http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/contents_list.asp?issue=202605 zh-cn An RSS feed for Chinese Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.001 ^,s high external dependence on helium, severely constrain its widespread adoption and sustainable development.Helium-free MRI technology eliminates the traditional superconducting magnet^,s dependence on liquid helium. Utilizing direct conduction cooling as its core principle, it replaces the liquid helium bath with integrated cryocoolers to directly cool the superconducting coils. The maturation and widespread adoption of helium-free superconducting MRI technology hinge on systematically addressing engineering challenges related to its reliability, lifecycle cost-effectiveness, and extension to higher field strengths. This paper analyzes the driving forces behind helium-free MRI technological development, outlines the evolutionary path from "liquid-helium-based" to "low-liquid-helium" and finally to "cryogen-free" systems, and highlights the application prospects of helium-free MRI technology. The aim of this study is to provide strategic insights for China to overcome the "bottleneck" constraints in high-end medical equipment, build a self-sufficient and controllable medical equipment industry chain, and contribute Chinese perspectives and pathways to the green and sustainable development of global MRI technology. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.002 ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of postural shifts between supine and upright positions on cerebral hydrodynamics in healthy individuals using a domestic multi-position helium-free 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and MethodsIn a prospective study, 30 healthy volunteers underwent MRI examinations in upright and supine positions. The imaging protocol included phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI) sequences of the brain in both postures. PC-MRI was used to measure blood flow, blood velocity, pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and superior sagittal sinus (SSS). Additionally, the corresponding hydrodynamic parameters of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the cerebral aqueduct were measured. The arterial blood flow, venous blood flow and CSF hydrodynamic characteristics of healthy brains in the standing and lying positions were compared. Under the premise of controlling blood pressure, the correlation among the change rates of the three was analyzed. ResultsComparison of hemodynamic parameters revealed that in the upright position, the mean and peak velocities of the MCA and SSS were significantly lower than those in the supine position (P < 0.05); the PI and RI of the SSS were significantly higher in the upright position (P < 0.05). Analysis of CSF hydrodynamic in the cerebral aqueduct showed that the mean flow, mean velocity, and peak velocity during both systole and diastole were significantly lower in the upright position compared to the supine position (P < 0.05); the minimum velocity during systole was also significantly reduced (P < 0.05); the stroke volume of CSF per cardiac cycle was significantly reduced in the upright position (P < 0.05). Partial correlation analysis showed that mean MCA flow was positively correlated with peak diastolic CSF velocity, mean MCA velocity with mean systolic CSF flow, peak MCA velocity with mean CSF flow and minimum CSF velocity during systole, minimum MCA velocity with mean diastolic CSF flow and stroke volume, and MCA PI and RI with mean diastolic CSF velocity (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThe change in body position significantly affects the hemodynamic characteristics of the brain^,s arteries, veins, and CSF in healthy individuals, and the rate of change in arterial blood flow is correlated with the change in CSF hemodynamic characteristics between the upright and supine positions. The domestic multi-position helium-free 1.5 T MRI expands the clinical applications of MRI, providing new insights into brain fluid regulation mechanisms and offering theoretical foundations for optimizing the diagnosis and treatment strategies of related diseases. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.003 ObjectiveTo compare the image quality of 1.5 T helium-free magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with that of conventional 1.5 T MRI in brain imaging, assessing the clinical feasibility of 1.5 T helium-free MRI. Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study included 100 patients (50 examined with 1.5 T helium-free MRI and 50 with conventional 1.5 T MRI) who underwent non-contrast brain scans. Subjective scoring was performed on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) of brain parenchyma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Quantitative measurements included signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) from T1 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (Flair) sequences, as well as apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Weighted Kappa coefficients were used to evaluate intra-observer consistency in subjective scoring, while independent sample t-tests compared SNR, CNR, and ADC values between the two systems. ResultsThe average subjective scores for brain parenchyma and CSF were 3.85 and 4.94, respectively, for helium-free MRI, compared to 4.26 and 4.74 for conventional MRI. Although the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05), all scores met clinical diagnostic requirements. Objective analysis showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in SNR (parietal, frontal, occipital lobes, and cerebellum) or ADC values (parietal, frontal, temporal, and occipital lobes) between the two systems. ConclusionsThe brain image quality of the 1.5 T helium-free MRI is comparable to that of the traditional 1.5 T helium-based MRI, and it meets the requirements of clinical diagnosis,indicating that helium-free MRI equipment has application potential in clinical practice. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.004 ObjectivePreliminary energy consumption analysis of helium-free 1.5 T superconducting magnetic resonance based on water phantom simulated clinical scanning protocols. Materials and MethodsThis prospective observational cohort study was conducted from December 2024 to January 2025. Dynamic energy consumption monitoring was conducted for the hosts and cooling equipment of three groups of magnetic resonance imaging systems: the helium-free group consisted of 1.5 T helium-free superconducting MRI (MR1 group), and the helium-containing group included 1.5 T MRI cooled with helium (MR2 group) and 3.0 T MRI cooled with helium (MR3 group). By deploying an intelligent electricity meter monitoring system, real-time energy consumption data of three types of equipment were simultaneously collected under standardized environmental conditions [room temperature (22 ± 2) ℃, humidity 40% to 60%] during two preset operation durations (0.5 h, 1 h) and three typical operation modes (rest state, water model parameter variable state, water model parameter constant state). ResultsAcross all three operational modes (resting state, water phantom parameter variable mode, water phantom parameter constant mode), the host energy consumption of MR1 was lower than that of MR2 and MR3 (P < 0.05), while no statistically significant difference was observed between MR2 and MR3. In the resting state, the refrigeration energy consumption of MR1 showed no significant difference compared to MR3, and total energy consumption across all three systems was comparable. Under the water phantom parameter constant mode, the total energy consumption of MR1 and MR2 was lower than that of MR3 (P < 0.05). All three MRI systems (MR1, MR2, MR3) exhibited lower host and total energy consumption in the resting state compared to water phantom parameter variable and constant modes (P < 0.05), with no significant differences in host or total energy consumption between the two water phantom modes (P > 0.05). ConclusionsCompared with the 1.5 T liquid helium superconducting MRI, the total energy consumption of the 1.5 T helium-free superconducting MRI does not increase. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.005 ObjectiveTo utilize multidelay arterial spin labeling (MDASL) technology to evaluate the hemodynamic characteristics of gray matter in patients with varying severities of white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Materials and MethodsA total of 66 eligible participants were enrolled in this study and were categorized into a control group (Fazekas score = 0, n = 22), a mild WMH group (Fazekas score = 1-2, n = 23), and a moderate-to-severe WMH group (Fazekas score = 3-6, n = 21) based on the total Fazekas score. All subjects underwent conventional 3.0 T cranial MRI and MDASL scans. The MDASL sequence, which included seven post labeling delays, was used to obtain parametric maps of cerebral blood flow (CBF), arterial transit time (ATT), and arterial cerebral blood volume (aCBV). The Automated Anatomical Labeling Atlas 3 was employed to extract perfusion parameter values corresponding to various brain regions, facilitating the comparison of hemodynamic differences among the groups. Results(1) No statistically significant differences were observed in the average CBF and aCBV values across all brain regions among the three groups (P > 0.05); (2) ATT analysis revealed that the brain regions with statistically significant differences among the three groups were the right ventral tegmental area (F = 9.813, P = 0.034) and the right substantia nigra pars reticulata (F = 9.327, P = 0.048), while no significant differences were found in the remaining brain regions (P > 0.05). Post hoc pairwise comparisons showed that the moderate-to-severe WMH group exhibited higher ATT values in the right ventral tegmental area and the right substantia nigra pars reticulata compared with both the control group and the mild WMH group (P < 0.05). ConclusionsWith increasing WMH burden, there was no significant change in gray matter CBF or aCBV. However, ATT was prolonged in the right ventral tegmental area and right substantia nigra pars reticulata, suggesting that ATT prolongation occurs earlier and independently of changes in CBF and aCBV. ATT may serve as a supplementary indicator for hemodynamic assessment in cerebral small vessel disease. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.006 ObjectiveTo investigate glymphatic function differences between migraine without aura (MO) and vestibular migraine (VM) using the diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index and explore their clinical implications. Materials and MethodsThis prospective study enrolled 40 MO patients, 40 VM patients, and 20 healthy controls (HC). The DTI-ALPS index was calculated using an automated atlas-based method. Independent predictors of the ALPS index were identified, and potential mechanistic associations with clinical symptoms were explored. ResultsThe ALPS index showed a significant gradient difference among the three groups (MO > HC > VM, P < 0.05). Disease subtype (B = -0.055, P = 0.002), headache duration (B = -0.003, P = 0.001), and headache attack frequency (B = -0.053, P = 0.001) were independent predictors of the ALPS index. In VM patients, the ALPS index was significantly negatively correlated with headache duration (r = -0.714, P < 0.001) and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores (r = -0.564, P = 0.002). Mediation analysis further revealed that the ALPS index significantly mediated the effect of headache duration on vertigo severity (mediation proportion: 79.53%). ConclusionsWe propose a "bidirectional dynamic evolution" hypothesis for migraine glymphatic function. Constrained by vestibular pathway vulnerability and high disease burden, VM patients are more susceptible to clearance failure. These findings provide a novel perspective on the mechanisms of migraine heterogeneity. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.007 ObjectiveTo develop a clinically inspired 3D directional attention deep learning model for the automatic classification of Alzheimer^,s disease (AD) and cognitively normal (CN) individuals, and to evaluate its generalization ability in an independent real-world clinical setting as well as its consistency with diagnoses made by radiologists of varying experience levels. Materials and MethodsA total of 621 subjects (275 AD, 346 CN) from the Alzheimer^,s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database were retrospectively included as the development set, which was randomly split into a training set (n = 496) and an internal validation set (n = 125) at an 8∶2 ratio. Additionally, 90 participants (60 AD, 30 CN) from a local hospital cohort were included as an independent external test set. A 3D directional attention module (DirectionTripleAttention3D), comprising spatial, channel, and Sobel operator-inspired directional attention branches, was integrated into a 3D DenseNet-121 backbone to capture morphological gradient features of cortical atrophy. Three-dimensional gradient-weighted class activation mapping (3D Grad-CAM) was employed to visualize the model^,s regions of interest. The diagnostic performance of the model was compared with that of two radiologists with different levels of experience (junior and senior). ResultsIn the ADNI internal validation set, the DenseNet121-DirAtt3D model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.924 (95% CI: 0.872 to 0.967) and an accuracy of 88.0%. In the independent external test set from our institution, the model yielded an AUC of 0.906 (95% CI: 0.818 to 0.976) and an accuracy of 88.9%, demonstrating good robustness. Human–machine comparison showed that, compared with the junior radiologist, the model exhibited a significant advantage in overall classification performance (McNemar test, χ² = 7.314, adjusted P = 0.014). Meanwhile, the overall diagnostic performance of the model was comparable to that of the senior radiologist, with no significant difference in AUC between the two (DeLong test, Z = 0.40, adjusted P = 0.691). The regions highlighted by the model were mainly located in the bilateral hippocampus, medial temporal lobe, and parahippocampal gyrus, and were visually consistent with the atrophy pattern of AD. ConclusionThe 3D directional attention-based deep learning model demonstrates excellent diagnostic performance and generalization capabilities in the classification of AD. Its decision-making basis possesses anatomical interpretability. Consequently, it holds promise as an auxiliary decision-support tool to enhance standardization and consistency in the imaging diagnosis of AD. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.008 ObjectiveTo explore the alterations in spontaneous neural activity in drug-free patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by combining multiple indices resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Materials and MethodsThis study included 42 drug-free patients and 42 age, sex and education matched normal controls. Cognitive function tests, clinical biochemical examinations and rs-fMRI scans were performed. Amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF), fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF), degree centrality (DC) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were calculated after image preprocessing. Two sample t-test was performed to explore the abnormal alterations of brain function, and the relationships among rs-fMRI indices, clinical indicators, and cognitive scores were also investigated. ResultsCompared to normal controls, drug-free T2DM patients exhibited decreased spontaneous neural activity in the left superior frontal gyrus, right angular gyrus, bilateral precuneus and thalamus, while increased neural activity was observed in the right superior frontal gyrus (Gaussian random field corrected, voxel P < 0.001, cluster P < 0.05). Furthermore, in the T2DM groups, the fALFF in the bilateral precuneus were positively correlated with 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (r = 0.421, P = 0.013). The ALFF in the left thalamus showed positive correlation with high-density lipoprotein (r = 0.399, P = 0.005), but negatively correlated with fasting plasma C-peptide (r = -0.345, P = 0.015). We also observed a decreased correlation between fALFF in the right angular gyrus and fasting plasma C-peptide (r = -0.432, P = 0.009). ConclusionThis study demonstrates that a distinct pattern of aberrant brain function in drug-free T2DM patients is associated with clinical indicators, enhancing the understanding of diabetic brain injury mechanisms. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.009 ObjectiveTo construct structural covariance networks (SCN) based on gray matter volume and investigate the differences in network robustness and the distribution properties of hub nodes in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). Materials and MethodsThis study collected clinical and T1 high-resolution imaging data from 20 patients with MHE and 25 education-matched healthy control (HC) at the Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine between July 2024 and July 2025. Using VBM8 within the SPM8 toolbox to preprocess images, gray matter morphological measures were extracted for both the HC group and the MHE group using the CAT12 toolbox. Based on the automated anatomical labeling (AAL) atlas, SCNs were constructed using gray matter volume. The Graph Analysis Toolbox (GAT) was then employed to analyze network resilience against targeted and random attacks, assessing network robustness. The distribution characteristics of hub nodes were examined through degree distribution analysis. ResultsStatistically significant differences were observed in age, NCT-A, NCT-B, LTT, SDT, and DST (P < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were found in height, gender, years of education, or total intracranial volume (TIV) (P > 0.05). In the SCNs constructed from gray matter volume, when using betweenness centrality as the target for targeted attacks and the relative size of the largest connected component as the robustness metric, no statistically significant difference was found between the HC and MHE groups (P > 0.05). However, under random attacks, the HC group demonstrated lower robustness compared to the MHE group (P < 0.05). Degree distribution analysis revealed that compared to HCs, MHE patients exhibited a decreased cut-off parameter b (17.26 vs. 32.80) and an increased power-law exponent a (1.20 vs. 1.11) in their brain networks, with goodness-of-fit R² values all exceeding 0.94. ConclusionsGraph attack analysis suggests that MHE brains undergo network reorganization, forming a complex and selective adaptive pattern. The degree distribution analysis, showing a significant decrease in the b value and an increase in the a value, indicates a topological simplification of the brain network in MHE patients. This represents a shift from an efficient, hierarchical system towards a simplified, homogenized architecture, which may underlie the neural basis of their cognitive impairment. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.010 ObjectiveTo characterize structural brain alterations in clinical medical graduate students experiencing anxiety and to explore the potential association between anxiety severity and regional brain volume changes. Materials and MethodsClinical medical graduate students were prospectively recruited as the experimental group. Age- and sex- matched healthy controls and patients with a clinical diagnosis of anxiety were retrospectively selected from our institutional database to serve as healthy and anxiety control groups, respectively. Anxiety levels were evaluated using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). All participants underwent structural T1-weighted magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo (T1-MPRAGE) imaging on a 3.0 T MRI scanner. Cortical and subcortical segmentation was performed with FreeSurfer to extract regional brain volumes. Volumetric differences among the experimental, healthy control, and anxiety control groups were compared. ResultsSignificant differences in the volumes of several brain regions were observed among the three groups (P < 0.05). Specifically, compared with the healthy control group, the subject group exhibited statistically significant volume differences (FDR-corrected, P < 0.05) in 13 brain regions, including bilateral cerebellar cortex, bilateral caudate nuclei, bilateral putamina, bilateral amygdalae, and the left hippocampus. Compared with the anxiety control group, the subject group showed significant volume differences (FDR-corrected, P < 0.05) in 14 brain regions, including bilateral cerebellar cortex, bilateral caudate nuclei, bilateral nucleus accumbens, left hippocampus, and left amygdala. Furthermore, compared with the healthy control group, the anxiety control group demonstrated significant volume differences (FDR-corrected, P < 0.05) in 14 brain regions, including bilateral cerebellar cortex, bilateral caudate nuclei, bilateral putamina, bilateral nucleus accumbens, and the left hippocampus. ConclusionsAnxiety-related emotional states in clinical medical postgraduates are associated with volumetric differences in several brain regions. MRI may serve as an imaging tool for investigating anxiety-related structural brain alterations and may provide a reference for future studies on their neurophysiological basis. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.011 ObjectiveTo apply cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking (CMR-FT) to compare biventricular structural and functional differences between hypertensive (HTN) patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), to investigate the synergistic detrimental effect of T2DM on cardiac function in HTN patients, and to explore independent factors associated with concomitant T2DM in HTN patients. Materials and MethodsA total of 172 HTN patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) examination between September 2023 and September 2024 were retrospectively enrolled and divided into an HTN group (n = 97) and an HTN+T2DM group (n = 75) according to the presence or absence of T2DM. Conventional cardiac functional parameters and biventricular myocardial strain parameters were obtained using CVI42 software. Differences in clinical data, conventional cardiac function, and strain parameters were compared between the two groups, and the correlation between left and right ventricular strain was analyzed. Elastic net regularized regression and multivariable logistic regression were employed to identify independent factors associated with concomitant T2DM in HTN patients, and a combined clinical-imaging model was constructed to evaluate its discriminatory performance. ResultsAfter adjusting for confounders and correcting for multiple comparisons, compared with the HTN group, the HTN+T2DM group exhibited significant decreases in left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), right ventricular stroke volume index (RVSVI), and right ventricular cardiac index (RVCI) (P < 0.05, adjusted q < 0.05). Additionally, the absolute values of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS), left ventricular basal global radial strain (LV-Basal-GRS), and left ventricular mid-ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-Mid-GLS) were also significantly reduced relative to the HTN group (P < 0.05, adjusted q < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [OR = 1.013, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.004 to 1.021], left ventricular end-systolic volume index (OR = 0.907, 95% CI: 0.839 to 0.981), right ventricular cardiac output (OR = 0.768, 95% CI: 0.593 to 0.993), LV-Basal-GRS (OR = 0.936, 95% CI: 0.881 to 0.995), and LV-Mid-GLS (OR = 1.148, 95% CI: 1.023 to 1.287) were independent factors associated with concomitant T2DM in HTN patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the combined clinical-imaging model based on the above indicators was 0.800 (95% CI: 0.735 to 0.865). The calibration curve and the Hosmer‑Lemeshow test (χ² = 10.134, P = 0.256) indicated good calibration of the model. Decision curve analysis demonstrated favorable clinical utility of the model. ConclusionsCMR-FT can sensitively detect early impairment of left ventricular segmental strain and biventricular pump functional reserve in HTN patients with T2DM, even when ejection fraction is not significantly reduced. In conjunction with clinical indicators such as NT-proBNP, LVESVI, and RVCO, strain parameters derived from CMR-FT facilitate the assessment of the superimposed detrimental effect of T2DM on the heart in HTN patients, providing an imaging reference for early risk identification and precise intervention. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.012 ObjectiveBased on gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to obtain conventional signal intensity histogram features of hepatobiliary phase images, preoperatively evaluating its diagnostic performance for post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Materials and MethodsA retrospective study was performed at a single center. Information was gathered from 198 individuals diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma and who had hepatectomy at Henan Provincial People^,s Hospital from January 2017 to December 2023. Each patient included in the study had preoperative Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI scans. Based on the PHLF diagnostic criteria formulated by the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS), the patients were categorized into a PHLF group (42 cases) and a non-PHLF group (156 cases). The preoperative hepatobiliary phase histogram parameters were compared between the PHLF group and non-PHLF group, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to assess how well these histogram parameters could predict the likelihood of developing liver failure after hepatectomy. ResultsThe PHLF group showed significantly higher kurtosis, mean, mean deviation, skewness, 10th percentile, and 90th percentile values compared with the non-PHLF group (Bonferroni corrected P < 0.003 3). The ROC analysis indicated that the area under the curve (AUC) for skewness in predicting postoperative PHLF was 0.868 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.809 to 0.928], while the AUCs for the 10th percentile, kurtosis, and mean were 0.720 (95% CI: 0.632 to 0.807), 0.665 (95% CI: 0.570 to 0.760), and 0.657 (95% CI: 0.559 to 0.754), respectively. Skewness demonstrated the best predictive performance with an AUC of 0.868, sensitivity of 69.0%, specificity of 89.1%, and an optimal cutoff value of 0.515. ConclusionsConventional signal intensity histogram analysis of Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI hepatobiliary phase images, particularly the skewness parameter, can serve as an effective imaging tool for preoperative prediction of PHLF in HCC, but it needs to be comprehensively assessed in combination with clinical factors such as the extent of surgical resection and the future residual liver volume. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.013 ObjectiveTo identify the optimal b-value combination for assessing pancreatic stiffness using virtual magnetic resonance elastography (vMRE) and to evaluate its application in assessing the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). Materials and MethodsDiffusion weighted imaging (DWI) images of the upper abdomen and clinical data from 137 AP patients and 55 healthy controls were retrospectively collected. Multi-b-value DWI scans were acquired at b = 50, 200, 600, 800, and 1500 s/mm². High and low b-values were combined into five groups: 50/600, 50/800, 50/1500, 200/800, and 200/1500 s/mm². Based on the signal intensities at the two different b-values, the virtual shear modulus (μ_diff) was calculated using the formula: μ_diff = α × In (S_LKb/S_HKb)/(HKb-LKb) + β. AP patients were further stratified according to the Atlanta classification, MR severity index (MRSI), and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ severity scores. The t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare pancreatic μ_diff values between different b-value combinations within the AP group, as well as between the normal control group and the AP group for each b-value combination. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing pancreatic stiffness. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of vMRE using different b-value combinations. For b-value combinations demonstrating diagnostic efficacy, Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were further conducted to assess their correlation with AP severity grades. ResultsWithin the AP group, no significant difference in pancreatic μ_diff was found only between the b = 50/600 s/mm² and b = 50/800 s/mm² combinations (P > 0.05); significant differences were observed among all other b-value combinations (P < 0.05). Comparing AP patients and controls across different b-value combinations, significant differences in pancreatic μ_diff were observed for the 50/1500 s/mm² and 200/1500 s/mm² combinations (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed confounding effects between BMI and hypertriglyceridemia (P < 0.05); therefore, both were included in the model for adjustment. After controlling for these factors, the AP group remained significantly and positively correlated with pancreatic μ_diff (P < 0.05). Early intervention therapy, history of diabetes, fatty liver disease, and various etiological types (biliary, hyperlipidemic, alcoholic pancreatitis) showed no significant influence on pancreatic μ_diff (P > 0.05). ROC curve analysis at different b-values showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for the 50/1500 s/mm² combination was 0.757 (95% CI: 0.658 to 0.856), and for the 200/1500 s/mm² combination was 0.809 (95% CI: 0.716 to 0.901). There was no statistically significant difference between the two AUCs (Z = 0.78, P > 0.05). Further correlation analysis indicated that the 200/1500 s/mm² combination showed relatively higher correlations with the Atlanta classification, MRSI, and APACHE Ⅱ severity scores (r = 0.68, P < 0.01; r = 0.58, P < 0.01; r = 0.35, P < 0.05, respectively). ConclusionPancreatic μ_diff measured by vMRE using the 200/1500 s/mm² combination shows the strongest correlation with AP severity. It can serve as a non-invasive, promising, and continuously quantitative imaging biomarker, providing a robust reference for the assessment of pancreatic stiffness and the grading of AP severity. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.014 ObjectiveIdentify clinical (total number of pregnancies) and radiological risk factors (M-line length at maximum abdominal pressure, bladder base position during the Valsalva maneuver) associated with the severity of rectal prolapse in women, and develop a nomogram model to predict severe rectal prolapse in women. Materials and MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 90 female patients with pelvic floor dysfunction disorders who underwent dynamic magnetic resonance defecography. According to the depth of rectal protrusion (≥ 20 mm was classified as the severe group, < 20 mm as the mild group) and MRI diagnosis, they were divided into the mild rectal prolapse group (n = 69) and the severe rectal prolapse group (n = 21). Parity and pregnancy history, pelvic floor muscle morphology, H-line, M-line, and dynamic indicators of the anterior, middle, and posterior pelvic compartments were compared between the two groups. Single-factor and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify predictive factors and construct a nomogram model. The model^,s discriminatory power was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Calibration curves were plotted using the bootstrap method to evaluate model calibration, and clinical net benefit was assessed through decision curve analysis. ResultsCompared with the mild group, the severe group had significantly higher total number of pregnancies and deliveries (P < 0.05), significantly longer M-line at maximum abdominal pressure phase [(33.9 ± 12.5) mm vs. (25.8 ± 13.8) mm, Cohen^,s d = 0.62, P = 0.019], closer position of the bladder base to the pubococcygeal line (PCL) during Valsalva maneuver (P = 0.028), and significantly smaller anorectal angle (ARA) at maximum abdominal pressure phase (P = 0.035). Logistic regression analysis finally identified the total number of pregnancies, M-line length at maximum abdominal pressure phase, and bladder base position during Valsalva maneuver as independent influencing factors. The nomogram model constructed based on these factors had a predictive area under the curve (AUC) of 0.862 with good calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA) showed high clinical net benefit. ConclusionsSevere rectal prolapse is independently associated with cumulative obstetric trauma, dynamic pelvic floor descent, and weakened multi-compartmental support. Total number of pregnancies, M-line length during maximum abdominal pressure, and bladder base position during the Valsalva maneuver are independent predictors of severe rectal prolapse. The nomogram developed in this study may aid in early risk stratification and treatment decision-making. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.015 ObjectiveTo establish a nomogram risk model to evaluate its practical utility in assessing the risk of vertebral compression fractures in postmenopausal women by using multiparametric imaging indices derived from quantitative computed tomography (QCT), conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences, and functional MRI sequences. Materials and MethodsFrom March 2025 to January 2026, recruitment of postmenopausal women presenting with lumbar spine disorders at the Orthopedic Department of Chizhou People^,s Hospital. Clinical and imaging data were collected, and patients were classified into a fracture group (n = 53) and a non-fracture group (n = 51) based on clinical presentation and imaging findings. For patients in the fracture group, measurements were taken from vertebrae that had not sustained fractures. The Mann-Whitney U test or independent samples t-test was used to analyze differences between groups. This study used a stepwise regression method to conduct a binary logistic regression analysis to identify independent factors for vertebral compression fractures in postmenopausal women. A nomogram risk model based on independent influencing factors was constructed using R4.5.2. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to assess the model^,s discriminatory ability, the calibration curve was used to evaluate its accuracy, and the decision curve analysis (DCA) curve was applied to test its clinical decision-making utility. Additionally, internal validation was conducted to verify the model^,s stability. ResultsIntergroup comparisons revealed statistically significant differences in age, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), vertebral body quality (VBQ) score, fat fraction (FF), and proton density (PD) (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in body mass index (BMI), T1 relaxation time, or T2 relaxation time between groups (P > 0.05). After step wise backward regression, the final model retained three independent factors: vBMD, VBQ score, and PD. Among these, vBMD was an independent protective factor against fracture (OR = 0.959, 95% CI: 0.935 to 0.984, P = 0.001), while VBQ scores (OR = 5.055, 95% CI: 1.324 to 19.291, P = 0.018) and PD (OR = 1.067, 95% CI: 1.008 to 1.130, P = 0.025) were independent risk factors. The AUC of the Nomogram risk model constructed based on the above three parameters was 0.891 (95% CI: 0.815 to 0.944), and its ability to distinguish risk was superior to that of vBMD (AUC = 0.829), the VBQ score (AUC = 0.830), and PD (AUC = 0.766), with P-values all < 0.05. The calibration curve indicated that the model performed well in identifying risk factors for vertebral compression fractures in postmenopausal women, and the DCA demonstrated that the model offers good clinical net benefit. ConclusionsThe study found that vBMD, VBQ scores, and PD are independent factors for vertebral compression fractures in postmenopausal women. The nomogram risk model developed based on these three parameters demonstrates good discriminatory performance and clinical utility, providing a new quantitative tool for assessing the risk of vertebral compression fractures in postmenopausal women. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.016 ObjectiveTo compare the acquisition efficiency, image quality, consistency of cardiac function quantification, and risk stratification discriminatory ability of 4-shot compressed sensing cardiac cine (4-shot CS cine) versus traditional segmented cine in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PAH). Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study included 84 PAH patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging between October 2022 and September 2024 and completed both cine sequences in the same examination. Scanning time, subjective image quality scores, and objective metrics were compared. Biventricular volume and functional parameters were measured, and differences and correlations were analyzed. According to the simplified risk stratification scale recommended in the Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension (2021 Edition), patients were divided into a low-risk group (n = 41 cases) and an intermedium-to-high-risk group (n = 43 cases). Univariate logistic models based on right ventricular end systolic volume (RVESV) were built for each sequence, and the Area Under the Curve (AUC) was calculated and compared using the DeLong test. Results4-shot CS cine had a shorter scanning time than traditional segmented cine [(86.78 ± 18.17) s vs. (109.54 ± 29.46) s, P < 0.001], and the number of breath holds was reduced [(3.80 ± 0.53) times vs. (5.19 ± 0.42) times, P < 0.001]. Both sequences achieved subjective scores of ≥ 3. Blood-pool-to myocardial signal ratio, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio were higher with traditional segmented cine than with 4-shot CS cine (all P < 0.001). Biventricular parameters showed good overall consistency with strong correlations (all r > 0.80). For RVESV-based model, AUCs did not differ significantly between the two sequences for discriminating PAH risk stratification (DeLong test, P > 0.05). Conclusions4-shot CS cine reduces acquisition burden in PAH patients while providing comparable performance to traditional segmented cine for cardiac function quantification and risk stratification discrimination. Its characteristics of shortening scanning time and reducing breath-holding times can also improve the success rate of the examination, making it potentially valuable as a clinical alternative or supplement. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.018 Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.019 ^,s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with a complex mechanism. After onset, it causes a series of clinical manifestations of cognitive and behavioral disorders in patients. Currently, there is no cure for this disease. With the widespread application of acupuncture treatment and the development of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), the research on the pathogenesis and intervention measures of AD has received increasing attention, and it also provides reliable technical support for the exploration of specific acupuncture points. This article reviews the abnormal brain functional areas and networks related to AD and the specific acupuncture points of acupuncture treatment for AD based on rs-fMRI, with the aim of providing references for optimizing acupuncture treatment plans in clinical practice and improving therapeutic efficacy. This article points out the limitations of the current research and indicates the direction for future studies. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.020 ^,s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by bradykinesia, resting tremor, and gait disturbances. Exercise therapy, as an important non-pharmacological intervention, is safe and associated with minimal adverse effects, and has shown considerable potential in improving clinical symptoms in patients with PD. However, the central neural mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain to be further elucidated. MRI enables non-invasive, in vivo assessment of neuroplasticity across structural, functional, and molecular levels, providing a valuable tool for investigating the neuroimaging mechanisms of exercise interventions. This review focuses on multimodal MRI techniques that have been widely applied in clinical research and summarizes the neural regulatory mechanisms of different exercise interventions in PD, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, balance and gait training, multimodal exercise programs, as well as integrative interventions such as dance, Tai Chi, and exergaming. The aim is to provide imaging-based evidence for objectively evaluating therapeutic efficacy and to offer reference for the development of individualized rehabilitation strategies, ultimately improving patients^, quality of life. In addition, this review summarizes the current limitations of existing studies and outlines future research directions. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.021 Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.022 Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.023 Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.024 Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.025 ^,s disease (PD) is of great significance for understanding disease mechanisms, guiding individualized treatment, and evaluating therapeutic efficacy. Multimodal MRI technology enables non-invasive and multi-dimensional assessment of cerebellar alterations in structure, function, and metabolism, providing crucial insights into the cerebellar pathological processes in PD. Based on recent advances in techniques such as structural MRI (sMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), blood oxygenation level-dependent functional MRI (BOLD-fMRI), quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), this article systematically reviews the relationship between cerebellar structural and functional changes and clinical symptoms in PD. It focuses on characteristic manifestations including deep cerebellar nuclear atrophy, white matter microstructural damage, functional connectivity abnormalities, and metabolic disturbances, elaborates on the potential mechanisms of the cerebellum in both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. This review identifies current limitations, such as insufficient analysis of functional heterogeneity within cerebellar subregions, low consistency across different imaging modalities, and a lack of longitudinal studies, and points out future research directions, including the integration of ultra-high field MRI and artificial intelligence techniques. The ultimate goal is to provide imaging evidence for early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and treatment evaluation of PD. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.026 ^,s brain injury to cognitive impairment, summarizing the application value of brain structural MRI techniques, and pointing out current limitations and future research directions, in order to provide an imaging basis for early warning, disease evaluation, and precision intervention of cognitive impairment related to this disease. ]]> Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.027 Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.028 Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.029 Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.030 Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.031 Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.032 Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.033 Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2026.05.034 Wed,20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT