Diffusion tensor imaging of liver fibrosis in an experimental model

摘要: PURPOSE To characterize changes in diffusion properties of liver using tensor imaging (DTI) an experimental model fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Liver fibrosis was induced Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 12) by repetitive dosing carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)). The animals were examined with a respiratory-gated single-shot spin-echo echo-planar DTI protocol at 7 T before, 2 weeks after, and 4 after CCl(4) insult. Apparent coefficient (ADC), directional diffusivities (ADC(//) ADC(⊥)), fractional anisotropy (FA) measured. histology performed hematoxylin-eosin staining Masson's trichrome staining. RESULTS Significant decrease (P < 0.01) ADC found (0.86 ± 0.09 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s) (0.74 following insult, as compared that before insult (0.97 0.08 mm(2)/s). Meanwhile, FA (0.18 0.03) significantly lower than (0.26 0.05), subsequently normalized 0.07) the Histology showed collagen deposition, presence intracellular fat vacuoles, cell necrosis/apoptosis livers CONCLUSION detected progressive water tissue this model. are potentially valuable detecting early stages monitoring its progression. Future human studies warranted to further verify applicability characterizing determine role clinical settings.