Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
In vivo Imaging of Optic Nerve Fiber Integrity by Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Mice
Published on: July 22, 2014
Visual criterion for evaluating hepatobiliary phase image acquisition of
Y Takatsu1, M Nakamura2, S Kobayashi3
1Department of Radiological Technology, Tokushima Bunri University, 1314-1 Shido, Sanuki-city, Kagawa, 769-2193, Japan; Division of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 5-11-80 Kodatsuno, Kanazawa, 920-0942, Japan.
Aim:
To evaluate the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) of liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid, and report a visual criterion based on the portal vein (PV), which can be used as a substitute for the quantitative liver-spleen contrast ratio (Q-LSC).
Materials And Methods:
In HBP images of 167 patients, a visual criterion was established based on the sufficient contrast between the liver parenchyma (LP) and PV. The Q-LSC was calculated for patients to assess whether the cut-off value of 1.5 was exceeded. The correlation between the signal intensities in the PV and tumours were determined and comparisons were made. The contrast between LP and the tumour was visually assessed with scores ranging from 1 to 3 defined as poor, fair, and good, respectively. The correlation between Q-LSC and quantitative liver-PV contrast ratio (Q-LPC) was also assessed.
Results:
The Q-LSC was <1.5 in all patients who did not meet the visual criterion. There was a strong correlation between the signal intensities in the PV and tumours (r=0.72), and no significant differences (p=0.99) were found between the signal intensities in PV and tumours by Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. Significant differences of all the combinations were found using Steel-Dwass multiple comparisons in the visual assessments of contrasts between LP and tumour. The correlation between Q-LSC and Q-LPC was strong (r=0.82).
Conclusions:
The visual criterion based on the PV was suitable for the assessment of HBP images as a substitute for Q-LSC.
Related Concept Videos
03:00Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:15Routh-Hurwitz Criterion I
To apply the Routh-Hurwitz criterion, a Routh table is constructed. The table's rows are labeled with powers of the complex frequency variable s, starting from the...
01:19Routh-Hurwitz Criterion II
The first scenario occurs when a singular zero appears in the first column of the Routh table. This situation creates a division by zero issues. To resolve this, a small positive or negative number, denoted as epsilon (∈), is substituted for the zero. The stability analysis proceeds by assuming a sign for ∈. If ∈ is positive, any sign change in the first...
01:26Pharmacokinetic Models: Comparison and Selection Criterion
Physiological models take a detailed approach by considering specific molecular processes. They can predict drug distribution, metabolism, and elimination changes, providing a comprehensive understanding of how drugs interact with the body.
01:16Potential-Energy Criterion for Equilibrium