Diffusion‐Weighted and Magnetization Transfer Imaging in Testicular Spermatogenic Function Evaluation: Preliminary Results

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) and magnetization transfer MRI (MTI) in evaluating male infertility. Materials and Methods: Sixteen men with testicular spermatogenesis hypofunction confirmed by percutaneous testis biopsy and 31 volunteers (control group B, age range: 20-40 years) with normal semen analysis including younger (By, n 5 15, age range: 20-30 years) and older (Bo, n 5 16, age range: 31-40 years) men underwent pelvic 3T MRI, including DWI and MTI. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) were compared. Results: The ADCs in 32 testes of 16 patients (0.497 6 0.037 3 10 -3 mm 2 /s) were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than that of control group B (0.460 6 0.031 3 10 -3 mm 2 /s), group By (0.453 6 0.018 3 10 -3 mm 2

Diffusion tensor imaging parameters in testes with nonobstructive azoospermia

“…Specifically, in hypospermatogenesis, although all stages through the Sd2 stage spermatids are present, indicating the capacity of a limited number of seminiferous tubuli to generate sperm, a reduction in germ cell population is seen to a variable degree, and therefore an increase of ADC is expected . Wang et al in a study of 32 testes with the histologic diagnosis of hypospermatogenesis reported higher ADC when compared to the normal population . MRI in this study was performed as part of a pelvic study, on a 3T magnet, with the use of multiple b values (0, 900, and 4000 s/mm 2 ) …”

“…Wang et al in a study of 32 testes with the histologic diagnosis of hypospermatogenesis reported higher ADC when compared to the normal population . MRI in this study was performed as part of a pelvic study, on a 3T magnet, with the use of multiple b values (0, 900, and 4000 s/mm 2 ) …”

“…[36][37][38] Wang et al in a study of 32 testes with the histologic diagnosis of hypospermatogenesis reported higher ADC when compared to the normal population. 13 MRI in this study was performed as part of a pelvic study, on a 3T magnet, with the use of multiple b values (0, 900, and 4000 s/mm 2 ). 13 However, the present study showed an absence of significant differences in ADC between NOA testes with higher JS 8 and controls.…”

“…12,13 Wang et al in a study of 16 men with testicular hypospermatogenesis, confirmed by percutaneous testis biopsy, reported significantly higher apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) when compared to normal testes. 13 Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a promising fMRI technique, which assesses not only the intensity of the water diffusion in tissues, but also the direction. Molecular diffusion is a 3D process and may occur in an anisotropic manner, especially in tissues with a specifically oriented structure.…”

“…Noninvasive imaging examinations, such as color or power Doppler ultrasonography (US) guidance to regions with avid vascularity that correspond to possible residual spermatogenic areas have been used . A few reports on the role of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques, including diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), magnetization transfer imaging, and 1 H magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the localization and identification of spermatogenesis in infertile testis have recently been published . Wang et al in a study of 16 men with testicular hypospermatogenesis, confirmed by percutaneous testis biopsy, reported significantly higher apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) when compared to normal testes …”