Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in denervated skeletal muscle: Experimental study in rabbits

PurposeTo investigate the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluating denervated skeletal muscle in rabbits.Materials and methods24 male rabbits were randomly divided into an irreversible neurotmesis group and a control group. In the experimental group, the sciatic nerves of rabbits were transected for irreversible neurotmesis model. A sham operation was performed in the control group. MRI of rabbit lower legs was performed before nerve surgery and 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 10 weeks, and 12 weeks after surgery.ResultsSignal intensity changes were seen in the left gastrocnemius muscle on the T2-weighted images. DCE-MRI derived parameters (Ktrans, Kep, and Vp) were measured in vivo. In the irreversible neurotmesis group, T2-weighted images showed increased signal intensity in the left gastrocnemius muscle. Ktrans, Vp values changes occur as early as 1 day after denervation, and increased gradually until 4 weeks after surgery. There are significant increases in both Ktrans and Vp values compared with those in the control group after surgery (P ep values show no significant difference between the irreversible neurotmesis group and the control group.ConclusionDCE-MRI hold the promise of an early and sensitive diagnosis of denervated skeletal muscle.