Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) is a non-invasive method sensitive to local water motion in the tissue. As a tool to probe the microstructure, including the presence and ...potentially the degree of renal fibrosis, DWI has the potential to become an effective imaging biomarker. The aim of this review is to discuss the current status of renal DWI in diffuse renal diseases. DWI biomarkers can be classified in the following three main categories: (i) the apparent diffusion coefficient-an overall measure of water diffusion and microcirculation in the tissue; (ii) true diffusion, pseudodiffusion and flowing fraction-providing separate information on diffusion and perfusion or tubular flow; and (iii) fractional anisotropy-measuring the microstructural orientation. An overview of human studies applying renal DWI in diffuse pathologies is given, demonstrating not only the feasibility and intra-study reproducibility of DWI but also highlighting the need for standardization of methods, additional validation and qualification. The current and future role of renal DWI in clinical practice is reviewed, emphasizing its potential as a surrogate and monitoring biomarker for interstitial fibrosis in chronic kidney disease, as well as a surrogate biomarker for the inflammation in acute kidney diseases that may impact patient selection for renal biopsy in acute graft rejection. As part of the international COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) action PARENCHIMA (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers for Chronic Kidney Disease), aimed at eliminating the barriers to the clinical use of functional renal magnetic resonance imaging, this article provides practical recommendations for future design of clinical studies and the use of renal DWI in clinical practice.
To compare and combine dual-energy based and iterative metal artefact reduction on hip prosthesis and dental implants in CT.
A total of 46 patients (women:50%,mean age:63±15years) with dental ...implants or hip prostheses (n = 30/20) were included and examined with a second-generation Dual Source Scanner. 120kV equivalent mixed-images were derived from reconstructions of the 100/Sn140kV source images using no metal artefact reduction (NOMAR) and iterative metal artefact reduction (IMAR). We then generated monoenergetic extrapolations at 130keV from source images without IMAR (DEMAR) or from source images with IMAR, (IMAR+DEMAR). The degree of metal artefact was quantified for NOMAR, IMAR, DEMAR and IMAR+DEMAR using a Fourier-based method and subjectively rated on a five point Likert scale by two independent readers.
In subjects with hip prosthesis, DEMAR and IMAR resulted in significantly reduced artefacts compared to standard reconstructions (33% vs. 56%; for DEMAR and IMAR; respectively, p<0.005), but the degree of artefact reduction was significantly higher for IMAR (all p<0.005). In contrast, in subjects with dental implants only IMAR showed a significant reduction of artefacts whereas DEMAR did not (71%, vs. 8% p<0.01 and p = 0.1; respectively). Furthermore, the combination of IMAR with DEMAR resulted in additionally reduced artefacts (Hip prosthesis: 47%, dental implants 18%; both p<0.0001).
IMAR allows for significantly higher reduction of metal artefacts caused by hip prostheses and dental implants, compared to a dual energy based method. The combination of DE-source images with IMAR and subsequent monoenergetic extrapolation provides an incremental benefit compared to both single methods.
The differentiation of minimal-fat-or low-fat-angiomyolipomas from other renal lesions is clinically challenging in conventional computed tomography. In this work, we have assessed the potential of ...grating-based x-ray phase-contrast computed tomography (GBPC-CT) for visualization and quantitative differentiation of minimal-fat angiomyolipomas (mfAMLs) and oncocytomas from renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) on ex vivo renal samples.
Laboratory GBPC-CT was performed at 40 kVp on 28 ex vivo kidney specimens including five angiomyolipomas with three minimal-fat (mfAMLs) and two high-fat (hfAMLs) subtypes as well as three oncocytomas and 20 RCCs with eight clear cell (ccRCCs), seven papillary (pRCCs) and five chromophobe RCC (chrRCC) subtypes. Quantitative values of conventional Hounsfield units (HU) and phase-contrast Hounsfield units (HUp) were determined and histogram analysis was performed on GBPC-CT and grating-based attenuation-contrast computed tomography (GBAC-CT) slices for each specimen. For comparison, the same specimens were imaged at a 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner.
We have successfully matched GBPC-CT images with clinical MRI and histology, as GBPC-CT presented with increased soft tissue contrast compared to absorption-based images. GBPC-CT images revealed a qualitative and quantitative difference between mfAML samples (58±4 HUp) and oncocytomas (44±10 HUp, p = 0.057) and RCCs (ccRCCs: 40±12 HUp, p = 0.012; pRCCs: 43±9 HUp, p = 0.017; chrRCCs: 40±7 HUp, p = 0.057) in contrast to corresponding laboratory attenuation-contrast CT and clinical MRI, although not all differences were statistically significant. Due to the heterogeneity and lower signal of oncocytomas, quantitative differentiation of the samples based on HUp or in combination with HUs was not possible.
GBPC-CT allows quantitative differentiation of minimal-fat angiomyolipomas from pRCCs and ccRCCs in contrast to absorption-based imaging and clinical MRI.
We hypothesize that MRI-based renal compartment volumes, particularly renal sinus fat as locally and potentially independently acting perivascular fat tissue, increase with glucose intolerance. We ...therefore analyze the distribution of renal volumes in individuals with normal glucose levels and prediabetic and diabetic individuals and investigate potential associations with other typical cardiometabolic biomarkers.
The sample comprised N = 366 participants who were either normoglycemic (N = 230), had prediabetes (N = 87) or diabetes (N = 49), as determined by Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. Other covariates were obtained by standardized measurements and interviews. Whole-body MR measurements were performed on a 3 Tesla scanner. For assessment of the kidneys, a coronal T1w dual-echo Dixon and a coronal T2w single shot fast spin echo sequence were employed. Stepwise semi-automated segmentation of the kidneys on the Dixon-sequences was based on thresholding and geometric assumptions generating volumes for the kidneys and sinus fat. Inter- and intra-reader variability were determined on a subset of 40 subjects. Associations between glycemic status and renal volumes were evaluated by linear regression models, adjusted for other potential confounding variables. Furthermore, the association of renal volumes with visceral adipose tissue was assessed by linear regression models and Pearson's correlation coefficient.
Renal volume, renal sinus volume and renal sinus fat increased gradually from normoglycemic controls to individuals with prediabetes to individuals with diabetes (renal volume: 280.3±64.7 ml vs 303.7±67.4 ml vs 320.6±77.7ml, respectively, p < 0.001). After adjustment for age and sex, prediabetes and diabetes were significantly associated to increased renal volume, sinus volume (e.g. βPrediabetes = 10.1, 95% CI: 6.5, 13.7; p<0.01, βDiabetes = 11.86, 95% CI: 7.2, 16.5; p<0.01) and sinus fat (e.g. βPrediabetes = 7.13, 95% CI: 4.5, 9.8; p<0.001, βDiabetes = 7.34, 95% CI: 4.0, 10.7; p<0.001). Associations attenuated after adjustment for additional confounders were only significant for prediabetes and sinus volume (ß = 4.0 95% CI 0.4, 7.6; p<0.05). Hypertension was significantly associated with increased sinus volume (β = 3.7, 95% CI: 0.4, 7.0; p<0.05) and absolute sinus fat volume (β = 3.0, 95% CI: 0.7, 5.3; p<0.05). GFR and all renal volumes were significantly associated as well as urine creatinine levels and renal sinus volume (β = 1.6, 95% CI: 0.1, 2.9; p<0.05).
Renal volume and particularly renal sinus fat volume already increases significantly in prediabetic subjects and is significantly associated with VAT. This shows, that renal sinus fat is a perivascular adipose tissue, which early undergoes changes in the development of metabolic disease. Our findings underpin that renal sinus fat is a link between metabolic disease and associated chronic kidney disease, making it a potential imaging biomarker when assessing perivascular adipose tissue.
Private Equity in der Radiologie Notohamiprodjo Mike Prof Dr med; Engelmayer, Ulrike Dr; Remplik, Philipp Dr
Radiologe,
09/2022, Letnik:
62, Številka:
9
Journal Article
This study aims to investigate the correlation between spinopelvic parameters in supine position (pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), lumbar lordosis (LL)), disc degeneration ...and herniation of the thoracolumbar spine, as well as cardiovascular risk factors and back pain in a southern German cohort from the general population. This study is a cross-sectional, case-control study drawn from a prospective cohort of the "Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg/Kooperative Gesundheitsforschung in der Region Augsburg" study (KORA). In total, 374 participants (mean age 56.4 ± 9.2 years; 57.8% male) from the whole-body MRI cohort (FF4) were included. All participants underwent a standardized whole-body MRI on which disc degeneration of the thoracic and lumbar spine was evaluated using a sequence adapted Pfirrmann score. PI, PT, SS and LL were measured according to the description in the literature, using sagittal imaging. Furthermore, disc bulging and protrusion were assessed. Correlations were estimated by logistic regression models providing odds ratios. Mean PI was 54.0° ± 11.1°, PT 13.0° ± 5.8°, SS 40.2° ± 8.8° and LL 36.2° ± 9.6°. SS was greater in men (p<0.05) and lumbar lordosis in women (p<0.001). PT increased by 0.09° per age-year with rising age. Age was not associated with PI, SS and LL. Neither BMI, hypertension, cholesterol, lipid levels, nor physical activity were associated with PI, PT, SS or LL. Diabetes mellitus negatively correlated with SS (beta = -4.19; 95%CI -7.31-1.06, p<0.01). Smaller spinopelvic parameters (PI, SS and LL) where significantly (p<0.05) correlated with an increased frequency of disc bulging, as well as a local clustering in the lumbar, but not the thoracic spine. In conclusion, spinopelvic parameters, measured in supine position, are significantly correlated with disc bulging alone; there is no significant correlation between supine spinopelvic parameters and disc degeneration, back pain or cardiovascular risk factors.
Purpose
To systematically evaluate image characteristics of simultaneous‐multislice (SMS)‐accelerated diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) of the liver using different breathing schemes in comparison to ...standard sequences.
Materials and Methods
DWI of the liver was performed in 10 healthy volunteers and 12 patients at 1.5T using an SMS‐accelerated echo planar imaging sequence performed with respiratory‐triggering and free breathing (SMS‐RT, SMS‐FB). Standard DWI sequences served as reference (STD‐RT, STD‐FB). Reduction of scan time by SMS‐acceleration was measured. Image characteristics of SMS‐DWI and STD‐DWI with both breathing schemes were analyzed quantitatively (apparent diffusion coefficient ADC, signal‐to‐noise ratio SNR) and qualitatively (5‐point Likert scale, 5 = excellent). Qualitative and quantitative parameters were compared using Friedman test and Dunn‐Bonferroni post‐hoc method with P‐values < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results
SMS‐DWI provided diagnostic image quality in volunteers and patients both with RT and FB with a reduction of scan time of 70% (0:56 vs. 3:20 min in FB). Overall image quality did not significantly differ between FB and RT acquisition in both STD and SMS sequences (median STD‐RT 5.0, STD‐FB 4.5, SMS‐RT: 4.75; SMS‐FB: 4.5; P = 0.294). SNR in the right hepatic lobe was comparable between the four tested sequences. ADC values were significantly lower in SMS‐DWI compared to STD‐DWI irrespective of the breathing scheme (1.2 ± 0.2 × 10‐3 mm2/s vs. 1.0 ± 0.2 × 10‐3 mm2/s; P < 0.001).
Conclusion
SMS‐acceleration provides considerable scan time reduction for hepatic DWI with equivalent image quality compared to the STD technique both using RT and FB. Discrepancies in ADC between STD‐DWI and SMS‐DWI need to be considered when transferring the SMS technique to clinical routine reading. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;44:865–879.
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of temporal resolution on semiquantitative and pharmacokinetic parameters from dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ...their diagnostic accuracy regarding the detection of potentially malignant prostate lesions.
Sixty consecutive male patients (age, 64.5 ± 7.0 years) with clinically suspected prostate cancer were included. All patients underwent multiparametric MRI of the prostate (T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted imaging, and DCE-MRI) on a 3 T MRI scanner. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score of the detected lesions (group A: PI-RADS score ≤3, n = 30; group B: PI-RADS score >3, n = 30). In all patients, DCE-MRI was performed using a CAIPIRINHA-Dixon-TWIST Volume-Interpolated Breath-Hold Examination sequence (spatial resolution, 3 × 1.2 × 1.2 mm; temporal resolution, 5 seconds; total sampling duration, 4:10 minutes 250 seconds) with body weight-adapted administration of contrast agent (gadobutrol, Gadovist; Bayer Healthcare, Berlin, Germany). Six DCE-MRI series with different temporal resolutions ranging from 5 to 30 seconds per time point were retrospectively generated from the original data sets. Semiquantitative parameters (ie, wash-in, wash-out, and time-to-peak TTP) as well as pharmacokinetic parameters (ie, Ktrans, Kep, and ve) were calculated for the different temporal resolutions. Both lesion groups and all 6 DCE-MRI series were compared regarding semiquantitative and pharmacokinetic parameters. Diagnostic accuracy for the detection of potentially malignant lesions was calculated for all 6 series using ROC analysis.
A significant effect of temporal resolution was found on wash-in (P < 0.001). Series with temporal resolution lower than 10 s/time point showed significantly lower wash-in values with more pronounced effects in group B compared with group A. For 30-second series, the differences between both groups diminished reaching insignificant levels (P = 0.052), resulting in a significant decrease of the diagnostic accuracy of wash-in (area under the curve, 0.609; 95% confidence interval, 0.451-0.766; P < 0.015). No significant effects were detected on wash-out. For TTP, a significant effect of temporal resolution was detected (P < 0.001) with significantly increasing TTP levels for all down-sampled series compared with the original 5-second series. These effects did not impact the diagnostic accuracy of TTP. No significant effects of temporal resolution were detected on pharmacokinetic parameters (P < 0.112).
In DCE-MRI of the prostate, temporal resolution affects the diagnostic performance of semiquantitative parameters. For a sufficient detection of malignant prostate lesions on DCE-MRI, a temporal resolution of at least 10 s/time point or higher is recommended.
The use of engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as therapeutic vehicles for the treatment of experimental pancreatic and breast cancer has been previously demonstrated. The potential application ...of MSCs for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been controversial. The general approach uses engineered MSCs to target different aspects of tumor biology, including angiogenesis or the fibroblast-like stromal compartment, through the use of tissue-specific expression of therapeutic transgenes. The aim of the present study was (1) to evaluate the effect of exogenously added MSCs on the growth of HCC and (2) the establishment of an MSC-based suicide gene therapy for experimental HCC.
Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from bone marrow of C57/Bl6 p53(-/-) mice. The cells were injected into mice with HCC xenografts and the effect on tumor proliferation and angiogenesis was evaluated. The cells were then stably transfected with red fluorescent protein (RFP) or Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-Tk) gene under control of the Tie2 promoter/enhancer or the CCL5 promoter. Mesenchymal stem cells were injected intravenously into mice with orthotopically growing xenografts of HCC and treated with ganciclovir (GCV).
Ex vivo examination of hepatic tumors revealed tumor-specific recruitment, enhanced tumor growth, and increased microvessel density after nontherapeutic MSC injections. After their homing to the hepatic xenografts, engineered MSCs demonstrated activation of the Tie2 or CCL5 promoter as shown by RFP expression. Application of CCL5/HSV-TK transfected MSCs in combination with GCV significantly reduced tumor growth by 56.4% as compared with the control group and by 71.6% as compared with nontherapeutic MSC injections. CCL5/HSV-TK(+) transfected MSCs proved more potent in tumor inhibition as compared with Tie2/HSV-TK(+) MSCs.
Exogenously added MSCs are recruited to growing HCC xenografts with concomitant activation of the CCL5 or Tie2 promoters within the MSCs. Stem cell-mediated introduction of suicide genes into the tumor followed by prodrug administration was effective for treatment of experimental HCC and thus may help fill the existing gap in bridging therapies for patients suffering from advanced HCCs.
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