MRI T2-Weighted Imaging and Fat-Suppressed T2-Weighted Imaging Image Fusion Technology Improves Image Discriminability for the Evaluation of Anal Fistulas

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether MRI fusion technology (combined T2-weighted imaging [T2WI] and fat-suppressed T2WI [T2WI-(FS)]) improves signal differences between anal fistulas and surrounding structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patients with confirmed diagnoses of anal fistula were retrospectively studied. All available T2WI and T2WI-(FS) images for each patient were used to generate fusion image (T2WI-(Fusion)) based on the addition of gray values obtained from each pixel via an MR post-processing work station. The discriminability of fistula, perianal sphincter, and perianal fat in T2WI, T2WI-(FS), and T2WI-(Fusion) images was quantified with Fisher's scoring algorithm. For subjective visual image assessment by researchers, five-point scale scores were determined using a modified double-stimulus continuous quality-scale test to evaluate T2WI-(FS), T2WI, enhanced axial three-dimensional-volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (3D-VIBE), and T2WI-(Fusion) sequence images. The differences were subsequently compared. RESULTS: Mean Fisher scores for fistulas vs. sphincters obtained from T2WI-(Fusion) (F(Fusion-fistula) = 6.56) were significantly higher than those from T2WI (F(T2WI-fistula) = 3.35) (p = 0.001). Mean Fisher scores for sphincters vs. fat from T2WI-(Fusion) (F(Fusion-sphincter) = 10.84) were significantly higher than those from T2WI-(FS) (FS(FS-sphincter) = 2.57) (p = 0.001). In human assessment, T2WI-(Fusion) showed the same fistula discriminability as T2WI-(FS), and better sphincter discriminability than T2WI. Overall, T2WI-(Fusion) showed better discriminability than T2WI, T2WI-(FS), and enhanced 3D-VIBE images. CONCLUSION: T2WI and T2WI-(FS) fusion technology improves signal differences between anal fistulas and surrounding structures, and may facilitate better evaluation of anal fistulas and sphincters.

Improving teaching effects of medical image by exploring the teaching strategy / 中华医学教育探索杂志

The purpose of the present study was to investigate teacher-dominant action and focus on learning-oriented group.Medical teachers should pay more attention to three important aspects,such as optimizing teaching pattern,dealing with the relationship carefully among pre-class,inter-class and post-class.It is important to attach importance to pre-class,giving prominence to inter-class and also giving attention to post-class,which can form a harmonious,interactive and collaborate class.In addition,it stimulates deep processing interactions between teachers and students by increasing students learning interests,which is very helpful in improving teaching effects of medical image.

Tailored Teaching Strategy Leads to Better Understanding of the Medical Imaging / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Medical Imaging is a profession based on multiple subjects,imaging techniques and various approaches of diagnosis.A lecture on medical imaging given to college students should be illustrative and informative.In our teaching experience,we tried to provide tailored teaching in order to evoke active study and actually had developed effective strategy in college education.With our tailored teaching,the sophisticated knowledge system of the medical imaging was presented to the students in a neat and understandable manner,which evoked interests and active study.Our tailored education had been proved by better acquirement of the knowledge among the students.