An Optimized Integrin α6-Targeted Magnetic Resonance Probe for Molecular Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mice.

Introduction: Integrin α6 is an attractive diagnostic biomarker for molecular imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as it has an extremely high positive rate (approximately 94%) in clinical early-stage HCC. In this study, based on our previously identified integrin α6-targeted peptide, we developed an optimized integrin α6-targeted magnetic resonance (MR) probe dubbed DOTA(Gd)-ANADYWR for MR imaging of HCC in mice.

Materials And Methods: The longitudinal (R) relaxivity of DOTA(Gd)-ANADYWR was measured on a 3.

Effect of Mannitol plus Vitamins B in the management of patients with piriformis syndrome.

Background: Piriformis syndrome (PS) is an entrapment of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle, or myofascial pain from the piriformis muscle.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Mannitol plus Vitamins B regime in the management of PS.

Methods: Twenty two patients were included in this study and received 250 ml of mannitol 20% intravenous infusion for 5 days + Vitamins B (vitamin B1 10 mg + vitamin B2 10 mg + vitamin B12 50 μg PO) for 6 weeks.

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of locally advanced breast carcinoma: the optimal time window of predicting the early response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Background: It is very difficult to predict the early response to NAC only on the basis of change in tumor size. ADC value derived from DWI promises to be a valuable parameter for evaluating the early response to treatment. This study aims to establish the optimal time window of predicting the early response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for different subtypes of locally advanced breast carcinoma using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).

MRI diagnosis and preoperative evaluation for pure epidural cavernous hemangiomas.

Introduction: The aims of the study were to summarize the characteristics of the spinal epidural cavernous hemangioma, especially for the MRI, and to improve the accurate rate of the preoperative diagnosis.

Methods: The clinical and medical imaging data of six patients with pure spinal epidural cavernous hemangioma proved by operation and pathology were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: The level was thoracic (n = 2), thoracolumbar (n = 1), lumbar (n = 1), and sacral (n = 2).

[Magnetic resonance imaging findings of capillary hemangioma in the brain].

Objective: To investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of capillary hemangioma in the brain to improve the diagnosis of capillary hemangioma.

Methods: The MRI findings were analyzed in 6 patients with pathologically confirmed capillary hemangioma in the brain to define the characteristic MRI features of capillary hemangioma.

Results: In the 6 patients, the capillary hemangiomas were located in the pons (n=1), bulbus medullae (n=1), bilateral cerebellar hemisphere (n=1), right temporal lobe (n=1) or left frontal lobe (n=1).

Heroin body packing: clearly discerning drug packets using CT.

Background: To determine if heroin body packing has occurred using computed tomography (CT), and to evaluate the role of CT in screening such cases.

Methods: We collected 158 cases of suspected drug packers' imaging materials (all underwent CT, 42 cases were imaged using plain x-ray film) from September 5, 2005 to April 23, 2008. Abdominal-pelvic CT appearances (shape, size, number, location and density) and abdominal plain x-ray film manifestations were retrospectively observed for those who were finally confirmed as heroin body packers through the passing of evacuated drug packets.