http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/contents_list.asp?issue=202506 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.1674-8034.2025.06.001 Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.002 ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of three commonly used anti-diabetic drugs-Liraglutide, Dapagliflozin, and Acarbose-on functional connectivity (FC) between olfactory vulnerable regions and the whole brain in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and MethodsThe study consists of two phases: baseline and drug treatment. In the baseline phase, 51 normal controls and 191 T2DM patients were recruited to assess differences in FC, cognitive function, olfactory behavior, and clinical indicators between the two groups. In the drug treatment follow-up phase, 36 T2DM patients with inadequate glycemic control despite metformin treatment were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: Liraglutide (n = 12), Dapagliflozin (n = 12), and Acarbose (n = 12), for a 16-week period. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to evaluate the effects of three drugs on FC, cognitive function, and olfactory behavior. ResultsAfter 16 weeks of Liraglutide treatment, significant improvements in glycemic control and a notable reduction in body weight were observed in patients with T2DM. Delayed memory improved (t = -6.148, P < 0.001) and olfactory thresholds increased (t = -2.321, P = 0.040). The compensatory increase in FC between the left thalamus and left inferior occipital gyrus, as well as the right thalamus and left fusiform gyrus, was restored (Gaussian random field correction, voxel level P < 0.005, cluster level P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed before and after treatment in the Acarbose and Dapagliflozin groups (P > 0.05). ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that Liraglutide significantly improves brain FC between the bilateral thalamus and left occipital lobe, cognitive function, and olfactory thresholds, suggesting neuroprotective effects beyond its metabolic benefits. In contrast, Dapagliflozin and Acarbose did not exhibit significant effects on olfactory, cognitive, or brain function protection. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.003 ObjectiveTo explore the potential neural mechanism related to cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients treated with EC-T (E: epirubicin, C: cyclophosphamide, T: paclitaxel) chemotherapy using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and MethodsTwenty-nine breast cancer patients who underwent standard EC-T sequential chemotherapy were included in the study. Cognitive function assessments and MRI examinations were conducted before and after postoperative chemotherapy. We compared the longitudinal changes of cognitive function and regional homogeneity (ReHo) of related brain regions in breast cancer patients before and after chemotherapy and analyzed the correlation. ResultsCompared to before chemotherapy, breast cancer patients exhibited reduced scores in word learning, short-term delayed recall, long-term delayed recall, Color Block Connection Test - 1, Color Block Connection Test-2, and the number backward task (P < 0.05) after chemotherapy. Additionally, the ReHo values of the left anterior cingulate gyrus, left middle cingulate gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus, and left putamen decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Partial correlation analysis revealed that the difference in ReHo values of the left anterior cingulate gyrus before and after chemotherapy was positively correlated with the differences in word learning scores (r = 0.526, P < 0.05). ConclusionsChemotherapy can induce alterations in the local consistency of multiple brain regions in breast cancer patients, and can also result in cognitive impairment. The abnormal ReHo value of the left anterior cingulate gyrus can serve as a clinically meaningful imaging biomarker for monitoring cognitive function changes in breast cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.004 ObjectiveAlzheimer^,s disease (AD) can alter brain structure, but there is limited research on the topological properties of structural covariance network (SCN) based on gray matter. Therefore, this study used structural magnetic resonance imaging and graph theory analysis to evaluate changes in SCN in AD patients. Materials and MethodsThis study screened 32 AD patients and 29 healthy controls (HC) from the Alzheimer^,s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database, followed by T1 high-resolution imaging. The structural images were preprocessed using the SPM8 software package, and the gray matter SCN was constructed using the Graph Analysis Toolbox (GAT). Global and local network metrics were calculated and compared using graph theory analysis. ResultsCompared to the HC group, AD patients showed a decrease in global network metrics, including characteristic path length (Lp), clustering coefficient (Cp), assortativity, small-world properties (Lambda, Sigma, Gamma), edge betweenness, node betweenness, and transitivity. Modularity and global efficiency increased, but the differences were not statistically significant according to permutation tests (P > 0.05). Additionally, at the minimum density, the node degree in the AD group decreased in regions such as the right calcarine fissure, right fusiform gyrus, and right middle temporal gyrus. Node betweenness decreased in the right cerebellum and right supramarginal gyrus. Node betweenness increased in the right calcarine fissure, left orbital inferior frontal gyrus, left medial superior frontal gyrus, and right olfactory cortex. Cp decreased in the right temporal pole of the middle temporal gyrus and increased in the cerebellar vermis. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05), but after false discovery rate (FDR) correction, the differences were not significant (P > 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) results of standardized node metrics showed that node degree increased in the left cerebellum and left medial superior frontal gyrus in the AD group. Node betweenness increased in the left cerebellum, left orbital middle frontal gyrus, and left medial superior frontal gyrus, while it decreased in the right cerebellum. Cp increased in the right cerebellum and left orbital middle frontal gyrus, and decreased in the right temporal pole of the middle temporal gyrus and left thalamus. Local efficiency was higher in the right cerebellum and lower in the right temporal pole of the superior temporal gyrus in the AD group compared to the HC group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). The analysis of target-based and random network attacks showed no significant differences in the remaining network metrics (largest component) between the two groups after node attacks (P > 0.05). The AUC results of target-based and random network attacks also showed no significant differences in the remaining network metrics between the two groups (P > 0.05). ConclusionsThe global and node metrics of SCN in the AD group showed changes, but the remaining network metrics did not significantly change after target-based and random network attacks. These changes in metrics may be related to cognitive impairment in AD patients. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.005 ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic value of neuromelanin magnetic resonance imaging (NM-MRI) combined with radiomics for Parkinson^,s disease (PD) and to explore specific imaging biomarkers. Materials and MethodsFifty-seven PD patients and thirty-four healthy controls (HC) were included. The substantia nigra of the midbrain was used as the area of interest,the features were acquired using a modified 2D-T1-fast spin echo sequence (2D-T1-FSE). region of interest (ROI) segmentation was performed using 3D-Slicer 4.8.1, and features were selected through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to construct a radiomics score, establishing a combined diagnostic model. Participants were divided into a training set and a test set in a 7∶3 ratio, comparing the diagnostic performance of the radiomics model, traditional clinical diagnostic models, and the combined model, and conducting correlation analyses between high-weighted features and some clinical scales. ResultsTen significant radiomics features (P < 0.05) were selected; the area under the curve (AUC) for the combined model, radiomics model, and traditional clinical diagnostic model in the training set were 0.90 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83 to 0.98], 0.89 (0.81 to 0.97) and 0.70 (0.56 to 0.83), the AUCs of the test groups were 0.88 (0.76 to 1.00), 0.88 (0.81 to 1.00) and 0.78 (0.60 to 0.96), respectively; the decision curve shows that imaging omics significantly improved clinical evaluation efficiency; in traditional clinical diagnostic models, Head_CNR and Whole_CNR showing significant statistical differences in diagnosing PD (P < 0.01); LeastAxisLength, LargeAreaEmphasis, and Head_CNR are negatively correlated with H-Y grading but show no significant correlation with the Unified Parkinson^,s Disease Rating Scale Part Ⅲ (UPDRS-Ⅲ). ConclusionsThe NM-MRI imaging omics combined model can significantly improve the accuracy of PD diagnosis, and the selected imaging omics features such as SurfaceVolumeRatio and Mean have the potential to become PD-specific markers. Meanwhile, Head_CNR and morphological parameters (LeastAxisLength and LargeAreaEmphasis) have clinical application value for the quantitative evaluation of disease severity. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.006 ObjectiveTo apply voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to investigate the changes in gray matter volume (GMV) in the brains of patients with tremor-dominant Parkinson^,s disease (TD-PD). Materials and MethodsThree-dimensional T1-weighted imaging scans were performed on 22 randomly selected TD-PD patients and 22 age- and gender-matched healthy control (HC). Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was conducted on the three-dimensional structural images using SPM12 to detect gray matter volume. ResultsCompared with the HC group, the gray matter volume of the right middle temporal gyrus (Temporal_Mid_L, MTG.R), the left superior orbitofrontal gyrus (Frontal_Mid_Orb_R, ORBsupmed.L), and the left calcarine cortex (Calcarine_L, CAL.L) were all reduced in the TD-PD group (FWE correction, cluster level P < 0.001). The gray matter volume of the above-mentioned brain regions was negatively correlated with the tremor score (disease severity) of PD patients (r = -0.491, -0.512, -0.522, all P < 0.05). ConclusionsThe tremor symptoms of PD patients are related to visual information processing disorders and the decline in spatial perception ability, which leads to the deterioration of autonomous motor functions. Moreover, as the severity of clinical tremor symptoms in PD patients increases, the degree of structural damage in the related brain regions also further worsens. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.007 ObjectiveTo explore the differences of regional homogeneity on brain function and their correlations with cognitive assessments in cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) patients with and without cognitive impairment and healthy controls (HC). Materials and MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the demographic characteristics of 33 CSVD patients with mild cognitive impairment (CSVD-m), 32 CSVD patients with no cognitive impairment (CSVD-n), and 30 gender-, age-, education-matched healthy controls (HC). The cognitive function of all subjects was evaluated using a series of cognitive assessments. T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging data and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of all subjects were collected, and the regional homogeneity (ReHo) values of 170 brain regions in the automated anatomical labeling (AAL) template were calculated. The differences of ReHo values among the three groups and the relationships between ReHo values in altered brain regions and cognitive assessments were analyzed. ResultsCompared with the HC group, the CSVD-m group and CSVD-n group had abnormal areas in the default mode network, subcortical network, sensorimotor network, and visual network (GRF correction, voxel-level P < 0.001, cluster-level P < 0.05). Compared with the CSVD-n group, the CSVD-m group had abnormal areas in the visual network (GRF correction, voxel-level P < 0.001, cluster-level P < 0.05). In the CSVD-m group, the ReHo values of the left caudate (r = 0.453, P = 0.008) and right middle cingulum (r = 0.349, P = 0.046) were positively correlated with the trail making test B; the ReHo values of the right insula were positively correlated with the auditory verbal learning test-delayed recall (r = 0.386, P = 0.027); the ReHo values of the left Rolandic operculum (r = -0.348, P = 0.047) and lingual gyrus (r = -0.372, P = 0.033) were negatively correlated with the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test-immediate recall; the ReHo values of the left postcentral gyrus were negatively correlated with the Stroop Ⅰ test (r = -0.347, P = 0.048). ConclusionsCSVD patients exhibit abnormal regional homogeneity across multiple brain regions, most notably in the right middle cingulum and insula, as well as the left caudate, Rolandic operculum, postcentral gyrus, and lingual gyrus. These alterations are closely associated with cognitive functions such as attention, executive function, and memory. These findings may reflect the neuropathophysiological basis of CSVD-related cognitive impairment and hold potential value as early neuroimaging markers for its identification. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.008 ObjectiveTo investigate the volume and distribution characteristics of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) using MRI three dimensional-fluid attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR), and to determine if specific brain regions are more susceptible to lesion development and to assess the relationship between WMH volume and clinical biochemical markers and cognitive function. Materials and MethodsMRI image data and clinical biochemical indices from 81 ESRD patients and 77 healthy controls were collected. CAT12 software was used to analyze 3D-T1WI images to obtain the whole brain volume of each subject. The 3D-FLAIR images were analyzed by Lesion Prediction Algorithm (LPA) in Lesion Segmentation Tool (LST) to obtain the volume and distribution map of WMH. Two-sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the differences in cognitive function scores and the severity of WMH (the ratio of WMH to total brain volume) between the two groups. The Liebermeister test in non-parametric mapping (NPM) software was employed to compare the distribution maps between the two groups. After controlling for the effects of age and gender using partial correlation analysis, the correlations between the severity of WMH and both clinical biochemical indicators as well as cognitive function were assessed. Furthermore, the two groups were categorized according to the severity of WMH, and the ROC curve was constructed. ResultsThe cognitive function scores of the ESRD group were significantly lower compared to the control group [Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): 22.44 ± 5.23 vs. 26.06 ± 3.20, P < 0.001; Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): 25.96 ± 3.81 vs. 28.61 ± 1.85, P < 0.001]. The severity of WMH in the ESRD group was significantly higher than in the control group [1.40 (2.60) vs. 0.36 (0.40), P < 0.001]. The proportion of WMH in the ESRD group was also higher (Z: 1.914 to 6.483, P < 0.05). Although WMH severity was not associated with cognitive function (P > 0.05), it was negatively correlated with serum albumin and glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.337, P = 0.002; r = -0.231, P = 0.041). The area under the ROC curve was 0.817 (95% CI: 0.751 to 0.884). ConclusionsPeriventricular white matter is particularly vulnerable to damage in ESRD patients, which is closely linked to the decline in renal function and serum albumin levels. WMH serves as a significant imaging marker for effectively distinguishing white matter damage in ESRD. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.009 ObjectiveThis study employed long-range functional connectivity density (lr-FCD) to assess resting-state functional alterations in the white matter of patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Materials and MethodsA total of 31 healthy controls (HC) and 30 FTD patients were included from the Image and Data Archive (IDA). All participants underwent high-resolution T1-weighted structural imaging and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). The T1 structural images were segmented into gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid, and a group-level white matter mask was generated. The rs-fMRI data were preprocessed, and the lr-FCD metric was calculated based on the white matter mask. A one-sample t-test was used to examine the distribution of lr-FCD in both HC and FTD groups, followed by a two-sample t-test to compare intergroup differences in lr-FCD. ResultsSignificant differences were observed in educational attainment between the FTD and HC groups (P < 0.05, t = 3.232). The clinical dementia rating score of the FTD group was (1.200 ± 0.407). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were (29.500 ± 0.626) for the HC group and (23.100 ± 4.140) for the FTD group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001, t = 3.460). In the HC group, high lr-FCD values were primarily located in the posterior thalamic radiation (including the optic radiation), whereas in the FTD group, they were predominantly found in the posterior corona radiata. Compared with the HC group, the FTD group exhibited significantly increased lr-FCD in the posterior corona radiata and superior longitudinal fasciculus. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the neuropathological mechanism of FTD may be associated with abnormal long-range functional connectivity in white matter. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.010 ObjectiveTo explore the imaging effect of high-resolution compressed sensing (CS) TOF-MRA on lenticulostriate arteries (LSA), and the correlation between the morphological characteristics of LSA and white matter injury in cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). Materials and MethodsPatients with SVD who underwent 3 T cranial MRI examination from April 2023 to February 2024 were prospectively included, including conventional MRI sequences and CS TOF-MRA sequences, and the SVD-related risk factors of the patients were collected, and SVD-related risk factors of the patients were collected. The patients were divided into four groups (F0, F1, F2, and F3 respectively) according to the Fazekas classification of white matter injury. The total number, total length, longest length and average length of LSAs in each group of patients were calculated based on the CS TOF-MRA sequence. Random block difference analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between each quantitative index of LSA, clinical index and the degree of white matter injury of the brain. ResultsA total of 72 patients with SVD were included, among which there were 15 cases in group F0, 25 cases in group F1, 15 cases in group F2, and 17 cases in group F3. There were statistically significant differences among the four groups of patients in terms of the total number and total length of LSAs (P < 0.05), while there were no statistically significant differences in the longest length and average length of LSAs (P > 0.05). Further pairwise comparisons showed that the total number of LSAs: F0 (6.40 ± 1.12) > F1 (5.24 ± 1.09) > F2 (4.46 ± 1.06) > F3 (3.76 ± 1.25), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The total length of LSA: F0 (21.05 ± 4.20) cm > F1 (17.20 ± 5.69) cm > F2 (13.59 ± 4.22) cm > F3 (11.73 ± 5.38) cm, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The longest length of LSA, F0 was higher than that of the other three groups, but there was no significant difference among the other three groups. The average length of LSA: F0 (3.29 ± 0.34) cm > F1 (3.22 ± 0.56) cm > F2 (2.99 ± 0.39) cm > F3 (2.98 ± 0.62) cm, and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed the total number of LSAs (OR = 0.30, P < 0.001), total length of LSA (OR = 0.85, P = 0.048), age (OR = 1.09, P = 0.002), hypertension (OR = 3.36, P = 0.009) was independently correlated with the Fazekas classification. ConclusionsHigh-resolution compressive sensing TOF-MRA technology can effectively evaluate the morphological characteristics of lentostriated arteries. Among them, the reduction in the total number and total length of LSAs is associated with the aggravation of white matter injury in patients with cerebral small vessel disease, while age and hypertension are independent risk factors. This technology provides a new imaging approach for the early diagnosis and risk assessment of cerebral small vessel diseases. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.011 ObjectiveTo investigate the cortical morphological changes in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP) associated with periventricular white matter lesions (PWML). Materials and MethodsData of 19 clinically diagnosed BSCP children and 20 control children from April 2019 to September 2021 were collected. All children underwent high-resolution 3D-T1WI structural imaging and gross motor function assessments was performed for the BSCP group. Voxel-based morphometric analysis (VBM) was used to detect differences in gray matter volume between the two groups. Surface-based morphometric analysis (SBM) was employed to assess cortical thickness changes between groups. Group differences in gray matter volume and cortical thickness were analyzed using two-sample t-tests, with multiple comparison corrections applied using the FDR method. ResultsCompared to the control group, the BSCP group showed reduced gray matter volume in the bilateral medial prefrontal cortex, premotor area, middle cingulate cortex, caudate nucleus, thalamus, and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (P < 0.05, FDR corrected), with a negative correlation between the average gray matter volume of the right medial prefrontal cortex and gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels (r = -0.623, P = 0.004). Cortical thickness was reduced in the bilateral medial prefrontal cortex, left anterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, inferior parietal lobule, and right middle cingulate cortex (P < 0.05, FDR corrected). ConclusionsChildren with BSCP associated with PWML exhibit abnormalities in gray matter volume and cortical thickness across multiple brain regions, reflecting changes in the microstructure of their brains, providing imaging evidence for potential pathophysiological mechanisms. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.012 ObjectiveTo explore the value of radioscores which based on radiomics features extracted from pre-radiotherapy contrast enhanced T1WI (CE-T1WI) on the prediction of poor survival prognosis in long-term follow-up for glioblastoma (GBM) patients. Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the pre-radiotherpy MRI and clinical data of 76 patients with GBM. Then we divided all cases into a training group and a validation group in a 7∶3 ratio, construct a model based on the training group, and conduct efficacy validation in the validation group. The radiomics features were extracted on CE-T1WI images. The overall survival (OS) was defined as poor prognosis if it was less than or equal to the median value (OS = 380 days), and good prognosis if it was greater than the median value. The patients were divided into two groups, with 38 cases in each groups. We compared the difference of clinical, conventional MRI and radiomics variables between poor and good prognosis groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to select the risk factors. Then the prognosis predictive models based on clinical factors, conventional MRI findings, radiomics factors were established separately. We compared area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for subjects with shorter OS evaluated with different models. ResultsCompared to the patients with good prognosis, the patients with poor prognosis (OS ≤ 380 days) were older (P = 0.025), had shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (P < 0.001), had lower survival during follow-up (P < 0.001), tended to have coarse linear or nodular residual cavity wall enhancement (P = 0.018), had higher fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintense orthogonal growth rate (rFLAIR) (P = 0.024) and growth rate orthogonal value of enhancement lesions (rCE) (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that coarse linear or nodular enhancement of residual cavity wall [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.127] were the independent risk predictors of shorter PFS of patients with GBM. Whereas, older age (HR = 1.046) and coarse linear or nodular enhancement in residual cavity wall (HR = 2.105) were independent risk predictors of shorter OS. In univariate and multivariate analyses, the HR values of radioscore for shorter OS were 2.392 (P = 0.003) and 1.129 (P = 0.054) separately. The AUCs of combination models in the training cohort and validation cohorts were 0.822 and 0.841 respectively, which indicated that the combined model including radioscores had predictive significance for poor prognosis. ConclusionsThe radioscore extracted from pre-radiotherpy MRI could be used as a predictive factor of poor survival of GBM patients. This radiomics feature could improve the predictive efficacy of the model which included conventional and clinical variables. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.013 ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between left atrial strain and left ventricular fibrosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) based on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Materials and MethodsWe prospectively included 58 patients diagnosed with DCM at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yiji Mountain Hospital of Wannan Medical College) from June 2023 to December 2024, and categorized them into two groups based on the presence of fibrosis. A control group of 40 healthy subjects was selected during the same period. All participants underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, including both standard imaging and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). General clinical data were collected, and conventional left ventricular and left atrial functional parameters as well as left atrial myocardial strain parameters were obtained using post-processing software. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between left atrial functional parameters and myocardial strain parameters, and a correlation heatmap was generated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the association between left atrial myocardial strain and LGE, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of left atrial myocardial strain parameters for left ventricular LGE fibrosis. ResultsIn the DCM group, the left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular ejection systolic volume (LVESV), heart rate (HR), left ventricular end-diastolic measurement (LVEDM), left atrial minimum volume (LAVmin), and left atrial maximum volume (LAVmax) were all higher than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (all P < 0.001). The stroke volume (SV), left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), left atrial total ejection fraction (LATEF), left atrial passive ejection fraction (LAPEF), and left atrial active ejection fraction (LAAEF) were significantly lower than in the control group, also showing statistically significant differences (all P<0.001). The left atrial reservoir strain (LARS), left atrial conduit strain (LACS), left atrial pump strain (LABS), late diastolic strain rate (SRa), early diastolic strain rate (SRe), and systolic strain rate (SRs) in the DCM group, LGE (+) group, and LGE (-) group were all lower than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (all P < 0.05). The values of LABS, SRs, SRe, and SRa in the LGE (+) group were lower compared to the LGE (-) group, with statistically significant differences (all P < 0.05). SRe and SRa were positively correlated with LAVmin and LAVmax (P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with LAPEF, LAAEF, and LATEF (P < 0.05). LARS, LACS, LABS, and SRs were negatively correlated with LAVmin and LAVmax (P < 0.05), and positively correlated with LAPEF, LAAEF, and LATEF (P < 0.05). Univariate logistic analysis indicated that the P-values for LABS, SRe, and SRa were all less than 0.05. After adjusting for other potential confounding factors, multivariate logistic analysis showed that SRa was an independent predictor of left ventricular fibrosis in DCM patients (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis revealed that SRa suggests a curve area under the ROC of 0.854 for predicting left ventricular LGE. ConclusionsCMR technology can accurately assess left atrial myocardial strain in patients with DCM, SRa is an independent predictor of left ventricular fibrosis in DCM patients, providing significant value for predicting left ventricular fibrosis. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.014 ObjectiveTo investigate the predictive value of quantitative histogram features from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) combined with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in assessing the efficacy of radiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Materials and MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical and imaging data of 88 patients with concurrent chemoradiotherapy for LACC in Gansu Provincial People^,s Hospital from January 2017 to December 2023. Prospectively, 15 patients with LACC in Gansu Provincial People^,s Hospital from December 2023 to May 2024 were collected. According to response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) v1.1 standard, the patients were divided into significant response group and non-significant tumors group. On the DCE-MRI images, the contour of the entire tumor at the largest layer of the tumor was selected as the region of interest (ROI) to obtain the original frequency tables of the transport constant (K^trans), volume fraction (V_e), and rate constant (K_ep). The IBM SPSS Statistics 27 software was imported to calculate the histogram characteristics. A total of 103 patients were divided into 88 cases in the training set and 15 cases in the validation set based on the hierarchical segmentation strategy of time series. Machine learning was used to screen the optimal histogram characteristics of quantitative parameters of DCE-MRI and calculate the perfusion parameter score (DCEscore). Meanwhile, measure the ADC value on the ADC diagram. DCE histogram feature model, ADC value and combined model were constructed to predict the efficacy of LACC chemoradiotherapy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves and decision curves were used to evaluate the model performance. The difference of clinical parameters and histogram features between the significant response group and the non-significant response group in LACC patients with radiotherapy and chemotherapy was compared and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was used to screen independent risk factors for radiotherapy and chemotherapy for cervical cancer. ResultsThe area under the curve (AUC) of the training set and the validation set were 0.922 and 0.841, respectively, for the treatment of LACC patients based on the DCE-MRI quantitative parameter histogram feature model. ADC values to predict radiotherapy efficacy in LACC patients training set, validation set AUC of 0.835, 0.705. DCEscore combined with ADC values predicted the best efficacy of radiotherapy efficacy in LACC patients, with training set and validation set AUC of 0.943, 0.909. Among clinical parameters, body mass index (BMI) showed a statistically significant difference between the significant response group and the non-significant response group (P = 0.032). The results of univariate logistic regression analysis showed that BMI, DCEscore, and ADC were the influencing factors for the efficacy of radiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer (OR values of 1.264, 277.9, and 0.001, respectively; P values of 0.008, < 0.001, and 0.002, respectively), and multivariate logistic regression screened that the DCEscore and ADC values were the independent risk factors (OR 518.2, 0.002; P values < 0.001, 0.007, respectively). ConclusionsThe combined model based on DCE-MRI quantitative parameter histogram features combined with ADC values can predict the efficacy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for cervical cancer before treatment, suggesting that DCE-MRI quantitative parameter histogram features combined with ADC values may provide a non-invasive evaluation method for precision medical treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer patients. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.015 ObjectiveTo explore the value of a nomogram constructed based on placental MR radiomics features, MR imaging sign scores, and clinical indicators in the prenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PAS) and the risk assessment of adverse clinical outcomes. Materials and MethodsA total of 167 pregnant women with clinically suspected PAS were prospectively included and underwent prenatal placental MR examination and delivered in the First People^, Hospital of Kunshan. The clinical and imaging data of the patients were obtained, including 89 cases of PAS and 78 cases of non-PAS. They were stratified and randomly divided into a training set (119 cases) and a validation set (48 cases) in a ratio of 7∶3. The subjective signs of MR were analyzed and scored by referring to the scoring scale in previous studies. Radiomics features were extracted from two T2WI sequences of placental MR. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator was used for feature screening and constructing a radiomics model to predict PAS, generating a radiomics score (Radscore). Logistic regression analysis was applied to the clinical indicators, MR imaging sign scores, and Radscore of training set to establish different joint models for PAS prediction. Bootstrap methods were used for internal testing of all models, and the validation set was used for verification. The predictive performance of each model was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and clinical decision curves. The optimal model was visualized as a nomogram, yielding a nomogram predicted value. The predictive value of the nomogram for PAS and adverse clinical outcomes was assessed. ResultsAmong all models, the joint prediction model constructed based on abortion history, MR imaging sign scores, and Radscore demonstrated the highest diagnostic value for PAS. The training and validation sets achieved AUC values of 0.857 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.791 to 0.923] and 0.848 (95% CI: 0.740 to 0.956), respectively, outperforming the MR imaging sign score, clinical model, clinical-MR sign model, and radiomics model. The differences in the training set were statistically significant (Z values were 2.764, 3.218, 2.470, and 2.213, respectively; all P values < 0.05), with higher clinical net benefits than other models. The nomogram predicted value generated by the model exhibited strong discriminative ability for placenta accreta vs. placenta increta (PI) and PI vs. placenta percreta, with AUCs of 0.837 (95% CI: 0.769 to 0.905) and 0.879 (95% CI: 0.807 to 0.951), respectively. It also showed high predictive value for adverse clinical outcomes (AUC: 0.822, 95% CI: 0.753 to 0.891). ConclusionsThe nomogram integrating placental MR radiomics features, MR imaging sign scores, and abortion history holds significant clinical value for prenatal diagnosis, subtype classification, and risk assessment of adverse outcomes in PAS. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.016 ObjectiveTo investigate the value of cervical medullary compression and activity in adults with simple and complex Chiari malformation by dynamic flexion-extension cervical spine MRI. Materials and MethodsRetrospective collection of clinical data and preoperative cervical CT images and flexion and extension MRI images of 59 patients with Chiari malformation diagnosed clinically and radiologically in our hospital from September 2022 to July 2024. Based on the presence or absence of skull base depression, Chiari malformation was divided into a simple Chiari malformation group (n = 32) and a complex Chiari malformation group (n = 27), with 30 subjects without craniocervical junction malformation as the control group. Measure the cervical medullary angle (CMA) and length of syringomyelia in the mid sagittal plane of cervical dynamic MRI T2WI, and calculate the difference in CMA to obtain the range of cervical medullary activity. Measure the length of cerebellar tonsillar hernia in the mid sagittal plane on T1WI. Paired sample t-test was used to analyze the differences in the CMA of flexion and extension in each group. Using one-way ANOVA and Tukey^,s HSD pairwise comparison to explore the correlation between the CMA and its difference in flexion and extension positions among the three groups. Mann Whitney U test was used to compare the differences in cerebellar tonsillar hernia length and length of syringomyelia between simple Chiari malformation and complex Chiari malformation. ResultsThe complex Chiari malformation group showed a significant reduction in the CMA on flexion and extension MRI compared to the simple Chiari malformation group and the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the simple Chiari malformation group and the control group (P = 0.323). There was no statistically significant difference in the activity of the cervical medulla oblongata among the three groups (P = 0.699). No statistically significant differences in the length of cerebellar tonsillar hernia and length of syringomyelia between the simple Chiari malformation group and the complex Chiari malformation group (P > 0.05). ConclusionsThe complex Chiari malformation shows a greater degree of compression on the medulla oblongata, but no significant effect on the activity of the medulla oblongata. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.017 ObjectiveTo investigate the image quality and diagnostic value of 5.0 T T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (T2W-FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Materials and MethodsProspectively included 73 patients with suspected or confirmed cerebral ischemic events who underwent 5.0 T and 3.0 T cranial MRI from November 2023 to September 2024. Image quality of T2W-FLAIR sequences at both field strengths was independently evaluated by experienced radiologists using a 5-point Likert scale. Quantitative assessments of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were performed, and WMH areas and number were compared in identical brain regions within the same patient. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and paired chi-square test. ResultsCompared with 3.0 T, the 5.0 T T2W-FLAIR sequence showed higher image quality scores (5.0 vs. 4.5), increased SNR (2.44 vs. 1.97), and improved CNR (1.43 vs. 0.97), with all differences reaching statistical significance. Additionally, 5.0 T T2W-FLAIR revealed larger WMH areas (P < 0.001) and a greater number of lesions (P < 0.001) in the same brain regions compared to 3.0 T, particularly showing marked advantages in identifying micro-lesions. ConclusionsThe 5.0 T T2W-FLAIR sequence provides improved visualization of WMH compared to 3.0 T, especially in image clarity and micro-lesion detection. This technology holds significant clinical value for early diagnosis and accurate assessment of small ischemic brain lesions. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.018 ObjectiveTo explore the optimal imaging time window for cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) examination using a single dose of gadobutrol in patients with myocardial infarction and normal ejection fraction. Materials and MethodsForty patients clinically diagnosed with myocardial infarction were prospectively enrolled for CMR examination. Short-axis delayed enhancement images of the left ventricle were obtained at four time periods: 3-6 minutes, 6-9 minutes, 9-12 minutes, and 12-15 minutes after gadobutrol injection. The signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of normal myocardium (SNR_NM), enhanced myocardium (SNR_EM), and left ventricular blood pool (SNR_LV), the contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) of enhanced myocardium to normal myocardium (CNR_EM-NM), enhanced myocardium to left ventricular blood pool (CNR_EM-LV), normal myocardium to left ventricular blood pool (CNR_NM-LV), and the area of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) region were analyzed. ResultsSubjective evaluation showed that the boundaries between the left ventricular blood pool and the LGE region could be effectively distinguished in all time periods except 3-6 minutes. A comparison within the same time period showed that there was no significant difference in SNR_EM and SNR_LV at 6-9 minutes (P > 0.05), while significant differences were observed in the remaining time periods (P < 0.05). SNR_LV was higher than SNR_EM at 3-6 minutes, and SNR_LV was lower than SNR_EM at both 9-12 minutes and 12-15 minutes. There were significant differences in CNR_EM-LV and CNR_NM-LV in all time periods (P < 0.05). Multiple comparisons across different time periods showed that SNR_EM and SNR_LV were the highest at 3-6 minutes, and there were significant differences compared to the other three groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in SNR_EM between 6-9 minutes and 9-12 minutes, and between 9-12 minutes and 12-15 minutes (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in CNR_EM-NM, CNR_EM-LV, and LGE area across different time periods (P > 0.05). ConclusionsFor myocardial infarction patients with normal ejection fraction using a single dose of gadobutrol, the infarcted area can be visualized as early as 3-6 minutes, but it is not conducive to the evaluation of the LGE area. The optimal imaging time window is 6-9 minutes, which can achieve similar myocardial tissue contrast and infarcted myocardium area as the 9-12 minutes and 12-15 minutes. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.020 ^,s disease (PD) constitutes an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive deterioration, imposing substantial burdens on patients and their families while generating significant strain on healthcare resources. Early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are crucial for mitigating disease progression; however, current diagnostic approaches demonstrate superior sensitivity for motor symptoms compared to non-motor manifestations, and the underlying neuropathophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Biomarker discovery represents a pivotal research priority. Whereas conventional imaging diagnostics rely on visual assessment of low-dimensional data, radiomics employs high-throughput computational methodologies to extract high-dimensional features from medical images, thereby enriching PD research with quantifiable markers. This technique has been extensively implemented across multiple domains, including presymptomatic detection, subtype classification, progression monitoring, and outcome prognostication. However, existing reviews have relatively few studies on radiomics based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in PD, lacking systematic and comprehensive sorting and in-depth analysis. This article aims to provide a new perspective for the diagnosis and treatment research of PD in the future, systematically sort out the research progress of fMRI radiomics in PD, analyze the current challenges and propose the future development directions, expecting to promote the further development of this field. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.021 ^,s disease (AD) and Parkinson^,s disease (PD) is rising significantly, posing a major public health challenge due to their complex pathogenesis and the current lack of effective early diagnostic tools, which creates substantial obstacles in clinical management. The choroid plexus (ChP), serving as the primary site of cerebrospinal fluid production and a critical component of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, exhibits structural and functional alterations closely associated with brain microenvironmental imbalance and glymphatic system dysfunction. Extensive laboratory and clinical evidence demonstrates significant changes in the ChP within aging populations and individuals afflicted by neurodegenerative disorders. Consequently, precise assessment of the ChP is critically important for elucidating pathological mechanisms, enabling early diagnosis, and guiding personalized therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative diseases. However, current understanding of the ChP^,s role in neurological diseases remains incomplete, and comprehensive systematic reviews are notably lacking. This article systematically reviews the research progress in utilizing MRI technology to evaluate structural and functional changes of the ChP in neurodegenerative diseases, analyzes prevailing challenges in technical application and mechanistic exploration, and proposes future research directions, aiming to provide valuable insights for improving the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. We contend that future efforts should focus on advancing novel MRI techniques specifically for ChP imaging, elucidating the causal relationships underlying ChP alterations in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases, and exploring the potential of ChP-derived metrics as biomarkers to pave the way for enhanced early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and personalized therapeutic interventions in neurodegenerative disorders. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.022 Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.023 Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.024 Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.025 Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.026 Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.027 Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.028 Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.029 Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.030 ^,s breakthroughs in this field. However, AI still has limitations, such as insufficient generalization ability for certain complex cases and reliance on high-quality annotated data. Therefore, future research should focus on optimizing imaging techniques, developing efficient automated algorithms, and constructing robust AI models to promote the precision and clinical application of liver volumetric measurements. This will provide systematic references for clinical practice and technological innovation. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.031 ^,s capability in differentiating healthy pancreatic tissue from pathological lesions and distinguishing benign versus malignant tumors. However, they have not yet systematically addressed its applications in pancreatic inflammatory conditions, histopathological tumor subtyping, therapeutic efficacy evaluation, complication prediction, or organ transplantation. Through a comprehensive review of clinical applications and research advancements of MRE in pancreatic diseases, the authors identified its unique advantages in evaluating pancreatic fibrosis, pancreatitis, diagnosing early-stage neoplasms, predicting treatment outcomes and complications, as well as assessing graft viability in transplantation settings. However, due to factors including the deep anatomical location of the pancreas, complexity of pancreatic pathologies, limited spatial resolution of MRE imaging, and technical challenges in image post processing, there remains a lack of standardized protocols for pancreatic MRE applications. Future advancements may involve technical optimization strategies, high-field-strength MRI equipment, multimodal imaging approaches, and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted methodologies to address these limitations. This review aims to enhance clinicians^, understanding of MRE^,s diagnostic potential while providing novel perspectives and research directions for future investigations in pancreatic pathology. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.032 Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.033 Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.034 ^,s health. Numerous gene and protein-related biomarkers play crucial roles in the occurrence and progression of cervical cancer, involving processes such as angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and immune evasion. Functional and quantitative MRI techniques can provide multi-level quantitative data, including hemodynamic changes, tissue microstructural characteristics, and the tumor hypoxic microenvironment, thereby offering a visual foundation for a deeper understanding of the pathophysiological and metabolic characteristics of cervical cancer. However, current research on traditional imaging and radiomics in predicting cervical cancer biomarkers remains relatively fragmented and lacks a systematic overview. This review aims to summarize the application of multimodal MRI in relation to biomarkers pertinent to the treatment and prognosis of cervical cancer, analyze its clinical application value and limitations, and anticipate future high-tech research directions that require further exploration, with the hope of guiding the clinical use of non-invasive imaging techniques to predict disease progression and treatment effects more accurately, ultimately achieving individualized treatment. ]]> Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://med-sci.cn/cgzcx/en/en_articlexml.asp?doi=10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.06.035 Fri,20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT