Role of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in preoperative tumor-node-metastasis staging evaluation of esophageal cancer: a narrative review.

Background And Objective: Esophageal cancer (EC) is an aggressive disease characterized by high mortality rates and a propensity for locoregional or distant recurrence. The treatment strategies and prognostic estimation for EC depend on accurate pre-treatment tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging. The objective of this review was to illustrate the role of various imaging modalities in achieving accurate preoperative TNM staging of EC, with a particular focus on the utilization of advanced high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences for T classification, which have shown promise in enhancing the delineation of tumor depth and extent.

Global and Regional Brain Grey and White Matter Morphometry Alterations in Type 1, 2, and 3 Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs) Patients.

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) types 1, 2, and 3 are the most common subtypes of SCAs. However, the atrophy patterns of these three subtypes still need to be fully clarified. In this study, a total of 130 genetically confirmed SCA patients (SCA1: n = 16; SCA2: n = 13; symptomatic SCA3: n = 76; pre-symptomatic SCA3: n = 25) along with 65 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled.

Tissue-matched analysis of MRI evaluating the tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) play critical roles in the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy response. This study aims to explore the feasibility of multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating TILs and to develop an evaluation model that considers spatial heterogeneity. Multi-parametric MRI was performed on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mice (N = 28).

Prediction of the early hepatocellular carcinoma development in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection using gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: Non-hypervascular hypointense nodules (NHHNs) can transform into hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during the long-term follow-up. However, the risk factors for NHHN hypervascular transformation in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected populations are unknown. This study assessed the predictive value of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for HCC development in patients with chronic HBV infection.

Enhancing image quality in computed tomography angiography follow-ups after endovascular aneurysm repair: a comparative study of reconstruction techniques.

Background: The image quality of computed tomography angiography (CTA) images following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is not satisfactory, since artifacts resulting from metallic implants obstruct the clear depiction of stent and isolation lumens, and also adjacent soft tissues. However, current techniques to reduce these artifacts still need further advancements due to higher radiation doses, longer processing times and so on. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the impact of utilizing Single-Energy Metal Artifact Reduction (SEMAR) alongside a novel deep learning image reconstruction technique, known as the Advanced Intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE), on image quality of CTA follow-ups conducted after EVAR.

Quantitative assessment of brown adipose tissue whitening in a high-fat-diet murine model using synthetic magnetic resonance imaging.

Purpose: This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the whitening process of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in mice using synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (SyMRI) and analyzed the correlation between SyMRI quantitative measurements of BAT and serum lipid profiles.

Methods: Fifteen C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups and fed different diets as follows: normal chow diet for 12 weeks, NCD group; high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, HFD-12w group; and HFD for 36 weeks, HFD-36w group. Mice were scanned using 3.

Quantitative assessment of inflammation and evaluation of spatial heterogeneity for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice based on iron-adjustive T1.

Background: A sensitive and non-invasive method is necessary to diagnose non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We explored the iron-adjustive T1 (aT1) ability to quantify the degree of liver inflammation and evaluate the spatial heterogeneity.

Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly categorized as the NAFLD model (n=40), NAFLD-related liver cirrhosis model (n=20), and normal mice (n=10).

Evaluation of Hypoxia in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Quantitative MRI: Significances, Challenges, and Advances.

This review aimed to perform a scoping review of promising MRI methods in assessing tumor hypoxia in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The hypoxic microenvironment and upregulated hypoxic metabolism in HCC are determining factors of poor prognosis, increased metastatic potential, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Assessing hypoxia in HCC is essential for personalized therapy and predicting prognoses.

Utility of Quantitative Metrics From Dual-Layer Spectral-Detector CT for Differentiation of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor and Neuroendocrine Carcinoma.

The 2019 WHO classification of digestive system tumors separates neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) into neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), which are considered to represent pathologically distinct entities warranting different management approaches. Dual-layer spectral-detector CT (DLCT) may aid their differentiation through specific material decomposition. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of quantitative metrics derived from DLCT for the differentiation of pancreatic NET and NEC.

Quantification of brown adipose tissue using synthetic magnetic resonance imaging: an experimental study with mice model.

Background: The white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) are associated with the development of several obesity-associated disorders. The use of imaging techniques to differentiate BAT from WAT and quantify BAT volume remains challenging, due to limitations such as spatial resolution and magnetic field inhomogeneity. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility for differentiating BAT from WAT, and quantify the BAT volume using synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Prediction of Early Treatment Response to Initial Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Machine-Learning Model Based on Computed Tomography.

Purpose: The treatment response to initial conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) is essential for the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study explored and verified the feasibility of machine-learning models based on clinical data and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) image findings to predict early responses of HCC patients after initial cTACE treatment.

Patients And Methods: Overall, 110 consecutive unresectable HCC patients who were treated with cTACE for the first time were retrospectively enrolled.

Considerable effects of imaging sequences, feature extraction, feature selection, and classifiers on radiomics-based prediction of microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma using magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: Microvascular invasion (MVI) has a significant effect on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its preoperative identification is challenging. Radiomics features extracted from medical images, such as magnetic resonance (MR) images, can be used to predict MVI. In this study, we explored the effects of different imaging sequences, feature extraction and selection methods, and classifiers on the performance of HCC MVI predictive models.

Regional liver function analysis with gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and virtual hepatectomy: prediction of postoperative short-term outcomes for HCC.

Objectives: To explore the role of quantitative regional liver function assessed by preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI with computer-aided virtual hepatectomy to predict short-term outcomes after major hepatectomy for HCC.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 133 consecutive patients with HCC who underwent preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and indocyanine green (ICG) test. Forty-five patients received open major hepatectomy.

A Case of a Huge Inferior Vena Cava Leiomyosarcoma: Precise Preoperative Evaluation with Gadobutrol-Enhanced MRI.

Background: Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare malignant tumour with poor prognosis. Surgical resection is the first line of treatment to achieve the best possible outcome. However, precise preoperative evaluation is essential to guide therapeutic decisions.

Diffusion Kurtosis MR Imaging versus Conventional Diffusion-Weighted Imaging for Distinguishing Hepatocellular Carcinoma from Benign Hepatic Nodules.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and compare DKI-derived parameters with conventional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for distinguishing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from benign hepatic nodules including focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), hemangioma, and hepatocellular adenoma (HCA).

Materials And Methods: 151 patients with 182 hepatic nodules (114 HCCs and 68 benign nodules including 33 FNHs, 29 hemangiomas, and 6 HCAs) were analyzed. Preoperative MRI examinations including DKI ( values: 0, 200, 500, 800, 1500, and 2000 sec/mm) were performed, and kurtosis (), diffusivity (), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were calculated.

Prediction of type 2 diabetes mellitus using noninvasive MRI quantitation of visceral abdominal adiposity tissue volume.

Background: The correlation between visceral adipose tissue volume (VATV), hepatic proton-density fat fraction (PDFF), and pancreatic PDFF has been previously studied to predict the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study investigated VATV quantitation in patients with T2DM, prediabetes, and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) using MRI to assess the roles of VATV, hepatic, and pancreatic PDFF in predicting the presence of T2DM.

Methods: Forty-eight patients with a new clinical diagnosis of T2DM (n=15), prediabetes (n=17), or NGT (n=16) were included and underwent abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning with the iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least square estimation image quantification (IDEAL-IQ) sequencing.

Imaging biomarkers for well and moderate hepatocellular carcinoma: preoperative magnetic resonance image and histopathological correlation.

Background: Our aim of the study is to investigate the feasibility of preoperative prediction for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) histological grading using gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: This study included one hundred and fifty-six patients with solitary HCC. Preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI findings were retrospectively analyzed.

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-]) 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- images for each patient were used to generate fusion image (T2WI-) based on the addition of gray values obtained from each pixel via an MR post-processing work station.

Prediction of sorafenib treatment-related gene expression for hepatocellular carcinoma: preoperative MRI and histopathological correlation.

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of prediction for targeted therapy-related gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials And Methods: Ninety-one patients (81 men, mean age 53.9 ± 12 years) with solitary HCC who underwent preoperative enhanced MRI were retrospectively analyzed.

[Changes in diameter of superior mesenteric vein and gastrocolic trunk in patients with cecum-ascending colon cancer].

Objective: To compare the difference of the diameters of superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and gastrocolic trunk (GCT) between patients with cecum-ascending colon cancer and normal individuals, and to assess the diagnostic value of the diameters of SMV and GCT in cecum-ascending colon cancer.

Methods: Preoperative imaging data of 60 patients with primary cecum-ascending colon cancer confirmed by postoperative pathology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from June 2014 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The diameters of SMV and GCT were measured on preoperative CT images.

CT evaluation of response in advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors treated with long-acting-repeatable octreotide: what is the optimal size variation threshold?

Objective: To identify a reliable early indicator of deriving progression-free survival (PFS) benefit in patients with advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) treated with octreotide long-acting repeatable (LAR).

Methods: We investigated the images of 50 patients with well-differentiated advanced GEP-NETs treated with LAR octreotide and underwent baseline and follow-up thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic computed tomography. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the Kaplan-Meier method were used to identify the optimal threshold to distinguish between those with and without significant improvement of PFS.

Prediction of Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Preoperative Gd-EOB-DTPA-Dynamic Enhanced MRI and Histopathological Correlation.

Objective: To investigate the imaging features observed in preoperative Gd-EOB-DTPA-dynamic enhanced MRI and correlated with the presence of microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Methods: 66 HCCs in 60 patients with preoperative Gd-EOB-DTPA-dynamic enhanced MRI were retrospectively analyzed. Features including tumor size, signal homogeneity, tumor capsule, tumor margin, peritumor enhancement during mid-arterial phase, peritumor hypointensity during hepatobiliary phase, signal intensity ratio on DWI and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC), T1 relaxation times, and the reduction rate between pre- and postcontrast enhancement images were assessed.

Quantitative evaluation of Gd-EOB-DTPA uptake in focal liver lesions by using T1 mapping: differences between hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia and cavernous hemangioma.

Objectives: To investigate the difference of T1 relaxation time on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and cavernous hemangioma of liver (CHL), and to quantitatively evaluate the uptake of Gd-EOB-DTPA in these three focal liver lesions (FLLs).

Results: The T1 of CHL was significantly higher than those of HCC and FNH ( < 0.05).

Folate‑targeted polymeric micelles loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxide as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging of a human tongue cancer cell line.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of using folate‑targeted superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO) as a magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent that targets human tongue cancer cells. Folate‑targeted and folate‑free bilayer micelles composed of a diblock copolymer of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and poly‑caprolactone (PCL) that encapsulated SPIO in their hydrophobic core (SPIO‑PEG‑PCL micelles) were synthesized. The cytotoxicity of each set of micelles towards Tca‑8113 cells was examined using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assays.