Because of the long acquisition time and spin-echo planar imaging sequence, diffusion weight magnetic resonance image (DWI) should be denoised effectively to ensure the follow-up applications. The commonly used denoising methods which induced from gray level image lack the use of the specific information from multiple magnitude directions. This paper, therefore, proposes a modified linear minimum mean square error (LMMSE) denosing method used for DWI. The proposed method uses the local information to estimate the parameter of the Rician noise and modifies the LMMSE using the information of multiple magnitude directions synthetically. The simulation and experiment of the synthetic DWI and real human brain DWI dataset demonstrate that the proposed method can more effectively remove the Rician noise compared to the commonly used denoising method and improve the robustness and validity of the diffusion tensor magnetic resonance image (DTI).
目的 探讨囊性脑膜瘤的磁共振表现、表观弥散系数（ADC）图的影像特点、ADC值与病理分级的关系及ADC值对判断不同病理亚型脑膜瘤的价值。 方法 回顾性分析2003年3月－2007年12月18例经病理证实的囊性脑膜瘤患者的磁共振表现，其中男8例，女10例，平均年龄45.6岁。在ADC图上分别测量肿瘤实质、瘤周水肿、囊变区的平均ADC值（均取4～6个区域，取平均值），比较不同病理亚型、不同病理分级的肿瘤实质、瘤周水肿、囊变区的ADC值差异是否有统计学意义。 结果 良恶性脑膜瘤肿瘤实质ADC值差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）；囊性脑膜瘤各亚型间的肿瘤实质、瘤周水肿的ADC值差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）；肿瘤实质、囊变区与瘤周水肿平均ADC值相比差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。 结论 ADC值可区分肿瘤实质、囊变区及瘤周水肿，但对脑膜瘤亚型及良恶性的甄别需结合常规MRI与增强的征象。Objective To explore the MRI imaging manifestation, features of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map and the relationships among ADC value, pathologic grading and pathologic subtype of cystic meningioma. Methods The clinical data of 18 patients (8 males and 10 females, with an average age of 45.6 years) with cystic meningiomas confirmed by pathologically examination were retrospectively analyzed. The ADC values of tumor parenchyma, peritumoral edema, cystic regions and the contralateral normal brain of the tumor parenchyma were measured and analyzed.The ADC value of the tumor parenchyma, peritumoral edema, cystic region were measured and then compared with the pathological findings. P value of less than 0.05 was considered as having a statistically significant difference. Results There was no significant difference in ADC values between benign and malignant meningioma and also among the tumor parenchyma, periedema and cystic region in different pathological subtypes. The difference in ADC values amongst tumor parenchyma, peritumoral edema and cystic region were statistically significant (P＜0.05). Conclusions Although ADC quantitative measurement allows the differentiation of the tumor parenchyma, cystic region and peri-edema, it is need to combined with conventional MR examination to assess tumor malignancy as well as grading in cystic meningioma.
Objective To investigate the magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） assessment and functional evaluation of chronic pancreatitis （CP）. Methods Literatures about MRI assessment of CP （especially the evaluation of pancreatic exocrine function with MRI） were reviewed. Results Some early parenchymal changes （pancreatic size，signal intensity of pancreas， and enhancement pattern） in the CP could be visualized by MRI；ductal changes could be visualized by MR cholangiopancreatography （MRCP）；and secretin-stimulated MRCP （combination of both morphologic and functional evaluation） not only improved the visualization of pancreatic duct and side branches，but also allowed evaluation of the pancreatic exocrine function noninvasively. Secretin-stimulated diffusion weighted imaging also could be used as a noninvasive method to assess pancreatic exocrine function. Conclusions Conventional MRI and （or） secretin-stimulated MRI can become valuable means in CP （especially early-stage CP）， with furnishing morphologic and functional information simultaneously. However，further research is needed to verify the diagnostic accuracy of these modalities.
ObjectiveTo analyze findings of 3.0 T diffusion weighted magnetic resonance (MR) in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis and evaluate potential role of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis. MethodsThe clinical data of 26 patients with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis from November 2013 to January 2015 in this hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Hepatic MR scannings with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) sequences (b-value=0, 600, 1 000, and 1 200 s/mm2) were performed in 26 patients with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis. The data of all the patients were stored to the PACS. The lesion features including type, size, distribution, location, and calcification (on the CT) were assessed by two deputy radiologists. TheADCvalues of marginal area, centre area, surrounding area of liver parenchyma tissue were measured at different b values (0, 600, 1 000, and 1 200 s/mm2) and compared. Results①There were 26 patients with a total of 29 lesions, of which involved multiple liver segments, 21 (72%) lesions located in the right lobe, 4 lesions involved simultaneously the left and right lobes. Twenty-four lesions invaded the hepatic vein or portal vein, 20 lesions invaded the intrahepatic bile duct, 10 lesions invaded the right adrenal gland. Seven patients occurred hilar and retroperitoneal lymph nodes metastases, 5 patients occurred pulmonary metastasis, 3 patients occurred brain metastasis, while 3 patients occurred lung and brain metastases simultaneously. ②There were 20 liquefied necrotic lesions, of which 5 lesions marginal area had multiple small round cysts in T2WI, 15 were only solid and without small cyst; The DWI of the centre area in 12 lesions showed a high signal, 8 lesions showed a low signal. There were 9 solid lesions, of which 2 lesions marginal area had multiple small round cysts in T2WI, 7 lesions marginal area were only solid and without cyst in T2WI. The DWI of the solid lesions showed a low signal, there was a "ring" high signal in the edge of lesions. ③At the same b value, theADCvalue of the centre area in the liquefied necrosis lesions were significantly higher than that in the solid lesions (P<0.01). At different b values, theADCvalue of the surrounding liver parenchyma tissue was significantly lower than that of the marginal area (P<0.01) and the centre area (P<0.01) in the liquefied necrosis lesions; theADCvalue of the centre area was significantly higher than that of the marginal area or surrounding liver parenchyma tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the solid lesions. ConclusionsDWI could clearly distinguish structure and composition of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis and has a higher value in distinguishing from other liver dieases. The averageADCvalue of centre area in liquefied necrotic lesions is higher than that in solid lesions.
ObjectiveTo discuss the evaluation of clinical grading for neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) by diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the DWI findings of 39 neonates with HIE diagnosed by clinical criteria from December 2009 to July 2013. Abnormal signals were observed for 23 neonates (59%). These neonates were divided into three groups (group A, B and C) according to the shape and range of abnormal signals. Then Kappa test was performed between groups of different clinical grading (light, medium, severe). ResultsFor groups arranged based on abnormal signals and clinical grading, the Kappa value of the consistency test was 0.797 (P < 0.001). ConclusionsDWI negativity cannot exclude the existence of HIE. However, when abnormal signals occur, we can infer the severity in neonates with HIE according to the shape and range of abnormal signals by DWI.
ObjectiveTo investigate the value of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) combined with three-dimensional volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (3D-VIBE) in evaluating metastatic lymph nodes secondary to hilar cholangiocarcinoma. MethodsFrom July 2009 to March 2011, DWI examination was performed in 37 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma, which was compared with 3D-VIBE sequences. The morphological characteristics and distribution were analyzed for metastatic and nonmetastatic lymph nodes. Signal intensity (SI) was measured on DWI images and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was calculated for each lymph node. The SI of lymph nodes (SILN） and liver (SIliver) were also measured and the ratio of SI was calculated. The ADC and the ratio of SI were compared between metastatic and nonmetastatic lymph nodes. ResultsThere were fifty-nine groups of lymph nodes in 37 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma, fifty-one groups were revealed in both DWI and 3D-VIBE sequences, and eight groups were only demonstrated in one sequence (P=0.070). The short diameters were (1.05±0.42) cm and (0.78±0.22) cm on 3D-VIBE images for metastatic and nonmetastatic lymph nodes, respectively (P=0.030). The ADC value in metastatic lymph nodes was (1.64±0.3)×10-3 mm2/s, which was significantly lower than that in nonmetastatic lymph nodes 〔(2.28±0.79)×10-3 mm2/s〕 on DWI images (P=0.033). There were no significant differences in SILN/SIliver between metastatic and nonmetastatic lymph nodes on images of portal venous phase and 3 min delayed contrast-enhanced phase. ConclusionsDifferences of ADC and short diameter can provide valuable information to differentiate metastatic lymph nodes with nonmetastatic lymph nodes. When combined with 3D-VIBE sequence, DWI is more effective in evaluating metastatic lymph nodes secondary to hilar cholangiocarcinoma.
Objective To review the examination techniques and the current research progress of the magnetic resonance diffusion weighted-imaging (DWI) used in liver. Methods The recent and relevant literatures about the principles and the current study situation of liver DWI were scrutinized and analyzed retrospectively. In addition, the existing problems of liver DWI were discussed. Results DWI could demonstrate the normal and abnormal structure and function through measuring the diffusion motions of water molecule in the liver. With the improving technology and better understanding of diffusion dynamics, DWI has been used for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis for hepatic diseases. Conclusion DWI as a non-invasive examine method, may provide valuable functional information for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Objective To summarize the principle and application of functional MR imaging of pancreatic carcinoma and chronic mass-forming type pancreatitis. Methods Articles about diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), magnetic resonance spectrum imaging (MRSI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging of pancreatic carcinoma and chronic pancreatitis were reviewed and analyzed. Results Functional MR imaging could reflected the differences in molecules diffusion, metabolism and tissue perfusion between pancreatic carcinoma and chronic pancreatitis. Conclusion As a non-invasive protocol, functional MR imaging can provide useful information in differential diagnosis between chronic mass-forming type pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma.