Dimensional Computed Tomography Research Articles

Three-dimensional analysis for the evaluation of left ventricular aneurysm and pseudo-aneurysm after myocardial infarction

Myocardial Infarction (MI) is an ischemic heart disease representing one of the main causes of death for acute cardiac pathologies. Two important consequences of MI are left ventricular (LV) aneurysm and pseudo-aneurysm. The aim of the present study is to highlight anatomical and functional changes in LV undergoing post-ischemic remodeling by means of three dimensional-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and three dimensional-Computed Tomography (CT), which are useful techniques for the diagnosis and evaluation of accurate clinical and surgical approaches. In this way the surgeon can evaluate pro and counter of the classical approach or the parachute implant with possible promotion of mininvasive surgery [1]. Although to date MI consequences can be assessed with bidimensional technique (e.g. echocardiography and ventriculography), we want to suggest the use of three dimensional Direct Volume Rendering (DVR), which is a direct technique for visualizing primitive volumes without any intermediate conversion of the volume data to surface presentation [2]. DVR allows to better discriminate between aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm and to do a better evaluation of inclusion and exclusion criteria for the implant of a parachute device.

3D Printed Titanium Implant for the Skull Reconstruction: A Preliminary Case Study

The skull defect can be made after the trauma, oncologic problems or neurosurgery. The skull reconstruction has been the challenging issue in craniofacial fields for a long time. So far the skull reconstruction with autogenous bone would be the standard. Although the autogenous bone would be the ideal one for skull reconstruction, donor site morbidity would be the inevitable problem in many cases. Meanwhile various types of allogenic and alloplastic materials have been also used. However, skull reconstruction with many alloplastic material have produced no less complications including infection, exposure, and delayed wound healing. Because the 3D printing technique evolved so fast that 3D printed titanium implant were possible recently. The aim of this trial is to try to restore the original skull anatomy as possible using the 3D printed titanium implant, based on the mirrored three dimensional CT images based on the computer simulation. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) data were processed for the patient and a rapid prototyping (RP) model was produced. At the same time, the uninjured side was mirrored and superimposed onto the traumatized side, to create a mirror-image of the RP model. And we fabricated Titanium implant to reconstruct three-dimensional orbital structure in advance, using the 3D printer. This prefabricated Titanium-implant was then inserted onto the defected skull and fixed. Three dimensional printing technique of titanium material based on the computer simulation turned out to be very successful in this patient. Individualized approach for each patient could be an ideal way to manage the traumatic patients in near future.

Poster — Thur Eve — 16: 4DCT simulation with synchronized contrast injection of liver SBRT patients

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has recently emerged as a valid option for treating liver metastases. SBRT delivers highly conformai dose over a small number of fractions. As such it is particularly sensitive to the accuracy of target volume delineation by the radiation oncologist. However, contouring liver metastases remains challenging for the following reasons. First, the liver usually undergoes significant motion due to respiration. Second, liver metastases are often nearly indistinguishable from the surrounding tissue when using computed tomography (CT) for imaging making it difficult to identify and delineate them. Both problems can be overcome by using four dimensional CT (4DCT) synchronized with intravenous contrast injection. We describe a novel CT simulation process which involves two 4DCT scans. The first scan captures the tumor and immediately surrounding tissue which in turn reduces the 4DCT scan time so that it can be optimally timed with intravenous contrast injection. The second 4DCT scan covers a larger volume and is used as the primary CT dataset for dose calculation, as well as patient setup verification on the treatment unit. The combination of two 4DCT scans, short and long, allows visualization of the liver metastases over all phases of breathing cycle while simultaneously acquiring long enough 4DCT dataset suitable for planning and patient setup verification.

Application of 3D Simulation Surgery to Orbital Wall Fracture : A preliminary Case Study

The orbit has a very special anatomical structure. The complex anatomical structure should be restored when we encounter the patient with orbital wall fracture. Unless these specific anatomy were reconstructed well, the patient should suffer from various complications such enophthalmos, diplopia or orbital deformity. In addition, because the patient has a his own specific orbital shape, individualized approach will be necessary. The aim of this trial is to try to restore the original orbit anatomy as possible based on the mirrored three dimensional CT images based on the computer simulation. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) data were processed for the patient and a rapid prototyping (RP) model was produced. At the same time, the uninjured side was mirrored and superimposed onto the traumatized side, to create a mirror-image of the RP model. In order to restore the missing skipped images between the cuts of CT data because of the thinness of the orbital walls, we manipulated the DICOM data for imaging the original orbital contour using the preoperatively manufactured mirror-image of the RP model. And we fabricated Titanium-Medpor to reconstruct three-dimensional orbital structure intraoperatively. This prefabricated Titanium-Medpor was then inserted onto the defected orbital wall and fixed. Three dimensional approach based on the computer simulation turned out to be very successful in this patient. Individualized approach for each patient could be an ideal way to manage the traumatic patients in near future.

Measurements of bone tunnel size in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: 2D versus 3D computed tomography model

BackgroundRevision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction requires a precise evaluation of previous tunnel locations and diameters. Enlargement of the tunnels, despite not usually affecting primary reconstruction outcomes, plays an important role in revision ACL management. Three dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) models are reported to be the most accurate method for identifying the tunnel position and possible conflicts with a revision tunnel placement. However, the ability of 3D CT to measure the tunnel size is still not proven. The goal of this study was to evaluate the ability of measuring the size of the bone tunnels in ACL reconstructed knees with 3D CT compared to the traditional two dimensional (2D) CT method.MethodsTwenty-four patients had CT scans performed immediately following ACL reconstruction surgery. Their femoral tunnels size were measured by a standard 2D CT measurement and then compared with three novel 3D CT measuring methods: the best transverse section method, the best fit cylinder method and the wall thickness method. The drill size used during surgery was used as a control measure for the tunnel width. Intra-class correlation coefficients were obtained.ResultsThe intra-class correlation coefficient and respective 95% confidence interval range (ICC [95%CI]) for the three methods compared with the drill sizes were 0.899 [0.811-0.947] for the best transverse section method, 0.745 [0.553-0.862] for the best fit cylinder method, −0.004 [−0.081 to −0.12] for the wall thickness method and 0.922 [0.713-0.97] for the 2D CT method. The mean differences compared to the drill size were 0.02 mm for the best fit transverse section method, 0.01 mm for the best fit cylinder diameter method, 3.34 mm for the wall thickness method and 0.29 mm for the 2D CT method. The intra-rater agreement (ICC [95%CI]) was excellent for the best transverse section method 0.999 [0.998-0.999] and the 2D CT method 0.969 [0.941-0.984].ConclusionsThe 3D best transverse section method presented a high correlation to the drill sizes and high intra-rater agreement, and was the best method for ACL tunnel evaluation in a 3D CT based model.

Treatment planning study comparing proton therapy, RapidArc and IMRT for a synchronous bilateral lung cancer case

Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to perform a treatment planning study on a synchronous bilateral non-small cell lung cancer case using three treatment modalities: uniform scanning proton therapy, RapidArc, and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Methods : The maximum intensity projection (MIP) images obtained from the 4 dimensional-computed tomography (4DCT) scans were used for delineation of tumor volumes in the left and right lungs. The average 4D-CT was used for the treatment planning among all three modalities with identical patient contouring and treatment planning goal. A proton therapy plan was generated in XiO treatment planning system (TPS) using 2 fields for each target. For a comparative purpose, IMRT and RapidArc plans were generated in Eclipse TPS. Treatment plans were generated for a total dose of 74 CGE or Gy prescribed to each planning target volume (PTV) (left and right) with 2 CGE or Gy per fraction. In IMRT and RapidArc plans, normalization was done based on PTV coverage values in proton plans. Results: The mean PTV dose deviation from the prescription dose was lower in proton plan (within 3.4%), but higher in IMRT (6.5% to 11.3%) and RapidArc (3.8% to 11.5%) plans. Proton therapy produced lower mean dose to the total lung, heart, and esophagus when compared to IMRT and RapidArc. The relative volume of the total lung receiving 20, 10, and 5 CGE or Gy (V20, V10, and V5, respectively) were lower using proton therapy than using IMRT, with absolute differences of 9.71%, 22.88%, and 39.04%, respectively. The absolute differences in the V20, V10, and V5 between proton and RapidArc plans were 4.84%, 19.16%, and 36.8%, respectively, with proton therapy producing lower dosimetric values. Conclusion : Based on the results presented in this case study, uniform scanning proton therapy has a dosimetric advantage over both IMRT and RapidArc for a synchronous bi-lateral NSCLC, especially for the normal lung tissue, heart, and esophagus sparing. Further studies on a large group of patients with bi-lateral lung cancer are required to validate the dosimetric superiority of proton therapy over the IMRT and RapidArc. ------------------------------- Cite this article as: Rana S, Pokharel S, Zheng Y, Zhao L, Risalvato D, Vargas C, Cersonsky N. Treatment planning study comparing proton therapy, RapidArc and intensity modulated radiation therapy for a synchronous bilateral lung cancer case. Int J Cancer Ther Oncol 2014; 2 (2):020216. DOI: 10.14319/ijcto.0202.16

Characterization and Correction of Geometric Errors Induced by Thermal Drift in CT Measurements

The occurrence of thermal drift in industrial computed tomography (CT) systems has been reported as a significant source of error on geometrical evaluations. During CT-scans, heating inside the cabinet and varying environmental conditions may affect the position of the focal spot and distort the manipulator system, leading to relative displacement of X-ray projections and distortions in the reconstructed 3D image. This paper presents an experimental investigation on influence of the thermal effects on dimensional CT measurements. A correction method based on the manipulation of the projections was developed and evaluated. The method consists in repeating the acquisition of first projection at the end of the scan and calculating the displacement vector between these projections. The remaining projections are then corrected proportionally to this displacement. The results showed a significant reduction of the roundness deviation values measured on a precision sphere after the correction.

Current state of standardization in the field of dimensional computed tomography

Industrial x-ray computed tomography (CT) is a well-established non-destructive testing (NDT) technology and has been in use for decades. Moreover, CT has also started to become an important technology for dimensional metrology. But the requirements on dimensional CTs, i.e., on performing coordinate measurements with CT, are different from NDT. For dimensional measurements, the position of interfaces or surfaces is of importance, while this is often less critical in NDT. Standardization plays an important role here as it can create trust in new measurement technologies as is the case for dimensional CT. At the international standardization level, the ISO TC 213 WG 10 is working on specifications for dimensional CT. This paper highlights the demands on international standards in the field of dimensional CT and describes the current developments from the viewpoint of representatives of national and international standardization committees. Key aspects of the discussion are the material influence on the length measurement error E and how E can best be measured. A respective study was performed on hole plates as new reference standards for error testing of length measurements incorporating the material influence. We performed corresponding measurement data analysis and present a further elaborated hole plate design. The authors also comment on different approaches currently pursued and give an outlook on upcoming developments as far as they can be foreseen.

Measurement uncertainty evaluation in dimensional X-ray computed tomography using the bootstrap method

Industrial applications of computed tomography (CT) for dimensional metrology on various components are fast increasing, owing to a number of favorable properties such as capability of non-destructive internal measurements. Uncertainty evaluation is however more complex than in conventional measurement processes, e.g., with tactile systems, also due to factors related to systematic errors, mainly caused by specific CT image characteristics. In this paper we propose a simulation-based framework for measurement uncertainty evaluation in dimensional CT using the bootstrap method. In a case study the problem concerning measurement uncertainties was addressed with bootstrap and successfully applied to ball-bar CT measurements. Results obtained enabled extension to more complex shapes such as actual industrial components as we show by tests on a hollow cylinder workpiece.

Pore Structure of Natural and Regenerated Soil Aggregates: An X-Ray Computed Tomography Analysis

Quantitative characterization of aggregate pore structure can reveal the evolution of aggregates under different land use and management practices and their effects on soil processes and functions. Advances in X-ray computed tomography (CT) provide powerful means to conduct such characterization. This study examined aggregate pore structure of three differently managed same textured Danish soils (mixed forage cropping, MFC; mixed cash cropping, MCC; cereal cash cropping, CCC) for (i) natural aggregates, and (ii) aggregates regenerated after 20 mo of incubation. In total, 27 aggregates (8–16 mm) were sampled from nine different treatments; three natural soils and three repacked lysimeters without and three with organic matter (OM; ground rape) amendment. Three dimensional X-ray CT images, tensile strength, and organic carbon (OC) were obtained for each aggregate. Aggregate-associated OC differed significantly between the three soils as 2.1, 1.4, and 1.0% for MFC, MCC, and CCC, respectively. Aggregate porosity and pore connectivity were significantly higher for CCC aggregates than for MFC and MCC aggregates. The CCC aggregates had an average pore diameter of 300 μm, whereas MFC and MCC had an average pore diameter of 200 and 170 μm, respectively. Pore shape analysis indicated that CCC and MFC aggregates had an abundance of rounded and elongated pores, respectively, and those of MCC were in-between CCC and MFC. Aggregate pore structure development in the lysimeters was nearly similar irrespective of the soil type and organic matter amendment, and was vastly different from the state of natural aggregates. Aggregate porosity (>30 μm) was observed to be a good predictor for the mechanical properties of aggregates. In general natural aggregates were stronger than lysimeter aggregates.

A Fractional Order Integral Approach for Reconstructing from Noisy Data

Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in many applications.Recently,total variation(TV) minimization has become a main topic in image reconstruction. This paper focuses on iterative algorithm: SART and EM in both of TV and ordered subset. Iterative reconstruction is an improved algorithm for reconstructing image from noisy projection data. However,image noise will increase after some iterations while the image quality does not meet the requirement. In order to improve the quality of the reconstructed image, for three dimensional cone-beam CT, a new iterative algorithm via fractional order integral is researched. Experimental results show that the proposed method has faster convergence speed and achieve higher PSNR

Estimation of measurement uncertainties in X-ray computed tomography metrology using the substitution method

This paper presents the application of the substitution method for the estimation of measurement uncertainties using calibrated workpieces in X-ray computed tomography (CT) metrology. We have shown that this, well accepted method for uncertainty estimation using tactile coordinate measuring machines, can be applied to dimensional CT measurements. The method is based on repeated measurements carried out on a calibrated master piece. The master piece is a component of a dose engine from an insulin pen. Measurement uncertainties estimated from the repeated measurements of the master piece were transferred on to additionally scanned uncalibrated workpieces which provided the necessary link for achieving traceable measurements.

Mandibular Fracture Masking Hyoid Bone Fracture

Mandibular Fracture Masking Hyoid Bone Fracture

Abdominal and pancreatic motion correlation using 4D CT, 4D transponders, and a gating belt

The correlation between the pancreatic and external abdominal motion due to respiration was investigated on two patients. These studies utilized four dimensional computer tomography (4D CT), a four dimensional (4D) electromagnetic transponder system, and a gating belt system. One 4D CT study was performed during simulation to quantify the pancreatic motion using computer tomography images at eight breathing phases. The motion under free breathing and breath‐hold were analyzed for the 4D electromagnetic transponder system and the gating belt system during treatment. A linear curve was fitted for all data sets and correlation factors were evaluated between the 4D electromagnetic transponder system and the gating belt system data. The 4D CT study demonstrated a modest correlation between the external marker and the pancreatic motion with R‐square values larger than 0.8 for the inferior–superior (inf‐sup). Then, the relative pressure from the belt gating system correlated well with the 4D electromagnetic transponder system's motion in the anterior–posterior (ant‐post) and the inf–post directions. These directions have a correlation value of −0.93 and 0.76, while the lateral only had a 0.03 correlation coefficient. Based on our limited study, external surrogates can be used as predictors of the pancreatic motion in the inf–sup and the ant–post directions. Although there is a low correlation on the lateral direction, its motion is significantly shorter. In conclusion, an appropriate treatment delivery can be used for pancreatic cancer when an internal tracking system, such as the 4D electromagnetic transponder system, is unavailable.PACS number: 87.55.kh

The X-Ray Transform Projection of 3D Mother Wavelet Function

As we all know, any practical computed tomography (CT) projection data more or less contains noises. Hence, it will be inconvenient for the postprocessing of a reconstructed 3D image even when the noise in the projection data is white. The reason is that the noise in the reconstructed image may be nonwhite. X-ray transform can be applied to the three dimensional (3D) CT, depicting the relationship between material density and ray projection. In this paper, nontensor product relationship between the two dimensional (2D) mother wavelet and 3D mother wavelet is obtained by taking X-ray transform projection of 3D mother wavelet. We proved that the projection of the 3D mother wavelet is a 2D mother wavelet if the 3D mother wavelet satisfies certain conditions. So, the 3D wavelet transform of a 3D image can be implemented by the 2D wavelet transform of its X-ray transform projection and it will contribute to the reduction complexity and computation time during image processing. What is more, it can also avoid noise transfer and amplification during the processing of CT image reconstruction.

A computer simulation platform for the estimation of measurement uncertainties in dimensional X-ray computed tomography

The knowledge of measurement uncertainty is of great importance in conformance testing in production. The tolerance limit for production must be reduced by the amounts of measurement uncertainty to ensure that the parts are in fact within the tolerance. Over the last 5years, industrial X-ray computed tomography (CT) has become an important technology for dimensional quality control. In this paper a computer simulation platform is presented which is able to investigate error sources in dimensional CT measurements. The typical workflow in industrial CT metrology is described and methods for estimating measurement uncertainties are briefly discussed. As we will show, the developed virtual CT (VCT) simulator can be adapted to various scanner systems, providing realistic CT data. Using the Monte Carlo method (MCM), measurement uncertainties for a given measuring task can be estimated, taking into account the main error sources for the measurement. This method has the potential to deal with all kinds of systematic and random errors that influence a dimensional CT measurement. A case study demonstrates the practical application of the VCT simulator using numerically generated CT data and statistical evaluation methods.

Application of four‐dimensional computed tomography angiography in the study of vascular structure of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator

To explore the vascular structure of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator with the four‐dimensional computed tomography (CT) angiography. 10 abdominal specimens harvested from fresh cadavers were cannulated with trocar and injected with contrast medium in the deep inferior epigastric artery at different levels. During the perfusion of the contrast medium in the flap, the flap was scanned by three‐dimensional CT (four‐dimensional defined as three dimensional CT plus time). The CT data were sent to CT workstation and the images were processed and reformatted. The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator terminates in the subdermal vascular plexus, with bifurcating superior to the Scarps fascia and under the skin. The anastomosis in the abdominal midline occurs in the subdermal vascular plexus. The zone overlying the rectus muscle in the pedicle side has the best blood supply. The four‐dimensional CT is a useful method to study the vascular structure of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator in the superficial fascia.Grant Funding Source: Institute of Basic Medical Sciences£¬Chinese Academy of Medical Science Funding(2008PY02)

Four dimensional CT imaging: a review of current technologies and modalities

Organ motion is a substantial concern in the treatment of thoracic tumours using radiotherapy. A number of technologies have evolved in order to address this both during computed tomography (CT) imaging and radiation delivery. This review paper investigates the various technologies which have been developed in the field of CT scanning as well as their accuracy, cost and the implications of their clinical implementation. The scanning modalities covered include: slow CT, breath hold CT, gated CT and retrospectively correlated CT (4DCT). It was found that there are advantages and drawbacks to each of the mentioned techniques relating to patient dose, scan time, extra equipment and workload. Also some scanning techniques are only compatible with certain treatment modalities which would further influence the decision as to which technologies to implement.

Quantitative analysis of developmental process of cranial suture in korean infants.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to elucidate the anatomical development of physiologic suture closure processes in infants using three dimensional reconstructed computed tomography (CT).MethodsA consecutive series of 243 infants under 12 months of age who underwent three dimensional CT were included in this study. Four major cranial sutures (sagittal, coronal, lambdoidal and metopic suture) were classified into four suture closure grades (grade 0=no closure along the whole length, grade 1=partial or intermittent closure, grade 2=complete closure with visible suture line, grade 3=complete fusion (ossification) without visible suture line), and measured for its closure degree (suture closure rates; defined as percentage of the length of closed suture line divided by the total length of suture line).ResultsSuture closure grade under 12 months of age comprised of grade 0 (n=195, 80.2%), grade 1 (n=24, 9.9%) and grade 2 (n=24, 9.9%) in sagittal sutures, whereas in metopic sutures they were grade 0 (n=61, 25.1%), grade 1 (n=167, 68.7%), grade 2 (n=6, 24%) and grade 3 (n=9, 3.7%). Mean suture closure rates under 12 months of age was 58.8% in metopic sutures, followed by coronal (right : 43.8%, left : 41.1%), lambdoidal (right : 27.2%, left : 25.6%) and sagittal sutures (15.6%), respectively.ConclusionThese quantitative descriptions of cranial suture closure may help understand the process involved in the cranial development of Korean infants.

Ankaferd Blood Stopper®’in Sıçan Kalvaryal Defektlerindeki Kemik Rejenerasyonuna Etkileri

Objective: The influence of Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS) was experimentally investigated on calvarial defects in rats. Material and Methods: Fourteen Wistar-albino rats equally divided into two groups, control group (G1) and drug group (G2), were included in the study. In G1, only right frontal craniectomy was performed. In G2, 0.5ml ABS was topically applied with a syringe after craniectomy. Surface areas of the defects were measured after four weeks, and comparative reconstruction images with were obtained, computed tomography (CT) as well. Blood samples were also collected to evaluate prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and tissue samples were harvested for histologic examination. Results: Mean defect area in G1 (7.20 ± 2.62 mm2) was significantly larger than that in G2 (1.83 ± 1.65 mm2) (p< 0.001). Mean PT, INR and aPTT values were not different between the two groups (p> 0.05). Three dimensional (3D) CT analysis and histological examination revealed prominent osteogenesis in G2. Conclusion: We observed that surface area of the calvarial defects decreased significantly after ABS administration, and this observation was confirmed by 3D CT analysis and histology. Thus, ABS seems to have a potential of bone promoting effect; however, precise mechanisms underlying this osteogenetic activity still remain unexplained.