Multidetector Computed Tomography Imaging Research Articles

ANATOMIC VARIATIONS OF THE MANDIBLE MIMICKING RADIOLUCENT LESIONS IN THE JAW

Background The mandible can present marked anatomic variations that mimic lytic lesions radiographically. Most of the variations are well known in the posterior region but can represent diagnostic challenges when located in the unusual anterior area. We present 2 cases of anterior morphologic variants of the mandible incidentally identified after evaluation of panoramic radiographs. Previous multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images were utilized for the confirmation of our interpretations. Clinical and Radiologic Findings First case: A 65-year-old man came to our department for dental treatment. A panoramic radiograph of the patient revealed a well-defined, corticated, unilocular, oval-shaped, radiolucent entity inferior to teeth #27 to #28, mimicking an apical radicular cyst, traumatic bone cyst, or keratocystic odontogenic tumor. However, the vitality of the involved teeth and the thick cortical border of this entity led to our interpretation of the lesion as an anterior Stafne defect, which was confirmed with a prior MDCT made from a previous oral cancer screening. Second case: A 34-year-old male came to the hospital for extraction of infected retained roots. A panoramic radiograph was made, and it demonstrated a large cyst-like radiolucent area in the anterior mandible, with apparent scalloping margins, possible root resorption, and divergence of the involved teeth. However, the prior MDCT image revealed that the radiolucent area in the mandibular anterior region was a result of marked facial and lingual undercuts, with no evidence of pathosis. Differential or Definitive Interpretation Case #1: anterior Stafne bone defect. Case #2: facial and lingual anterior undercuts. Discussion/Conclusions Panoramic radiographs can demonstrate that any localized marked anatomic depression in the mandible could mimic a cystic lesion and, in some cases, more aggressive pathosis. It is important to recognize the specific radiographic features and the location of the morphologic variants of the mandible and utilize other available imaging studies before making any interpretation and/or initiating unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures.

Standard-dose versus low-dose multidetector computed tomography examinations in patients with uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis: A randomized, controlled trial.

Background:Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images for rhinosinusitis may have a risk of radiation hazards. Reduction in radiation dose may lead to a compromise in quality of MDCT images and have chances of postoperative complications.Objective:The aim of the study was to test the applicability of low-dose MDCT protocols for decision-making of sinus surgeries of patients with uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis.Design:Randomized, double-blind (patients and evaluators blind), controlled, trial.Setting:People's Hospital of Guanghan, China.Patients:A total of 288 patients with clinically confirmed uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis were subjected to randomization (1:1 ratio).Interventions:Patients were subjected to low-dose preoperative protocols of MDCT (n = 144; ldMDCT group) or standard-dose preoperative protocols of MDCT (n = 144; sdMDCT group).Outcome measures:Image analysis was performed by the workstation. Lund-Mackay score, modified Lund-Mackay score, estimated radiation exposure, and surgical complications were evaluated for each patient. The χ2 independent test or 2-tailed paired t test were performed for statistical analysis.Results:The preoperative MDCT images for standard-dose protocol had better quality than low-dose protocol (P < .001, q = 4.57). The area of images that give confidence for sinus surgery at one time was higher for standard-dose MDCT protocol technique than low-dose MDCT protocol method. Patients of ldMDCT group with large growth of nasal polyps (P = .03, q = 5.35) and complete opacification of sinuses (P = .03, q = 7.94) had complications after sinus surgeries. Either low-dose or standard-dose MDCT protocol was performed, the experience of otolaryngologist had decreased complication after surgeries.Conclusion:Preoperative low-dose MDCT should be used for diagnosis of uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis for decision making of sinus surgeries.Level of Evidence:III.Trial registration:researchregistry4264 dated 1 March 2016 (www.researchregistry.com).

Role of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography in Diagnosis and Staging of Cholesteatoma

AbstractBackground: Pathology of the middle ear is the third most common reason of visiting a general practitioner or a family doctor. In children and teenagers, inflammatory conditions of the middle ear are the most frequent reasons to prescribe antibiotics and perform surgery.In the majority of these cases, proper diagnosis is made by clinical examination alone and patients will not benefit from additional diagnostic imaging studies. However, the prevalence of ear infections increased significantly and this may suggest that the current approach to preventing and treating middle ear inflammation is not adequate. Therefore, especially in complicated and recurrent conditions, imaging plays an important role; imaging findings may fundamentally influence the treatment. Also, in non-inflammatory conditions of external and middle ear Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) would provide a diagnosis and/or necessary information for surgery in a significant number of cases.Aim of Work: Evaluation the role of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) in diagnosis Chronic Sup-purative Otitis Media (CSOM) with or without cholesteatoma and staging of middle ear Cholesteatoma and assess its impact on the selection of the surgical procedure.Patients and Methods: A prospective study included 30 patients with mean age 30.4 years with CSOM with or without cholesteatoma. They were evaluated regarding to their clinical symptoms, temporal multidetector computed tomography findings, and postoperative results. MDCT staging classified cholesteatoma according to its site in the tympanic cavity (S); erosion of the ossicular chain (O); and associated complications (C).Results: MDCT imaging of these patients showed opaci-fication of middle ear cavity with integrity of the ossicular chain with 100% accuracy. Nondependent soft tissue masses in the middle ear, eroded scutum (n=20), eroded ossicles (n= 20), intact tegmen tympani (n=30), lateral mastoid fistula (n=2) and labyrinthine fistula (n=1) were observed in CSOM with cholesteatoma. All these patients underwent surgical intervention that confirmed the diagnosis of the presence of cholesteatoma in all these patients. But it also added the presence of lateral mastoid fistula and labyrinthine fistula in 1 other patient and discovered the presence of facial nerve injury in 1 patient.Conclusion: MDCT scanning has limitations, but it is a useful in diagnosis, staging and surgic

Vascular Injury Is a Major Cause of Lung Injury After Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty in Patients With Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension.

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has become an alternative treatment for inoperable patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Lung injury (LI) is a major complication of BPA and may attenuate the benefits of BPA. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the association between patient and procedural characteristics and LI in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. We reviewed 76 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension who underwent BPA and multidetector computed tomography scanning pre- and post-BPA procedures. We performed BPA on 1247 vessels during 297 BPA procedures and reviewed 594 multidetector computed tomography scans. By comparing pre- and post-BPA multidetector computed tomography images, we diagnosed LI as follows: newly appeared ground-glass opacity, consolidation, and pleural effusion. LI was detected using multidetector computed tomography scans during 138 procedures (47%), and mechanical ventilation was required during 40 procedures (13%). Angiographic findings of extravasation with or without simultaneous clinical symptoms (BPA-related vascular injury) occurred during 50 procedures (17%). In mixed-effect logistic regression models, the BPA-related vascular injury was an independent predictor of LI after BPA, odds ratio, 20.1 (6.43-63.1). High mean pulmonary artery pressure before BPA procedure and BPA-related vascular injury were independent predictors of mechanical ventilation after BPA, odds ratio, 1.13 (1.03-1.24) and 10.8 (3.77-30.9), respectively. Vascular injury during BPA could be a triggering factor of LI after BPA, and its severity could be exacerbated by a high pulmonary artery pressure.

Prospective Evaluation for Hypoattenuated Leaflet Thickening Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Prospective investigations for the frequency of hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) and its clinical implications in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) patients are limited. We initiated a prospective screening program of TAVI patients for HALT beginning in July 2015. Eligible patients were evaluated with gated, contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography within 30 days of TAVI, and examined for HALT and clinical outcomes. During the study period, 287 patients (81 ± 8 years; 53% men) who underwent TAVI with commercially approved devices were examined. Overall, 26 patients (9.1%) had occurrence of HALT, and only one of these patients had detectable hemodynamic changes on echocardiography at diagnosis. Notably, 9 of 26 HALT patients had been receiving warfarin, however, the HALT patients more often had subtherapeutic international normalized ratio whereas using warfarin than patients without HALT on index multidetector computed tomography imaging (p = 0.01). Patients who developed HALT had lower baseline aortic gradient, valvuloarterial impedance, and peak aortic velocity, and more commonly had been treated with balloon-expandable valves (73% of all HALT cases) with a higher incidence among those who received larger prostheses. All patients with HALT were placed on anticoagulation at diagnosis, and valvular function remained unchanged at follow-up. Two patients with HALT (7.7%) experienced ischemic stroke. A statistical trend for more major adverse clinical events was present in HALT patients. In conclusion, HALT was detected in 9% of TAVI cases in this prospective observational cohort, with a greater frequency in patients with large, balloon-expandable prostheses. Prospective screening may be considered as early HALT is reversible by timely therapeutic anticoagulation.

Clinical utility of intraprocedural three‐dimensional integrated image guided transcatheter aortic valve implantation using novel automated computed tomography software: A single‐center preliminary experience

Novel automated computed tomography (CT) software (Valve ASSIST 2) has been developed for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), which not only provides three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of multidetector (MD) CT images, but also enables intraprocedural real-time fusion of fluoroscopic and MDCT images. We aimed to clarify the reproducibility and accuracy of this software in the aortic annulus assessment and verify the potential of intraprocedural integrated MDCT imaging for TAVI. We examined 50 patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transfemoral TAVI. Aortic annulus measurements were performed using 3mensio and the novel planning software. For intraprocedural imaging, preoperative CT dataset was overlaid onto fluoroscopy with the fusion software. The two images were aligned using the aortic root anatomy visible on both modalities. Novel planning software provided excellent reproducibility for the measurement of aortic annulus area (intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC] 0.959, interobserver ICC 0.941), and perimeter (intraobserver ICC 0.915, interobserver ICC 0.912). Excellent correlation was found between novel planning software and 3mensio (ICC 0.952 for aortic annulus area, and 0.923 for perimeter). Intraprocedural fusion image of CT aortography and fluoroscopic aortic root aortography generated by this novel software identified coronary orifices and the distribution of aortic valve calcification during the device positioning. Fusion image displayed coronary orifices after device implantation. Novel planning software showed excellent reproducibility and accuracy in the assessment of aortic root anatomy. Furthermore, the integrated 3D fusion image might have a potential as an intraprocedural imaging modality to contribute to the development of a safer TAVI procedure.

How to Size Intracranial Aneurysms: A Phantom Study of Invasive and Noninvasive Methods.

Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms has relevantly changed over the past decades. Multiple new devices such as intrasaccular flow diverters have broadened the treatment spectrum but require very exact aneurysm sizing. In this study, we investigated multidetector and flat panel angiographic CT and digital subtraction imaging as well as different postprocessing methods (multiplanar reconstruction, volume-rendering technique, 3D DSA, and conventional 2D angiography) for their ability to exactly size 2 aneurysm models. Two aneurysm models with known aneurysm sizes were placed inside a human skull. After injection of iodine contrast media, imaging was performed using a 128-slice CT scanner or an Artis Q biplane angiosuite, respectively. Aneurysms were measured for width, neck, and height, and the mean difference from the known sizes was calculated for each technique. The technique with the most exact measurement was defined as the criterion standard. We performed Bland-Altman plots comparing all techniques against the criterion standard. Angiograms adjusted according a previous 3D run with a short object-to-detector distance resulted in the most exact aneurysm measurement: -0.07 ± 0.61 mm for aneurysm 1 and 0.17 ± 0.39 mm for aneurysm 2. Measurements of conventional DSA images were similar, and CT-based images were significantly inferior to the criterion standard. 2D DSA with a short objective-to-detector distance adjusted according to a previous 3D run resulted in the most exact aneurysm measurement and should therefore be performed before all endovascular aneurysm treatments.

A three-dimensional reconstruction of the scapula in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes)

In the last years multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images were used in morphometric measurement of the scapula. The present study was aimed to reveal morphometrical aspects and morphometric differences between sexes regarding the scapula via three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction performed by using MDCT images of the fox scapula. Twelve adult red foxes (6 each of male and female) were used for this study. The high resolution images of the scapula were obtained by using a general diagnostic MDCT. The images obtained by MDCT were stacked and overlaid to reconstruct the 3D model of the scapula by using 3D modeling software (Mimics 13.1). Some morphometric measurements were taken from the reconstructed models of the scapula. The statistical analysis of data was performed for both sexes. Based on the 3D reconstructed scapula, the differences of the scapular measurements between male and female red fox were statistically significant (p less than 0.05). Some morphometrical differences of the scapula were revealed in both sexes of red fox. These results were compared with other studies in the literature and they emphasize the morphologic diversities among species. This study may contribute to improve the knowledge related to the anatomy of the red fox.

Diagnostic imaging of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours (GI-NETs): relationship between MDCT features and 2010 WHO classification.

We aimed to present our series of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours (GI-NETs) in order to illustrate and highlight the associated contrast-enhanced multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) features. We also attempted to identify a relationship between MDCT imaging and the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) classification system. We selected all patients with pathologically proven GI-NETs diagnosed between January 2010 and August 2017. Only patients undergone contrast-enhanced MDCT imaging in the immediate preoperative period were included in our study. Later, two expert radiologists retrospectively assessed MDCT intestinal and extra-intestinal signs. We also analysed the relationship between MDCT imaging and the 2010 WHO classification. A total of 20 patients (13 males, 7 females, age range 37-89years, mean age 69.9years) were included in our study. The majority of GI-NETs (85%) occurred in the small bowel and mainly in the terminal ileum. Forty-five percentage of our GI-NETs were diagnosed after an access to emergency medical service for obstruction symptoms or gastrointestinal bleeding. Regarding intestinal signs, 15/20 patients showed an intraluminal nodular mass and 5/20 a wall thickening. Extra-intestinal signs were present in 75% of cases. Desmoplastic reaction and lymph nodes metastases were significantly correlated with higher grade of GI-NETs. The majority of GI-NETs appears as intraluminal mass often associated with extra-intestinal signs. We found a significantly correlation between higher grade of GI-NETs and extra-intestinal signs. MDCT imaging may be useful in predicting the pathological classification of GI-NETs.

Evaluation of Clinical Plus Imaging Features and Multidetector Computed Tomography Texture Analysis in Preoperative Risk Grade Prediction of Small Bowel Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

This study aimed to evaluate the prediction roles of clinical plus imaging features and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) texture analysis in preoperative risk grade classification of small bowel (SB) gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). This study included 213 SB GIST patients. Clinical features and MDCT imaging findings were reviewed. Tumor risk stratifications were determined according to modified National Institutes of Health criteria. Random forest models were performed to evaluate the correlation of risk stratification. The model of clinical plus imaging findings showed an area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 92.0%. The AUC of texture analysis based on MDCT portal phase was 93.3%, without statistical difference from that of clinical plus imaging model (P = 0.378). The AUC of the model combined clinical plus imaging features and MDCT texture analysis was 94.3%, which was significantly higher than the AUC of clinical imaging model (P = 0.042). Texture analysis may become an important comprehensive tool for preoperative risk stratification of SB GISTs.

Correlation between radiomic features based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography images and Ki-67 proliferation index in lung cancer: A preliminary study.

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to investigate the association between radiomic features based on contrast‐enhanced multidetector computed tomography (CT) and the Ki‐67 proliferation index (PI) in patients with lung cancer.MethodsOne hundred and ten patients with lung cancer confirmed by surgical histology were retrospectively included. Radiomic features were extracted from preoperative contrast‐enhanced chest multidetector CT images for each tumor using open‐source three‐dimensional Slicer software. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant radiomic features serving as image predictors of Ki‐67 status in lung cancer and to investigate the relationship between these features and Ki‐67 PI.ResultsHigher Ki‐67 expression was more common in men (P = 0.02) and patients with a smoking history (P = 0.01). Twelve radiomic features were significantly associated with Ki‐67 status. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified inverse variance, minor axis, and elongation as independent predictors of Ki‐67 PI. There was a positive correlation between inverse variance, minor axis, elongation (P = 0.00, P = 0.02, and P = 0.14, respectively) and Ki‐67 PI. The area under the curve to identify high Ki‐67 status for inverse variance was 0.77 with a cutoff value of 0.47, which was significantly higher than for minor axis and elongation (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively).ConclusionRadiomic features based on contrast CT images, including inverse variance, minor axis, and elongation, can serve as noninvasive predictors of Ki‐67 status in patients with lung cancer. Inverse variance could be superior to the other radiomic features to identify high Ki‐67 status.

Pilomatricoma (calcifying epithelioma): MDCT and MR imaging findings in 31 patients with radiological-pathological correlation

PurposeTo describe the radiological characteristics of pilomatricomas on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to correlate the radiological findings and pathological features. Materials and methodsThe radiological findings of 41 pilomatricomas in 31 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The images were evaluated with emphasis on calcifications, reticular and ring-like appearances, enhancement patterns, circular target sign and peritumoral fat stranding, and correlating these with pathological features. ResultsOf the 31 lesions evaluated by MDCT, 25(80.6%) showed different patterns of calcifications which included single in 12(38.7%) lesions and multiple in 13(41.9%) lesions, but peritumoral fat stranding was observed only in 2(6.5%) lesions. MRI scans were performed in 11 patients with 21 lesions, homogeneous and inhomogeneous hypointensities on T1-weighted (T1W) images were showed respectively in 14(66.7%) and 7(33.3%) lesions. On fat-suppressed (FS) T2-weighted (T2W) images, a ring-like hyperintensity was observed in all 21(100%) lesions, reticular hyperintensity, circular target sign, peritumoral fat stranding and secondary anetoderma were seen in 7(33.3%), 4(19%), 4(19%) and 1(4.8%) lesions, respectively; and a significant difference (P < 0.05) was found when comparing the maximum diameter of tumors with (2.3 ± 1.4 mm) and without (1.1 ± 0.3 mm) reticular hyperintensity. On contrast-enhanced T1W images, all 21(100%) lesions were found to have ring-like enhancement and 7(33.3%) of them showed reticular enhancement. The reticular and ring-like appearances on MR images respectively corresponded to the pathological edematous stroma and connective tissue capsule, and the four-layer structures of the circular target sign on FS T2W images also corresponded to pathological calcifications, shadow cells, epithelial cells and connective tissue capsule, respectively. ConclusionsThe characteristic radiological findings associated with pilomatricomas include different patterns of calcifications on MDCT images and ring-like, reticular appearances and circular target sign on MR images. Radiological findings are well correlated with pathological nature.

Imaging of anomalous pulmonary venous connections by multidetector CT angiography using third-generation dual source CTscanner.

Abnormal embryological development of the pulmonary veins can manifest as either partial or total anomalous drainage into the systemic venous circulation. Echocardiography does not provide adequate information in all cases as the optimal visualization of anomalous structures is limited by the availability of acoustic window; also it is highly operator dependent. However, multidetector CT angiography, with its multiplanar reformatting and volume rendering techniques, offers precise information about the three-dimensional anatomy and spatial relationships of the cardiovascular structures. With advent of dualsource CT scanners and use of advanced dose reduction techniques, this information can be obtained in a short time with minimal radiation dose. In this pictorial essay, we present the multidetectorCT imaging findings of the spectrum of total and partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections, using a third-generation dual source CT scanner.

Evaluation of the fat plane of the pancreatic groove using multidetector CT

To assess the pancreatic groove fat plane in the normal population and compare this with the fat plane in patients with groove pancreatitis or carcinoma using multidetector computed tomography (CT). The pancreatic groove fat plane was evaluated retrospectively in 460 normal subjects (normal group), and in 25 patients with groove pancreatitis or carcinoma (pathology group) using 5 mm- and 1 mm-thick slices of unenhanced axial multidetector CT images. Two investigators independently assessed the degree of pancreatic groove fat plane visualisation using a four-point scale (grade 1: visualisation of 0-25%, grade 2: 26-50%, grade 3: 51-75%, grade 4: 76-100%). Pancreatic parenchymal condition, age, sex, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidaemia were also evaluated. The interobserver agreement for the visualisation grades was almost perfect (k-value = 0.95). In the normal group, grade 4 visualisation of the pancreatic groove fat plane was more common in those aged >80 years (78.6%) compared with younger age groups. Pancreatic atrophy and fatty infiltration significantly improved fat plane visualisation. In the pathology group, grade 4 visualisation of the pancreatic groove fat plane was not seen in either groove carcinoma or pancreatitis. A cut-off point of ≤50% visualisation of the pancreatic groove fat plane showed 95% sensitivity and 82% specificity for detecting possible abnormalities in older patients (>60 years). The clinical factors investigated were not significantly related to pancreatic groove fat plane visualisation. Pancreatic groove fat plane visualisation could be a good predictor for detecting groove abnormalities.

Significance and usefulness of imaging characteristics of gubernaculum tracts for the diagnosis of odontogenic tumors or cysts.

We aimed to determine the significance and usefulness of imaging characteristics of gubernaculum tracts (GT) for the diagnosis of odontogenic tumors or cysts. This was a retrospective analysis of relationships between odontogenic or non-odontogenic tumors or cysts and the GT that were visualized using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). The relationship between the size of a mass and expansion of the GT in all odontogenic tumors or cysts to which GTs were contiguous on MDCT, was statistically analyzed. Intact or expanded GTs were detected in MDCT images on the top of almost all odontogenic tumors or cysts, but not on non-odontogenic tumors or cysts. Characteristic image findings regarding the relationship between the GT and the odontogenic mass were detected for the respective odontogenic tumors or cysts in which the GTs were contiguous to the mass on MDCT. In ameloblastomas, expansion of the GTs significantly and very strongly correlated with tumor size (r = 0.741, p = 0.0001), but this correlation was very weak in dentigerous cysts (r = 0.167, p = 0.028) and there was no correlation between these parameters in odontogenic keratocysts (r = -0.089, p = 0.557). The imaging characteristics of GTs at the top of masses should be very useful for both the differential diagnosis of the pathological diagnosis of odontogenic masses and for differentiation between odontogenic and non-odontogenic masses.

Localization of the inferior alveolar canal using ultralow dose CT with iterative reconstruction techniques.

Objectives:To compare subjective and objective localization of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) on multidetector CT (MDCT) images obtained by ultralow doses in combination with the reconstruction techniques of filtered backprojection (FBP), adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR), or model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) as compared to standard dose MDCT and FBP.Methods:Three cadavers were imaged with a reference standard dose MDCT examination (volume CT dose index: 29.4 mGy) reconstructed with FBP and 5 low dose protocols (LD1-5) (volumeCT dose index: 4.19, 2.64, 0.99, 0.53, 0.29 mGy) reconstructed with FBP, ASIR 50, ASIR 100, and MBIR. Linear measurements from the crest of the ridge to the roof of the IAC were recorded. The results from the test protocols were compared with those from the reference using Bland–Altman plots.Results:Only three test protocols allowed the identification of the position of the IAC on all the sample sites: LD1/FBP and LD1/ASIR 100 and LD2/FBP. All three protocols allowed identification of the IAC with comparable results to the reference dose protocol; the 95% confidence interval limits for the measurement differences were ± 0.41 mm, but the differences were not statistically significant. The calculated effective dose for the LD2 protocol, for a scan length of 5 cm, was 27.7 µSv.Conclusions:Using FBP, comparable IAC measurements were achieved with 91% reduction in dose compared with a standard exposure protocol. The use of ASIR and MBIR did not improve identification of the IAC in MDCT low dose images.

Electrocardiography scar quantification correlates with scar size of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy seen by multidetector computed tomography.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetically transmitted disease, is the most common genetic cardiovascular disease. Current strategies to stratify risk are expensive and concentrated in wealthy centers. Twelve-lead electrocardiography (ECG) is inexpensive, universally available, and can be readily used for Selvester QRS scoring, which estimates scar size. This study aimed to establish the relation between ECG scar quantification and myocardial fibrosis (extent of myocardial delayed enhancement) in multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). There is a significant association between ECG scar quantification and the extent of myocardial delayed enhancement in MDCT. Seventy-five patients with HCM underwent a routine clinical evaluation and echocardiography, 12-lead ECG, and MDCT study. Patients with and without an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator were included. The estimated Selvester QRS score of myocardial fibrosis was correlated significantly (R = 0.70; P < 0.01) with the quantified MDCT fibrosis. Compared with MDCT, the QRS score had 84.8% sensitivity and 88.8% specificity. Myocardial fibrosis was present in 88% of these patients with HCM (fibrotic mass, 9.87 ±10.8 g) comprising 5.66% ±6.16% of the total myocardial mass seen on the MDCT images. The Selvester QRS score reliably predicted the fibrotic mass in 76% of patients, which estimated 8.44% ±7.39% of the total myocardial mass. The Selvester QRS score provides reliable quantification of myocardial fibrosis and was well correlated with MDCT in patients with HCM.

Reevaluation of Mandibular Morphometry According to Age, Gender, and Side.

This study aims to reevaluation the linear and angular measurements of mandibles with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) that is a new method and used frequently in recent years. The archived MDCT images of 100 adult patients (age range, 15-74 years) without mandibular operation and trauma history were evaluated retrospectively. Mandibular ramus heights, maximal mandibular length, mandibular symphysis height, mandibular angles, and mandibular foramen distance measurements were performed on MDCT images. All measurement parameters were analyzed by gender, age groups, and sides. Mandibular linear length measurements were higher in males than in females (P < 0.05). Only mandibular symphysis height was statistically significantly different in age groups (P < 0.05). The Angle 1 (gonial angle) was found to be significantly higher in females (P < 0.05). The Angle 3 (right condyle-gnathion-left condyle angle) was observed to be significantly higher in the 60+ age group (P < 0.05). The 3 of the mandibular foramen measurements (distance from the front edge, distance to gonion, and height of lingula) were found to be higher in males than in females (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences according to age groups in these measurements. The lengths of the mandibular canals were higher in males (44.72 mm) than in females (41.68 mm). There was no statistically significant difference was found between gender, age groups, and sides of mandibular canal length. The MDCT was found to be a reliable method for the detection of mandibular morphometry when compared with the results of other radiographic images studies.

Multidetector Computed Tomography Imaging: Effect of Sparse Sampling and Iterative Reconstruction on Trabecular Bone Microstructure.

Multidetector computed tomography-based trabecular bone microstructure analysis ensures promising results in fracture risk prediction caused by osteoporosis. Because multidetector computed tomography is associated with high radiation exposure, its clinical routine use is limited. Hence, in this study, we investigated in 11 thoracic midvertebral specimens whether trabecular texture parameters are comparable derived from (1) images reconstructed using statistical iterative reconstruction (SIR) and filtered back projection as criterion standard at different exposures (80, 150, 220, and 500 mAs) and (2) from SIR-based sparse sampling projections (12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 100%) and equivalent exposures as criterion standard. Twenty-four texture features were computed, and those that showed similar values between (1) filtered back projection and SIR at the different exposure levels and (2) sparse sampling and equivalent exposures and reconstructed with SIR were identified. These parameters can be of equal value in determining trabecular bone microstructure with lower radiation exposure using sparse sampling and SIR.

Multi-Detector Computed Tomography Imaging Techniques in Arterial Injuries.

Cross-sectional imaging has become a critical aspect in the evaluation of arterial injuries. In particular, angiography using computed tomography (CT) is the imaging of choice. A variety of techniques and options are available when evaluating for arterial injuries. Techniques involve contrast bolus, various phases of contrast enhancement, multiplanar reconstruction, volume rendering, and maximum intensity projection. After the images are rendered, a variety of features may be seen that diagnose the injury. This article provides a general overview of the techniques, important findings, and pitfalls in cross sectional imaging of arterial imaging, particularly in relation to computed tomography. In addition, the future directions of computed tomography, including a few techniques in the process of development, is also discussed.