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Diffusion-Weighted and Magnetization Transfer Imaging in Testicular Spermatogenic Function Evaluation: Preliminary
Huanjun Wang1, Jian Guan1, Jinhua Lin2
1Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|April 14, 2017
Summary
Functional MRI, including diffusion-weighted (DWI) and magnetization transfer (MTI) imaging, shows promise for diagnosing male infertility. Patients with testicular hypofunction exhibited higher apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and lower magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) values.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Male Reproductive Health
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Male infertility affects a significant portion of reproductive-aged couples.
- Current diagnostic methods for male infertility can be invasive and may not fully capture testicular function.
- Advanced MRI techniques offer potential for non-invasive assessment of testicular pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), specifically diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) and magnetization transfer MRI (MTI), in diagnosing male infertility.
- To compare fMRI parameters between men with confirmed testicular spermatogenesis hypofunction and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Pelvic 3T MRI, including DWI and MTI, was performed on 16 men with testicular spermatogenesis hypofunction and 31 healthy volunteers.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) values were calculated for testicular tissues.
- Statistical comparisons were made between patient and control groups, including age-stratified subgroups.
Main Results:
- Testes in men with spermatogenesis hypofunction showed significantly higher ADC values compared to all control groups (P < 0.001).
- Significantly lower MTR values were observed in patients with hypofunction compared to control groups (P < 0.001).
- These differences were consistent across younger and older control subgroups.
Conclusions:
- Functional MRI, incorporating DWI and MTI, demonstrates potential as a non-invasive tool for evaluating male infertility.
- Elevated ADC and reduced MTR are indicative of testicular spermatogenesis hypofunction.
- fMRI may provide valuable insights into testicular pathophysiology contributing to infertility.