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Magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological analysis of experimental muscle injuries in a rabbit
Dong Yan1, Jing Zhang, Wei Liang
1Department of Radiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Fourth Clinical Hospital of Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100035, China.
Objective:
To investigate the correlation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with histopathological changes, and to evaluate T2 mapping in assessing muscle trauma in a rabbit model of muscle injury.
Methods:
We divided 35 rabbits into seven groups that each represented a different time point after intramuscular hemorrhage and muscle injury. Hemorrhage was created by injecting autologous blood into the left legs, and muscle injury was created by scalpel incision of the biceps femoris of the right legs. At different time points, the rabbits underwent T1-weighted imaging and T2-weighted imaging (T1WI and T2WI) and T2 mapping. T2 relaxation times were measured, and the corresponding samples were evaluated for pathological changes
Results:
After 2 h, the intramuscular hemorrhage model demonstrated an increased signal intensity on both T1WI and T2WI. Histological examination showed erythrocytes within the muscle bundle. On days 1 and 3, the MRI signals were decreased, and there were no significant changes after day 7. From 2 h to 3 days, the muscle-injury model showed a high signal on both T1WI and T2WI. Corresponding pathological changes included rupture and edema of muscle fibers, and inflammation. The abnormal signals were reduced on day 7. After day 14, the T2WI intensity remained high. T1WI showed no abnormal changes, but some models showed a high signal, representing fresh bleeding and fatty tissue. T2 relaxation times were significantly different between the central and marginal regions, and between the marginal and normal regions.
Conclusion:
MRI clearly demonstrates intramuscular hemorrhage and muscle injury, which correlate well with histopathological changes. T2 mapping is useful in assessing the extent of injury.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effectively shows muscle trauma and bleeding in rabbits, correlating with pathology. T2 mapping aids in assessing the severity of muscle injury and hemorrhage.
Area of Science:
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
- Veterinary Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions.
- Accurate assessment of muscle trauma and hemorrhage is vital for effective treatment.
- T2 mapping offers quantitative insights into tissue properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate MRI findings with histopathological changes in a rabbit model of muscle injury.
- To evaluate the utility of T2 mapping in assessing muscle trauma and hemorrhage.
Main Methods:
- 35 rabbits were divided into seven groups based on time points post-injury.
- Muscle injury was induced by scalpel incision, and hemorrhage by autologous blood injection.
- Rabbits underwent T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), and T2 mapping; samples were pathologically evaluated.
Main Results:
- MRI demonstrated increased signal intensity in hemorrhage and injury models, correlating with erythrocytes, edema, and inflammation.
- T2 relaxation times differed significantly between injured, marginal, and normal muscle regions.
- MRI findings showed good correlation with histopathological evidence of muscle trauma and hemorrhage.
Conclusions:
- MRI is a reliable tool for visualizing intramuscular hemorrhage and muscle injury, with findings consistent with histopathology.
- T2 mapping provides valuable quantitative data for assessing the extent of muscle injury.
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