Coronal Computed Tomography Images Research Articles

Establishing Safe Surgical Parameters for Placement of C2 Pedicle Screws: A Retrospective Study.

The study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of transpedicular instrumentation for the C2 vertebra and to establish the precise anatomical parameters and boundaries within which this procedure can be safely and effectively performed. This retrospective study analyzed 66 patients who underwent C2 transpedicular screw fixation. Preoperative and postoperative axial, sagittal, and coronal computed tomography (CT) scans were examined. Anatomical measurements were taken to determine the horizontal and vertical distances from the C2 pedicle projection to the vertebral foramen using CT images. Based on the anatomical location of the vertebral artery within the C2 vertebral foramen, the patients were divided into four subgroups using the horizontal pedicle width (HPW) and vertical pedicle width (VPW) of the C2 spine. The average age of the patients included in the study was 46.48 years. The patient population comprised 32 (48.5%) males and 34 (51.5%) females. Based on the anatomical measurements, the distribution of C2 vertebra types was as follows: type 1 accounted for 68.9%, type 2 for 3.8%, type 3 for 16.7%, and type 4 for 10.6%. Significantly narrower pedicle widths were observed in types 2 and 4 compared to other vertebra types. Type 2 had the largest medial angle (MA), while type 4 had the narrowest MA. In terms of the sagittal plane, type 4 exhibited the widest MA and type 3 had the narrowest MA, but these differences were not statistically significant. Among the cases, 12 (18.1%) involved the vertebral foramen, with 1 case (8.3%) showing screw-related vertebral artery injury (0.75% of all screws). No vertebral artery injuries were observed with the other transpedicular screws. Preoperative anatomical measurements for patients undergoing transpedicular instrumentation on the C2 vertebra should include planning CT images on three planes: axial, sagittal, and coronal.

Comparison of the Effects of Spreader Graft Versus Spreader Flap on Nasal Valve Angle in Open Approach Rhinoplasty.

This study aimed to compare the spreader graft and flap techniques, which are used in nasal valve surgery, based on measurements of nasal valve angles using computed tomography. In this retrospective study, all patients' right and left internal nasal valve angles were measured from coronal computed tomography images taken preoperatively and in the third postoperative month. A paired t-test and independent t-test were used to compare continuous numerical variables. There were 52 patients with 104 valves in the spreader flap group and 54 patients with 108 valves in the spreader graft group, with a mean age of 27.76 ± 8.16 years. The angles were found to be statistically significantly higher in the postoperative period (p<0.001) in all patients. While the angles did not differ significantly between the flap and graft groups in the preoperative period, they were significantly higher in the flap group in the postoperative period (p<0.001). It is essential to preserve nasal valve function in rhinoplasty. The findings show that a spreader flap is superior to a spreader graft, although both techniques increase internal nasal valve function. 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 .

Feasibility of Anterior Fixation with Single Screw for Odontoid Fractures in Pediatrics: A Computed Tomographic Study.

Although it is an effective fixation technique for an unstable odontoid, anterior fixation remains challenging in pediatric populations. Our study measures the anatomical parameters of the odontoid to identify the feasibility of anterior fixation with a single screw for children. We retrospectively collected data from 112 normal male and female children (aged between 2 and 18) in our institute from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Subjects were divided into a youth group (2-6 years old), a juvenile group (7-12 years old), and an adolescent group (13-18 years old). Sagittal and coronal computed tomography images of the upper cervical spine were used to measure the screw length, angle, and inner and outer diameters of the odontoid. One-way analysis of variance with the Tukey test was used to analyze the parameters among the groups, while the t-test was used to analyze gender differences. Correlations between parameters and age were assessed using Pearson's test. There were significant differences between male and female subjects in screw length and inner and outer diameters (of both sagittal and coronal views) but not in screw angle. The narrowest diameter of the odontoid was 4.0 ± 1.5 mm in the youth group, 5.5 ± 1.5 mm in the juvenile group, and 5.6 ± 1.1 mm in the adolescent group, respectively. There were significant differences among the three groups in screw length (p < 0.0001). The screw angle of the adolescent group was significantly smaller than that of the youth and juvenile groups. More than 90% of children aged 7-18 years old had an odontoid diameter greater than 4 mm, while only half of the youth group had an odontoid with diameter >4 mm. Screw length and inner and outer diameters in lateral view were positively correlated with age, and screw angle was negatively correlated with age. It is feasible to insert a standard single screw (Φ 3.5 mm) into the odontoid of children aged 7-18 years old but not those aged 2-6 years old. How the anatomical parameters of the odontoid change with age, especially the narrowest diameters, is worthy of attention.

Chronic Kidney Disease Prediction

Abstract: Kidney stones play a role in the development of chronic kidney disease. Recurrent kidney stones should be avoided not only because of their immediate clinical manifestations but also because of their long-term predisposition to CKD progression. A lot of people confess to emergency departments with excruciating pain due to kidney stones, which are prevalent ailments around the world. The diagnosis of kidney stone illness involves the use of many imaging modalities. For the entire diagnosis and interpretation of these photos, specialists are required. Systems for computer-aided diagnosis are useful methods that can be utilized as supplemental tools to aid clinicians in their diagnosis. The deep learning (DL) technique, which has lately achieved considerable advancements in the field of artificial intelligence, is offered in this work as a means of automating the detection of kidney stones (containing stones or not) using coronal computed tomography (CT) scans. Different cross-sectional CT images were taken for every individual, resulting in a total of 1453 images. Using CT scans, we have seen that even little kidney stones are accurately detected by our model. This study demonstrates that other difficult urological problems can be addressed using newly popular DL approaches

Application of Kronecker convolutions in deep learning technique for automated detection of kidney stones with coronal CT images

Kidney stone disease is a serious public health concern that is getting worse with changes in diet, obesity, medical conditions, certain supplements etc. A kidney stone also called a renal calculus, is a hard buildup of urine minerals that form in the kidneys. Computed tomography (CT) is one of the imaging models used to identify kidney stones by clinical experts. Due to the low resolution of these images, sometimes detecting kidney stones is tedious with the naked eye, which may lead to false alarms. In this work, a computer-based diagnosis system with a deep learning technique has been developed as a practical solution to aid clinicians in their diagnosis. The traditional convolutional neural network (CNN)-based deep learning technology can detect stones in the kidney. Still, it suffers from the performance and standard implementation of the convolution operations in convolution layers. A Kronecker product-based convolution technique is incorporated in the proposed deep learning architecture to reduce the redundancy in feature maps without convolution overlapping. Our proposed method helps to make the network more effective by extracting abstract and in-depth features from the input images. The publicly available GitHub kidney stone CT scans are utilized to develop the proposed architecture. Our automated model detected kidney stones with an accuracy of 98.56% utilizing CT images. Our system is more effective than the most recent and cutting-edge techniques developed for identifying kidney stones of any size, including the smallest ones.

Incidental findings involving the temporomandibular joint on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is frequently imaged in head and neck computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Depending on the indication for the study, an abnormality of the TMJ may be an incidental finding. These findings encompass both intra- and extra-articular disorders. They may also be related to local, regional or systemic conditions. Familiarity with these findings along with pertinent clinical information helps narrow the list of differential diagnoses. While definitive diagnosis may not be immediately apparent, a systematic approach contributes to improved discussions between clinicians and radiologists and better patient management.

Feasibility of Two-Screw Anterior Fixation for Odontoid Fractures in a Chinese Population: A Morphometric Study Based on Computed Tomography.

To evaluate the feasibility of treating odontoid fractures in the Chinese population with two cortical screws based on computed tomography (CT) scans and describe a new measurement strategy to guide screw insertion in treating these fractures. A retrospective review of cervical computed tomographic scans of 128 patients (aged 18-76 years; men, 55 [43.0%]) was performed. The minimum external transverse diameter (METD), minimum external anteroposterior diameter (MEAD), maximum screw length (MSL), and screw projection back angle (SPBA) of the odontoid process were measured on coronal and sagittal CT images. The mean values of METD and MEAD were 10.0 ± 1.1 mm and 12.0 ± 1.0 mm, respectively, in men and 9.2 ± 1.0 mm and 11.0 ± 1.0 mm, respectively, in women. Both measurements were significantly higher in men (p < 0.001). In total, 87 individuals (68%) had METD > 9.0 mm that could accommodate two 3.5-mm cortical screws. The mean MSL value and SPBA range were 34.4 ± 2.9 mm and 13.5°-24.2°, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between men and women. The insertion of two 3.5-mm cortical screws was possible for anterior fixation of odontoid fractures in 87 patients (68%) in our study, and there was a statistically significant difference between men and women.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Short Axial Length of the Proximal Femur: A Caution in the Use of Femoral Neck System in Patients with Garden Type I/II Femoral Neck Fractures.

In 2018, Femoral Neck System (FNS), a dedicated fixator for femoral neck fractures, was introduced. This device has been in increasing use because it provides excellent rotational and angular stability. However, the shortest bolt of FNS is 75 mm long. Thus, it is not usable when the axial length of the proximal femur (ALPF), the distance between the innominate tubercle and the surface of the femoral head, is less than 80 mm. In this study, we investigated the incidence and associated factors of small ALPF (< 80 mm) in femoral neck fracture patients. We measured the ALPF on preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of 261 patients (166 women and 55 men), who were operated due to nondisplaced or impacted femoral neck fractures. The ALPF was measured on reconstructed oblique coronal images along the femoral neck. We evaluated the distribution of ALPF, calculated the incidence of small ALPF (< 80 mm), and correlated it with patient's height, weight, body mass index, age, bone mineral density (T-score), and caput-column-diaphysis angle. The ALPF ranged from 67.4 mm to 107.1 mm (mean, 88.4 mm; standard deviation, 7.2 mm). In 19 patients (8.6%, 19 / 221), the length was < 80 mm. The ALPF was strongly correlated with height (correlation coefficient = 0.707, R2 = 0.500, p < 0.001) and moderately correlated with weight (correlation coefficient = 0.551, R2 = 0.304, p < 0.001). The T-score was moderately correlated with the ALPF (correlation coefficient = 0.433, R2 = 0.187, p < 0.001). The age was moderately correlated with the ALPF (correlation coefficient =-0.353, R2 = 0.123, p < 0.001). A considerable percentage of femoral neck fracture patients (8.6%) had small proximal femurs (ALPF < 80 mm), which cannot be operated with FNS. We recommend measuring the ALPF using reconstructed oblique coronal CT images or scaled hip radiographs: en face view of the femoral neck prior to surgery in patients with short stature and/or low body weight. If the ALPF is < 80 mm, the surgeon should prepare other fixation devices.

Metaphyseal Fracture Displacement is Predictive of Intra-Articular Displacement in Adolescent Triplane Ankle Fractures

Category: Trauma; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Triplane ankle fractures are a commonly encountered pediatric injury with potential long-term sequelae if not appropriately managed. Computed tomography (CT) imaging is frequently obtained in the workup of a triplane fracture, however the radiation and cost associated with CT imaging is not benign. We aim to determine the utility of a novel and simple plain radiographic measurement as a predictor of intra-articular displacement in adolescent triplane ankle fractures. Methods: An IRB approved, retrospective review of all adolescent triplane ankle fractures from 2003-2013 was performed at a single level 1 pediatric trauma center. Plain radiographs (XR) and CT imaging obtained at initial presentation were independently reviewed by three orthopaedic surgeons. Maximum articular displacement and step off were measured using digital calipers on AP, mortise and lateral XRs as well as on axial, coronal, and sagittal CT imaging. In addition, maximal metaphyseal fracture displacement was recorded on lateral XR. Articular displacement and step off were compared between the two imaging modalities using student's t-test. Pearson and Spearman coefficients were used to identify correlations between XR and CT measurements. Results: 87 triplane ankle fractures were identified to meet inclusion criteria with a mean age of 12.9 years old (10-16 years old). XR was found to underestimate fracture displacement by 233% in the sagittal plane (1mm vs.3.3mm on sagittal CT; p&lt;0.05). XR underestimated displacement by 24% in the coronal plane (2.3mm on AP XR vs. 2.9mm on coronal CT; p&lt;0.05), and articular step off by 184% in the coronal plane and 177% in the sagittal plane (p&lt;0.05). Axial CT demonstrated a significantly greater amount of articular displacement (4.2mm, range 0-19mm) when compared to coronal (2.9mm, range 0-18.7mm) and sagittal (3.3mm, range 0- 11mm) cuts (p&lt;0.05). 65 patients demonstrated metaphyseal fracture displacement &gt;=1mm on lateral XR, of whom 61 demonstrated articular displacement of &gt;2.5mm on CT (positive predictive value of 94%). Conclusion: Plain radiographs appear to underestimate the articular displacement of triplane fractures. Maximal metaphyseal fracture displacement is easily measured on XR and appears to correlate with articular displacement. Maximal metaphyseal fracture displacement &gt;= 1mm is strongly predictive of articular displacement above the commonly accepted threshold for operative intervention. This finding should raise suspicion for significant articular displacement that may not be appreciated on XR and should prompt consideration of a CT before a decision is made on definitive treatment.

S352 Presidential Poster Award Light at the End of the Tunnel: Pipeline to the Jejunum

Introduction: Small intestinal strictures that are distal to the duodenum, particularly the jejunum, are uniquely complicated to manage. Adult endoscopes are often too short or too rigid to reach this region of the small bowel. Furthermore, duodenal stents are not flexible enough and are uncovered. In this case, we were able to place several esophageal stents in the proximal jejunum using a pediatric colonoscope that could not be placed previously. Case Description/Methods: A 56 year-old woman with hypertension, obstructive lung disease, and a prior ischemic stroke presented to the hospital for four days of postprandial emesis, abdominal distention, epigastric pain, and constipation. She previously underwent appendectomy and hysterectomy, and had no prior endoscopic studies. Computed tomography (CT) was performed demonstrating mural thickening of the distal duodenum and partial occlusion of the small bowel with regional lymphadenopathy, and a large left adrenal mass. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) showed an intrinsic severe stenosis in the distal duodenum. After biopsies were taken, the tissue was found to be a primitive neuroectodermal tumor. Because of the presence of mesenteric adhesion and extensive stenosis, it was decided to correct the stricture endoscopically rather than with surgical intervention. Using a pediatric colonoscope and fluoroscopic guidance, three stents were placed sequentially and telescoping each other from the proximal jejunum to the distal duodenum: a fully covered 20 mm x 120 mm esophageal stent, a partially covered 18 mm x 97 mm esophageal stent, and a fully covered 20 mm x 60 mm esophageal stent (Figure). There were no immediate complications with the procedure and repeat imaging demonstrated luminal patency. Due to the expansion of the stents through a tight stricture, the abdominal pain and pressure was present despite no evidence of perforation on CT. Discussion: This demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing multiple esophageal stents to help relieve more distal gastrointestinal obstructions that were not feasible in the past. The covered esophageal stents are extremely useful when there is discontinuity in the lumen of the small bowel to keep the natural flow of food and help prevent surgical interventions. Watch the video at https://tinyurl.com/ACGAbstractS352Figure 1.: (A) Coronal CT image of a large abdominal mass involving loops of bowel and jejunum. (B) Abdominal x-ray showing interval placement of stents from the distal duodenum to the proximal jejunum.

Swing Door Compressive Fracture Technique for Turbinoplasty: Retrospective Study Based on Computed Tomography and NOSE Scale.

Treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy is performed using different techniques in rhinoplasty. However, the reported results are not consistent. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of Swing door compressive fracture (SDCF) technique for turbinoplasty using computed tomography (CT) and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. This study involved retrospective analysis of 24 patients who underwent inferior turbinoplasty using Swing door compressive fracture (SDCF) technique with or without septoplasty. The angle between the inferior turbinate and lateral nasal wall, total area, inferior turbinate area and the area medial to inferior turbinate were measured preoperatively and postoperatively using coronal section CT images for objective evaluation. Moreover, the NOSE scale was used for subjective evaluation. The angle between inferior turbinate and lateral nasal wall was decreased by 25.3% after the treatment (p <0.0001). Inevitably, postoperative total nasal airway area (area 1) did not face a statistically significant change (p = 0.6878). On the other hand, the area of inferior turbinate (area 2) decreased significantly compared to preoperative value (p = 0.0021), while the area 3, the area medial to inferior turbinate was widened 1.5 times postoperatively. The total preoperative NOSE score was moderate (39.58 ± 22.31%) and it was decreased to mild (5.83 ± 8.81%) after the treatment (p <0.0001). The Swing door compressive fracture (SDCF) technique for turbinoplasty is an effective and straightforward modality. However, the further study involving more patients and longer follow-up period is mandatory. 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 .

Measurement of Tracheobronchial Angles of COVID-19 Patients on Computed Tomography and Correlation with Pneumonia Severity in Turkish Population

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the values of tracheobronchial angles on computed tomography (CT) and to investigate the relationship between angles and CT severity scores (CT-SS) of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. There is no available literature measuring tracheobronchial angles of adult COVID-19 patients and investigating the relationship of angles with pneumonia severity. Material and Methods: This study was a single-center retrospective analysis of 92 RT-PCR positive patients, aged between 18-40 years, who underwent CT between May and October 2020. The right bronchial angles (RBA), left bronchial angles (LBA), subcarinal angles (SCA), and interbronchial angles (IBA) were measured by a radiologist on coronal CT images with the measurement model used in past. CT-SS was calculated by using a visual scoring system with a global score of 0-25. Results: Thirty-seven (40.2%) patients had normal CT imaging and 55 (59.8%) patients had pulmonary involvement. The CT-SS were ranged from 0 to 24, with a median value of 2.5. The mean IBA was calculated as 81.67±15.20°, mean SCA 77.65±15.78°, mean RBA 39.26±7.51°, and mean LBA 43.35±8.43°. No statistically significant difference was found in SCA, IBA, RBA, and LBA between the groups with and without COVID-19 pneumonia (p=0.277, p=0.389, p=0.218, and p=0.227, respectively). Also, no significant correlation was found between tracheobronchial angles and pneumonia CT-SS of the patients. Conclusion: We calculated the distribution range of tracheobronchial angle values in the adult Turkish COVID-19 patients. According to our study, tracheobronchial angles don’t affect the disease severity and clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients.

Hounsfield unit measurement method and related factors that most appropriately reflect bone mineral density on cervical spine computed tomography.

Our study's purpose was to determine the most reliable Hounsfield unit (HU) measurement method to reflect bone mineral density (BMD) on cervical spine computed tomography (CT) and to identify any factors that influence these results. We retrospectively analyzed 439 consecutive patients with mild head and neck injuries. Mean HU values of the C2-C7 vertebra were determined on each sagittal, coronal, and axial CT image. Correlation patterns were analyzed between the HU value and corresponding dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the lumbar vertebra (T-score) and femoral neck (T-score). A sub-group analysis was performed according to patient age, sex, and degree of spinal degeneration. The correlation coefficients for HU and DXA ranged from 0.52 to 0.65 in all cervical segments. A simple linear regression analysis revealed the following formula: T-score = 0.01 × (HU) - 4.55. The mean HU values for osteopenia and osteoporosis were 284.0 ± 63.3 and 231.5 ± 52.8, respectively. The ROC curve indicated that the HU method has a sensitivity of 89.2% and specificity of 88.7% to diagnose osteoporosis. The HU measurement showed a high correlation value (range: r = 0.64-0.70) with spine DXA score regardless of the degree of degeneration or patient age or sex. HU values using the upper two cervical vertebrae (C2 and C3) reflected a more reliable BMD level than other segments. Additionally, the HU of cervical CT provided reliable information regardless of measurement plane, age or sex, and degree of degeneration.

Exemplar Darknet19 feature generation technique for automated kidney stone detection with coronal CT images

Kidney stone is a commonly seen ailment and is usually detected by urologists using computed tomography (CT) images. It is difficult and time-consuming to detect small stones in CT images. Hence, an automated system can help clinicians to detect kidney stones accurately. In this work, a novel transfer learning-based image classification method (ExDark19) has been proposed to detect kidney stones using CT images. The iterative neighborhood component analysis (INCA) is employed to select the most informative feature vectors and these selected features vectors are fed to the k nearest neighbor (kNN) classifier to detect kidney stones with a ten-fold cross-validation (CV) strategy. The proposed ExDark19 model yielded an accuracy of 99.22% with 10-fold CV and 99.71% using the hold-out validation method. Our results demonstrate that the proposed ExDark19 detect kidney stones over 99% accuracies for two validation techniques. This developed automated system can assist the urologists to validate their manual screening of kidney stones and hence reduce the possible human error.

Plain Radiographs Underestimate Varus Deformity of the Tibial Plafond

Understanding plain radiograph in association with 3-dimensional (3D) morphology of the ankle is essential for treatment about varus ankle osteoarthritis (OA). The aims of this study were to investigate whether the alignment of the tibial plafond as determined on plain radiograph reflected the alignment of the tibial plafond on computed tomography (CT) in varus ankle OA and whether the alignment of the tibial plafond changed as the OA progressed. The 3D CT and plain radiographs from 101 ankles with varus ankle OA were analyzed and compared with 40 ankles in control group. The tibial plafond was assessed in the coronal and sagittal planes using 3D CT. The medial angle between the vertical line and the tibial plafond was measured on 3 different coronal plane CT images which was anterior, middle and posterior area of the tibial plafond. The medial distal tibial angle on plain radiograph reflected the posterior area of the tibial plafond on CT. The amount of varus angulation on CT was larger in anterior and middle area of the tibial plafond than the posterior area. There was a difference in the degree of varus of the tibial plafond between control group and OA patients; however, there was no difference among patients in different stages of varus ankle OA. Weightbearing plain radiographs underestimate the varus deformity in anterior and middle area of the tibial plafond and there is no significant difference in deformity of the tibial plafond among patients in different stages of varus ankle OA.

Sextus chest radiograph severity score correlates to clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19: A cross-sectional study.

The value of chest radiography (CXR) in detection and as an outcome predictor in the management of patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has not yet been fully understood.To validate a standardized CXR scoring system and assess its prognostic value in hospitalized patients found to have COVID-19 by imaging criteria and to compare it to computed tomography (CT).In this cross-sectional chart review study, patients aged 18-years or older who underwent chest CT at a single institution with an imaging-based diagnosis of COVID-19 between March 15, 2020 to April 15, 2020 were included. Each patient's CXR and coronal CT were analyzed for opacities in a 6-zonal assessment method and aggregated into a "Sextus score." Inter-reader variability and correlation between CXR and coronal CT images were investigated to validate this scoring system. Univariable and multiple logistic regression techniques were used to investigate relationships between CXR scores and clinical parameters in relation to patient outcomes.One hundred twenty-four patients (median [interquartile range] age 58.5 [47.5-69.0] years, 72 [58%] men, 58 [47%] Blacks, and 35 [28%] Hispanics) were included. The CXR Sextus score (range: 0-6) was reliable (inter-rater kappa = 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69-0.83) and correlated strongly with the CT Sextus score (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.75, P < .0001). Incremental increases of CXR Sextus scores of 2 points were found to be an independent predictor of intubation (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 4.49 [1.98, 10.20], P = .0003) and prolonged hospitalization (≥10 days) (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 4.06 [1.98, 8.32], P = .0001).The CXR Sextus score was found to be reproducible and CXR-CT severity scores were closely correlated. Increasing Sextus scores were associated with increased risks for intubation and prolonged hospitalization for patients with COVID-19 in a predominantly Black population. The CXR Sextus score may provide insight into identifying and monitoring high-risk patients with COVID-19.

A purpose-design computational method for estimation of plane of maximum curvature in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex three-dimensional (3D) deformity, and the plane of maximum curvature (PMC) is proposed to reflect these clinical features, which refers to a vertical plane presenting the maximum projected spinal curvature and its parameters include the PMC Cobb and orientation (angle between PMC and sagittal planes). This study aimed to develop a computational method (CM) for PMC estimation. Twenty-nine patients with AIS and computed tomography (CT) images were recruited. For CT, PMC was determined by rotating a vertical plane about its vertical axis with 5°increment until the maximum Cobb angle was measured. For CM, PMC was estimated via identifying the eight points (the corner points of the superior and inferior endplates of the upper and lower end-vertebrae respectively) in the coronal and lateral CT images. Two experienced raters repeated the PMC estimation three times with one-week interval. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman method were used for statistical analysis. Twenty-seven right thoracic curves (RTs) (mean Cobb: 46.1°±12.4°) and 23 left thoracolumbar/lumbar (LTLs/LLs) (mean Cobb: 30.6°±11.1°) were analysed. The intra- and inter-rater ICC values were >0.91 and 0.84 in RTs and LTLs/LLs, respectively. The PMCs obtained from the CM and CT were showed good agreement was also observed between the PMCs obtained from the two methods according to ICC (>0.90) and Bland-Altman method assessments. This purpose-design computational method could provide reliable and valid estimation of PMCs for AIS, which has potential to be used as an alternative for 3D assessment.

Benign cystic mesothelioma of the liver: A rare hepatic cyst

A 66-year-old woman presented to our hospital with upper abdominal pain and right chest tightness for 2 weeks. She had past history of hypertension under medical control for decades. Surgical history included laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis, as well as subtotal hysterectomy for leiomyoma and adenomyosis more than 10 years ago. In the clinic, one soft and mobile mass at left upper quadrant was palpated. Intravenous contrast-enhanced coronal computed tomography image of abdomen showed a 15 cm low-attenuation, nonenhancing cystic mass at left upper quadrant of the abdomen, and a small septum with some calcifications (arrow) was also noted.

Deep learning model for automated kidney stone detection using coronal CT images

Kidney stones are a common complaint worldwide, causing many people to admit to emergency rooms with severe pain. Various imaging techniques are used for the diagnosis of kidney stone disease. Specialists are needed for the interpretation and full diagnosis of these images. Computer-aided diagnosis systems are the practical approaches that can be used as auxiliary tools to assist the clinicians in their diagnosis. In this study, an automated detection of kidney stone (having stone/not) using coronal computed tomography (CT) images is proposed with deep learning (DL) technique which has recently made significant progress in the field of artificial intelligence. A total of 1799 images were used by taking different cross-sectional CT images for each person. Our developed automated model showed an accuracy of 96.82% using CT images in detecting the kidney stones. We have observed that our model is able to detect accurately the kidney stones of even small size. Our developed DL model yielded superior results with a larger dataset of 433 subjects and is ready for clinical application. This study shows that recently popular DL methods can be employed to address other challenging problems in urology.

The importance of Böhler's angle in calcaneus geometry: A finite element model study.

Objectives Calcaneal fractures are the most common tarsal fractures following a foot-ankle trauma. The Böhler’s angle is an important measurable angle before, during, and after surgery. In this study, we aimed to investigate correlation between Böhler’s angle, calcaneal strength, and subtalar joint stress using a finite element analysis (FEA).Patients and methods Between January 2016 and December 2016, computed tomography (CT) scans were used with MIMICS® software for FEA. The ankle and foot of a 23-year-old male person with a height of 180 cm and weighing 80 kg was modeled as reference. Raw coronal CT images were obtained in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format with the resolution of 512X512 pixels and 0.3-mm slice intervals in 135 kV. The structures including tibia, fibula and 26 other bones (talus, calcaneus, cuboid, navicular, three cuneiforms, five metatarsals, and 14 components of phalanges), cartilage and ligamentous tissues were modeled to form ankle joint. After determining Böhler’s angle as 35 degrees for the reference model, a fracture line was created on calcaneus. Calcaneus was remodeled with the Böhler’s angle of 45, 40, 30, 25, 20, 10, and 0 degrees respectively. All models were transferred to ANSYS software for FEA and the loads on the lower extremities with normal posture were applied on models.Results Analysis of all models based in the reference model revealed that maximum tension values on calcaneus increased, while the Böhler’s angle decreased, indicating a statistically significant difference. The decreased Böhler’s angle indicated statistically significantly higher maximum tension values (p=0.04). Action force in subtalar joint was evaluated by comparing with the forces in reference model. The increased Böhler’s angle was found to be associated with statistically significantly decreased amount of load on subtalar joint. The decreased Böhler’s angle was related to the statistically significantly increased amount of load on subtalar joint.Conclusion Our study results suggest that decreased Böhler’s angle increases the possibility of subtalar arthrosis, although overcorrection of the Böhler’s angle seems not to increase the risk of subtalar arthrosis.