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Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quantification of Pulmonary Perfusion using Calibrated Arterial Spin Labeling
Published on: May 30, 2011
Combining arterial-spin labeling with functional magnetic resonance imaging measurement for characterizing patients
Ying Li1, Huaijun Liu1, Jiping Yang1
1Medical Imaging Department, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang City, China.
Aim:
Our objective is to explore key changes in brain functions in relation to minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). We incorporated both resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and arterial spin labeling (ASL) to enhance the detection of MHE.
Methods:
We undertook fMRI scanning for 56 MHE patients and 66 healthy controls. Region functional connectivity was carried out to assess the connectivity status between pairs of regions among 90 brain regions. Additionally, blood flow (BF) status was measured by ASL for all subjects. Spearman's correlation test was implemented to identify any correlation among z-values, results from number connection test type A, and digit symbol tests. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic curve was generated for assessing the accuracy of BF in MHE diagnosis.
Results:
The corresponding functional connectivity was significantly different between MHE and control groups in 15 regions. For MHE patients, BF showed an increasing pattern in regions of interest. Blood flood in the putamen was positively correlated with number connection test type A neuropsychological performance, whereas it was negatively correlated with the digit symbol test. Blood flood in the right putamen showed the highest value of area under the curve with a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 89.4%.
Conclusion:
Connectivity impairment resulting from ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuits may play important roles in mediating the development of MHE patients. An increase in the BF, particularly in the right putamen, may be considered as evidence for the presence of MHE.
Insights
Brain connectivity and blood flow changes are key indicators of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). Increased blood flow in the right putamen shows high accuracy in diagnosing MHE.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a subtle neurological complication of liver disease.
- Early detection of MHE is crucial for timely intervention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate brain function changes in MHE using advanced imaging techniques.
- To enhance MHE detection through combined resting-state fMRI and ASL.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and arterial spin labeling (ASL) were used.
- Region functional connectivity and blood flow (BF) were assessed in 56 MHE patients and 66 controls.
- Correlation analysis and ROC curves evaluated diagnostic accuracy.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in functional connectivity were observed in 15 brain regions between MHE patients and controls.
- MHE patients exhibited increased BF in regions of interest.
- BF in the right putamen correlated with neuropsychological test performance and showed high diagnostic accuracy (AUC 85.7% sensitivity, 89.4% specificity).
Conclusions:
- Impaired ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuit connectivity is implicated in MHE.
- Elevated BF, especially in the right putamen, serves as a potential biomarker for MHE diagnosis.
