -0.33 ± 0.09, P = 0.010), delayed TTPn (9.04 ± 1.39 s versus 3.66 ± 0.79 s and 4.88 ± 1.10 s, P = 0.0064), shortened Tpr (22.75 ± 2.30 s versus 36.85 ± 2.68 s and 33 ± 2.49 s, P = 0.0010), and decreased Ppr (0.62 ± 0.08 versus 0.99 ± 0.15 and 0.97 ± 0.11, P = 0.0149) when subjected to median nerve electrical stimulation in the symptomatic side. After surgery, the patients with paresthesia showed shorter Tnr (1.53 ± 1.66 s versus 17.88 ± 22.61 s, P = 0.0002), increased Pnr (-0.14 ± 0.17 versus -0.44 ± 0.53, P = 0.0178), advanced TTPn (1.29 ± 1.21 s versus 7.29 ± 8.21 s, P = 0.0005), extended Tpr (36.94 ± 6.41 s versus 25.18 ± 15.51 s, P = 0.0091), increased Ppr (1.21 ± 0.87 versus 0.77 ± 0.60, P = 0.0201), and advanced TTPp (11.18 ± 4.70 s versus 27.29 ± 20.00 s, P = 0.0046). Bold-fMRI is useful to assess disease severity and surgical efficacy in MMD. 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 4 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1159-1166.

Automatic ROI construction for analyzing time-signal intensity curve in dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the breast

Automatic ROI construction for analyzing time-signal intensity curve in dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the breast

The value of dynamic contrast\u2013enhanced MRI in characterizing complex ovarian tumors

BackgroundThe study aimed to investigate the utility of dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in the differentiation of malignant, borderline, and benign complex ovarian tumors.MethodsDCE-MRI data of 102 consecutive complex ovarian tumors (benign 15, borderline 16, and malignant 71), confirmed by surgery and histopathology, were analyzed retrospectively. The patterns (I, II, and III) of time-signal intensity curve (TIC) and three semi-quantitative parameters, including enhancement amplitude (EA), maximal slope (MS), and time of half rising (THR), were evaluated and compared among benign, borderline, and malignant ovarian tumors. The types of TIC were compared by Pearson Chi-square χ2 between malignant and benign, borderline tumors. The mean values of EA, MS, and THR were compared using one-way ANOVA or nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test.ResultsFifty-nine of 71 (83%) malignant tumors showed a type-III TIC; 9 of 16 (56%) borderline tumors showed a type-II TIC, and 10 of 15 (67%) benign tumors showed a type-II TIC, with a statistically significant difference between malignant and benign tumors (P < 0.001) and between malignant and borderline tumors (P < 0.001). MS was significantly higher in malignant tumors than in benign tumors and in borderline than in benign tumors (P < 0.001, P = 0.013, respectively). THR was significantly lower in malignant tumors than in benign tumors and in borderline than in benign tumors (P < 0.001, P = 0.007, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between malignant and borderline tumors in MS and THR (P = 0.19, 0.153) or among malignant, borderline, and benign tumors in EA (all P > 0.05).ConclusionsDCE-MRI is helpful for characterizing complex ovarian tumors; however, semi-quantitative parameters perform poorly when distinguishing malignant from borderline tumors.

High-Resolution Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Improves the Diagnostic Accuracy of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Sinonasal Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the incremental value of high-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping compared with that of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) sinonasal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the characterization of benign versus malignant sinonasal tumors at 3.0T. Ninety-eight patients (61 females, 37 males; mean age, 48 years) with sinonasal lesions who underwent high-resolution DW-MRI and DCE-MRI were included in this study. The lesions were divided into malignant and benign groups on the basis of pathological examination. In total, 58 malignant tumors and 40 benign tumors were evaluated. Apparent diffusion coefficients were acquired with 0 and 1000 s/mm b values. Semiquantitative parameters (time-signal intensity curve [TIC] type, time of peak enhancement within the first 2 minutes [Tpeak], peak percentage enhancement within the first 2 minutes [PEpeak], the last time point percentage enhancement [PElast], and the washout percentage-enhancement difference [PEwashout]) were derived from DCE-MRI. The DCE-MRI parameters and ADCs were included in multivariate models to predict a diagnosis of a benign versus malignant lesion. The accuracy using semiquantitative DCE-MRI parameters alone was 70.4% (0.693 area under the ROC curve, 57.5% sensitivity, 79.3% specificity). Adding absolute ADCs to dynamic contrast-enhanced MR data showed the higher diagnostic accuracy of 85.7% (0.873 area under the ROC curve, 85.0% sensitivity, 86.2% specificity). Moreover, the absolute ADCs differed significantly between the benign (mean [SD] ADC, 1.211 [0.32] × 10 mm/s) and malignant (mean [SD] ADC, 0.702 [0.28] × 10 mm/s) sinonasal tumors (P < 0.001). In addition, a significant difference was found between the ADC values of malignant and benign lesions in washout enhancement TICs (t = 7.039, P < 0.001). High-resolution DWI with ADC mapping significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic contrast-enhanced sinonasal MRI at 3.0T. In addition, ADC values could distinguish benign lesions from malignant tumors in washout enhancement TICs.

The value of Gd-BOPTA- enhanced MRIs and DWI in the diagnosis of intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma.

The aim of this study is to explore the value of unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), gadobenate dimeglumine injection (Gd-BOPTA)-enhanced MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the diagnosis of intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma (IMCC). Totally 59 IMCC patients who underwent Gd-BOPTA-enhanced MRIs were recruited. The time-signal intensity curves and lesion periphery enhancement rates of the IMCC and liver parenchyma was drawn using apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. The Gd-BOPTA-enhanced MRI showed that the peripheries of 30 lesions in the arterial phase exhibited irregular ring enhancement. However, lesions in the portal and delayed phases (which were gradually filled with a contrast agent), presented a patchy or latticed enhancement. Twenty-two lesions in the arterial and delayed phases exhibited uneven mild/moderate patchy enhancements with a progressive and centripetal lesion. Five lesions emerged from the arterial phase without any significant enhancement and had only gradual enhancement during the delayed phase. The remaining 2 lesions had a decreased mild enhancement, presented comparatively high signals and the lesion center had visible small spotted low signals. The DWI signals displayed a slightly high or high unevenness. Some lesion peripheries had a high signal but lesion centers displayed a relatively low or slightly low signal and irregular patches. There were significant differences between the ADC values of the lesion edge, lesion center and liver parenchyma. The IMCC detection rates of the Gd-BOPTA-enhanced MRI and DWI were higher than those of the unenhanced MRI. Our study demonstrated that both the Gd-BOPTA-enhanced MRI and DWI had higher accuracies rates than an unenhanced MRI. Furthermore, the hepatobiliary phase of IMCC plays an important role in the diagnosis and identification of IMCC constituents.

Correlation of MRI features and pathohistological prognostic factors in invasive ductal breast carcinoma

Objective: The aim of this study was to correlate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC) with pathohistological prognostic factors. Such an association, if present, could have significant translational implications for early identification of aggressive types of breast cancer.Materials and methods: One hundred and fourteen consecutive women with IDC who underwent breast MRI within one month prior to surgery were included in this retrospective study. MRI features were analyzed and then interpreted with a Göttingen score (GS) that included morphological (shape, margins, and pattern of enhancement) and kinetic characteristics (initial signal increase and post-initial behavior of the time-signal intensity curve). Histological specimens were analyzed for tumor size, axillary lymph node status, histological grade, estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), HER2, and Ki-67.Results: By multivariate analysis, a smooth margin was a significant, independent predictor of a larger tumor size (p = 0.041), lymph node invasion (p = 0.013), and lower expression of ER (p = 0.022). High GS was a significant, independent predictor of a higher histological grade (p = 0.022) while round or oval shape of lesion was independent predictor of a higher PR expression (p = 0.027).Conclusion: A smooth margin of breast cancer on breast MRI was able to predict positive axillary lymph nodes, larger tumor size, and lower expression of ER. Except for a higher histological grade, GS was not able to predict other unfavorable prognostic factors, probably due to the fact that smooth margins were assigned fewer points than spiculated margins.