Computed Tomography Studies Research Articles

A Comprehensive Weightbearing Computed Tomography Study on Patients With Hallux Valgus: Exploring Multiplanar Deformity Interrelationships.

Hallux valgus (HV) is a complex, multiplanar deformity. In this study, we examined the interrelationships between various components of this deformity using weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT). We hypothesized that the severity of traditional axial plane deformities would correlate with malpositioning of the metatarsosesamoid complex, first-ray coronal rotational deformity, and malalignment of the hindfoot and midfoot. The findings may offer valuable insights for guiding the correction of HV deformities. Patients with an HV angle greater than 15 degrees who underwent WBCT were included. Traditional 2-dimensional parameters were semiautomatically assessed. Manual measurements included hindfoot and midfoot WBCT parameters, for example, foot and ankle offset, talar posterior and middle facet morphology, and forefoot arch angle. First-ray parameters, including first metatarsal rotation, sesamoid rotation angle, hallucal pronation angle, and sesamoid position, were measured using established methods. Patients were categorized by hindfoot moment arm values to evaluate hindfoot-forefoot relationships. Sixty-eight feet (53 patients) were included. Manual measurements exhibited excellent interobserver reliability, with ICCs of 0.845 to 0.987 and a kappa coefficient of 0.899 for the sesamoid position. The mean HV angle was 27.4 ± 7.8 degrees, whereas the mean IM angle was 15.8 ± 3.5 degrees. Significant correlations were observed between the HV and intermetatarsal (IM) angles, with all metatarsosesamoid complex parameters and first-ray coronal plane rotational parameters distal to the metatarsal head. The axial and sagittal talar-first metatarsal angles correlated with the HV angle but not with the IM angle. Significant differences in the HV angle, sagittal first tarsal-metatarsal joint angle, and first metatarsal head rotation were observed between the hindfoot moment arm groups, as confirmed by post hoc analysis. The findings support our hypothesis, identifying significant correlations between metatarsosesamoid complex malposition, distal first-ray coronal pronation, and traditional axial plane deformities in HV. Some hindfoot-midfoot alignments correlated with the HV angle but not with the IM angle.

Automated Image Segmentation and Processing Pipeline Applied to X‐Ray Computed Tomography Studies of Pitting Corrosion in Aluminum Wires

Understanding pitting corrosion is critical, yet its kinetics and morphology remain challenging to study from X‐ray computed tomography (XCT) due to manual segmentation barriers. To address this, an automated pipeline leveraging deep learning for efficient large‐scale XCT analysis is developed, revealing new corrosion insights. The pipeline enables pit segmentation, 3D reconstruction, statistical characterization, and a topological transformation for visualization. The pipeline is applied to 87 648 XCT images capturing commercial purity aluminum (1100 Al) wire exposed to sodium chloride (NaCl) salt particles over a period of 122 h. The pipeline achieves complete feature extraction and statistical quantification across the entire XCT dataset, leveraging distributed computing environment for high efficiency. Global growth kinetics such as high‐level stepwise sigmoidal volume loss patterns and granular individual pit developments are both captured for 36 detected pits. By combining automation, computer vision, and extensive XCT datasets, this research accelerates precise corrosion assessment to enable materials science discoveries at scale.

Computed Tomography Evaluation of Morphological Types of Femoral Trochlear Dysplasia in Small-Breed Dogs-A Retrospective Study.

Abnormal trochlear morphology is one of the most important factors for patellar luxation occurrence in dogs, yet no studies have investigated its prevalence in the general population. This retrospective computed tomography study was designed to evaluate the trochlear groove morphology in four small dog breeds and the prevalence of trochlear dysplasia types according to Déjour's classification depending on the breed, sex, and medial patellar luxation (MPL) presence and grade. A total of 174 joints (68 healthy, 96 grade II MPL, and 10 grade III MPL) from Mini-Pinschers, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas were included in the study. The morphological type of trochlear dysplasia (TD) was evaluated on axial scans and 3D reconstruction images according to the four-type classification of Déjour, sulcus angle, trochlear depth, and lateral/medial inclination angles. Of all 174 joints, 140 had trochlear dysplasia-all joints with MPL (n = 106) and 50% of healthy joints (n = 34). The classification of Déjour for trochlear dysplasia types (A, B, C, and D) corresponds to the morphology of the femoral trochlea in the studied small breeds of dogs. The results demonstrated three types of trochlear dysplasia according to Déjour: most commonly, type A, followed by type C, and most infrequently, type D. The Déjour type B was an incidental finding. The large proportion of clinically healthy joints with TD (50%) emphasises the significance of early trochlear morphology evaluation for the orthopaedical health of dogs from susceptible breeds, especially in female breeders.

AUTOMATED OPPORTUNISTIC CT-SCREENING OF ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSMS USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES (LITERATURE REVIEW)

Highlights Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan is a promising modality for opportunistic screening of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).Automation of opportunistic screening of AAA according to CT data is a promising use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.The development of AI algorithms for opportunistic screening of AAA based on CT data is currently limited due to the high labor costs in preparing datasets for AI training and testing. AnnotationAbdominal aortic aneurysm is a cardiovascular disease characterized by a latent progression and adverse prognosis. Timely diagnosis reduces surgical risks and postoperative complications. Diagnostic imaging methods used to detect and evaluate this disease, particularly in targeted and opportunistic screening, are reviewed. The prospects of automation using artificial intelligence technologies for opportunistic screening are explored, moreover, they have already proven to be effective tools for optimizing radiology reports in several fields. This review highlights, however, relatively poor development of artificial intelligence algorithms for opportunistic screening of abdominal aortic aneurysms on native non-contrast abdominal CT studies. Possible reasons for this phenomenon and potential ways of development of this subject area are investigated.

Correlation between the upper airway volume and Ricketts’ facial biotypes: a cone-beam computed tomography study

Objectives: This study aimed to determine if there are differences in the upper airway space between the three facial biotypes described by Ricketts. It also investigated if there are anatomical differences between males and females at the upper airway level. Methods: Data was collected from a private orthodontic clinic. Orthodontic tracing was done using NemoFab Ortho software to obtain the dentoskeletal measurements: anterior facial height, posterior facial height, maxillary width, and palatal depth. The upper airway measurements were achieved using the same software by identifying landmarks for each upper airway compartment (nasopharynx and oropharynx). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between the variables α=0.05). Results: The sample included eighty patients with a mean age of 30.4 years, predominantly females (67.5%). Statistical differences were found between brachyfacial and dolichofacial patients regarding the oropharynx volume (p=0.009) and total volume (p=0.027). Regarding the comparison by sex, male patients had significantly higher mean values for upper airway volumes and all the dentoskeletal features analyzed, except for maxillary width. Conclusions: There are statistical differences in the upper airway space among different facial biotypes. Brachyfacial patients seem to have higher upper airway volumes than Dolichofacial patients. Moreover, males showed higher upper airway volumes than females.

Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor: a study of CT, MRI, PET/CT multimodal imaging features and their correlations with pathology

PurposeExploring the computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/CT Multimodal Imaging Characteristics of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT) to enhance the diagnostic proficiency of this condition.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data and multimodal imaging manifestations (CT, MRI, FDG-PET/CT) of eight cases of DSRCT. These findings were systematically compared with pathological results to succinctly summarize imaging features and elucidate their associations with both clinical and pathological characteristics.ResultsAll eight cases within this cohort exhibited abdominal-pelvic masses, comprising six solitary masses and two instances of multiple nodules, except for one case located in the left kidney, the remaining cases lacked a clear organ source. On plain images, seven cases exhibited patchy areas of low density within the masses, four cases showed calcification within the masses. Post-contrast imaging displayed mild-to-moderate, uneven enhancement. Larger masses displayed patchy areas without significant enhancement at the center. In the four MRI examinations, T1-weighted images exhibited uneven, low signal intensity, while T2-weighted images demonstrated uneven high signal intensity. Imaging unveiled four cases of liver metastasis, four cases of ascites, seven cases of lymph node metastasis, three cases of diffuse peritoneal thickening, and one case involving left ureter invasion with obstruction. In the FDG-PET/CT examinations of seven cases, multiple abnormal FDG accumulations were observed in the abdominal cavity, retroperitoneum, pelvis, and liver. One postoperative case revealed a new metastatic focus near the colonic hepatic region. The range of maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) for all lesions are 6.62–11.15.ConclusionsDSRCT is commonly seen in young men, and the imaging results are mostly multiple lesions with no clear organ source. Other common findings include intratumoral calcification, liver metastasis, ascites, peritoneal metastasis, and retroperitoneal lymph node enlargement. The combined use of CT, MRI and FDG-PET/CT can improve the diagnostic accuracy and treatment evaluation of DSRCT. However, it is imperative to underscore that the definitive diagnosis remains contingent upon pathological examination.

Near-Normalized Maxillomandibular Relationship and Upper Airway in Infants with Robin Sequence Treated with Stanford Orthodontic Airway Plate: Computed Tomography Study.

To assess craniofacial and upper airway growth in infants with Robin sequence (RS) during the 1st year of life when their severe upper airway obstruction was treated non-surgically with the Stanford orthodontic airway plate treatment program (SOAP). Retrospective longitudinal cohort study comparing SOAP-treated infants with RS (treatment group) with age-matched healthy controls (HC) using computed tomography (CT). Single tertiary referral hospital. Twelve SOAP-treated infants with RS. SOAP. Craniofacial skeletal cephalometric parameters and three-dimensional airway metrics. No infants required mandibular distraction or tracheostomy surgery after SOAP. The pre-treatment CT was acquired at the mean age (±SD) of 1.3 months (±0.7). The treatment lasted for 4.8 months (±0.9). Post-treatment CT was acquired at 12.9 months (±2.3) of age. The pre-treatment obstructive apnea hypopnea index decreased from 29.21 events/hour (±14.80) to 4.11 events/hour (±2.21) at post-treatment. The total mandibular length increased from 40.58 mm (±2.98) to 62.15 mm (±2.77) at post-treatment (p < 0.001) resulting in the growth velocity of 51.02% (±11.20) or 20.52 mm (±3.95) per year. The maxillary and mandibular lengths of the treatment group at post-treatment were shorter than those of HC although the maxillomandibular relationship was not different (p = 0.618). The upper airway volume and minimal cross-sectional area were also not different (p = 0.083, p = 0.254, respectively). The maxillomandibular relationship and upper airway of the SOAP-treated infants with RS were near-normalized at post-treatment, comparable to age-matched healthy infants.

Heights of maxillary sinus and piriform aperture are valuable in sex prediction: a cone beam computed tomography study.

This study utilized cone-beam computed tomography images to assess the potential of maxillary sinus (MS) and piriform aperture (PA) measurements in sex prediction and to identify possible correlations between these structures and the MS ostium. A total of 204 images were selected and divided into two groups: 102 for constructing and testing the formula, and 102 for validation. In each subgroup, the images were equally divided for 11 measurements by two examiners in the MS (height, width, length, and total width), PA (height and width), and maxillary ostium diameter. Significant correlations were found in males and in the total analysis for all measurements of the right MS, while the length of the left MS showed a positive correlation with PA height. In the total analysis, the height of the left MS and the total width along the MS also positively correlated with PA height. When tested, the constructed formula resulted in an accuracy of 82.4%. Tomographic images proved to be excellent tools for sex prediction, as the measurements described in this study could be reproduced and analyzed in different populations, considering that craniometric characteristics may vary across populations.

Novel predictive tool for Fournier gangrene: Twenty-year experience of a tertiary institute

Purpose: This study aimed to identify prognostic factors and provide a novel image classification method for patients with Fournier gangrene. Methods: A total of 40 consecutive patients diagnosed with Fournier gangrene between January 2003 and December 2022 were enrolled. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, management strategies, and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The overall survival rate was 87.5% (35/40). Diabetic foot history, chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, or peripheral arterial occlusive disease were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) more common in nonsurvivors than in survivors. Among the parameters of the Fournier’s Gangrene Severity Index, only the initial creatinine level was significantly associated with mortality (P = 0.02). Nevertheless, the Fournier’s Gangrene Severity Index score with a cutoff score of 9 remained a useful indicator of death (P = 0.04). Patients with grade II (extensive) invasion determined by whole abdominal computed tomography had significantly higher mortality rates than those with grade I (nonextensive) (37.5% versus 6.3%, P = 0.04). Conclusion: Patients with a history of diabetic foot, chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, and peripheral arterial occlusive disease had a higher risk of death. Early image computed tomography studies are essential for evaluating the risk and extent of the disease. More predictive tools are needed to assess this aggressively infectious disease.

An evaluation and correlation of airway space of pharynx, mandibular morphology, and tongue volume in skeletal classes and facial patterns – A cone beam computed tomography study

Objectives: Respiration and its function have a direct relationship with the pharyngeal airway, mandibular morphology, and tongue. The objective of this study was to evaluate and correlate pharyngeal airway space, mandibular morphology, and tongue volume in various skeletal classes and facial patterns. Material and Methods: A total of 120 pre-treatment cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were randomly classified into 3 skeletal classes (40/group). Each class was further categorized into hyperdivergent and hypodivergent growth patterns. Linear and angular measurements were estimated using three-dimensional digital imaging programs (Kavo 3D OnDemand software), and pharyngeal airway and tongue space were volumetrically analyzed by ITK-SNAP segmentation software. Results: All the measured variables showed highly significant differences except for the anterior-posterior angle of the mandible, which was statistically insignificant with P = 0.675. The simple regression was formulated to assess the volume of airway space. Conclusion: Hyperdivergent subjects had reduced pharyngeal airway space and tongue volume when compared to hypodivergent subjects. Among all the subgroups, Class III hypodivergent showed the highest pharyngeal airway volume and tongue volume, and the least was found in Class II hypodivergent. A direct relationship was estimated between airway mandibular morphology and tongue volume, recommending thorough analysis of oropharyngeal structures in a non-individualized way for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.

Comparison of pulmonary and aortic root and cusp dimensions in normal adults using computed tomography: potential implications for Ross procedure planning.

The Ross procedure is currently receiving renewed interest. Its function and durability depend on preservation of pulmonary valve anatomy; limited data exist on normal pulmonary valve geometry. The objective was to compare aortic and pulmonary root and cusp dimensions in adults with normal tricuspid aortic and pulmonary valves. We reviewed 507 coronary computed tomography studies, selecting those with adequate visibility of both pulmonary and aortic roots for further analysis. Diastolic aortic and pulmonary root and cusp dimensions were measured. Root dimensions at different phases of the cardiac cycle were measured in 3 patients. We analysed studies of 50 patients with the mean age of 54 years [standard deviation (SD): 16]. In end-diastole, pulmonary root had a smaller sinutubular to basal ring ratio than the aortic root [0.82 (SD: 0.09) vs 1.14 (SD: 0.12), P < 0.001]. Aortic and pulmonary cusps had similar dimensions; however, pulmonary cusp effective height was lower [5.9 mm (SD: 1.6) vs 8.4 mm (SD: 1.2), P < 0.001]. Pulmonary basal ring perimeter was largest at end-diastole and smallest at end-systole, with the relative difference of 23.5% (SD: 2.7). The pulmonary root has a similar cusp size compared to the aortic root, but a different shape, resulting in a lower pulmonary cusp effective height. The perimeter of the pulmonary basal ring changes during the cardiac cycle. These findings suggest that stabilizing the autograft to normal aortic, rather than pulmonary, root dimensions should result in normal autograft cusp configuration. Computed tomography angiography could become a tool for personalized planning of the Ross procedure.

Prehospital stroke diagnostics using three different simulation methods: A pragmatic pilot study.

The optimal pathway for ultra-early diagnostics and treatment in patients with acute stroke remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate how three different methods of simulated, rural prehospital computed tomography (CT) affected the time to prehospital treatment decision in acute stroke. In this pragmatic, simulation, pilot study of prehospital CT we investigated a conventional ambulance with transport to a standard care rural stationary CT machine managed by paramedics, a Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU), and a helicopter with a simulated CT machine. Each modality completed 20 real-life dispatches combined with simulation of predetermined animated patient cases with acute stroke symptoms and CT images. The primary endpoint of the study was the time from alarm to treatment decision. Median time from alarm to the treatment decision differed significantly between the three groups (p = 0.0005), with 38 min for rural CT, 33 min for the MSU, and 30 min for the helicopter. There was no difference in time when comparing rural CT with MSU, nor when comparing the MSU with the helicopter. There was a difference in time to treatment decision between the rural CT and the helicopter (p < 0.0001). The helicopter had significantly lower estimated time from treatment decision to hospital (p = 0.001). Prehospital CT can be organized in several ways depending on geography, resources and need. Further research on paramedic run rural CT, MSU in rural areas, and helicopter CT is needed to find the optimal strategy.

Cone beam computed tomography study on changes of monocortical versus bicortical miniscrews assisted palatal expansion

Cone beam computed tomography study on changes of monocortical versus bicortical miniscrews assisted palatal expansion

Prevalence and Morphology of Extra-Roots in Mandibular Molars: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

Prevalence and Morphology of Extra-Roots in Mandibular Molars: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

Association between maxillary incisor width and craniofacial measurements: A cone beam computed tomography study

Accurate prediction of maxillary central incisor width (CIW) is essential in prosthodontics for selecting appropriately sized denture teeth. While traditional methods exist, the digital era may offer more reliable techniques for anterior tooth selection. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between CIW and craniofacial measurements derived from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to identify predictors for CIW and examine possible sexual dimorphism. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 three-dimensional skull models (40 men, 40 women; age range: 20 to 48 years) generated from segmented CBCT scans. Measurements included CIW, interpterygoid hamulus distance, bi-orbital width, interorbital distance, and piriform aperture width. Statistical analyses comprised independent t tests, bivariate correlations, and multiple linear regression (α=.05). Significant sexual dimorphism was observed in CIW, interpterygoid hamulus distance, and bi-orbital width (P<.05). CIW positively correlated with bi-orbital width (r=.75, P<.001) and piriform aperture width (r=.49, P<.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed bi-orbital width, and interorbital distance, along with sex, as significant predictors of CIW (R²=.59, P<.001). Bony bi-orbital width, interorbital distance, and sex can be used to estimate the maxillary CIW.

Evaluation of root and root canal morphology in maxillary first molar teeth: A cone-beam computed tomography study using two classification systems in a Japanese population

Evaluation of root and root canal morphology in maxillary first molar teeth: A cone-beam computed tomography study using two classification systems in a Japanese population

Prevalence, Severity, and Predictors of Apical Root Resorption Following Orthodontic Treatment: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

ABSTRACT Aim: To investigate the prevalence, severity, and predictors of apical root resorption following orthodontic treatment using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the CBCT scans of 141 orthodontic patients (76 males and 65 females). CBCT images were meticulously assessed for the presence and severity of apical root resorption using standardized grading criteria. Results: The prevalence of apical root resorption was 45.4%. Among those with root resorption, 35.5% exhibited grade 1 resorption, while 10.8% showed grade 2 resorption. Sex was not significantly associated with the severity of root resorption (P = 0.312); however, age had a significant effect (P &lt; 0.05). Younger age groups were more prone to severe root resorption. Additionally, the treatment duration was significantly correlated with the severity of root resorption (P = 0.021), with longer treatment durations associated with increased resorption severity. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence, severity, and predictors of apical root resorption following orthodontic treatment using CBCT imaging. These findings highlight the importance of considering patient demographics and treatment duration in treatment planning to mitigate the risk of root resorption and enhance treatment outcomes.

Novel Radiotheranostic Ligands Targeting Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Based on Dual Linker Approach.

Radiotheranostics using prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting radioligands offers precision medicine by performing radionuclide therapy based on results of diagnosis. Albumin binder (ALB) binds to albumin reversibly and contributes to effective radiotheranostics by enhancing tumor accumulation of PSMA-targeting radioligands. We newly developed two ALB-containing PSMA-targeting radioligands including dual functional linkers, a hydrophilic linker, d-glutamic acid, and a hydrophobic linker, 4-(aminomethyl)benzoic acid, with the opposite arrangement (PNT-DA6 and PNT-DA7). A biodistribution study of [111In]In-PNT-DA6 indicated that the introduction and arrangement of dual functional linkers contributed to improved pharmacokinetics. A single photon emission computed tomography study of [111In]In-PNT-DA6 produced a clear PSMA-expressing tumor image. Moreover, [225Ac]Ac-PNT-DA6 showed the inhibition of tumor growth in targeted radionuclide therapy in PSMA-expressing tumor-bearing mice. These results indicated that [111In]In-PNT-DA6 and [225Ac]Ac-PNT-DA6 exhibited useful characteristics as PSMA-targeting radiotheranostic ligands.

Significance of incidentally identified bullae and blebs on thoracic computed tomography and prevalence of subsequent pneumothorax in dogs.

To determine the prevalence of incidentally found pulmonary bullae and blebs (PBBs) in a population of dogs undergoing thoracic computed tomography (CT) for reasons other than presence of pneumothorax and to determine the prevalence of subsequent spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) development. Retrospective study. A total of 30 dogs. A total of 2221 CT studies of the sample population were retrospectively assessed for the presence of incidental PBBs between April 2013 and April 2019. Inclusion criteria were complete thoracic CT studies from dogs obtained from the hospital database. Exclusion criteria were concurrent presence of a pneumothorax or severe pulmonary disease preventing assessment for PBBs, an air-filled space related to a pathological process, for example, neoplasm, incomplete CT studies, or no available follow-up. Long term outcome was evaluated using a questionnaire to determine the occurrence of SP post CT examination. Incidental PBBs were identified in 30 out of 2178 (1.4%) CT studies that met the inclusion criteria. None of the dogs subsequently developed clinical evidence of SP (median follow-up time 1255 days, range: 147 to 2363 days). One dog died suddenly of unknown cause and as no post-mortem was performed SP could not be ruled out. There was a low prevalence of incidentally found PBBs in dogs. None of the dogs followed over a long period subsequently developed SP. Based on this study, prophylactic removal of lung tissue containing incidentally found PPBs is not justified.

Morphologic Evaluation of Lingual Concavity in Posterior Region of Mandible: A Cone Beam Computerized Tomography Study

Background: The present study aimed to assess the frequency, Lingual Concavity Angle (LCA) and the different types of lingual concavity in the posterior mandible. Methods: In this study Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) images of 670 mandibular bodies in the molar areas were evaluated. Cross-sectional images of the mandible were reconstructed at furcation points of first molar area. The LCA was measured. The subjects with LCA smaller than 85° were considered as concave. Then, the concave subjects were classified into three groups: angle less than 40°, angle between 40-60°, and angle between 60-85° were designated as extremely deep, deep, and mild deep, respectively. Results: The most common type of lingual concavity was mild deep, followed by deep, and extremely deep. There was a significant positive correlation between the LCA and the age of participants (p&lt;0.001). There was also significant relationship between the age of participants and the type of lingual concavity (p&lt;0.001). The subjects in mild deep group were significantly older than deep group (p=0.032). Also, the non-concave subjects were significantly older than deep and mild deep subjects. (p=0.001 and 0.040, respectively). The LCA was significantly higher in males than females (p=0.020). The LCA was significantly larger on the left side (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The presence of deep lingual concavity was common (95%.). Also, mandibular lingual concavity types were found to vary by age, and laterality. Moreover, the LCA was significantly different according to patient age, sex, and laterality.