Objective:To explore the feasibility of applying MR diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)fibre tractography in uterine fibroids in vivo

and to compare the difference of related DTI measurements between the ordinary and extraordinary uterine fibroids. Methods:Routine MRI scanning and DTI scan at a 3.0T MRI scanner was performed on 24 patients with 36 uterine fibroids. The apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)value

fractional anisotropy(FA)value

density of fiber bundle

length of the longest fibre bundle and the average length of fibre bundles were measured and collected. The comparison of all data between the ordinary(n=21)and extraordinary uterine fibroids(n=15)were analyzed using independent-samples t-test. Results:Satisfactory reconstruction images of all uterine fibroids were obtained

and the ADC values were significant lower in ordinary fibroids than in extraordinary ones[ordinary:(1.479±0.214)×10-3mm2/s

extraordinary:(1.706±0.308)×10-3 mm2/s

P=0.013]. FA values were significantly higher in ordinary fibroids than in extraordinary ones(ordinary:0.317±0.085

extraordinary:0.261±0.053

P=0.031);the density of fiber bundles between two types of uterine fibroids had no significant difference[ordinary:(130.524±56.549)strip/ml

extraordinary:(137.333±43.483)strip/ml

P=0.699]

the ratio between the length of the longest fibre bundle or the average length of fibre bundles against the largest diameter of fibroids in ordinary fibroids were significant larger than that of extraordinary ones(ordinary:1.405±0.418

0.318±0.090

extraordinary:0.983±0.247

0.210±0.060

P=0.001

0.000). Conclusion:DTI fiber technology applied in reconstructing fiber bundles of uterine fibroids is feasible. The ADC values

FA values

length of fibre bundles of fibroids of different pathological types are significantly different and are consistent with the microscopic appearance.