Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Skeletal Muscle Disease
Published on: December 18, 2016
Diffusion-weighted MRI, dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI and ultrasound perfusion quantification of denervated
1Department of Cardiovascular imaging, Cardiologic Hospital, University Hospital, 59037, Lille, Cedex, France. gillesgoyault@gmail.com
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to assess denervated muscle perfusion using dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI (DSCMRI) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and to measure denervated muscle apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on b1000 diffusion-weighted MRI (DWMRI) at 3 T in order to clarify whether muscle denervation leads to an increase in the extracellular extravascular space, or an increase in blood flow-or both.
Materials And Methods:
Axotomy of the right sciatic nerve of six white rabbits was performed at day 0. At day 9, hind limb muscles MRI and CEUS were performed to assess the consequences of denervation and both semimembranosus muscles of each rabbit were explanted for histological studies. Signal intensity on T2- and T1-weighted MRI, ADC on DWMRI, maximum signal drop (MSD) on DSCMRI and the area under the curve (AUC) on CEUS were measured over circular regions of interest (ROI), in both semimembranosus muscles. Non-parametric Wilcoxon matched-pairs tests were used to assess the mean differences between denervated and normal muscles.
Results:
T2 fat-saturated (FS) MRI studies showed a strong signal in the right semimembranosus muscles compared with the left side, and gadolinium enhancement was observed on T1 FS MRI. Denervated muscles show a significant increase in ADC on DWMRI (p < 0.01) and a significant signal enhancement on DSCMR imaging (p < 0.05) and on first-pass CEUS (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
The results of this study--based on perfusion- and diffusion-weighted images--suggest that, after denervation, both increased blood flow through muscle tissue and expansion of the extracellular water volume are present.
Insights
Muscle denervation increases extracellular water and blood flow, as shown by diffusion-weighted MRI and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. These findings clarify the physiological changes in denervated muscle tissue.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Muscle Physiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Muscle denervation leads to significant physiological changes.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for diagnosing and managing neuromuscular disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess denervated muscle perfusion using dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI (DSCMRI) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).
- To measure apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on diffusion-weighted MRI (DWMRI) in denervated muscle.
- To determine if denervation increases extracellular extravascular space, blood flow, or both.
Main Methods:
- Sciatic nerve axotomy was performed in rabbits.
- MRI (T2/T1-weighted, DWMRI, DSCMRI) and CEUS were used to evaluate hind limb muscles 9 days post-denervation.
- Histological studies were performed on explanted semimembranosus muscles.
Main Results:
- Denervated muscles showed increased signal on T2 FS MRI and gadolinium enhancement on T1 FS MRI.
- A significant increase in ADC was observed in denervated muscles on DWMRI (p<0.01).
- Significant signal enhancement was noted on DSCMRI (p<0.05) and CEUS (p<0.05) in denervated muscles.
Conclusions:
- Denervation leads to both increased blood flow and expanded extracellular water volume in muscle tissue.
- Perfusion- and diffusion-weighted imaging can characterize these changes.
- Findings suggest a dual mechanism of altered tissue properties post-denervation.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging