[Dynamic Changes of Fast Spin-echo T 2 Weighted Images Displayed Topical Reactions to Micro-invasive Catgut-embedment of Zusanli (ST 36) in Healthy Volunteer Subjects].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To observe the duration of local reactions after subcutaneous micro-invasive catgut-embedding stimulation in Zusanli(ST 36) region in normal human body by using magnetic resonance (MR) T 2-mapping, so as to find a reasonable interval between every two catgut-embedding performance. METHODS: A total of 8 normal volunteers (3 women, and 5 men) were enrolled in the present study. Before and 8 h, and 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after the subcutaneous micro-invasive embedment of catgut (Gauge 2.0, 2 cm long) in the left Zusanli (ST 36) area, the local T 2-weighted images (T 2 WI) and fat-suppression T 2-weighted images (FS T 2 WI) were detected and recorded by using MR scan (GE Optima MR 360 1.5 T) and analyzed using FuncTool software. RESULTS: Compared with pre-catgut-embedment, the local signal strength of T 2 FS WI and T 2 relaxation time began to rise on the 8th hour after catgut-embedment, peaked on the 3rd day, began to descend on the 7th day, but being still higher than pre-embedment, and turned to the normal level on the 21st day to the 35th day. Results of statistical analysis displayed that compared with pre-catgut-embedment, T 2 relaxation time levels were significantly higher on the 8th h, day 3, 7 and 14 after the embedment (P<0.01), and were comparable to that of pre-embedment on day 21, 28 and 35 (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Catgut-embedment of Zusanli (ST 36) induces an apparent change of MRI signals from the 8th h to the 14th day in normal volunteer subjects, suggesting that an interval of 21 days may be reasonable for the micro-invasion catgut-embedment in clinical practice.