Role of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Susceptibility Weighted Imaging in Cerebral Alveolar Echinococcosis

BACKGROUND To analyze the characteristic performance of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) in cerebral alveolar echinococcosis (CAE). METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 10 clinical-identified CAE cases MR performance, and summarized the MRS and SWI performance of CAE. RESULTS The 10 cases of CAE all had the history of primary HAE, among who 6 cases had single lesion (60%), while the rest 4 cases had multiple lesions (40%); and 4 cases were concomitant with lung metastases. MRI performance: T2WI lesions were coal-like low-signal shadow, with multiple small vesicles inside the lesions; MRS performance: NAA, Cho and Cr significantly reduced, an abnormally high and steep crest was found at 1.4 ppm; the phase diagram and strength diagram of SWI showed isointensity. CONCLUSION The MRS and SWI of CAE could provide important supplemental information for the diagnosis of CAE, especially the abnormally high and steep crest at 1.4 ppm provide the reliable image basis for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of CAE.