Functional magnetic resonance imaging reveals abnormal brain connectivity in EGR3 gene transfected rat model of schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is characterized by the disorder of "social brain". However, the alternation of connectivity density in brain areas of schizophrenia patients remains largely unknown. In this study, we successfully created a rat model of schizophrenia by the transfection of EGR3 gene into rat brain. We then investigated the connectivity density of schizophrenia susceptible regions in rat brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in combination with multivariate Granger causality (GC) model. We found that the average signal strength in prefrontal lobe and hippocampus of schizophrenia model group was significantly higher than the control group. Bidirectional Granger causality connection was observed between hippocampus and thalamic in schizophrenia model group. Both connectivity density and Granger causality connection were changed in prefrontal lobe, hippocampus and thalamus after risperidone treatment. Our results indicated that fMRI in combination with GC connection analysis may be used as an important method in diagnosis of schizophrenia and evaluation the effect of antipsychotic treatment. These findings support the connectivity disorder hypothesis of schizophrenia and increase our understanding of the neural mechanisms of schizophrenia.

Assessment of myocardial bridge and mural coronary artery using ECG-gated 256-slice CT angiography: a retrospective study.

Recent clinical reports have indicated that myocardial bridge and mural coronary artery complex (MB-MCA) might cause major adverse cardiac events. 256-slice CT angiography (256-slice CTA) is a newly developed CT system with faster scanning and lower radiation dose compared with other CT systems. The objective of this study is to evaluate the morphological features of MB-MCA and determine its changes from diastole to systole phase using 256-slice CTA. The imaging data of 2462 patients were collected retrospectively. Two independent radiologists reviewed the collected images and the diagnosis of MB-MCA was confirmed when consistency was obtained. The length, diameter, and thickness of MB-MCA in diastole and systole phases were recorded, and changes of MB-MCA were calculated. Our results showed that among the 2462 patients examined, 336 have one or multiple MB-MCA (13.6%). Out of 389 MB-MCA segments, 235 sites were located in LAD2 (60.41%). The average diameter change of MCA in LAD2 from systole phase to diastole phase was 1.1 ± 0.4 mm, and 34.9% of MCA have more than 50% diameter stenosis in systole phase. This study suggested that 256-slice CTA multiple-phase reconstruction technique is a reliable method to determine the changes of MB-MCA from diastole to systole phase.

[Morphological and quantitative evaluation of myocardial bridge and mural coronary artery with 256-slice CT angiography: initial clinical experience].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the morphological characteristics of myocardial bridge and mural coronary artery (MB-MCA) and initially quantify the changes of MB-MCA in diastole and systole phase with multiple-phase reconstruction technique using 256-slice CT angiography (256-slice CTA). METHODS: We retrospectively collected the coronary artery imaging data of 861 patients undergoing 256-slice CTA with suspected or documented coronary artery disease. The images were reviewed by two independent radiologists, the diagnosis of MB-MCA was confirmed when consistency was obtained. The length, diameter and thickness of MB-MCA in the middle segment of LAD (LAD2) in diastole and systole phase were recorded, and changes of MB-MCA were calculated. RESULTS: Among the 861 patients, 150 MB-MCA were found in 131 patients (15.2%). 99 MB-MCA (66.0%) were located in LAD2, the remaining 51 (34.0%) in the other segments of coronary arteries. The average length and thickness of MB was (17.6 ± 5.7) mm and (2.6 ± 0.7) mm, respectively. The average diameter change of MCA in LAD2 from systole phase to diastole phase was (1.2 ± 0.5) mm, and 41% of MCA have diameter stenosis more than 50% in systole phase. CONCLUSION: The changes of MB-MCA from diastole to systole phase could be determined to some extent by 256-slice CTA multiple-phase reconstruction technique.

Effects of formoterol-budesonide on airway remodeling in patients with moderate asthma.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of inhaled formoterol-budesonide on airway remodeling in adult patients with moderate asthma. METHODS: Thirty asthmatic patients and thirty control subjects were enrolled. Asthmatic subjects used inhaled Symbicort 4.5/160 µg twice daily for one year. The effect of formoterol-budesonide on airway remodeling was assessed with comparing high-resolution computer tomography (HRCT) images of asthmatic patients and controls, as well as expression levels of cytokines and growth factors, inflammatory cell count in induced sputum, and airway hyper-responsiveness. RESULTS: The differences in age and gender between the two groups were not significant. However, differences in FVC %pred, FEV(1) %pred, and PC(20) between the two groups were significant. After treatment with formoterol-budesonide, the asthma patients' symptoms were relieved, and their lung function was improved. The WT and WA% of HRCT images in patients with asthma was increased, whereas treatment with formoterol-budesonide caused these values to decrease. The expression of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TGF-ß(1) in induced sputum samples increased in patients with asthma and decreased dramatically after treatment with formoterol-budesonide. The WT and WA% are correlated with the expression levels of cytokines and growth factors, inflammatory cell count in induced sputum, and airway hyper-responsiveness, while these same values are correlated negatively with FEV(1)/FVC and FEV(1)%. CONCLUSION: Formoterol-budesonide might interfere in chronic inflammation and airway remodeling in asthmatic patients. HRCT can be used to effectively evaluate airway remodeling in asthmatic patients.

[Analysis of the correlation between the degree of GBWT and hemodynamic changes of portal vein system].

We retrospectively collected the ultrasound imaging data of 152 patients with cirrhosis, the gallbladder wall thickness (GBWT) and portal hemodynamics parameters (portal vein diameter, portal vein mean flow velocity, portal vein blood flow) were recorded,and SPSS 11.0 software was used to analyze the correlation between them. The results revealed that there was good correlation between portal vein diameter and the degree of gallbladder wall thickening (r 0.944, P < 0.05). Portal vein mean velocity and portal vein blood flow were both negatively correlated with gallbladder wall thickness (r = -0.939 or r = -0.950, respectively; both P < or = 0.005). These indicate that gallbladder wall thickening is closely related to hemodynamic parameters. It is feasible to predict the degree of portal hypertension through the observation of gallbladder wall thickening in patients with liver cirrhosis.

[Imaging-anatomic study of diaphragmatic sternocostal triangle with double-phase 16-row MDCT].

This study was aimed to determine the effects of respiratory phase, age, sex and body mass indexes (BMI) on the visibility and morphological characteristics of the diaphragmatic sternocostal triangle in normal adults shown by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). A total of 100 normal adults were consecutively recruited and scanned with 16-row MDCT at the end of deep expiration and inspiration. The visibility and morphological characteristics of diaphragmatic sternocostal triangle were observed. All cases were grouped according to the respiratory phase, age, sex and BMI, respectively. The visibility rates by MDCT among different types of sternocostal triangles at the inspiratory or the expiratory phases were calculated and compared, and the visibility rate was correlated with age, sex, and BMI, respectively. In addition, the CT features of diaphragmatic hernia (n=2) were recorded and analyzed. The visibility rate of trigonum sternocostal was 43% at the end of inspiration and 32% at the end of expiration. No difference was found in regard to age, gender and BMI (P > 0.05). Rupture of diaphragm and the features of adjacent abdominal organs into thoracic cavity were revealed clearly on multiplanar reformation (MPR) images of MDCT in 2 patients with diaphragmatic hernia. The visibility rates of diaphragmatic sternocostal triangle were associated with the respiratory movement. MPR on MDCT could be useful for revealing the anatomic structure of diaphragm and the radiological features of diaphragmatic hernia. Furthermore, double-phase scanning of MDCT provides feasible method for studying the physiologic information of diaphragm movement in normal status and abnormal status.

[Assessment of global left and right ventricular function with 64 multi-detector row computed tomography in healthy adults].

To evaluate the global left and right ventricular function and establish the CT reference data of global ventricular function parameters in normal people, 56 normal subjects (male, 28 cases; female, 28 case) were scanned with retrospective ECG gated 64-detector row CT. Ten time-phases in the cardiac cycle were reconstructed and short-axis images were acquired. On the cardiac analysis software, endo-cardium and epi-cardium of left and right ventricle were delineated and global function parameters were calculated. Left and right ventricular end-diastolic volume (LV/RVEDV), end-systolic volume (LV/RVESV), stroke volume (LV/RVSV), and wall mass (LV/RVWM) were significantly greater (P < 0.05) in men than in women, but cardiac output (LV/RVCO) and ejection fraction (LV/RVEF) exhibited no difference in women and men. In man group and woman group, LVWM was greater than RVWM (P < 0.01). LVESV, RVESV and body mass Index (BMI) were shown to have significant negative-correlation; the correlation coefficient = -0.54 and r = -0.53. LV/RVSV, LV/RVEF and BMI were noted to have significant positive-correlation; the correlation coefficients were 0.87/0.97 and 0.69/0.62, respectively. The normal global left and right ventricular functions differ significantly according to gender and body size.

[Accuracy of 64-slice multi-detector row CT angiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery lesions].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of 64-slice computed tomography angiography (CTA) in the diagnosis of coronary artery lesions. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the coronary artery imaging data of 49 patients who underwent 64-slice CTA and conventional catheter-based selective coronary angiography (SCA) during July 2006 and May 2007. The CTA and SCA diagnosis were compared. RESULTS: The 64-slice CTA enabled the visualization of the entire coronary tree with diagnostic image quality in 46 of the 49 patients. The CTA had a sensitivity of 54.88%, 47.50% and 93.15%, and a specificity of 99.42%, 95.68% and 97.13% for detecting less than 50% stenosis, 50%-75% stenosis, and greater than 75% stenosis, respectively. The overall Pearson's correlation coefficient between the degree of stenosis detected by quantitative SCA and 64-slice CTA was 0.941. CONCLUSION: 64-slice CTA is a good instrument for assessing coronary artery lesions.

[Assessment of regional left ventricular function with 64 multi-detector row computed tomography].

To evaluate the regional left ventricular function (LVF) and to establish the reference data of LVF parameters in the normal people with retrospective ECG gating 64-detector row CT, ten time phases in the cardiac cycle were reconstructed. Scanning was performed on 42 normal adult, and short axis images of the left ventricular were acquired. Endo-cardium and epi-cardium were delineated along with function parameters based on the cardiac analysis software. End-systolic thickness (EST) was thicker than end-diastolic thickness (EDT) (P<0.05). EDT and EST increased, but thickness decreased from apical, mid-ventricular to basal segments. Statistically significant difference was noted between mid-ventricular and basal segments (P<0.05). EDT, EST, thickness and motion of anterior, lateral and inferior segments were greater than those of septal segments in the same ventricular slices (P<0.05). 64-detector row CT could depict the regional LVF accurately. The LVF parameters of normal adults might be useful in diagnosing abnormal left ventricular function.

[Clinical application of 64-slice CT in evaluation of vessel before and after coronary artery bypass graft surgery].

To determine the clinical value of 64-slice computed tomography angiography (CTA) in the evaluation of vessel before and after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, we retrospectively collected the coronary artery imaging data of 46 patients undergoing 64 slice CT before CABG surgery in the period from July 2006 to May 2007, and we evaluated 14 patients with 39 coronary grafts in the same period to determine the diagnostic accuracy of CTA before and after CABG surgery. In 46 patients, 64-slice CT enabled the visualization of the entire coronary tree with diagnostic image quality. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the detection of stenosis > or = 50% were 92.11%, 95.64%, 94.97%, respectively. In 14 patients with 39 coronary grafts, 35 (35/39, 89.74%) bypass grafts were found to be of no stenosis; low degree of restenosis was found in 4 (4/39, 10.26%) bypass grafts, and no graft was found to have high degree of restenosis. So we concluded that, with the use of 64-slice CTA, we can accurately evaluate the degree of stenosis of vessel before and after CABG surgery.

[Influence of cardiac rhythm on image quality of 64-slice multidetector-row CT coronary angiography and clinic value of post-processing technology with image].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of cardiac rhythm on 64-slice multi-detector row CT coronary angiography and clinic value of imaged post-processing technology. METHODS: 687 patients with suspected coronary heart disease who underwent 64-slice multi-detector row CT coronary angiography were retrospectively analyzed with their CT images. Four group images of patients were analyzed and compared according to the fluctuation of cardiac rhythm. Multi-phase reconstruction (n = 76) and the ECG-edit software (n = 21) were performed in those patients with arrhythmia. RESULTS: The statistical differences were found among the imaging quality of each group (chi2 = 225.040, P < 0.001). As the fluctuation of cardiac rhythm increased, the quality of CT images dropped down concomitantly. After images processed with ECG-edit software, the quality of CT coronary angiography images got improved (Z = - 3.385, P = 0.001). In 76 patients with multi-phase reconstruction, the image quality of right coronary artery got improved in 40% R-R interval when high quality images couldn't be obtained in 75% R-R interval (Z = - 4.209, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Cardiac rhythm is an important factor to affect the CT coronary angiography, but post-processing technology may be useful for improving the imaging quality.

[Clinical value of 64-slice CT angiography in detecting coronary artery anomalies].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical value of 64-slice computed tomography angiography (CTA) in the diagnosis of coronary artery anomalies. METHODS: The coronary artery imaging data of 852 patients who underwent 64-slice CTA from July 2006 to May 2007 were retrieved. The imaging features of coronary artery anomalies confirmed by selective coronary angiography were reviewed. RESULTS: Eight (0.9%) coronary artery anomalies were found in the patients, which included 3 cases of anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries, 3 cases of anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from pulmonary artery, 1 case of coronary fistula from the right coronary artery to right atrium, and 1 case of coronary aneurysm. CONCLUSION: The 64-slice CTA can detect coronary anomalies and delineate the anatomic relationships among the peripheral structures, which can be considered as an early screening for coronary anomalies.

[The clinical application of coronary artery calcification score with 64-slice MDCT in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical value of coronary artery calcification score with 64-slice MDCT in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: 96 subjects including 49 with confirmed CAD (CAD group) and 47 asymptomatic people as control group were recruited between May 2006 and December 2006 by the department of radiology in our hospital. The selective coronary angiography was also performed in 30 subjects including 25 with CAD and 5 asymptomatic people and subsequently divided into three groups (< 50%, 50%-75% and > 75% of maximum degree of vessel occlusion). We investigated the correlation of calcification score (CS) and the maximum degree of vessel occlusion measured by coronary angiography were investigated. RESULTS: The larger CS and more numbers of regions of interest of calcification in the right coronary artery and left anterior descending artery in 96 subjects were observed. The total mean CS of CAD (462 +/- 314) was higher than that of control group (83 +/- 52) (P < 0.001). There was a moderate correlation between degree of vessel stenosis and CS for individual vessels in patients with positive calcium scan(r = 0. 445, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Although CS measured by MDCT is not an accurate marker of the degree of vessel stenosis in CAD, it can be applied as a screening tool for high risk CAD patients and could greatly reduce the expense on coronary angiography.

[The solitary pulmonary tuberculous cavity and malignant cavity: comparison on multi-detector row CT].

The objective of this comparative study is to determine the MDCT features of solitary pulmonary tuberculous cavity and malignant cavity and to analyze the advantages there-of in differential diagnosis. The clinical data and MDCT findings of 51 cases of pulmonary tuberculous cavities and 39 cases of malignant cavities were reviewed retrospectively, which include the general aspects of patients, the manifestation of cavity and the changes of adjacent structures. The results revealed that the tuberculous cavity tends to locate in the upper lobe or the superior segment of lower lobe, and it is usually acompanied with cavity wall calcification, satellite lesions, peripheral inflammation, lymph node calcification, small diameter and thin wall thickness. The malignant cavities, showing no disposition to locate in a lobe or segment, are characterized by mural nodules, off-center cavity, lobulation, coarse speculation, lymph node enlargement, vascular clustering sign, big diameter and thick wall. In conclusion, with multiplanar reconstruction on multi-detector row CT, we could elaborate the cavities and the accompained lesions, thus contributing to a correct diagnosis in most cases.

[Clinical application of 64-slice CT angiography in the evaluation of lumen before and after coronary artery stent implantation].

This is a retrospective study aimed at the clinical application of 64-slice computed tomography angiography (CTA) in evaluation the lumen before and after coronary artery stent implantation. We collected the coronary artery imaging data of 46 patients undergoing 64-slice CT before coronary artery stent implantation from July 2006 through May 2007; we also collected the data of 21 patients with 34 coronary artery stents in the same period to determine the diagnostic accuracy of CTA before and after coronary artery stent implantation. The results showed that, in 46 patients, 64-slice CT enabled the visualization of the entire coronary tree with diagnostic image quality. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the detection of stenosis > or = 50% were 92.11%, 95.64% and 94.97%, respectively. In 21 patients with 34 stents implanted, 23 (67.65%) stents showed no stenosis, 8 (23.53%) stents showed low degree of restenosis, and 3 (8.83%) stents showed high degree of restenosis. In conclusion, we can accurately evaluate the degree of stenosis of lumen before and after coronary artery stent implantation with the application of 64-slice CTA.

Tuberculous Addison's disease: morphological and quantitative evaluation with multidetector-row CT.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the characteristics of tuberculous Addison's disease on the axial and multiplanar reformatted (MPR) images of the multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The unenhanced and contrast-enhanced MDCT features in 19 patients with tuberculous Addison's disease were retrospectively assessed for the location, contour, size, calcification, attenuation, and enhancement patterns. The correlation between the duration of Addison's disease and the percentage of calcification presence was evaluated. RESULTS: The adrenal glands were infected bilaterally in all of the 19 cases (100%, 38 glands). Enlargement of the glands appeared in 18 cases (94.7%, 36 glands) and the remaining one case (5.3%, two glands) showed atrophy bilaterally. Of the 36 enlarged adrenals, 13 (36.1%) had preserved contours, and the other 23 (63.9%) were mass-like. The size of the adrenals ranged from 0.6 to 4.8 cm (mean 1.92+/-0.96 cm). Calcification was revealed in 16 adrenals (16/38, 42.1%), increasing in incidence with disease progression. Fourteen of the 36 (38.9%) enlarged adrenals showed peripheral enhancement while the remaining 22 (61.1%) demonstrated heterogeneous enhancement. The DeltaCT value, the attenuation measurement of mass-like lesions, was less in the central area (7+/-4 HU) than that in the peripheral area (32+/-14 HU) (P<0.01) between the unenhanced and contrast-enhanced scan. CONCLUSION: MDCT can reveal the characteristic morphology and CT attenuation in the tuberculous Addison's disease. Combined with its clinical presentations and biochemical findings, we can diagnose and stage adrenal tuberculosis with high specificity and accuracy on MDCT.

Uncommon adrenal masses: CT and MRI features with histopathologic correlation.

Adrenal glands are common sites of diseases. With dramatically increased use of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, more and more uncommon adrenal masses have been detected incidentally at abdominal examinations performed for other purposes. In this article, uncommon adrenal masses are classified as cystic masses (endothelial cysts, epithelial cysts, parasitic cysts, and pseudocysts), solid masses (ganglioneuroma, ganglioneuroblastoma, extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP), neurilemmoma, and lymphoma), fat-containing masses (myelolipoma, teratoma), and infectious masses (tuberculoma), and the imaging features of these uncommon masses are demonstrated. Although most of these lesions do not have specific imaging features, some fat-containing masses and cystic lesions present with characteristic appearances, such as myelolipoma, teratoma, and hydatid. Combination with histopathologic characteristic of these uncommon masses of adrenal gland, radiological features of these lesions on CT and MR imaging can be accurately understood with more confidences. Moreover, CT and MRI are highly accurate in localization of uncommon adrenal masses, and useful to guide surgical treatments.

Addison's disease due to adrenal tuberculosis: contrast-enhanced CT features and clinical duration correlation.

PURPOSE: To describe CT morphology of untreated adrenal tuberculosis during the different stages of the natural history of the disease and to evaluate the diagnostic implications of CT features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated CT features in 42 patients with documented adrenal tuberculosis for the location, size, morphology, and enhancement patterns shown on CT images. The clinical duration were correlated with the CT features. RESULTS: Of the 42 patients with untreated adrenal tuberculosis, bilaterally enlarged adrenal glands were revealed in 38 cases (91%), unilaterally enlarged in 3 cases (7%), and normal size in 1 case (2%). Of the 41 cases (98%) with enlargement, mass-like enlargement was seen in 20 cases (49%) and enlargement with preserved contours in 21 cases (51%). Peripheral rim enhancement presented in 22 cases (52%) on contrast-enhanced CT. Non-enhanced CT scan revealed calcification in 21 cases (50%). As the duration of Addison's disease increased, the presence of calcification and contour preservation increased concomitantly (p<0.001), whereas peripheral rim enhancement and mass-like enlargement decreased concomitantly on CT images (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: CT may be helpful in diagnosing adrenal tuberculosis when clinically suspected, and CT features are correlated to the clinical duration of Addison's disease.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma involving the bilateral adrenal glands on MR imaging.

We report here on a 64-year-old woman with extramedullary plasmacytoma involving the bilateral adrenal glands. Primary adrenal extramedullary plasmacytoma is extremely rare and only three cases of extramedullary plasmacytoma in the unilateral adrenal gland have currently been reported on. This case is of interest in that the bilateral adrenals were involved. In this article, we present the MRI findings and we briefly review the relevant literature.

[MR urography of ectopic ureter orifice in children].

To elucidate the MR urography (MRU) features of ectopic ureter orifice in children and to explicate its advantages, the clinical data and MRU findings of 4 cases with ectopic ureter orifice were analyzed retrospectively. Among the 4 cases of ectopic ureter orifice, 2 were associated with dysplasia of kidneys, 1 was associated with duplex kidney, and the remaining 1 was associated with cross ectopic and dyplasia kidney. When combining the MRI and MRU examination, we could diagnose the ectopic orifice of the draining ureters. So we concluded that definitive diagnosis could be achieved in most of the cases by integrating clinical information with MRU findings.