FLAIR和DWI在急性脑梗塞中的应用

目的：比较液体衰减反转恢复（FLAIR）和弥散加权成像（DWI）在急性脑梗塞中的应用.方法：14例急性脑梗塞患者接受FLAIR和DWI MRI检查评价病变的显示范围,边界及对比度并计算病变区.结果：FLAIR序列和DWI对病变的显示范围,均优于常规T2WI,以DWI对病变显示更佳.结论：FLAIR和DWI在急性脑梗塞中均有用,以DWI最好,且能对急性脑梗塞作定量评价.     

磁共振弥散加权成像在检测短暂性脑缺血责任病灶的临床价值

目的:探讨磁共振弥散加权成像显示短暂性脑缺血责任病灶的敏感性及其临床应用价值.方法:对连续的39例资料完整的住院TIA患者进行了常规磁共振成像和弥散加权磁共振成像(diffusion-weighted MRI,DWI)检查,对比不同成像序列对短暂性脑缺血责任病灶的检出率.结果:在39例TIA患者中,快速自旋回波序列(FSET1WI和FSET2WI)检出TIA责任病灶9例(9/39);翻转恢复序列(FLAIR)检出11例(11/39);弥散加权序列检出15例(15/39).不同序列检出率比较运用单因素的方差分析显示有明显差异(P=0.001),弥散加权序列检出率最高.结论:DWI序列对TIA责任病灶的检出率明显高于常规MR,可为TIA患者的临床处理提供可靠诊断信息.     

MRI多b值DWI序列在孤立性肺结节良恶性鉴别诊断中的价值

目的:评价MRI多b值DWI序列在孤立性肺结节(SPN)良、恶性鉴别诊断中的价值。方法:选取2015年9月-2016年6月于我院行CT检查发现并未经治疗的78例SPN患者,在穿刺活检或手术前行MRI胸部检查,根据结节直径分为三组:D1≤10mm、10 mmD2≤20 mm、20 mmD3≤30 mm,DWI扫描b值(0 s/mm~2、400 s/mm~2、600 s/mm~2、800 s/mm~2)。分别测量不同b值下结节DWI图的信号评分和拟合ADC图的表观扩散系数(ADCtot值),参照病理结果进行对比分析。结果:在b值为400 s/mm~2时,良恶性结节DWI信号差异在D1组间无统计学意义(P0.05);当b值为600 s/mm~2时,良恶性结节DWI信号差异在(D1、D2、D3)组间均具有统计学意义(P0.05),且结节信号强度越高其恶性可能性越大;在b值为800 s/mm~2时,良恶性结节DWI信号差异在D3组间无统计学意义(P0.05);在良恶性结节ADCtot值对比分析中发现,不同良性结节的ADCtot值均较恶性结节偏高,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);以3为信号阈值,1.50×10~(-3) mm~2/s为ADCtot阈值,对SPN的特异性、准确性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值均较信号强度评分升高(P0.05)。结论:MRI弥散加权成像评价SPN过程中,多b值拟合ADCtot值对病变良恶性鉴别能力较好。在b值为600 s/mm~2时,其信号强度差异对SPN的良恶性信号评价效能最佳,多b值DWI序列对SPN良恶性的鉴别诊断具有重要价值。     

磁共振扩散加权成像对宫颈癌诊断价值及其与临床病理特征的关系研究

目的:研究磁共振扩散加权成像(DWI)对宫颈癌的诊断价值及其与临床病理特征的关系。方法:将2016年5月至2018年5月间于本院接受诊治的90例宫颈癌患者作为研究组,其中鳞癌69例,腺癌21例。另选择同期因其他原因来本院行宫颈检查的90例非宫颈癌患者作为对照组,两组患者均接受常规磁共振成像(MRI)平扫及DWI检查。观察两组MRI影像学特征,分别比较研究组和对照组、不同病理分型以及不同临床病理特征宫颈癌患者表观弥散系数(ADC)值,采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评价DWI检查对宫颈癌的诊断价值,并分析宫颈癌患者ADC值与临床病理特征的关系。结果:研究组和对照组的MRI影像学图像全部符合诊断和测量要求,无显著的伪影、变形;研究组患者的病变位在宫颈,其信号特征T1加权像(T1WI)显示为等信号,而T2加权像(T2WI)显示为稍高/高信号,经DWI检查显示为高信号肿块,且边界清晰。研究组患者DWI检查的ADC值低于对照组(P0.05);鳞癌患者DWI检查的ADC值也明显低于腺癌患者(P0.05)。ROC曲线结果显示,DWI检查鉴别诊断宫颈癌和非宫颈癌、鳞癌和腺癌的AUC分别为0.912、0.827。无淋巴结转移、临床病理分期为Ⅰ-Ⅱ期、中/高分化以及肿瘤细胞间质占比70%的宫颈癌患者ADC值分别高于有淋巴结转移、临床病理分期为Ⅲ-Ⅵ期、低分化以及肿瘤细胞间质占比≥70%的宫颈癌患者(均P0.05)。结论:DWI对宫颈癌诊断价值高,且DWI成像参数ADC值和宫颈癌的部分临床病理特征关系密切,能从一定程度上辅助医师了解宫颈癌病理分型、病理分期、分化程度及有无淋巴结转移。     

颈动脉斑块LRNC特征可诊断2型糖尿病患者急性脑梗死的风险

2型糖尿病可能加重颈动脉斑块的易损性并增加缺血性中风的风险,关于2型糖尿病患者伴有颈动脉斑块特征的急性中风亚型鲜有研究报道。本研究旨在探讨2型糖尿病患者颈动脉斑块特征与MRI确定的急性脑梗死病变特征之间的关系。本研究以颈内动脉区急性脑血管病患者为研究对象,所有患者分为2型糖尿病组和非2型糖尿病组,分别行颈动脉和脑部MRI扫描,测定同侧颈动脉斑块的形态和特征,以及颅内和颅外颈动脉狭窄。基于中风亚型和急性脑梗塞病变模式对患者进行评估。研究结果表明,与非2型糖尿病患者相比,2型糖尿病患者颈动脉型IV-VI病变的患病率更高,斑块负荷更大,以及富脂质坏死核(LRNC)更大。在有症状的颈动脉LRNC患者中,与非2型糖尿病组相比,2型糖尿病组颈内动脉区出现较多的伴有大穿孔动脉梗塞形态和较大的急性脑梗塞。LRNC%>23.5%的颈动脉斑块是2型糖尿病患者存在颈动脉狭窄的急性脑梗塞病变的独立危险因素。颈动脉斑块特征的量化,尤其是MRI诊断的富脂质坏死核对中风风险具有潜在应用价值。     

弥散加权成像联合磁共振波谱分析在脑梗死中的应用研究

目的探讨脑梗死弥散加权成像（DWI）和磁共振波谱分析（MRS）的特点和影响因素,及二者对评估脑梗死的临床价值。方法采用Philips Achieva 1.5T双梯度超导磁共振扫描仪,对72例临床疑是脑梗死患者行常规T1WI、T2WI、FLAIR、DWI、MRS检查,在工作站上测定梗死核心区、内缘区、外缘区、周围区和镜像区的ADC值和代谢物Lac、NAA、Cr、Cho、NAA/Cr、Lac/Cr、Lac/NAA值。结果 DWI显示的梗死灶范围较常规MRI像更加准确、清晰;超急性期、急性期、亚急性期和慢性期梗死核心区的Lac/Cr值和Lac/NAA值高于对侧镜像区,ADC值和NAA/Cr值低于对侧镜像区,存在统计学差异（P〈0.05）;DWI的影响因素有b值、扩散系数、T2穿透效应和各向异性等,MRS的影响因素有磁场均匀性、压水压脂性能、体素、TE与TR、组织代谢物浓度和波谱采集链等。结论 DWI结合MRS能更加全面地评估缺血半暗带,更精确地对脑梗死进行分期和定位。     

MR扩散加权成像和CT及MR灌注成像对不同程度肝硬化患者的诊断价值

目的:研究MR扩散加权成像(DWI)和CT及MR灌注成像对不同程度肝硬化患者的诊断价值。方法:选择从2015年8月到2017年2月在我院治疗的肝硬化患者60例作为研究对象,根据Child-Pugh分级进行分组,其中A级32例为轻度肝硬化(记为A组),B级16例、C级12例为中重度肝硬化(记为B组),另选同期在我院进行体检的健康志愿者30例记为C组,对三组受试者分别进行DWI检查、CT及MR灌注成像,对比各组ADC值、肝脏动门脉灌注比率[SSr(ct)及SSr(mr)],采用Spearman相关性分析各指标之间的相关性。结果:三组ADC值整体比较无统计学差异(P0.05),A、B两组的ADC值较C组降低,但差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。A、B两组的ADC值比较无统计学差异(P0.05)。三组SSr(ct)、SSr(mr)整体比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),B组的SSr(ct)及SSr(mr)较A、C两组明显升高,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05)。A、C两组的SSr(ct)及SSr(mr)比较无统计学差异(P0.05)。Spearman相关性分析显示,不同程度肝硬化患者的SSr(ct)与SSr(mr)呈正相关(r=0.687,P=0.000)。结论:CT以及MR灌注成像均可较好地反映出肝硬化的病变程度,且二者较DWI成像的诊断效果更佳,值得临床推广。     

胰腺神经内分泌肿瘤的不典型CT、MRI征象分析

目的:分析4例胰腺神经内分泌肿瘤(P-NENs)的不典型CT、MRI影像学特征,以提高对其诊断水平.方法:对4例经手术病理证实的P-NENs的不典型CT和(或)MRI表现进行回顾性分析.结果:4例胰腺神经内分泌肿瘤患者均进行CT平扫及增强检查,平扫病变相对于正常胰腺呈等密度1例,稍低密度3例,其中1例瘤内见钙化;CT增强扫描4例均为轻～中度增强,静脉期较动脉期增强幅度稍减低,所有患者各期增强幅度均未超过胰腺实质,其中1例可见延迟期不完整包膜强化,包膜密度略高于周围胰腺.3例患者行MRI平扫、DWI及增强检查,2例肿瘤相对正常胰腺呈长T1、稍长T2信号,较均匀,1例T1WI呈不均匀稍低信号,T2WI呈较高与稍低混杂信号,CT所显示之病变内钙化T1、T2均呈较低信号.DWI序列3例病变均呈较明显高信号.增强扫描3例病变均呈轻到中度强化,2例强化较均匀,1例强化不均匀,强化幅度均未超过正常胰腺.2例MRI可见有部分包膜环形强化,略高于周围胰腺实质.结论:明显增强以及包膜强化被认为是P-NENs的典型影像学表现,但其影像学表现多样,认识其多样性及不典型影像学征象,可以提高对其诊断准确率.     

磁共振扩散加权成像在肺癌中的临床应用

影像学检查在肺癌的诊断和分期中起到了至关重要的作用,目前电子计算机体层成像(CT)和正电子发射断层成像技术以及磁共振成像(MRI)已经被广泛的应用于肺癌的分期和疗效评估。其中MRI不仅能提供形态学信息,近年来发展起来的磁共振功能成像能提供更多的功能信息。磁共振扩散加权成像(Diffusion-weighted imaging,DWI)是最常应用于临床的磁共振功能成像序列。最初主要应用在神经系统,随着磁共振成像序列的不断发展以及软硬件的开发应用,其在腹部和盆腔的应用也日趋广泛,然而胸部DWI成像仍待普及和更多认识。本文就肺部DWI成像在良恶性病变鉴别、恶性肿瘤的筛查、分期、以及治疗疗效评估方面进行综述。     

MR 弥散加权成像对鉴别诊断良恶性椎体压缩性骨折的临床价值研究

目的：探讨MR弥散加权成像(DWI)鉴别诊断良恶性椎体压缩性骨折的临床价值。方法：对57 例经临床或病理证实的椎体 良恶性压缩性骨折患者行矢状位T1WI、T2WI、T2WI/FS 及DWI扫描,研究其在常规序列和DWI序列上的表现,将常规MR 序列 和DWI序列检出率进行比较,测量正常椎体及病变椎体的表观弥散系数(ADC)值,并进行统计学分析。结果：(1)MR 常规序列和 DWI序列(b=500s/mm2)表现：良性椎体压缩性骨折呈长T1 长或等T2 改变,T2WI/FS 呈高信号,DWI 可以呈高信号、等信号及低 信号;恶性椎体压缩性骨折呈长T1 长T2 信号,大部分病灶T2WI/FS 及DWI呈高信号,少数变现为低信号;(2)MR 常规序列和 DWI 序列(b=500s/mm2)病灶检出率的比较：T1WI、T2WI/FS 及DWI序列病灶检出率均高于T2WI 序列,其间的差别有显著性意 义(P<0.01),T1WI、T2WI/FS 及DWI序列病灶检出率之间无显著性差异(P>0.01);(3)ADC 值比较：在DWI(b=500 s/mm2)上,良性组 ADC 值为(2.03± 0.83)× 10-3mm2/s,恶性组ADC 值为(1.37 ± 0.75)× 10-3mm2/s,正常组ADC值为(0.36± 0.21)× 10-3mm2/s,成像条 件相同时,良性组高于恶性组,两组间有明显的统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论：DWI可较好的反映椎体的弥散特征,ADC值作为量化 指标可对良恶性椎体压缩性骨折进行可靠鉴别。     

快速液体衰减反转回复序列在颅脑肿瘤诊断中的应用价值

１２６例颅脑肿瘤同时行快速液体反转回复序列成像和常规ＦＳＥＴ２Ｗ成像。通过比较分析两者显示病变的能力，探讨ＦＬＩＡＲ对颅脑肿瘤的诊断价值。结果显示示ＦＬＡＩＲ序列ＭＲＩ较Ｔ２ＷＩ有更高的对比度，在显示病变的部位，大小，轮廓，范围和数目方面具有更好的敏感性。     

1.5T磁共振不同序列用于检出妇科肿瘤盆腔淋巴结转移的比较

目的:比较1.5T磁共振(MRI)不同序列条件下对妇科肿瘤盆腔淋巴结转移的检出情况,探讨最佳检出序列条件。方法:选取2015年5月-2017年5月初诊为卵巢癌、宫颈癌、子宫内膜癌的患者78例作为研究对象,均行盆腔淋巴结清扫术。所有患者术前均行T1加权序列(T1WI)、T2加权序列(T2WI)、增强扫描(T1WI+C)、弥散加权成像(DWI)检查,记录每个序列检查条件下检出的盆腔转移淋巴结个数及分布。以病理结果作为判断的"金标准"进行对比。结果:对比病理检查结果,应用DWI序列对妇科肿瘤盆腔淋巴结转移的检出率(95.8%)显著高于T2WI-MRI序列(85.8%)和T1WI-MRI序列(75.0%)(P0.05);DWI序列与T1WI+C序列(90.8%)相比差异无统计学意义(P0.05);DWI阈值法与DWI短径法相比,淋巴结的检出率差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:应用1.5T磁共振检查妇科肿瘤盆腔淋巴节转移时,采用DWI序列扫描对于转移淋巴结的具有较高的检出率,显著优于其他序列扫描;在进行阳性淋巴结判断中,ADC阈值法和短径法均可选用。     

MRI Features in a Canine Model of Ischemic Stroke: Correlation between Lesion Volume and Neurobehavioral Status during the Subacute Stage

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and assess the correlation between the volume of the ischemic lesion and neurobehavioral status during the subacute stage of ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke was induced in 6 healthy laboratory beagles through permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), measurement of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) ratio, and neurobehavioral evaluation were performed 3 times serially by using a 1.5-T MR system: before and 3 and 10 d after MCAO. Ischemic lesions demonstrated T2 hyperintensity, FLAIR hyperintensity, and DWI hyperintensity. The ADC ratio was decreased initially but then was increased at 10 d after MCAO. Ischemic lesion volumes on T2-weighted and FLAIR imaging were not significantly different from those on DWI. The lesion volume and neurobehavioral score showed strong correlation. Our results suggest that conventional MRI may be a reliable diagnostic tool during the subacute stage of canine ischemic stroke.Abbreviations: ADC, apparent diffusion coefficient; DWI, diffusion-weighted imaging; FLAIR, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery; MCAO, middle cerebral artery occlusion; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; PWI, perfusion-weighted imagingIn human medicine, stroke is a leading cause of adult mortality and neurologic disability worldwide.¹ Strokes previously were thought to be uncommon in small animals, but the true prevalence is unknown.⁴ These events are now recognized more frequently in dogs because of increased use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).^5,14,17Because the infusion of thrombolytic agents, such as urokinase or tissue plasminogen activator, within 3 to 6 h of the onset symptoms is effective in restoring blood flow and improving stroke outcome in humans,¹⁹ the detection of early ischemic changes is now thought to be necessary to improve patient outcome. Computed tomography and conventional MRI are not sufficiently sensitive to predict the presence and extent of ischemic damage during the acute stage after a stroke.^12,20 Therefore several MRI sequences, such as fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI), and MR angiography, have been developed for early diagnosis and subsequent follow-up of ischemic stroke.³ High-field magnetic strengths (at least 1.5 T) are necessary to perform these sequences.In contrast to the situation in humans, ischemic stroke in many dogs is diagnosed during the subacute stage—24 h to 6 wk after the vascular insult—due to the time lag between the onset of clinical signs to referral and to the lack of standard diagnostic protocols for ischemic stroke in dogs. In most reports of strokes in dogs, the median interval between the onset of neurologic dysfunction and performance of an MRI was more than 2 d.^5,14,17 Whereas DWI has marked sensitivity to very early ischemic changes in the brain, T2-weighted and FLAIR images gradually become more hyperintense later (that is, during the first 24 h after the insult).³ Therefore, hyperintensity on T2-weighted and FLAIR images is believed to be representative of mature lesions.¹⁵ In light of these findings, we hypothesized that conventional MR sequences, such as T2-weighted and FLAIR imaging as well as DWI would be used for the diagnosis of the subacute stage of ischemic stroke in dogs.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of MRI and assess the correlation between the volume of ischemic lesions and neurobehavioral status during the subacute stage of ischemic stroke in dogs. We therefore investigated the lesion volume of T2-weighted and FLAIR images compared with that on DWI images. Furthermore, we assessed the relationship between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the ischemic lesions and the neurobehavioral status of the dogs.     

MR弥散加权成像对鉴别诊断良恶性椎体压缩性骨折的临床价值研究

目的：探讨MR弥散加权成像（DWI）鉴别诊断良恶性椎体压缩性骨折的临床价值。方法：对57例经临床或病理证实的椎体良恶性压缩性骨折患者行矢状位T1M、T2WI、T2WI／FS及DWI扫描,研究其在常规序列和DWI序列上的表现,将常规MR序列和DWI序列检出率进行比较,测量正常椎体及病变椎体的表观弥散系数（ADC）值,并进行统计学分析。结果：（1）MR常规序列和DWI序列（b=500s／mm2）表现：良性椎体压缩性骨折呈长T1长或等T2改变,T2WI／FS呈高信号,DWI可以呈高信号、等信号及低信号;恶性椎体压缩性骨折呈长T1长T2信号,大部分病灶T2WUFS及DWI呈高信号,少数变现为低信号;（2）MR常规序列和DWI序列（b=500s／mm2）病灶检出率的比较：T1WI、T2WI／FS及DWI序列病灶检出率均高于T2WI序列,其间的差别有显著性意义（P〈0．01）,T1WI、T2WI／FS及DWI序列病灶检出率之间无显著性差异（P〉0．01）;（3）ADC值比较：在DWI（b=500s／mm2）上,良性组ADC值为（2．03±0．83）×10^3mm^2/s,恶性组ADC值为（1．37±0．75）×10^-3mm^2/s,正常组ADC值为（0．36±0．21）×10^-3mm^2／s,成像条件相同时,良性组高于恶性组,两组间有明显的统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：DWI可较好的反映椎体的弥散特征,ADC值作为量化指标可对良恶性椎体压缩性骨折进行可靠鉴别。     

成人急性播散性脑脊髓炎脑部的MRI 表现及临床分析

目的:探讨成人急性播散性脑脊髓炎(ADEM)的脑部MRI表现特点。方法:回顾性分析符合临床诊断标准的成人ADEM患者8例。8例均进行MRI平扫,7例进行增强扫描。采用自旋回波(SE)序列、快速自旋回波(FSE)序列、FLAIR序列及EPI序列扫描。常规行矢状面、横断面及冠状面扫描。结果:(1)病变主要位于双侧侧脑室周围及额、顶、颞、枕皮质下白质区,主要特点为多发且分布大部分不对称,双侧侧脑室旁白质可见"垂直脱髓鞘征",病灶部分呈对称分布,同时累及丘脑、脑干、胼胝体、小脑白质或大脑皮质。4例累及双侧丘脑,病灶呈对称性分布。(2)8例病变信号均以长及略长TW1信号、长TW2信号为主,3例在病变中心可见更长TW1、更长TW2信号。(3)7例平扫异常信号增强扫描均可见不同程度异常强化,急性期病灶多呈点、斑片状、环形、类圆形及索条状强化。结论:ADEM脑部的MRI表现具有一定特征性,MRI具有重要诊断价值。     

A Potential Risk of Overestimating Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in Parotid Glands

Objectives

To investigate transient signal loss on diffusion weighted images (DWI) and overestimation of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in parotid glands using single shot echoplanar DWI (EPDWI).

Materials and Methods

This study enrolled 6 healthy subjects and 7 patients receiving radiotherapy. All participants received dynamic EPDWI with a total of 8 repetitions. Imaging quality of DWI was evaluated. Probability of severe overestimation of ADC (soADC), defined by an ADC ratio more than 1.2, was calculated. Error on T2WI, DWI, and ADC was computed. Statistical analysis included paired Student t testing and Mann-Whitney U test. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Transient signal loss was visually detected on some excitations of DWI but not on T2WI or mean DWI. soADC occurred randomly among 8 excitations and 3 directions of diffusion encoding gradients. Probability of soADC was significantly higher in radiotherapy group (42.86%) than in healthy group (24.39%). The mean error percentage decreased as the number of excitations increased on all images, and, it was smallest on T2WI, followed by DWI and ADC in an increasing order.

Conclusions

Transient signal loss on DWI was successfully detected by dynamic EPDWI. The signal loss on DWI and overestimation of ADC could be partially remedied by increasing the number of excitations.     

脑弥漫性轴索损伤的MRI征象及与GCS计分及预后的关系

目的：探讨脑弥漫性轴索损伤（DAI）的磁共振成像（MRI）征象及其与格拉斯哥昏迷量表评分（GCS）计分和预后的关系。方 法：回顾性分析2012 年1 月-2014 年7 月我院收集的30 例DAI 患者的临床病历资料,根据病灶累及部位分析其与GCS 计分和 临床预后的关系。结果：30 例患者共53 个病灶,17例多发病灶,13 例单发病灶;42 个病灶T1WI显示出低信号或者是等信号,11 个病灶T1WI显示为高信号;T2WI显示为高信号,FLAIR 序列以及弥散加权像（DWI）上表现出的信号更高,范围更清晰;病灶形 态呈条索状27 例,斑片状11 例,卵圆形8 例,不规则斑点状7 例;病灶未累及脑中线部位的患者临床预后优于病灶累及脑中线 部位的患者,差异有统计学意义（Z=-2.636,P=0.008）,病灶累及脑中线部位的患者GCS 计分情况比未累及组严重,计分更低,差 异有统计学意义（Z=-2.519,P=0.012）。结论：DAI病灶累及脑中线部位的患者GCS计分较低、预后差,MRI检查是诊断DAI 首选 的影像学方法,临床有重要的参考价值。     

Secondary pallidonigral degeneration mimicking recurrent acute stroke in clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging: a case report

Background

Secondary pallidonigral transneuronal degeneration after a remote primary cerebral infarct can mimic recurrent stroke at clinical presentation. We describe a patient with secondary pallidonigral degeneration following a previous putaminal infarct, which was diagnosed through diffusion-weighted (DWI) and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI).

Case presentation

A 64-year-old man complained of an acute relapse of right-lower-limb weakness following a cerebral infarction 2 months before presentation. Recurrent cerebral stroke was initially diagnosed in the emergency room. DWI of the brain revealed a subacute to chronic infarct in the left putamen and new acute cytotoxic edema in the left substantia nigra (SN) and globus pallidus while T2WI also showed hyperintensity in the same regions. The SN was outside the aforementioned middle cerebral arterial territory, which includes the putamen. These findings are compatible with the diagnosis of acute pallidonigral injury secondary to striatal infarction. The patient had fully recovered from his right-lower-limb weakness after 1 month.

Conclusions

Secondary pallidonigral degeneration may mimic recurrent stroke. DWI along with T2WI facilitates elucidation of this clinicopathological entity, and thus unnecessary treatment can be avoided.

     

Fate of Diffusion Restricted Lesions in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background

Diffusion-restricted lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) are detected in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In this study, we aimed to determine the fate of DWI lesions in ICH patients and whether the presence of DWI lesions is associated with functional outcome in patients with ICH.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 153 patients with acute ICH. Baseline MRI scans were performed within 2 weeks after ICH to detect DWI lesions and imaging markers for small vessel disease (SVD). Follow-up MRI scans were performed at 3 months after ICH to assess the fate of the DWI lesions. We analyzed the associations between the characteristics of DWI lesions with clinical features and functional outcome.

Results

Seventeen of the 153 patients (11.1%) had a total of 25 DWI lesions. Factors associated with DWI lesions were high initial systolic and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) at the emergency room, additional lowering of MAP within 24 hours, and the presence of white matter hyperintensity and cerebral microbleeds. Thirteen of the 25 DWI lesions (52%) were not visible on follow-up T2-weighted or fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images and were associated with high apparent diffusion coefficient value and a sharper decease in MAP. The regression of DWI lesions was associated with good functional outcome.

Conclusions

More than half of the DWI lesions in the ICH patients did not transition to visible, long-term infarction. Only if the DWI lesion finally transitioned to final infarction was a poor functional outcome predicted. A DWI lesion may be regarded as an ischemic change of SVD and does not always indicate certain cerebral infarction or permanent tissue injury.