Comparable Image Quality Research Articles

Benefits of front coating crystalline scintillator screens for phase-contrast synchrotron micro-tomography

Transparent crystalline scintillators such as cerium-doped YAG or LuAG are widely used in X-ray imaging for the indirect detection of X-rays. The application of reflective coatings on the front side to improve the optical gain is common practice for flat panel detectors with CsI or Gd2O2S powder scintillators but still largely unknown for crystalline scintillators such as LuAG. This work shows experimentally and quantitatively how a black and reflective coating on the X-ray side of a 2 mm LuAG:Ce scintillator improves the image quality compared to a 2 mm LuAG:Ce scintillator without a coating. The measurements have been done for two different distances, with 2 m and 29.7 m on the BM18 beamline of the European Synchrotron. The Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and the Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR2) power spectrum as well as contrast-to-noise ratio are used for comparing image quality. Propagation-based phase contrast strongly enhances the SNR2 amplitudes (gain ≈10 from 2 m to 29.7 m object-detector distance) of the raw images’ spectrum independent of the scintillator coating. For both detector positions, the reflective coating is able to raise SNR2 by up to 80% through the improved optical gain, while black coating does the opposite (decrease SNR2 by 20%) with respect to no coating. With the tested optical setups, changes in MTF /sharpness between the coatings are minor. Comparing CNR2 in CT scans of a multi-material sample, in this case an electric motor, we observe the reflective coating yielding better material contrast for plastic and air. Application and effect of Wiener-deconvolution, along with Paganin-type phase retrieval, are also discussed in the context of CT image quality.

Comparison of image quality and lesion conspicuity between conventional and deep learning reconstruction in gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI

ObjectiveTo compare the image quality and lesion conspicuity of conventional vs deep learning (DL)-based reconstructed three-dimensional T1-weighted images in gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsThis prospective study (NCT05182099) enrolled participants scheduled for gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI due to suspected focal liver lesions (FLLs) who provided signed informed consent. A liver MRI was conducted using a 3-T scanner. T1-weighted images were reconstructed using both conventional and DL-based (AIRTM Recon DL 3D) reconstruction algorithms. Three radiologists independently reviewed the image quality and lesion conspicuity on a 5-point scale.ResultsFifty participants (male = 36, mean age 62 ± 11 years) were included for image analysis. The DL-based reconstruction showed significantly higher image quality than conventional images in all phases (3.71–4.40 vs 3.37–3.99, p < 0.001 for all), as well as significantly less noise and ringing artifacts than conventional images (p < 0.05 for all), while also showing significantly altered image texture (p < 0.001 for all). Lesion conspicuity was significantly higher in DL-reconstructed images than in conventional images in the arterial phase (2.15 [95% confidence interval: 1.78, 2.52] vs 2.03 [1.65, 2.40], p = 0.036), but no significant difference was observed in the portal venous phase and hepatobiliary phase (p > 0.05 for all). There was no significant difference in the figure-of-merit (0.728 in DL vs 0.709 in conventional image, p = 0.474).ConclusionDL reconstruction provided higher-quality three-dimensional T1-weighted imaging than conventional reconstruction in gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI.Critical relevance statementDL reconstruction of 3D T1-weighted images improves image quality and arterial phase lesion conspicuity in gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI compared to conventional reconstruction.Key PointsDL reconstruction is feasible for 3D T1-weighted images across different spatial resolutions and phases.DL reconstruction showed superior image quality with reduced noise and ringing artifacts.Hepatic anatomic structures were more conspicuous on DL-reconstructed images.Graphical

Non-contrast-enhanced MR-angiography of the abdominal arteries: intraindividual comparison between relaxation-enhanced angiography without contrast and triggering (REACT) and 4D contrast-enhanced MR-angiography.

To evaluate Relaxation-Enhanced Angiography without Contrast and Triggering (REACT), a novel 3D isotropic flow-independent non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (non-CE-MRA) for imaging of the abdominal arteries, by comparing image quality and assessment of vessel stenosis intraindidually with 4D CE-MRA. Thirty patients (mean age 35.7 ± 16.8years; 20 females) referred for the assessment of the arterial abdominal vasculature at 3T were included in this retrospective, single-centre study. The protocol comprised both 4D CE-MRA and REACT (navigator-triggering, Compressed SENSE factor 10, nominal scan time 02:54min, and reconstructed voxel size 0.78 × 0.78 × 0.85 mm3). Two radiologists independently evaluated 14 abdominal artery segments for stenoses, anatomical variants, and vascular findings (aortic dissection, abdominal aorta aneurysms and its branches). Subjective image quality was assessed using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = non-diagnostic, 4 = excellent). REACT had a total acquisition time of 5:36 ± 00:40min, while 4D CE-MRA showed a total acquisition time (including the native scan and bolus tracking sequence) of 3:45 ± 00:59min (p = 0.001). Considering 4D CE-MRA as the reference standard, REACT achieved a sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 100.0% for relevant (≥ 50%) stenosis while detecting 89.5% of all vascular findings other than stenosis. For all vessels combined, subjective vessel quality was slightly higher in 4D CE-MRA (3.0 [IQR: 2.0; 4.0.]; P = 0.040), although comparable to REACT (3.0 [IQR: 2.0; 3.5]). In a short scan time of about 5min, REACT provides good diagnostic performance for detection of relevant stenoses, variants, and vascular findings of the abdominal arteries, while yielding to 4D CE-MRA comparable image quality.

Image Quality Comparison of Three 3D Mobile X-Ray Imaging Guidance Devices Used in Spine Surgery: A Phantom Study

An image-quality CT phantom was scanned with three different 3D X-ray imaging guidance devices in the operating theatre: O-Arm, Loop-X, and Airo TruCT. Default acquisition and reconstruction parameters for lumbar spine procedures were used on each device. The tube current was set to a dose level of around 27 mGy. A task-based image quality assessment was performed by calculating the noise power spectrum (NPS) and task transfer function (TTF). A detectability index (d’) was calculated for three simulated bone lesions. The noise magnitude of the O-Arm was higher than the Airo TruCT, and the Loop-X had higher noise than the Airo TruCT. The highest average NPS frequency was for the O-Arm images, and the lowest was for the Loop-X. The TTFs at 50% values were similar for the Airo TruCT and Loop-X devices. Compared to Airo TruCT, the TTF at 50% value increased with the O-Arm by 53.12% and 41.20% for the Teflon and Delrin inserts, respectively. Compared to Airo TruCT, the d’ value was lower with Loop-X by −26.73%, −27.02%, and −23.95% for lytic lesions, sclerotic lesions, and high-density bone, respectively. Each 3D-imaging spine surgery guidance device has its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of image quality. Cone-beam CT systems apparently offer the best compromise between noise and spatial resolution for spine surgery.

360° CZT-SPECT/CT cameras: 99mTc- and 177Lu-phantom-based evaluation under clinical conditions

PurposeFor the first time, three currently available 360° CZT-SPECT/CT cameras were compared under clinical conditions using phantom-based measurements.MethodsA 99mTc- and a 177Lu-customized NEMA IEC body phantom were imaged with three different cameras, StarGuide (GE Healthcare), VERITON-CT versions 200 (V200) and 400 (V400) (Spectrum Dynamics Medical) under the same clinical conditions. Energy resolution and volumetric sensitivity were evaluated from energy spectra. Vendors provided the best reconstruction parameters dedicated to visualization and/or quantification, based on their respective software developments. For both 99mTc- and 177Lu-phantoms, noise level, quantification accuracy, and recovery coefficient (RC) were performed with 3DSlicer. Image quality metrics from an approach called “task-based” were computed with iQMetrix-CT on 99mTc visual reconstructions to assess, through spatial frequencies, noise texture in the background (NPS) and contrast restitution of a hot insert (TTF). Spatial resolution indices were calculated from frequencies corresponding to TTF10% and TTF50%.ResultsDespite the higher sensitivity of VERITON cameras and the enhanced energy resolution of the V400 (3.2% at 140 keV, 5.2% at 113 keV, and 3.6% at 208 keV), StarGuide presents comparable image quality. This highlights the need to differentiate sensitivity from count quality, which is influenced by hardware design (collimator, detector block) and conditions image quality as well as the reconstruction process (algorithms, scatter correction, noise regulation). For 99mTc imaging, the quantitative image optimization approach based on RCmean for StarGuide versus RCmax for V200 and V400 systems (RCmean/RCmax: 0.9/1.8; 0.5/0.9; 0.5/0.9 respectively—Ø37 mm). SRTB10/50 showed nearly equivalent spatial resolution performances across the different reconstructed images. For 177Lu imaging, the 113 keV imaging of the V200 and V400 systems demonstrated strong performances in both image quality and quantification, while StarGuide and V400 systems offer even better potential due to their ability to exploit signals from both the 113 and 208 keV peaks. 177Lu quantification was optimized according to RCmax for all cameras and reconstructions (1.07 ± 0.09—Ø37 mm).ConclusionsThe three cameras have equivalent potential for 99mTc imaging, while StarGuide and V400 have demonstrated higher potential for 177Lu. Dedicated visual or quantitative reconstructions offer better specific performances compared to the unified visual/quantitative reconstruction. The task-based approach appears to be promising for in-depth comparison of images in the context of system characterization/comparison and protocol optimization.

Deep learning reconstruction of diffusion-weighted brain MRI for evaluation of patients with acute neurologic symptoms

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate whether the deep-learning (DL) accelerated diffusion weighted image (DWI) is clinically feasible for evaluating patients with acute neurologic symptoms, regarding its shorter study time and acceptable image quality. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, brain images obtained at DWI with a b-value of 0 s/mm2 and DWI with a b-value of 1000 s/mm2 (DWI 1000) from 321 consecutive patients with acute stroke-like symptom were reconstructed with and without DL algorithm. We compare the diagnostic performance between DL-DWI and conventional DWI for detecting brain lesions, including acute infarction. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of conventional DWI and DL-DWI and compared the results. Qualitative analysis based on image quality was assessed and compared using a five-point visual scoring system. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) from DWI with and without DL were also compared. Results: The mean acquisition time for the DL-DWI (49 s) was significantly shorter (P < 0.001) than conventional DWI (165 s). Both DWI with and without DL showed similar performance in diagnosing brain lesions especially sensitivity (98.8% in both DWI and DL-DWI) and specificity (99.5% in both DWI and DL-DWI). Overall image quality, gray-white matter and deep gray matter differentiation of two sequences were similar. DL DWI showed more artifacts than DWI. Lesion conspicuity, especially smaller than 5 mm, was better with DL DWI than conventional DWI (p = 0.03). ADC values of white matter, deep gray matter, and pons with DL were lower than conventional DWI. Conclusions: Compared to conventional DWI, DL-DWI achieved comparable image quality and brain lesion visualization for acute neurological symptoms, with a significantly shorter scan time.

124 - Deep Learning Reconstructed Reduced Field-of-View Diffusion Weighted Imaging in Rectal Cancer: Comparison of Image Quality

124 - Deep Learning Reconstructed Reduced Field-of-View Diffusion Weighted Imaging in Rectal Cancer: Comparison of Image Quality

Design and Evaluation of a Weighted Periodic Sparse Array for Low-Complexity 1-D Phased Array Ultrasound Imaging Systems.

A sparse array offers a significant reduction in the complexity of ultrasonic imaging systems by decreasing the number of active elements and associated electrical circuits needed to form a focused beam. Consequently, for 1-D arrays, it has been adopted in the development of miniaturized systems such as portable, handheld, or smartphone-based systems. Previously, we developed an analytic method that can design a pair of 1-D periodic sparse arrays (PSAs) satisfying three specific constraints, which are the array size, desired grating lobe level, and sparseness factor (SF). In this study, we further developed our method by incorporating aperture weighting functions, which take the form of tapered rectangular functions to introduce null points on the beam pattern. These null points effectively suppress grating lobes generated by a matching pair of arrays. The design process commences with determining transmit and receive PSA patterns, followed by deriving corresponding aperture weighting functions. First, aperture functions of a base and weighting arrays are convolved, which is then upsampled to the targeted array size. Finally, the upsampled aperture is convolved to an aperture function of a subarray, resulting in weighted PSAs (wPSAs). Pulsed wave (PW) simulation confirmed improved grating lobe suppression with wPSAs compared to PSAs. Phantom imaging experiments using a 1-D phased array validated the enhanced contrast due to suppressed grating lobes but at the cost of small degradation in lateral resolution. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) also gradually declined with the greater SFs, but no significant difference in SNR was observed between wPSAs and PSAs. Finally, in vivo echocardiography imaging highlighted the clinical potential of wPSAs, particularly with high SFs. Overall, these results suggest that wPSAs can effectively enhance contrast compared to PSAs under the given SF or, alternatively, wPSA with greater SFs can achieve comparable image quality to PSAs with lower SFs. In conclusion, the wPSA approach holds promise for further reducing the complexity of ultrasound imaging systems.

Applications of artificial intelligence in radiology

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly finding its way into routine radiological work. Presentation of the current advances and applications of AI along the entire radiological patient journey. Systematic literature review of established AI techniques and current research projects, with reference to consensus recommendations. The applications of AI in radiology cover awide range, starting with AI-supported scheduling and indications assessment, extending to AI-enhanced image acquisition and reconstruction techniques that have the potential to reduce radiation doses in computed tomography (CT) or acquisition times in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), while maintaining comparable image quality. These include computer-aided detection and diagnosis, such as fracture recognition or nodule detection. Additionally, methods such as worklist prioritization and structured reporting facilitated by large language models enable arethinking of the reporting process. The use of AI promises to increase the efficiency of all steps of the radiology workflow and an improved diagnostic accuracy. To achieve this, seamless integration into technical workflows and proven evidence of AI systems are necessary. Applications of AI have the potential to profoundly influence the role of radiologists in the future.

Development of a Standardized Photo Guideline for Online Hair Transplantation Consultation.

Telemedicine has rapidly advanced in plastic and aesthetic surgery, but obtaining high-quality images during online hair transplantation consultations remains challenging, impeding doctors' visual evaluation. To investigate patients' attitude and satisfaction with online hair transplantation consultations, and to develop a standardized photo guideline to help patients capture high-quality images. We surveyed patients' attitudes and satisfaction with online hair transplantation consultations from November 23, 2023 to May 3, 2024. Meanwhile, five surgeons developed a standardized photo guideline and assessed its effectiveness by comparing image quality between two patient groups: those using the photo guideline and those not using it. We collected 570 responses to the attitude questionnaire, with 76.66% of participants expressing a willingness to undergo online hair transplantation consultations. The patient satisfaction survey yielded an overall satisfaction score of 4.44 ± 0.72 out of 5 for online hair transplantation consultations. Furthermore, all five surgeons rated photographs taken by patients following the photo guideline as higher quality compared to those taken by patients who did not use it. Patients show high satisfaction with online hair transplantation consultations. The standardized photo guideline proves effective in helping patients take high-quality photographs for online consultations. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

DCE-MRI of the liver with sub-second temporal resolution using GRASP-Pro with navi-stack-of-stars sampling.

Respiratory motion-induced image blurring and artifacts can compromise image quality in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) of the liver. Despite remarkable advances in respiratory motion detection and compensation in past years, these techniques have not yet seen widespread clinical adoption. The accuracy of image-based motion detection can be especially compromised in the presence of contrast enhancement and/or in situations involving deep and/or irregular breathing patterns. This work proposes a framework that combines GRASP-Pro (Golden-angle RAdial Sparse Parallel MRI with imProved performance) MRI with a new radial sampling scheme called navi-stack-of-stars for free-breathing DCE-MRI of the liver without the need for explicit respiratory motion compensation. A prototype 3D golden-angle radial sequence with a navi-stack-of-stars sampling scheme that intermittently acquires a 2D navigator was implemented. Free-breathing DCE-MRI of the liver was conducted in 24 subjects at 3T including 17 volunteers and 7 patients. GRASP-Pro reconstruction was performed with a temporal resolution of 0.34-0.45 s per volume, whereas standard GRASP reconstruction was performed with a temporal resolution of 15 s per volume. Motion compensation was not performed in all image reconstruction tasks. Liver images in different contrast phases from both GRASP and GRASP-Pro reconstructions were visually scored by two experienced abdominal radiologists for comparison. The nonparametric paired two-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare image quality scores, and the Cohen's kappa coefficient was calculated to evaluate the inter-reader agreement. GRASP-Pro MRI with sub-second temporal resolution consistently received significantly higher image quality scores (P < 0.05) than standard GRASP MRI throughout all contrast enhancement phases and across all assessment categories. There was a substantial inter-reader agreement for all assessment categories (ranging from 0.67 to 0.89). The proposed technique using GRASP-Pro reconstruction with navi-stack-of-stars sampling holds great promise for free-breathing DCE-MRI of the liver without respiratory motion compensation.

Non-contrast-enhanced MR-angiography of Extracranial Arteries in Acute Ischemic Stroke at 1.5 Tesla Using Relaxation-Enhanced Angiography Without Contrast and Triggering (REACT).

To evaluate anovel flow-independent sequence (Relaxation-Enhanced Angiography without Contrast and Triggering (REACT)) for imaging of the extracranial arteries in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) at 1.5 T. This retrospective single-center study included 47AIS patients who received REACT (scan time: 3:01 min) and contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) of the extracranial arteries at 1.5 T in clinical routine. Two radiologists assessed scans for proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis, stated their diagnostic confidence and rated the image quality of cervical arteries, impact of artifacts and image noise. Apparent signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios (aSNR/aCNR) were measured for the common carotid artery and ICA. REACT achieved asensitivity of 95.0% and aspecificity of 97.3% for ICA stenoses in high agreement with CE-MRA (κ = 0.83) with equal diagnostic confidence (p = 0.22). Image quality was rated higher for CE-MRA at the aortic arch (p = 0.002) and vertebral arteries (p < 0.001), whereas REACT provided superior results for the extracranial ICA (p = 0.008). Both sequences were only slightly affected by artifacts (p = 0.60), while image noise was more pronounced in CE-MRA (p < 0.001) in line with higher aSNR (p < 0.001) and aCNR (p < 0.001) values in REACT for all vessels. Given its good diagnostic performance while yielding comparable image quality and scan time to CE-MRA, REACT may be suitable for the imaging of the extracranial arteries in acute ischemic stroke at 1.5 T.

Quantum ghost imaging microscopy depth-of-field study

Quantum ghost imaging approaches have been proposed to enhance biological microscopy, for example, using 2D visible detectors to provide IR images or providing additional dimensions of spatial or spectral information. Toward the goal of making such imaging schemes practical, we compare image quality and depth-of-field between traditional images and ghost images at the same excitation levels. We measure how image quality and depth-of-field depend on the parameters of the entangled light produced using type-I spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC). We use a pair of time-synchronized, photon-timing single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array detectors to capture two distinct microscope imaging paths simultaneously on a photon-pair-by-photon-pair basis: one in a traditional imaging pathway and the other a quantum ghost imaging pathway. We calculate the depth-of-field, resolution, contrast, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) through the parameter space of a β-Barium Borate (BBO) type-I bulk non-linear crystal length and angle. Our results provide a basis for choosing parameters for quantum ghost imaging with type-I SPDC sources.

Insights into multilevel tissue-level collateral status using ColorViz maps from dual data sources in acute ischemic cerebrovascular diseases: A STARD-compliant retrospective study.

This study aims to explore the utility of ColorViz mapping from dual data sources for assessing arterial collateral circulation and predicting cerebral tissue-level collateral (TLC) in patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. A retrospective study was conducted at a single center on a cohort of 79 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic cerebrovascular diseases between November 2021 and April 2022, who had undergone both multi-phase CT angiography (mCTA) and computed tomography perfusion (CTP). The quality of images and arterial collateral status depicted on ColorViz maps from dual data-sets (mCTA and CTP) were assessed using a "5-point scale" and a "10-point scale," respectively. The status of TLC was evaluated by analyzing multilevel hypoperfusion volume and the hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR). The Spearman correlation coefficient was employed to examine the association between arterial collateral status derived from dual data sources and TLC. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the diagnostic efficacy in detecting large vessel occlusive acute ischemic stroke (LVO-AIS). The ColorViz maps derived from dual data sources facilitated comparable image quality, with over 95% of cases meeting diagnostic criteria, for the evaluation of arterial level collateral circulation. Patients with robust arterial collateral circulation, as determined by dual data sources, were more likely to exhibit favorable TLC status, as evidenced by reductions in hypoperfusion volume (Tmax > 4 seconds, Tmax > 6 seconds, Tmax > 8 seconds, and Tmax > 10 seconds, P < .05) and HIR (Tmax > 6 seconds/4 seconds, Tmax > 8 seconds/4 seconds, Tmax > 10 seconds/4 seconds, and Tmax > 8 seconds/6 seconds, P < .05). The sensitivity and specificity in detecting LVO-AIS was 60.00% and 97.73% for mCTA source maps, while 74.29% and 72.73% for CTP source maps (P > .05 based on De-Long test). In conclusion, this study indicates that ColorViz maps derived from both data sources are equally important in evaluating arterial collateral circulation and enhancing diagnostic efficiency in patients with LVO-AIS, as well as offering insights into the TLC status based on hypoperfusion volume and HIR.

Low-dose high-resolution chest CT in adults with cystic fibrosis: intraindividual comparison between photon-counting and energy-integrating detector CT

BackgroundRegular disease monitoring with low-dose high-resolution (LD-HR) computed tomography (CT) scans is necessary for the clinical management of people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). The aim of this study was to compare the image quality and radiation dose of LD-HR protocols between photon-counting CT (PCCT) and energy-integrating detector system CT (EID-CT) in pwCF.MethodsThis retrospective study included 23 pwCF undergoing LD-HR chest CT with PCCT who had previously undergone LD-HR chest CT with EID-CT. An intraindividual comparison of radiation dose and image quality was conducted. The study measured the dose-length product, volumetric CT dose index, effective dose and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Three blinded radiologists assessed the overall image quality, image sharpness, and image noise using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (deficient) to 5 (very good) for image quality and image sharpness and from 1 (very high) to 5 (very low) for image noise.ResultsPCCT used approximately 42% less radiation dose than EID-CT (median effective dose 0.54 versus 0.93 mSv, p < 0.001). PCCT was consistently rated higher than EID-CT for overall image quality and image sharpness. Additionally, image noise was lower with PCCT compared to EID-CT. The average SNR of the lung parenchyma was lower with PCCT compared to EID-CT (p < 0.001).ConclusionIn pwCF, LD-HR chest CT protocols using PCCT scans provided significantly better image quality and reduced radiation exposure compared to EID-CT.Relevance statementIn pwCF, regular follow-up could be performed through photon-counting CT instead of EID-CT, with substantial advantages in terms of both lower radiation exposure and increased image quality.Key PointsPhoton-counting CT (PCCT) and energy-integrating detector system CT (EID-CT) were compared in 23 people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF).Image quality was rated higher for PCCT than for EID-CT.PCCT used approximately 42% less radiation dose and offered superior image quality than EID-CT.Graphical

Quality assessment of expedited AI generated reformatted images for ED acquired CT abdomen and pelvis imaging.

Retrospectively compare image quality, radiologist diagnostic confidence, and time for images to reach PACS for contrast enhanced abdominopelvic CT examinations created on the scanner console by technologists versus those generated automatically by thin-client artificial intelligence (AI) mechanisms. A retrospective PACS search identified adults who underwent an emergency department contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT in 07/2022 (Console Cohort) and 07/2023 (Server Cohort). Coronal and sagittal multiplanar reformatted images (MPR) were created by AI software in the Server cohort. Time to completion of MPR images was compared using 2-sample t-tests for all patients in both cohorts. Two radiologists qualitatively assessed image quality and diagnostic confidence on 5-point Likert scales for 50 consecutive examinations from each cohort. Additionally, they assessed for acute abdominopelvic findings. Continuous variables and qualitative scores were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test. A p < .05 indicated statistical significance. Mean[SD] time to exam completion in PACS was 8.7[11.1] minutes in the Console cohort (n = 728) and 4.6[6.6] minutes in the Server cohort (n = 892), p < .001. 50 examinations in the Console Cohort (28 women 22 men, 51[19] years) and Server cohort (27 women 23 men, 57[19] years) were included for radiologist review. Age, sex, CTDlvol, and DLP were not statistically different between the cohorts (all p > .05). There was no significant difference in image quality or diagnostic confidence for either reader when comparing the Console and Server cohorts (all p > .05). Examinations utilizing AI generated MPRs on a thin-client architecture were completed approximately 50% faster than those utilizing reconstructions generated at the console with no statistical difference in diagnostic confidence or image quality.

Radiation dose reduction and image quality in pediatric paranasal sinus CT: with automatic tube current modulation and iterative reconstruction technique.

Our objective is to evaluate radiation dose and image quality in pediatric paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) with automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) and sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction algorithm (SAFIRE). CT scans from 80 patients were divided into two groups: Group A [80 kVp, pitch 1.5, 40 mAs, the filtered back projection (FBP) algorithm] and Group B (70 kVp, pitch 3, ATCM with reference at 40 mAs, SAFIRE strengths 1-5). We have evaluated image quality and radiation dose. Group B demonstrated significantly lower volume computed tomography dose index, dose-length product, and effective dose than Group A (0.13±0.03 vs. 1.57±0.01mGy, 2.27±0.82 vs. 19.88±2.01mGy·cm, and 0.0081±0.0017 vs. 0.079±0.013mSv, respectively; P<.001). Increasing SAFIRE strengths correlated with noise reduction and SNR enhancement. Group B's noise and SNRsoft at SAFIRE strength 5 were comparable with Group A. Images reconstructed with SAFIRE strength 5 in Group B exhibit comparable image quality with FBP in Group A.

First-in-human cases and preclinical experience of a novel ICE catheter.

The primary objective of our study was to evaluate the first use of a novel intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter in human subjects. This study aimed to assess its practicality, image clarity, and guidance role during electrophysiology procedures. Two patients underwent procedures using the novel ICE catheter. Post-procedure evaluations were conducted by four operators, who assessed the imaging quality and overall performance of the catheter. Anatomical and blood test results were also analyzed to determine the safety and impact on internal cardiac structures. Both patients were discharged one day after the procedure without any complications. The novel ICE catheter provided comparable imaging quality to existing commercial catheters. The catheter's advanced design allowed for detailed imaging at short distances, essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Moreover, it successfully navigated complex anatomical structures like the atrial septum and left atrial appendage. These preliminary studies indicate that the novel ICE catheter achieves a level of safety and effectiveness comparable to previously available commercial catheters. The findings highlight its potential to meet current clinical needs, particularly in sophisticated anatomic interventions. Despite the prolonged thrombin time after anticoagulant administration, both types of ICE catheters were non-damaging to cardiac structures during routine operations. The study underscores the importance of using trans-septal large inner diameter sheaths to minimize complications when advancing the catheter into the left atrium.

Delayed Ferumoxtran-10-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Neurography of the Lumbosacral Plexus: Impact on Vascular Suppression and Image Quality.

Intravenous Ferumoxtran-10 belongs to ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide particles and can be used for magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) as an alternative to other imaging methods which use contrast agents. To examine the impact of intravenous Ferumoxtran-10 on vascular suppression and compare image quality to gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced image acquisition in MRN of lumbosacral plexus (LS). Prospective. 17 patients with Ferumoxtran-10-enhanced MRN, and 20 patients with Gd-enhanced MRN. 3T/3D STIR sequence. Image quality, nerve visibility and vascular suppression were evaluated by 3 readers using a 5-point Likert scale. Inter-reader agreement (IRA) was calculated using intraclass coefficients (ICC). Quantitative analysis of image quality was performed by signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) measurements and compared using Student's t-testing. Image quality, nerve visibility and vascular suppression were significantly higher for Ferumoxtran-10-enhanced MRN compared to Gd-enhanced MRN sequences (p < 0.05). IRA for image quality of nerves was good in Gd-enhanced and Ferumoxtran-10 MRN with ICC values of 0.76 and 0.89, respectively. IRA for nerve visibility was good in Gd- and Ferumoxtran-10 enhanced MR neurography (ICC 0.72 and 0.90). Mean SNR was significantly higher in Ferumoxtran-10-enhanced MRN for all analyzed structures, while mean CNR was for significantly better for S1 ganglion and femoral nerve in Ferumoxtran-10-enhanced MRN (p < 0.05). Ferumoxtran-10-enhanced MRN of the LS plexus showed significantly higher image quality and nerve visibility with better vascular suppression as compared to Gd-enhanced MRN. 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

Simultaneous multislice echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in patients with focal liver lesions: a comparative study with conventional DWI.

Simultaneous multislice (SMS) technology improves acquisition efficiency of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). This study aimed to evaluate the performance of SMS-DWI in image quality and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements for focal liver lesions (FLLs) as compared with that of conventional DWI (CON-DWI). The institutional ethics committee of West China Hospital, Sichuan University approved this single-center, prospective study conducted from February 2021 to March 2022. Free-breathing SMS-DWI and CON-DWI examinations were acquired on a 3-T scanner with b-values of 50, 400, and 800 s/mm2. Qualitative image quality and quantitative measurements of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and ADC were compared between SMS-DWI and CON-DWI. The ADC values for FLLs were further compared between SMS-DWI and CON-DWI in different patient subgroups. The intra- and interreader agreements were assessed. Significance was set at P<0.05. This study included 116 patients (96 males, 20 females; mean age 52.0±10.7 years) with 119 FLLs. No significant differences were observed between SMS-DWI and CON-DWI regarding overall image quality in any b-value DWIs, and there were also no differences observed between SMS-DWI and CON-DWI (b=800 s/mm2) for either SNR or CNR (both P values >0.05). ADC values obtained from CON-DWI were higher than those from SMS-DWI in all FLLs [(1.31±0.47)×10-3 vs. (1.26±0.46)×10-3 mm2/s; P=0.004], and similar findings were observed across the different patient subgroups. The consistency analysis showed intrareader intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values of 0.792-0.944 and interreader ICC values of 0.758-0.861 for quantitative measurements (SNR, CNR, and ADC) and kappa values of 0.609-0.878 for qualitative image quality. SMS-DWI achieved a 37% reduction in scan time compared to CON-DWI while maintaining comparable overall image quality. Notably, the ADC values for FLLs were observed to be quantitatively lower with SMS-DWI.