Minimum Intensity Projection Research Articles

Is an all-phase ITV (internal target volume) a gold standard in the target definition of hepatocellular carcinoma?

Stereotactic ablative body radiation (SABR) is a well-recognized treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Due to the inherent motion of liver tumors, effective motion management is crucial for successful SABR. In the motion-encompassing motion management technique, all 10 respiratory phase image datasets are delineated and designated as the internal target volume (ITV). Some treatment centers use single or combination image sets to delineate the target volume. This study determines which specialty image set most closely matches an all-phase ITV contour on a synchronized contrast-enhanced 4DCT. Synchronized 4DCT contrast and delayed scans were acquired for 10 patients in the study. The maximum intensity projection (MiP), average intensity projection (AvgIP), and minimum intensity projection (MinIP) images were generated. The ITV delineation was done in all 10 phases (ITV_all_phase). The ITV_2phase combines the peak inhale and exhale phase, ITV_2M combines MiP and MinIP, and ITV_3M combines MiP, MinIP, and AvgIP. All ITVs were compared to ITV_all_phase with Dice similarity index (DSI) and volumes. Using ITV_all_phase as the reference, the DSI and the mean ITV volumes for the different ITVs were as follows: ITV_all_phase (1 and 116.69 cc), ITV_2phase (0.87 and 105.27 cc), MiP (0.76 and 98.24 cc), AvgIP (0.72 and 94.54 cc), ITV_MinIP (0.67 and 81.08 cc), ITV_2M (0.84 and 106.26 cc), and ITV_3M (0.86 and 112.51 cc). The study demonstrates that in the motion-encompassing technique of motion management, the target volume generated by delineating all phases of 4DCT provides the most accurate representation for patients with HCC. Specialty image sets and their combinations, while sometimes close, tend to result in less accurate targeting. Hence, the all-phase 4DCT method should be preferred to avoid geographical misses and ensure optimal treatment outcomes. However, our conclusion may be limited by the technique we employed.

The Role of Advanced Post-processing Techniques in Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography for the Accurate Diagnosis of Pulmonary Thromboembolism: A Retrospective Study.

Background Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) isthe standard diagnostic tool for evaluating patients with suspected pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in many institutions. This condition, whether acute or chronic, results in both partial and complete intraluminal filling defects, which exhibit sharp interfaces with intravascular contrast material. Acute PTE that leads to complete arterial occlusion may cause the affected artery to appear enlarged. Chronic PTE often manifests as complete occlusive disease in vessels that are smaller than the adjacent patent vessels. CT imaging with iodinated contrast medium is crucial for many CT applications, including vascular CT angiography and CTPA. A comprehensive review of a case necessitates an integrated approach known as volume visualization, wherein the entire case is treated as a volume of information to be thoroughly reviewed. Advanced post-processing 3D CT techniques, such as maximum intensity projection (MIP), volume rendering (VR), and minimum intensity projection (MinIP) images, are essential for the detailed detection and assessment of the pulmonary vasculature. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, data from 50 patients with suspected PTE were analyzed over a six-month period from March 15 to August 30, 2023, at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital. Patients were selected based on previously recorded clinical symptoms and elevated D-dimer levels. CTPA images, acquired using multi-detector CT imaging with iodinated contrast, were reviewed. Various post-processing techniques were employed, including multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), MIP, MinIP, and VR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of CTPA combined with advanced post-processing techniques in improving early detection, reducing diagnostic time, and increasing accuracy through the detailed visualization of the pulmonary arterial vasculature. Results The study included patients aged from 10 years to70 years, with the highest prevalence of PTE in the 21-35-year age group (46%). Males constituted 56% of the cases. CTPA with advanced post-processing techniques revealed filling defects in 90% of patients, confirming PTE. MPR, MIP, MinIP, and VR effectively highlighted anatomical structures and thrombi, enhancing diagnostic accuracy. These techniques demonstrated high accuracy in identifying PTE, emphasizing their critical role in the early diagnosis and management of thromboembolic events. Conclusion The findings of the study revealed a relatively high incidence of PTE especially in the 21-35-year age group with a slight male predominance. Thesignificant majority of the patients (90%) had filling defects on their CTPA scan. CTPA, in conjunction with the use of post-processing techniques, the localization of thromboembolism sites, as well as the measurement of thrombus width and length, and the calculation of the percentage of blockage were achieved more easily. This facilitatedaccurate diagnosis, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Alternative Venous Pathways: A Potential Key Imaging Feature for Early Diagnosis of Sturge-Weber Syndrome Type 1.

Sturge-Weber syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by cortical atrophy and calcifications on late-stage imaging. Understanding the evolution of brain lesions is crucial for effective early interventions, yet the timeline remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate early brain MRI findings and their progression longitudinally on follow up MRI in children diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome. We retrospectively included all children with a confirmed diagnosis of Sturge-Weber syndrome between 2009 and 2023 that had at least 2 available MRIs performed before the age of 2 years. A pediatric radiologist and a pediatric neuroradiologist evaluated all the MRI scans for pial enhancement, choroid plexus enlargement, atrophy, calcifications, a prominent subarachnoid varicose network, trans medullary veins, subependymal veins, and deep extra ventricular veins. Descriptive analysis was used for demographic data and brain lesion prevalence. Cumulative incidence curves were used to show the timeline of emerging lesions. K-means clustering was used to categorize the lesions based on their prevalence at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after birth. Nine patients met the inclusion criteria. Median ages at the first and last MRIs were 35 days (IQR: 11-123) and 294 days (IQR: 208-465), respectively. The most prevalent lesions at the first MRI were subarachnoid varicose network (88.9%) and trans medullary veins (77.8%), while prevalence of atrophy and calcifications differed most between the first and last MRIs. The results of the elbow method and K-means clustering showed that we can divide Sturge-Weber syndrome lesions into 3 groups based on their timeline of emergence. The first cluster contained subarachnoid varicose network, trans medullary veins, subependymal veins, and choroid plexus enlargement. The second cluster contained deep extra ventricular veins, pial enhancement, accelerated myelination, and atrophy. The last cluster contained calcifications. Our findings suggest that dilated venous channels emerge early as a compensatory mechanism, preceding atrophy and calcification. Additionally, these dilated channels precede the appearance of abnormal contrast enhancement of the pia, often termed leptomeningeal angioma. This underscores the importance of early recognition and monitoring of these initial imaging indicators in clinical practice. ASL = Arterial Spin Labelled; MinIP = Minimum intensity projection; SWS = Sturge-Weber Syndrome.

Quantitative Assessment of Acute Intracranial Clot and Collaterals on High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

There has been an increasing demand for imaging methods that provide a comprehensive evaluation of intracranial clot and collateral circulation, which are helpful for clinical decision-making and predicting functional outcomes. We aimed to quantitatively evaluate acute intracranial clot burden and collaterals on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI). We analyzed acute ischemic stroke patients with internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery occlusion in a prospective multicenter study. The clot burden was scored on a scale of 0-10 based on the clot location on HR-MRI. The collateral score was assigned on a scale of 0-3 using the minimum intensity projection from HR-MRI. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess their correlation with clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale >2 at 90 days). Thresholds were defined to dichotomize into low- and high-score groups, and predictive performances were assessed for clinical and radiologic outcomes. Ninety-nine patients (mean age of 60.77 ± 11.54 years) were included in the analysis. The interobserver correlation was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.77-0.95) for the clot burden score and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.53-0.90) for the collateral score. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the collateral score (odds ratio: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.19-0.90) was significantly associated with clinical outcomes. A better functional outcome was observed in the group with clot burden scores greater than 7 (p = 0.011). A smaller final infarct size and a higher diffusion-weighted imaging-based Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score were observed in the group with collateral scores greater than 1 (all p < 0.05). HR-MRI offers a new tool for quantitative assessment of clot burden and collaterals simultaneously in future clinical practices and research endeavors.

Ischemic stroke outcome prediction with diversity features from whole brain tissue using deep learning network.

This study proposed an outcome prediction method to improve the accuracy and efficacy of ischemic stroke outcome prediction based on the diversity of whole brain features, without using basic information about patients and image features in lesions. In this study, we directly extracted dynamic radiomics features (DRFs) from dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion-weighted imaging (DSC-PWI) and further extracted static radiomics features (SRFs) and static encoding features (SEFs) from the minimum intensity projection (MinIP) map, which was generated from the time dimension of DSC-PWI images. After selecting whole brain features Ffuse from the combinations of DRFs, SRFs, and SEFs by the Lasso algorithm, various machine and deep learning models were used to evaluate the role of Ffuse in predicting stroke outcomes. The experimental results show that the feature Ffuse generated from DRFs, SRFs, and SEFs (Resnet 18) outperformed other single and combination features and achieved the best mean score of 0.971 both on machine learning models and deep learning models and the 95% CI were (0.703, 0.877) and (0.92, 0.983), respectively. Besides, the deep learning models generally performed better than the machine learning models. The method used in our study can achieve an accurate assessment of stroke outcomes without segmentation of ischemic lesions, which is of great significance for rapid, efficient, and accurate clinical stroke treatment.

Minimum intensity projection of embossed quadrant-detection images for improved photoreceptor mosaic visualisation.

Non-confocal split-detection imaging reveals the cone photoreceptor inner segment mosaic in a plethora of retinal conditions, with the potential of providing insight to ageing, disease, and response to treatment processes, in vivo, and allows the screening of candidates for cell rescue therapies. This imaging modality complements confocal reflectance adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy, which relies on the waveguiding properties of cones, as well as their orientation toward the pupil. Split-detection contrast, however, is directional, with each cone inner segment appearing as opposite dark and bright semicircles, presenting a challenge for either manual or automated cell identification. Quadrant-detection imaging, an evolution of split detection, could be used to generate images without directional dependence. Here, we demonstrate how the embossed-filtered quadrant-detection images, originally proposed by Migacz etal. for visualising hyalocytes, can also be used to generate photoreceptor mosaic images with better and non-directional contrast for improved visualisation. As a surrogate of visualisation improvement between legacy split-detection images and the images resulting from the method described herein, we provide preliminary results of simple image processing routines that may enable the automated identification of generic image features, as opposed to complex algorithms developed specifically for photoreceptor identification, in pathological retinas.

Comparison of chest radiographs against minimum intensity projection reconstruction computed tomography scans for detection of airway stenosis in children with lymphobronchial tuberculosis.

Ideally, suspected airway compression in symptomatic children with lymphobronchial tuberculosis (TB) would be diagnosed using modern computed tomography (CT) assisted by coronal minimum intensity projection (MinIP) reconstructions. However, in TB-endemic regions with limited resources, practitioners rely on conventional radiography for diagnosing TB and its complications. Furthermore, airway compression detected on conventional radiographs would upgrade a patient into the severe category according to the new World Health Organization guidelines, precluding the patient from shorter treatment protocols. The accuracy of conventional radiographs in the context of detecting airway compression in children with TB has not been specifically evaluated against an imaging gold standard. We aimed to compare frontal chest radiographs against thick-slab angled coronal CT MinIP in identifying airway stenosis at ten specific sites and to determine observer agreement between the modalities regarding the degree of stenosis. This retrospective cross-sectional study compared chest radiographs with standardized angled coronal CT MinIP in children with symptomatic lymphobronchial TB at ten predetermined airway locations. Chest radiographs were evaluated by one pediatric radiologist and CT MinIP reconstructions were independently interpreted by three readers. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated using CT MinIP as the gold standard. Stenosis was graded as 1 for mild (1-50%), 2 for moderate (51-75%), 3a for severe (76-99%), and 3b for total occlusion (100%). Agreement between the two modalities regarding severity of stenosis was calculated using the kappa coefficient for each affected site. A total of 37 patients were included in the study. The median age of patients was 14.3 months (interquartile range 8.0-23.2). Three hundred and seventy individual bronchi (10 from each of the 37 patients) were evaluated for stenosis. Chest radiographs showed that 31 out of 37 (84%) patients had stenosis in at least one of ten evaluated sites, most commonly the left main bronchus and bronchus intermedius, and this was confirmed via CT MinIP. The gold standard (CT MinIP) demonstrated stenosis in at least one of ten sites in all 37 patients (100%). Left main bronchus stenosis was detected by chest radiography with a 92.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Sensitivity and specificity for bronchus intermedius stenosis were 80% and 75%, respectively. There was substantial agreement for grade of stenosis between chest radiographs and CT (kappa=0.67) for the left main bronchus and moderate agreement (kappa=0.58) for the bronchus intermedius. Severe stenosis was found in 78 bronchi on CT compared to 32 bronchi (Grade 3a: 9, Grade 3b: 23) on chest radiographs. The diagnosis of pulmonary TB in children continues to rely heavily on imaging, and we have shown that in young children, chest radiographs had a high sensitivity and specificity for detecting airway stenosis at certain anatomical sites, when adequately visualized, resulting from tuberculous lymph node compression at left main bronchus and bronchus intermedius. For most sites, the interobserver agreement was poor. Stenosis of the left main bronchus and bronchus intermedius should be the focus of chest radiograph interpretation and can assist both diagnosis and classification of patients for treatment.

Visualization and characterization of agricultural sprays using machine learning based digital inline holography

Accurate characterization of agricultural sprays is crucial to predict in-field performance of liquid applied crop protection products. In this paper, we introduce a robust and efficient machine learning (ML) based Digital In-line Holography (DIH) algorithm to accurately characterize the droplet field for a wide range of commonly used agricultural spray nozzles. Compared to non-ML based DIH processing, the ML-based algorithm enhances accuracy, generalizability, and processing speed. The ML-based approach employs two neural networks: a modified U-Net to obtain the 3D droplet field from the numerically reconstructed optical field, followed by a VGG16 classifier to reduce false positives from the U-Net prediction. The modified U-Net is trained using holograms generated using a single spray nozzle (XR11003) at three different spray locations; center, half-span, and the spray edge to create training data with different number densities and droplet size ranges. VGG16 is trained using the minimum intensity projection of the droplet 3D point spread function (PSF). Data augmentation is used to increase the efficiency of classification and make the algorithm generalizable for different measurement settings. The model is validated using National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable glass beads and six different agricultural spray nozzles representing various spray characteristics. The principal results demonstrate a high accuracy rate, with over 90% droplet extraction and less than 5% false positives, regardless of droplet number density and size. Compared to traditional spray measurement techniques, the new ML-based DIH methodology offers a significant leap forward in spatial resolution and generalizability. We show that the proposed ML-based algorithm can extract the real cumulative volume distribution of the NIST beads, where the LD system measurements are biased towards droplets moving at slower speeds. Additionally, the ML-based DIH approach enables the estimation of mass and momentum flux at different locations and the calculation of relative velocities of droplet pairs, which are difficult to obtain using conventional spray characterization techniques.

Fatal upper aerodigestive tract obstruction in an East Asian finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri): findings in post-mortem computed tomography.

The present case report aims to outline the post-mortem findings of an East Asian finless porpoise with upper aerodigestive tract obstruction using different post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) visualization techniques and discusses the potential cause of death of this individual. A dead-stranded adult male East Asian finless porpoise was recovered from the Northern coast of Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. The carcass was frozen in Jeju National University within 2h upon first reported. The PMCT examinations were performed at 120 kVp, 200 mAs with a section thickness of 1mm. The scan field of view (sFOV) was set to 400mm. Four image rendering techniques, including multi-planar reconstruction, three-dimensional volume rendering, perspective volume rendering, and minimum intensity projection technique, were used to aid the diagnosis of upper aerodigestive tract obstruction in the stranded finless porpoise. Conventional necropsy was performed to provide a complete necropsy report. Using PMCT, a Sebastidae of 24cm measured length was found to be lodged in the left pharyngeal food channel and esophagus of the finless porpoise. Hard rays of the pectoral fin of the lodged fish have impaled the esophageal mucosa. Fishing gear was found to embed at the dorsal side of the lodged fish. The trachea was compressed ventrally and the arytenoepiglottic tube opening has been narrowed, which may precipitate to the finless porpoise difficult breathing. Pulmonary hyperinflation, pulmonary edema, pneumothorax, pneumopericardium, and pneumorrhachis were observed. This case report represents the first documentation of potential radiological indicators of upper aerodigestive tract obstruction in the East Asian finless porpoise using PMCT. Spatial location of the lodged item could be rendered in situ as the time of death. It has demonstrated that PMCT could provide objective measurements to adjunct the necropsy findings in diagnosis of fatal aerodigestive tract obstruction in stranded cetaceans.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of diffuse axonal injury in brain trauma in young children: retrospective study

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability in children. Children’s TBI is associated with a number of characteristics that distinguish it from adults. Although the death rate associated with TBI has decreased over the past 2 decades, the disability of children who survived TBI continues to have a significant impact on the economy and public health of society as a whole.OBJECTIVE: To show the possibilities of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of traumatic diffuse axonal injuries in infants and young children.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this work, we analyzed the CT and MRI data of 1334 children under 3 years of age with acute TBI who were treated at the Clinical and Research Institute of Emergency Pediatric Surgery and Trauma (730 boys, 604 girls). The age of the children was from 23 days to 3 years, the average age was 1 year 6 months. Computed tomography scans were performed on a 128-slice Ingenuity Elite scanner (Philips). Scanning of the area of interest (head + cervical spine) was carried out with the maximum possible reduction in indicators to minimize the radiation dose, including the iDose4 program. MRI was performed on a Phillips Achieva 3 T scanner with multiplanar T1- and T2WI, 2D and 3D isotropic images, FLAIR, SWI, DWI/DTI, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). No contrast enhancement was applied. Statistics: data processing was carried out using the GraphPad Prism 9 software package. The computing and graphic capabilities of the Excel spreadsheet editor were used. To compare the mean values of the data samples, ANOVA analysis of variance wasused; differences were considered significant at a significance level of p<0.05.RESULTS: 824 (61.8%) of 1334 children had a concussion, 510 (38.2%) had traumatic injuries of skull and brain from uncomplicated cephalohematomas and linear fractures to massive intracranial hematomas and total brain edema. Diffuse axonal injuries(DAI) type I and II on CT, further confirmed by MRI, were detected in 32 (6.27%) of all 510 children with TBI. 19 out of 32 hada combination with brain contusions, 13 with epi — and / or subdural hematomas of a small volume. MRI was performed in 89 out of 510 children under 3 years of age with intracranial injuries, in whom CT was initially performed. DAI of various types were detected by MRI in 92.13% (82/89) of the patients.DISCUSSION: DAI is one of the most common types of TBI, occurring in both mild and severe forms, and is a brain injury characterized by axonal disruption, resulting in lesions of white matter tracts over a wide area. Taking into account the fact that children with TBI were admitted to the institute with a significant spread (from 1 hour to 7 days), the initial CT scan was performed no later than one hour after admission and was supplemented by MRI. The criteria for CT and MRI prescribements after TBI were: clinical and neurological status at the time of admission. CT has low sensitivity for detecting DAI, as only large hemorrhagic (hyperdense) lesions of DAI are detected. The use of multiplanar reconstruction, as well as various options, such as 3D reconstruction, MIP and MinIP (maximum and minimum intensity projection) and others, allows for a detailed assessment of the brain parenchyma and increases the detection of DAI. In our study, DAI using MRI was detected in 92.13% of patients, and the most critical type of DAI III was detected in 100% of children with severe TBI with poor outcome and death of patients.CONCLUSION: Head CT is the preferred method for emergency radiology of TBI patients due to its affordability, speed of data acquisition, and ability to detect lesions requiring urgent neurosurgical intervention. In acute cases, MRI is chosen for patients with severe neurological impairment despite the absence of structural brain damage on CT. MRI is the method of choice for subacute and chronic TBI

Comparison of single coronal thick-slab minimum intensity projection with flexible bronchoscopy for airway compression in children with lymphobronchial tuberculosis

To generate standardised coronal minimum intensity projection (MinIP) computed tomography (CT) reconstructions, and compare these with flexible bronchoscopy in children with lymphobronchial tuberculosis (LBTB). Standardised coronal MinIP reconstructions were performed from CT images in children with LBTB and the findings of three readers were compared with the reference standard, flexible bronchoscopy (FB), regarding airway narrowing. Intraluminal lesions, the site of the stenosis, and the degree of stenosis were also evaluated. The length of stenosis was evaluated by CT MinIP only. Sixty-five children (38 males; 58.5% and 27 females; 41.5%), with ages ranging from 2.5 to 144 months were evaluated. Coronal CT MinIP demonstrated a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 89% against FB. The most common site of stenosis was the bronchus intermedius (91%), followed by the left main bronchus (85%), the right upper lobe bronchus RUL (66%), and the trachea (60%). Coronal CT MinIP reconstruction is useful in demonstrating airway stenosis in children with lymphobronchial TB, with high sensitivity and specificity. CT MinIP had additional advantages over FB in that it allowed objective measurement of the diameter of stenosis, measurement of the length of stenosis, and evaluation of post-stenotic segments of the airways and lung parenchymal abnormalities.

Detection of tracheal branching with computerized tomography: The relationship between the angles and age-gender.

The data obtained on the anatomical knowledge of the tracheobronchial system can be used for diagnosis, treatment and interventional interventions in areas such as anesthesia, thoracic surgery, pulmonary physiology. To determine the tracheobronchial branching angles in pediatric and adult populations by using the multislice computed tomography (CT) and minimum intensity projection (MinIP) technique, which is a non-invasive method. Our study was carried out retrospectively. Patients who underwent contrast and non-contrast CT examination, whose anatomically and pathophysiologically good tracheobronchial system and lung parenchyma images were obtained, were included in the study. Measurements were made in the coronal plane of the lung parenchyma. In the coronal plane, right main bronchus-left main bronchus angle, right upper lobe bronchus-intermedius bronchus angle, right middle lobe bronchus-right lower lobe bronchus angle, left upper lobe bronchus-left lower lobe bronchus angle were measured. The study population consisted of 1511 patients, 753 pediatric (mean age: 13.4 ± 4.3; range: 1-18 years) and 758 adults (mean age: 54.3 ± 17.3; range: 19-94 years). In our study, tracheal bifurcation angle was found to be 73.3° ± 13.7° (59.6°-87°) in the whole population. In the pediatric group, the right-left main coronal level was found to be higher in boys compared to girls (74.6° ± 12.9° vs 71.2° ± 13.9°, P = 0.001). In the adult group, the right-left main coronal level was found to be lower in males compared to females (71.9° ± 12.9° vs 75.8° ± 14.7°, P < 0.001). Our study, with the number of 1511 patients, is the first study in the literature with the largest number of patient populations including pediatric and adult demographic data, measuring the angle values of the tracheobronchial system using multislice CT and MinIP technique. Study data will not only be a guide during invasive procedures, but it can also guide studies to be done with imaging methods.

Exploration of the correlation between superficial cerebral veins identified using susceptibility-weighted imaging findings and cognitive differences between sexes based on deep learning: a preliminary study.

This study aimed to investigate the association of superficial cerebral veins (SCVs) with sex-related cognitive differences and the possible hemodynamic mechanisms underlying these associations. This investigation was a prospective case-control study. A total of 344 healthy volunteers were recruited. In all, 200 volunteers were included to establish the deep learning model, and 144 volunteers were used for the research, including 72 males (50%) and 72 females (50%). No significant differences in age (P=0.358) or education (P=0.779) were observed between the sexes. Cognitive functioning was evaluated using neuropsychological tests, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MOCA-B). Susceptibility-weighted imaging scans were acquired with a 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging system using a 32-channel high-resolution phased array coil. Minimum intensity projection images were obtained by reconstructing susceptibility-weighted imaging data. A deep learning model was trained on the minimum intensity projection images to quantify the diameter, tortuosity index, length, and the number of SCVs in the bilateral cerebral hemispheres. Finally, the association between cognitive differences between males and females and the properties of the SCVs was analyzed. The MMSE and MOCA-B scores of males were significantly higher than those of females (P<0.05). Males had more SCVs in the bilateral cerebral hemispheres than did females (right hemisphere: P<0.01; left hemisphere: P<0.05). The number of SCVs in the right cerebral hemisphere was significantly and positively correlated with the MMSE and MOCA-B scores (correlation coefficients: 0.246 and 0.201, respectively; P<0.05). The number of SCVs in the left cerebral hemisphere was positively correlated with the MMSE scores (correlation coefficient: 0.196; P<0.05) and the MOCA-B scores. In this study, no significant correlations were observed between cognition and the diameter, length, or tortuosity index of the SCVs in the bilateral cerebral hemispheres. The cognitive function of males was better than that of females, and the different numbers of SCVs may be one of the explanations for this phenomenon of sex-based differences in cognition.

Coronavirus disease 2019 patients prognostic stratification based on low complex lung ultrasound video compression

In the last years, efforts have been made towards automating semi-quantitative analysis of lung ultrasound (LUS) data. To this end, several methods have been proposed with a focus on frame-level classification. However, no extensive work has been done to evaluate LUS data directly at the video level. This study proposes an effective video compression and classification technique for assessing LUS data. This technique is based on maximum, mean, and minimum intensity projection (with respect to the temporal dimension) of LUS video data. This compression allows preserving hyper- and hypo-echoic regions and results in compressing a LUS video down to three frames, which are then classified using a convolutional neural network (CNN). Results show that this compression not only preserves visual artifacts appearance in the reduced data, but also achieves a promising agreement of 81.61% at the prognostic level. Conclusively, the suggested method reduces the amount of frames needed to assess LUS video down to 3. Note that on average a LUS videos consists of a few hundreds frames. At the same time, state-of-the-art performance at video and prognostic levels are achieved, while significantly reducing the computational cost.

Investigating the change in point spread function and resolution of random apodization passive cavitation images

Passive cavitation imaging is an important technique in measuring cavitation dynamics, localizing concomitant bioeffects, and guiding various ultrasound therapies. The canonical algorithm for passive cavitation imaging operates via a delay, sum, and integrate method. With standard diagnostic arrays, this method yields poor axial resolution. We hypothesized that using a random apodization, minimum projection compounding technique could overcome this limitation. The random apodization approach randomly selected only half of the elements to be included in the delay, sum, and integrate algorithm to form a PCI. This process was repeated 30 times using the same data set but a different random subset of half the elements to create 30 images. The final image was obtained via a minimum intensity projection across the 30 images. The improvement of image quality can be tracked by comparing the point spread function (PSF), and the distance at which two cavitation sources can still be resolved, relative to when using the standard algorithm. The PSF reduced by 86% ± 9% when the random apodization was applied. Lateral and axial resolution exhibited qualitative changes associated with a lower PSF, but no quantitative change in resolution, based on the Rayleigh criteria, was observed.

Ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with volume rendering: A new approach for the depiction of internal placental structure in vivo

IntroductionPlacental function is vitally important, but placental assessment is limited by current imaging methods in vivo. The goal of this study is to determine if ferumoxytol-enhanced MR studies might be used to depict placental structure during pregnancy. MethodsTen pregnant women were referred for MRI evaluation of abnormal placentation. The study group was composed five of these patients whose placentas were normal at pathology. MR studies consisted of pre-contrast SSFSE (single-shot fast spin-echo), SSFP (steady-state free procession), diffusion, and ferumoxytol-enhanced acquisitions. The post-contrast sequences were compared to pre-contrast SSFSE, SSFP, and diffusion acquisitions for features of correspondence. MR images were also compared to histopathology for anatomic landmarks including the three-ring pattern of the functional vascular exchange unit (the placentone) created by this central cavity surrounded by a ring of clustered villi, and an outer ring of dispersed villi corresponding to the maternal venous outflow channel. The measured sizes of these features on MR were compared to reported sizes. ResultsPost-ferumoxytol images showed enhancement of the maternal blood within the placenta, notably the intervillous space and the myometrial vessels. The unenhanced fetal vessels were most visible on the MinIP (minimum intensity projection) images; the enhanced maternal vessels were most visible on the MIP (maximum intensity projection) images. Composite MIP/MinIP images show the relation of maternal and fetal circulations. The signal intensities replicate the relative contributions from enhanced maternal blood and unenhanced chorionic villi. DiscussionFerumoxytol-enhanced MR imaging can depict the internal anatomy of the placenta in vivo of clarity and detail. This could represent a new diagnostic approach to placental disorders.

A conceptualisation of computed tomography outputs in entomological research by step by step displaying trough the CT-based visualization of a wood-boring larvae

AbstractThe non-invasive diagnostic methods represent a new branch of insect diagnostics, which can provide novel information especially about insects with hidden lifestyle. Computed tomography (CT) is one of the most useful non-destructive techniques allowing for both qualitative and quantitative assessments. The aim of the present study was to attain entomological information through the implementation of CT imaging, hence contributing to the spread of non-invasive imaging in entomological research. Through monitoring the development of wood-dwelling cerambycid larvae in beech branches, we point out some outputs applicable in entomological studies, which originate from CT image post-processing. We present findings on the location, and size of specimens of some hidden arthropods, as well as cavities formed by them, stemming from the maximum and minimum intensity projections, windowing, 3D-reconstruction, or virtual endoscopy, as steps of the imaging. In summary, it is expected that our findings contribute to a wider recognition of the entomological information that can be gathered from these non-invasive imaging techniques.

Clinical significance of asymmetric hypointense signals in minimum intensity projections of brain magnetic resonance imaging in children with primary headache.

This study aimed to observe the changes of venous continuity using the susceptibility weighted imaging-minimum intensity projection (SWI-MinIP) images in children with primary headache. The headache types were classified following the International Headache Society's diagnostic criteria. Patients with secondary headaches were excluded. The presence of asymmetric vasculature in SWI-MinIP images was visually assessed. Moreover, the relationship between headache patterns and asymmetric hypointense signals was analyzed. In this single-center, retrospective study from 2016 to 2020, among 251 cases of primary headache (male/female, 108/143; mean age, 11.4 ± 4.0years), 137 (54.6%), 75 (29.9%), and 39 (15.5%) patients had migraine, tension-type headache, and other primary headaches, respectively. On SWI-MinIP images, 14 (5.6%) patients showed an asymmetric venous pattern. All patients with SWI-MinIP asymmetry were included in the migraine group, accounting for 10.2% of patients with migraine. Five (35.7%) and nine (64.3%) patients were included in the aura and non-aura groups, respectively, without a significant difference in the frequency of asymmetric hypointense signals between the two groups (p = 0.325). All 14 patients with asymmetric hypervascularity had brain MRI within 12h of headache onset. Ten (71.4%) of the 14 patients showed consistency between the laterality of headache and the hemisphere of predominant vascularity in SWI-MinIP. Patients with migraine had increased cerebral venous perfusion in the most involved region of the headache on the SWI-MinIP view on a 3.0T scanner, which can be used as a qualitative indicator with low sensitivity and high specificity for the diagnosis of primary headache in the acute phase (< 12h).

Clinical significance of asymmetric venous vasculature on minimum-intensity projection in patients with moyamoya disease.

This study analyzed the clinical significance and characteristics of asymmetric venous blood flow in patients with Moyamoya disease (MMD) using minimum intensity projection (minIP) susceptibility-weighted imaging. The minIP views of 30 patients diagnosed with MMD were retrospectively analyzed using clinical features, brain magnetic resonance angiography, electroencephalography, and brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Simultaneously, differences between patients with acute cerebral infarction and non-MMD causes were analyzed. Twelve (40.0%) of the 30 patients had asymmetrical venous flow, which is usually seen in patients with acute cerebral infarction (P = .146). They also had significantly higher Suzuki stages than symmetric patients (P = .014), with five (41.7%) and three (25.0%) of them in stages 4 and 5, respectively. When the Suzuki stages of both hemispheres were different, more veins were found in the stenotic hemisphere (88.9%). Brain SPECT showed more severe hypoperfusion on the side with prominent vascularity in the minIP view (100.0%). Additionally, asymmetric blood flow was observed in 66.7% of the patients with cerebral infarction caused by MMD, whereas only 11.1% of the children with cerebral infarction caused by non-MMD had asymmetry (P = .005). Patients with MMD showed asymmetric hypointensity of the cortical veins with a minIP appearance. The venous structure showed greater signal loss on SWI and was more prominent in the hemisphere where stenosis was advanced or infarction occurred in other examinations. Cerebral infarction in patients with MMD tended to occur with asymmetrically prominent venous patterns with damaged areas in minIP images, which had distinct characteristics from those of patients without MMD.

Panorama of multidetector-row computed tomography findings of carcinoma gall bladder - A retrospective observational study.

Carcinoma of the gall bladder (Ca GB) has marked ethnic and geographical variations with a broad spectrum of imaging findings on multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT). We aim to study the spectrum of the imaging findings of Ca GB on MDCT in an Eastern Indian hospital as these imaging findings help in accurate diagnosis and staging of this lethal disease. The MDCT images of 100 biopsy-proven cases of adenocarcinoma of GB performed from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2018, in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed by two experienced radiologists blinded to the diagnosis. The CT protocol was a plain scan followed by triple-phase contrast-enhanced CT. Reconstructed images in the form of maximum intensity projection, volume-rendered technology, and minimum intensity projection images were also assessed. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Ca GB showed a female predominance (female:male -1.9:1). The mean age of presentation was 54.7 years (females) and 58 years (males). The morphological patterns were a mass replacing the GB (46%), focal or diffuse wall thickening (26%), and an intraluminal polypoidal mass (28%). Direct extension was to liver (76%), duodenum (32%), colon (19%), pancreas (9%), and abdominal wall (1%). Biliary dilatation (53%), vascular invasion (14%), omental involvement (23%), ascites (22%), N1 (40%), and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy (33%) were common. Distant metastasis comprised of hepatic (42%), pulmonary (7%), Krukenberg's tumor (6%), and osseous (1%) lesions. The stages at diagnosis were I or II (3%), IIIA (4%), IIIB (16%), IVA (10%), and IVB (67%). Ca GB has a broad spectrum of findings on MDCT and it mostly presents at an advanced stage. MDCT with reconstructions is beneficial in the assessment of locoregional and distant spread and cancer staging which has a direct implication on patient management, survival, and mortality.