Electrical stimulation therapy improves sleep respiratory parameters in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a meta-analysis / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Recent clinical trials have shown that electrical stimulation has beneficial effects in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of electrical stimulation therapy for OSAS with a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of all relative studies was performed through searching international literature, including PUBMED, CNKI, and EMBASE databases. This literature analysis compared all patients undergoing electrical stimulation therapy with respect to the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and changes in sleep structure. Six studies were selected involving a total of 91 patients. The meta-analysis indicated that electrical stimulation therapy reduced RDI, longest apnea time, and improved the minimum SaO2. Based on the evidence found, electrical stimulation may be a potential therapy for OSAS, warranting further clinical trials.

Electrical stimulation therapy improves sleep respiratory parameters in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: A meta-analysis / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Recent clinical trials have shown that electrical stimulation has beneficial effects in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of electrical stimulation therapy for OSAS with a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of all relative studies was performed through searching international literature, including PUBMED, CNKI, and EMBASE databases. This literature analysis compared all patients undergoing electrical stimulation therapy with respect to the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and changes in sleep structure. Six studies were selected involving a total of 91 patients. The meta-analysis indicated that electrical stimulation therapy reduced RDI, longest apnea time, and improved the minimum SaO2. Based on the evidence found, electrical stimulation may be a potential therapy for OSAS, warranting further clinical trials.

Correlation between changes of diffusion tensor imaging and clinical stages in patients with cerebral infarction / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the relationship between the changes of diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)and the clinical stages in patients with cerebral infarction. Methods One hundred and seven patients with cerebral infarction were chosen to perform conventional MRI and DTI,respectively.With double-blind method,the signal intensity of fractional anisotropy(FA)and isotropic apparent diffusion coefficient(ADCiso)in responsible to infraction regions was observed and based on their results,the relationships between the changes of DTI and the clinical stages were analyzed. Results In 29 cases of cerebral infarction in acute stage,10 were manifested as type I(hypointensity on ADCiso map,hyperintensity on FA map)and type Ⅱ(hypointensity on ADCiso map and FA map with hyper intensive circumference)on DTI;3 were manifested as type Ⅲ on DTI(iso-/Paypo-intensity on ADCiso map and FA map with normal circumference);6 were manifested as type Ⅳ on DTI(hyperintensity on ADCiso map,hypointensity on FA map).In 34 cases of cerebral infarction in sub-acute stage,2 were manifested astype Ⅰ on DTI;20 were manifested astype Ⅱ;8 were manifested as type Ⅲ and 4 were manifested as type IV.In 44 cases of cerebral infarction chronic stage.1 Was manifested as type Ⅱ on DTI;2 were manifested as type Ⅲ and 41 were manifested as type IV.Positive correlation was found between changes of DTI and clinical stages(r=0.693,P=0.000). Conclusion The intensity of infraction on DTI can directly demonstrate the clinical stages,providing precise evidence for classifying the stages of cerebral infarction.

Diffusion tensor imaging characteristics of cerebral infarction / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in the evaluation of cerebral infraction. Methods Sixty-nine patients with cerebral infraction confirmed by clinical manifestation and routine MRI and/or CT were analyzed for the signal intensity changes on DTI. The isotropic apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCiso) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of the infracted area were measured and compared with those of the unaffected side. Results Four types of signal intensity changes on DTI were identified. Type Ⅰ changes were found in 8 infraction lesions, where the ADCiso decreased and FA increased, and the infraction lesions showed hypointensity on ADCiso map and hyperintensity on FA map. Type Ⅱ changes, found in 23 lesions, were characterized by decreased ADCiso and FA values, but ADCiso in the peripheral of the lesions decreased and FA increased, and the lesions were shown as isointensity or hypointensity on ADCiso and FA maps with hyperintensity on the peripheral. Type Ⅲ changes (7 lesions) were manifested by decreased ADCiso and FA values and hypointensity on ADCiso and FA maps. Type Ⅳ changes were found in 31 infraction lesions, showing increased ADCiso and decreased FA with corresponding hyperintensity on ADCiso map and hypointensity on FA map. Significant differences were found in the DTI parameters between the infraction lesions and unaffected side (P<0.05). Conclusion DTI for qualitative and quantitative analysis of cerebral infraction better reveals the pathophysiology of the infraction, allows more precise imaging-based staging of the lesion, and provides evidences for more objective diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prognostic evaluation of the condition.

Clinical significance of diffusion-weighted MRI with STIR-EPI in differential diagnosis of cervical lymph nodes / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a new MRI imaging method--diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) with short TI version recovery-echo planar imaging (STIR-EPI) sequence in differentiating benign cervical lymph nodes from malignant ones. METHODS Twenty nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients and fourteen volunteers received both conventional MRI and DWI with STIR-EPI. Ability of detecting lymph nodes between conventional MRI and STIR-EPI-DWI was compared, and the difference of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value between metastatic lymph node and normal lymph node was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>DWI was more sensitive in detecting lymph node than conventional MRI. ADC value of metastatic lymph node (0. 766 +/- 0. 119) x 10 (-3) mm(2)/s was significantly lower than that of normal lymph node (0. 975 +/- 0. 179) x 10 - mm2/s (P < 0. 01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>As a new MRI imaging technique in detecting cervical lymph nodes, diffusion weighted imaging ( DWI) with short TI version recovery-echo planar imaging ( STIR-EPI) sequence is more reliable and sensitive than conventional MRI imaging, providing an alternative way to differentiate benign lymph nodes from malignant ones.</p>

Imaging diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cyst secondary to giant cell tumor / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To improve recognition and imaging diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cyst secondary to a giant cell tumor.Methods To collect the dates of 12 patients with aneurysmal bone cyst secondary to a giant cell tumor were proved by operation and pathology from January 2003 to October 2006. Analyzed and summarized their imaging manifestations and correlation with pathohistology.Results Six lesions were located in epiphysis and metaphysic regions of long bone.Six lesions were located in pelvis.All cases showed a cystic lesion with expanded and osteolytic,eccentric 10 cases and centric 2 cases.Four cases display trabeculate,the margin is well define with a rim of bone sclerosis in 2 cases.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scans were available in 10 patients.All case showed cystic,dilated lesions with solid areas. Eight cases manifested single or multitude solid nodules in big cystic wall.Two cases appeared solid masses with multitude cysts.The sign of multitude fluid-fluid level,best seen on T_2-weighted images,was present in all patients.Seven cases emerged soft-tissue masses.MR found indicative of large amounts of hemosiderin in one cases.Eight cases were examined by spiral CT with plain scanning and enhancement scanning. Reconstructed image were CTA and 3D-MPR(three dimensions multiplanar reconstruction)imaging.All cases showed cystic,dilated lesions with solid areas.The sign of multitude fluid-fluid level was present in 6 patients.The solid areas and cystic-wall of lesions showed contrast enhancement in 8 patients.3D-MPR imaging showed supply blood vessel of tumors in 3 cases.Arteriovenous malformation did not found in all patients.The surgeons'operative findings and the gross specimens were studied in all patients.All lesions were composed of solid areas and cystic areas.The diagnosis of pathology were ABC with GCT(grade Ⅱ)in 10 cases and ABC with GCT(grade Ⅲ).Conclusion Aneurysmai bone cyst secondary to a giant cell tumor is not rare.Adequately recognizing the pathologic basis of ABC,and selecting imaging techniques correctly (X-ray and MRI,or X-ray and CT)is especially important to diagnose a giant-cell tumor with secondary aneurysmai bone cyst.When an eccentric,expanded,lytic tumor with a cystic-solid lesion in epiphysis of long bone or pelvis shows multiple fluid levels,a giant-cell tumor with secondary aneurysmai bone cyst components should be sufficiently considered.

Evaluation of brachial plexus injury by MRI / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of MRI in brachial plexus injury.Methods Total 98 patients with brachial plexus injury were examined by MRI before operation.Fifty-four of 98 patients MR imaging were obtained by 0.5 Tesla scanner and other 44 patients were obtained by 1.5 Tesla scanner.The scanning sequences include: SE T_1WI,T_2WI,FFE T_2WI and T_2WI SPIR. Exploration of the supraclavicular plexus was carried out and the MR imaging were compared with the operative finding in 63 patients.Thirty-five patients who had not surgery were followed-up.Results MR imaging found pre-ganglionic injuries in 45 patients and post-ganglionic injuries in 56 patients.Pre-and post-ganglionic injuries simultaneously in 16 patients among them.MR imaging can not find injury sings in 13 patients.The positive rate was 86.73%.MR imaging finding of pre-ganglionic injuries include:(1) Spinal cord edema and hemorrhage,2 patients (4.44% ).(2)Displacement of spinal cord,17 patients (37.78%).(3)Traumatic meningoceles,37 patients (82.22%).(4)Absence of roots in spinal canal, 25 patients(55.56% ).(5)Scarring in the spinal cnanl,24 patients (53.33%).(6)Denervation of erector spine,13 patients (28.89%).MR imaging finding of post-ganglionic injuries include:(1)Trunk thickening with hypointensities in T_2WI,23 patients (41.07%).(2)Nerve trunk complete loss of continuity with disappeared of nerve structure,16 patients (28.57%).(3)Continuity of nerve trunk was well with disappearance of nerve structure,14 patients(25.00%).(4)Traumatic neurofibroma,3 patients (5.36%).Conclusion MR imaging can reveal Pre-and post-ganglionic injuries of brachial plexus simultaneously.MR imaging is able to determine the location (pre-or post-ganglionic)and extent of brachial plexus injury,provided important information for treatment method selection.