Multiplanar Reformation Research Articles

Pediatric reference values of anterior visual pathway structures measured with axis-correction on high-resolution 3D T2 fast spin echo sequences

BackgroundThe size of the anterior visual pathway (AVP) structures is affected by patient age and pathology. Normative data is useful when determining whether pathology is present. AVP structures do not respect the standard planes of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The aim of this study was to produce normative age-related and axis-corrected data of the AVP structures using multiplanar reformation (MPR) of high-resolution 3D T2-weighted fast spin echo (3D T2w FSE) images.MethodsFor each patient 32 measurements of AVP structures were obtained in 145 children (2 months - 18 years) with normal brain MR studies on high-resolution 3D T2w FSE images adjusted to the axis of each AVP structure. Descriptive statistics were calculated for different age classes and growth models were fitted to the data and assessed for their performance to create a formal statistical model that allows inference beyond the sample.ResultsDescriptive statistics were compiled in a reference table and prediction plots in relation to age, height, and body surface area (BSA) were obtained from the best overall performing statistical model, also taking field strength (1.5 vs. 3 T) into account. Intraclass correlation coefficient values were calculated for all variables ranging from 0.474 to 0.967, the most reliable being the transverse diameter of the globe, the maximum diameter of the retrobulbar nerve sheath, the intracranial segment of the optic nerve and the transverse diameter of the chiasm. The maximum retrobulbar diameter of the optic nerve sheath and the lateral superoinferior diameter of the chiasm showed no statistically significant change with age.ConclusionDetailed charts of reference values for AVP structures as well as prediction plots in relation to age, height and BSA were established using axis-corrected measurements from the MPR of high-resolution 3D T2w FSE images. Furthermore, an Excel spreadsheet that allows users to calculate normative values for the 9 AVP structures of key interest is provided as supplementary material.

Deep Learning Segmentation, Visualization, and Automated 3D Assessment of Ciliary Body in 3D Ultrasound Biomicroscopy Images.

PurposeThis study aimed to develop a fully automated deep learning ciliary body segmentation and assessment approach in three-dimensional ultrasound biomicroscopy (3D-UBM) images.MethodsEach 3D-UBM eye volume was aligned to the optic axis via multiplanar reformatting. Ciliary muscle and processes were manually annotated, and Deeplab-v3+ models with different loss functions were trained to segment the ciliary body (ciliary muscle and processes) in both en face and radial images.ResultsWe trained and tested the models on 4320 radial and 3864 en face images from 12 cadaver eye volumes. Deep learning models trained on radial images with Dice loss achieved the highest mean F1-score (0.89) for ciliary body segmentation. For three-class segmentation (ciliary muscle, processes, and background), radial images with Dice loss achieved the highest mean F1-score (0.75 for the ciliary process and 0.82 for the ciliary muscle). Part of the ciliary muscle (10.9%) was misclassified as the ciliary process and vice versa, which occurred owing to the difficulty in differentiating the ciliary muscle–processes border, even by experts. Deep learning segmentation made further editing by experts at least seven times faster than a fully manual approach. In eight cadaver eyes, the average ciliary muscle, process, and body volumes were 56 ± 9, 43 ± 13, and 99 ± 18 mm3, respectively. The average surface area of the ciliary muscle, process, and body were 346 ± 45, 363 ± 83, and 709 ± 80 mm2, respectively. We performed transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in cadaver eyes to shrink the ciliary processes. Both manual and automated measurements from deep learning segmentation show a decrease in volume, surface area, and 360° cross-sectional area measurements.ConclusionsThe proposed deep learning segmentation of the ciliary body and 3D measurements showed transscleral cyclophotocoagulation-related changes in the ciliary body.Translational RelevanceAutomated ciliary body assessment using 3D-UBM has the translational potential for ophthalmic treatment planning and monitoring.

Validating Foot Center Axis and Ankle Rotation using Weight-Bearing CT

Category: Ankle; Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Even as its popularity increases, there remain many unanswered questions regarding total ankle arthroplasty. One debate considers the proper rotation of the talar component to restore native, non-osteoarthritic anatomy. The foot center axis is a unique anatomic concept that considers the position of the native foot relative to the ankle. The present pilot study sought to evaluate the reproducibility of axial alignment measurements, including the foot center on weight-bearing CT in patients without ankle osteoarthritis. Methods: Following IRB approval, charts were reviewed to identify patients without ankle osteoarthritis, trauma or other deformity who received a weightbearing CT scan. A pilot group of n=8 patients were included for a total of n=10 limbs. Average age was 50.1 +/- 14 and there were 38% female patients. All measurements were made on MPR (multiplanar reformation) axial reconstructions. Cobb angle measurements between the anatomic foot center, the second, the fourth metatarsal and the gutter bisector or medial gutter line were recorded by n=4 observers. Intraclass correlation (ICC) was produced using a two-way random effects model with absolute agreement and other statistical testing was performed by IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0. Armonk, NY. Results: The average gutter bisector angle was 6.2 deg +/- 2.0 and the average angle between the medial base of the 1st metatarsal head, lateral base of the 5th metatarsal head and the posterior calcaneus was 33.0 deg +/- 2.6. Amongst the observers, the ICC for these landmarks were 0.95 and 0.96 respectively. The average cobb angle measurement between the gutter bisector angle and the second metatarsal was 8.3 deg +/- 7.3, with a corresponding ICC of 0.96. The average cobb angle measurement between the gutter bisector angle and the anatomic foot center was 5.6 deg +/- 4.3 and the average cobb angle measurement between the medial gutter line and the anatomic foot center was 6.23 deg +/- 6. Amongst the observers, the ICC for these measurements were 0.81 and 0.81 respectively. Conclusion: In a small pilot study of patients without osteoarthritis who underwent weight-bearing CT scans there was good (ICC>0.75-0.90) to excellent (ICC>0.90) agreement amongst observers for measurements of foot center axis and ankle rotation. These findings validate the reproducibility and agreement of these manually constructed measurements for assessing the relationship between the foot center axis and ankle rotation. Future studies will expand upon the use of these measurements to define non-arthritic anatomy. The anatomic foot center may be a useful guide for establishing intra-operative foot orientation when performing total ankle arthroplasty.

Comparison of Foot Center Axis and Ankle Rotation using Weight-Bearing CT

Category: Ankle; Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Even as its popularity increases, there remain many unanswered questions regarding total ankle arthroplasty. One debate considers how best to restore proper rotation of the talar component relative to native, non- osteoarthritic anatomy. At present, two common schools of thought are to parallel the talar component rotation with the medial gutter line or to choose a line that bisects the gutters. These axis' are then considered with respect to a chosen foot axis, often defined by the second metatarsal or second toe clinically. The present study sought to define the foot center axis relative to the ankle on weight-bearing CT in patients without ankle osteoarthritis to inform talar component positioning in total ankle arthroplasty. Methods: Following IRB approval, charts were reviewed to identify patients without ankle osteoarthritis, trauma or other deformity who received a weightbearing CT scan. A pilot group of n=34 patients were included for a total of n=50 limbs. Average age was 50.3 +/- 7 and there were = 54% female patients. All measurements were made on MPR (multiplanar reformation) axial reconstructions. Cobb angle measurements between the anatomic foot center, the second, the fourth metatarsal and the gutter bisector or medial gutter line were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed by IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0. Armonk, NY. Results: The mean gutter bisector angle was 5.7 deg +/- 2.0. The mean cobb angle between the anatomic foot center and the medial gutter line was 6.1 deg +/- 4.4 and between the anatomic foot center and gutter bisector was 6.3 deg +/- 4.8, there was no statistical difference between measurements (p=0.62, Table 1). The mean cobb angle between the second metatarsal and the gutter bisector was 9.9 deg +/- 6.8, whereas the mean cobb angle between the fourth metatarsal and the gutter bisector was 7.5 deg +/- 5.2, which was not statistically significant (p=0.053). There was no statistical difference between mean cobb angle measurements between the anatomic foot center and the gutter bisector and the fourth metatarsal and the gutter bisector (p=0.243), but there was statistical difference between mean cobb angle measurements of the second metatarsal and the gutter bisector and the anatomic foot center and the gutter bisector (p=0.003). Conclusion: The axial alignment of the foot center axis relative to the ankle in patients without deformity or osteoarthritis is most collinear with the medial gutter line. In general, the axial alignment of the ankle joint relative to the foot in patients without osteoarthritis tends towards <10 degrees of difference on weight-bearing CT, regardless of method chosen. Due to both the consistency of measure and reproducibility of measure on pre-operative weight-bearing CT, the anatomic foot center may be a useful guide for establishing intra-operative foot orientation when performing total ankle arthroplasty.

Evaluation of Preoperative Multidetector Row Computed Tomography in Colon Malignancy with Reference to (Local Staging and Lymph Node Status)

A proper preliminary stage is essential for determining the appropriate therapy approach for each patient. Even though controversial, computed tomography (CT) preoperative staging in colorectal cancer (CRC) may be beneficial for planning surgery and neoadjuvant treatment, especially when local tumor extension onto surrounding structures or metastatic disease is identified. CT technology has advanced significantly since the debut of the multidetector row CT (MDCT) scanner. Due to developments in CT technology, the potential usefulness of CT in the diagnosis and staging of CRC has piqued attention. In recent studies, MDCT using multiplanar reformations imaging has shown promise in identifying the local extent and nodal involvement of CRC. CT scans are useful because they give functional as well as anatomical information. As a result, it is only normal to assume that CT will improve CRC preoperative staging accuracy. The exact identification of distant metastases is the most crucial additional information provided by CT. CT offers a relative advantage over CT in the assessment of patients with CRC in terms of tumor penetration thru the walls, extracurricular expansion, and regional lymph node metastases. Patients with metastatic lesions that are suggestive but not definitive should get a CT scan.

Painful Abdominal Mass Showing Internal Hernia on CT scan

We report a case of a left para-duodenal internal hernia in order to describe the role of a CT scan in its diagnosis. It was a 19-year-old boy with no known personal medical history. He was received at “The stars clinic’’ in Bamako (Mali) on 01/15/2020 for an abdominal CT scan for the assessment of diffuse abdominal pain on mass on palpation. The CT scan revealed agglutination of the small intestinal loops with its mesentery and its mesenteric vessels in the left paramedian location without complications. Faced with this semiological CT scan, the diagnosis of a left para-duodenal internal hernia was retained. Surgical management confirmed this diagnosis. Since the clinical diagnosis of an internal hernia is often unrecognized, cross-sectional imaging methods with multiplanar reformatting, in particular CT scan, remain essential in the management of this pathology.

Safe Region of Craniotomy to Access the Cerebellopontine Region by Retrosigmoid Approach: A Radiological and Anatomical Study.

Accurately positioning the sigmoid sinus (SS), transverse sinus (TS), and vertebral artery (VA) is significantly important during the retrosigmoid (RS) approach. This study aimed to use emissary vein and digastric point as landmarks in high-resolution computer topographic image to locate the SS, TS, and VA to help surgeons to avoid injuring these vascular structures during RS craniotomy. Computed topographic (CT) angiography images of 107 individuals were included, the measurement was performed on coronal, sagittal, and axis planes after the multiplanar reformation. Distance from the emissary vein and digastric point to the posterior boundary of the SS, inferior boundary of the TS were measured by CT angiography preoperatively and in the skull intraoperatively. The VA was also located by emissary vein and digastric point. No significant difference was identified between the distances measured in the CT and skull. Our findings provide anatomical information for locating the boundary of the SS, TS, and V3-VA based on the fixed bony landmarks. Verified by skull measurement, high-resolution CT scan is a cost-effective and reliable tool for identifying the location of the arteries and sinus, which could be widely used to guarantee the safety of RS approach craniectomy.

Characterization of non-stenotic plaques in intracranial arteries with multi-contrast, multi-planar vessel wall image analysis

ObjectivesNon-stenotic plaques have been observed in intracranial arteries but are less understood compared to those in coronary and carotid arteries. We sought to compare plaque distribution and morphology between stenotic and non-stenotic intracranial plaques with MR vessel wall imaging (VWI) and quantitative image analysis. Materials and methodsTwenty-four patients with intracranial arterial stenosis or luminal irregularity on clinical imaging were scanned with a multi-contrast VWI protocol. Plaques were detected as focal wall thickening on co-registered multiplanar reformats of multi-contrast VWI, with assessment of the location and morphology. TOF-MRA was independently reviewed for any appreciable stenosis using the WAISD criteria. ResultsAcross 504 arterial segments, a total of 80 plaques were detected, including 23 (29%) with stenosis on TOF-MRA, 56 (70%) without, and 1 (1%) not covered by TOF-MRA. Plaques involving the ICA were more likely to be non-stenotic than those involving other segments (80% versus 55%, p = 0.030) whereas the basilar artery (40%) and PCA (33%) had the lowest proportions of non-stenotic plaques. Maximum wall thickness, indicative of plaque burden, correlated poorly with degree of stenosis (p = 0.10) and overlapped substantially between stenotic and non-stenotic plaques (1.9 [1.5, 2.4] versus 2.0 [1.5, 2.2] mm, p = 0.074). ConclusionsIntracranial plaques without appreciable stenosis on TOF-MRA represent a large proportion of lesions throughout arterial segments but disproportionately affect the ICA. Morphological characterization of plaques with and without stenosis shows that luminal stenosis is a poor indicator of the underlying burden of intracranial atherosclerosis.

Evaluation of a low dose CBCT protocol in reliably detecting simulated facial fractures associated with sports injuries.

<h3>Objective</h3> To evaluate the value of a low dose CBCT protocol that uses 180-degree rotation scan in the detection of simulated facial fractures, compared to the standard 360-degree rotational protocol. <h3>Study Design</h3> Three dry human skulls were selected for imaging. The skulls were scored in 11 locations using a dental hand piece and diamond bur to simulate small cortical bone facial fractures that best represent the most commonly occurring fractures in sports. Fractures were simulated bilaterally and centrally in the mandibular symphysis, angle, condyles, zygomatic process of temporal bones, and the zygomatic process of the maxilla. Wax was used to simulate a deviated/fractured nasal septum. CBCT scans of the skulls were scanned using 180 degree and 360 degree rotation. Two observers evaluated the images using all 3 multiplanar reformations, volumetric renderings, and maximum intensity projections reconstructed with InVivo6 software to identify and measure the fractures on axial, sagittal, and coronal views. Measurements of the length of the fractures were made on the maximum intensity projection (MIP) in both scan protocols. Krippendorff's alpha (α) statistical test was used to measure the agreement among raters. <h3>Results</h3> There was a high inter-rater reliability for both the acquisition protocols. Image quality of the 180 degree scans was diagnostic and there was no difficulty in identifying or measuring the fractures. <h3>Conclusion</h3> In this ex-vivo study, the 180 degree CBCT acquisition protocol was comparable to the conventional 360 degree acquisition protocol in its ability to detect and measure simulated facial fractures. <b>Statement of Ethical Review</b> Ethical Review or exemption was not warranted for this study

Role of MPR image reconstruction in guiding the diagnosis and treatment strategy of facial nerve schwannoma

Background Facial nerve schwannomas tend to be overlooked due to their mild early clinical presentation and slow progression. Aims/objectives To describe the role of facial nerve reconstruction in guiding the diagnosis and treatment strategy of facial nerve schwannoma. Material and methods Multi-plane reformation (MPR) of the facial nerve was conducted to evaluate the facial nerve lesion segments, radiological characteristics, and mastoid decompression in 13 patients. Results Bone canal loss could be seen in lesions involving the geniculate ganglion and tympanic segment and those protruding toward the tympanum in two patients. Expansive space occupying lesions could be seen in the facial nerve involving the tympanic segment to the parotid segment in five patients. A ‘trumpet mouth’ spherical expansive space-occupying lesion centered in the mastoid segment and enlarged stylomastoid foramen could be seen in lesions involving the mastoid segment to the parotid segment in six patients. Treatment methods suitable for the patient were performed based on the facial palsy, tumor size, hearing loss, and social requirements. Conclusions and significance Facial nerve MPR reconstruction can comprehensively and intuitively display the lesion segment and area of the facial nerve in the temporal bone, estimate the facial nerve length, bone encapsulation, and mastoid decompression, and has characteristic presentations that can aid preliminary diagnosis and identification.

A computational modeling method for root canal endoscopy using a specific CBCT filter: A new era in the metaverse of endodontics begins.

A contemporary technological revolution has started a new era in the metaverse of Endodontics, a world of virtual operational possibilities that use an exact replica of the natural structures of the maxillofacial complex. This study describes a modeling method for root canal endoscopy using modern cone-beam CT (CBCT) software in a series of clinical cases. The method consists in acquiring thin CBCT slices (0.10mm) in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes. A specific 3D volume filter, the pulp cavity filter of the e-Vol DX CBCT software, was used to navigate anatomical root canal microstructures, and to scan them using root canal endoscopy. The pulp cavity filter should be set to synchronize CBCT scans from 2D mode - multiplanar reformations (MPR) - to 3D mode - volumetric reconstruction. This filter, when adopting the option of volumetric reconstruction, the developed algorithm leaves the dentin density in transparent mode so that the pulp cavity may be visualized. The algorithm applied performs the suppression (visual) of areas with dentin density. This ensures 3D visualization of the slices and the microanatomy of the root canal, as well as a dynamic navigation throughout the pulp cavity. This computational modeling method adds new resources to Endodontics, which may impact the predictability of root canal treatments positively. The virtual visualization of the internal anatomy of an exact replica of the canal ensures better communications, reliability, and clinical operationalization. Root canal endoscopy using this novel CBCT filter may be used for clinical applications together with innovative digital and virtual-reality resources that will be naturally incorporated into the principles of Endodontics.

Effect Evaluation of Preoperative Psychological Nursing Intervention on Sinusitis Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia by Multiplanner Reformation-Based CT.

The aim of this study was at exploring the clinical effect of CT images based on multiplanner reformation (MPR) combined with a preoperative psychological nursing intervention model in sinusitis patients undergoing general anesthesia. Sixty sinusitis patients who received MPR-based CT examination and general anesthesia were selected as the study subjects and randomly divided into the control group (n = 30) and the experimental group (n = 30). The control group used traditional preoperative education. The experimental group added the psychological nursing intervention based on traditional preoperative education. The blood pressure and heart rate before and after the operation, the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) score before and after intervention, and satisfaction were comprehensively assessed. The results showed that CT based on MPR could observe the lesions and anatomical structures of the sinus wall and sinus in detail from multiple angles. The blood pressure (systolic blood pressure 135.12 ± 14.89 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure 87.05 ± 11.24 mmHg), heart rate (78.42 ± 12.19 beats/min), SAS score (45.85 ± 4.97 points), and nursing satisfaction (78.9%) of the experimental group were significantly better than those of the control group (145.83 ± 15.62 mmHg, 94.21 ± 10.86 mmHg, 86.44 ± 13.65 beats/min, 56.44 ± 5.12 points, 56.4%), and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In summary, the preoperative psychological care model has a positive role in reducing the tension and anxiety of patients before general anesthesia surgery and CT based on MPR is important for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis. This study provides a theoretical reference for the clinical treatment of patients with sinusitis.

Left ventricular assist device and pump thrombosis: the importance of the inflow cannula position

Pump thrombosis is a devastating complication after left ventricular assist device implantation. This study aims to elucidate the relation between left ventricular assist device implantation angle and risk of pump thrombosis. Between November 2010 and March 2020, 53 left ventricular assist device-patients underwent a computed tomography scan. Using a 3-dimensional multiplanar reformation the left ventricular axis was reconstructed to measure the implantation angle of the inflow cannula. All patients were retrospectively analyzed for the occurrence of pump thrombosis. In 10 (91%) patients with a pump thrombosis, the implantation angle was towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle. In only 20 patients (49%) of the patients without a pump thrombosis the inflow cannula pointed towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle. The mean angle in patients with a pump thrombosis was 10.1 ± 11.9 degrees towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle compared to 4.1 ± 19.9 degrees towards the septum in non-pump thrombosis patients (P = 0.005). There was a trend towards a significant difference in time to first pump thrombosis between patients with a lateral or septal deviated left ventricular assist device (hazard ratio of 0.15, P = 0.07). This study demonstrates that left ventricular assist device implantation angle is associated with pump thrombosis. Almost all patients in whom a pump thrombosis occurred during follow-up had a left ventricular assist device implanted with the inflow-cannula pointing towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle.

Computed tomography reference dimensions for identification of stented surgical mitral bioprostheses valve size

BackgroundSelection of the transcatheter heart valve size for a mitral valve-in-valve procedure is based on the type and manufacturer’s labelled size. However, accurate information of surgical heart valve (SHV) size may not be available in the patient’s medical record. The purpose of this study is to establish reference data for computed tomography (CT) dimensions of commonly used mitral SHV in order to determine the manufacturer’s labelled size from a cardiac CT data set. MethodsCT datasets of 105 patients with surgical mitral bioprosthesis and available manufacturer labeled datasets were included in the analysis. CT derived valve dimensions were assessed by two observers using multiplanar reformats aligned with the basal sewing ring. A circular region of interest was used in a standardized fashion to minimize influence of image acquisition and reconstruction parameters. Interobserver variability was assessed by Bland-Altman analysis. ResultsThe CT-derived dimensions were stratified by valve size and type, and SHV properties were demonstrated for 5 common valve types. Variability of measurements was small and inter-observer limits of agreement were narrow. Stratified by SHV type, no overlap was noted for CT-derived dimensions among different SHV sizes . A reference table of CT characteristics of surgical mitral bioprosthesis types was created. ConclusionThe study provides reference CT data for determining the manufacturers’ labeled SHV size across a range of commonly used mitral SHVs. The findings will be important to help identify types of surgical mitral bioprosthesis utilizing CT characteristics for patients without SHV size documentation.

Multiplanar magnetic resonance reformats of 4D MUSIC in orthogonal views belonging to a 25-month-old girl are shown. Clear definition of intracardiac morphology, proximal coronary vessels, and related vasculature are demonstrated.

Multiplanar magnetic resonance reformats of 4D MUSIC in orthogonal views belonging to a 25-month-old girl are shown. Clear definition of intracardiac morphology, proximal coronary vessels, and related vasculature are demonstrated.

MRI evaluation of soft tissue tumors: comparison of a fast, isotropic, 3D T2-weighted fat-saturated sequence with a conventional 2D T2-weighted fat-saturated sequence for tumor characteristics, resolution, and acquisition time.

To test whether a 4-fold accelerated 3D T2-weighted (T2) CAIPIRINHA SPACE TSE sequence with isotropic voxel size is equivalent to conventional 2DT2 TSE for the evaluation of intrinsic and perilesional soft tissue tumors (STT) characteristics. For 108 patients with histologically-proven STTs, MRI, including 3DT2 (CAIPIRINHA SPACE TSE) and 2DT2 (TSE) sequences, was performed. Two radiologists evaluated each sequence for quality (diagnostic, non-diagnostic), tumor characteristics (heterogeneity, signal intensity, margin), and the presence or absence of cortical involvement, marrow edema, and perilesional edema (PLE); tumor size and PLE extent were measured. Signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) ratios and acquisition times for 2DT2 in two planes and 3DT2 sequences were reported. Descriptive statistics and inter-method agreement were reported. Image quality was diagnostic for all sequences (100% [108/108]). No difference was observed between 3DT2 and 2DT2 tumor characteristics (p < 0.05). There was no difference in mean tumor size (3DT2: 2.9 ± 2.5 cm, 2DT2: 2.8 ± 2.6 cm, p = 0.4) or PLE extent (3DT2:0.5 ± 1.2 cm, 2DT2:0.5 ± 1.0 cm, p = 0.9) between the sequences. There was no difference in the SNR of tumors, marrow, and fat between the sequences, whereas the SNR of muscle was higher (p < 0.05) on 3DT2 than 2DT2. CNR measures on 3DT2 were similar to 2DT2 (p > 0.1). The average acquisition time was shorter for 3DT2 compared with 2DT2 (343 ± 127 s vs 475 ± 162 s, respectively). Isotropic 3DT2 MRI offers higher spatial resolution, faster acquisition times, and equivalent assessments of STT characteristics compared to conventional 2DT2 MRI in two planes. 3DT2 is interchangeable with a 2DT2 sequence in tumor protocols. • Isotropic 3DT2 CAIPIRINHA SPACE TSE offers higher spatial resolution than 2DT2 TSE and is equivalent to 2DT2 TSE for assessments of soft tissue tumor intrinsic and perilesional characteristics. • Multiplanar reformats of 3DT2 CAIPIRINHA SPACE TSE can substitute for 2DT2 TSE acquired in multiple planes, thereby reducing the acquisition time of MRI tumor protocols. • 3DT2 CAIPIRINHA SPACE TSE and 2DT2 TSE had similar CNR of tissues.

Is it feasible to measure pulmonary vein data using volume rendering images?

Pulmonary vein (PV) data are commonly measured on multiplanar image reformation (MPR) images and volume rendering (VR) images. To compared and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of PV data based on VR images and MPR images. A total of 94 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) with imaging data were included in the study. The respective image postprocessing time and the three surgical interventionists' preferences for the two images were recorded. A paired t-test or chi-square test was used to compare their difference, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference between the data values including the maximal and minimal ostial diameters of the left superior PV (LSPV), the left inferior PV (LIPV), the right superior PV (RSPV), and the right inferior PV (RIPV) obtained by VR and MPR images (P > 0.05). Yet, the mean postprocessing time of VR images (15.10 ± 3.05 min) was shorter compared to MPR images (16.54 ± 2.60 min) (t = 22.84, P < 0.05). All three surgical interventionists preferred VR images (accounted for 85.1%, 86.2%, and 84.0%, respectively), and there was no statistical difference in the degree of image preference among the three (chi-square = 0.596, P = 0.963). PV data measurement could be performed on both VR and MRP images; however, the data on VR images were more intuitive and more accessible for interventional surgeons.

Posterior ethmoid sinus: a computed tomography analysis and classification

BackgroundThe CT details of the dimensions of the posterior ethmoid sinus are not fully covered in the literature, so building up for a base for the CT measurements and description of that area is important. Preoperative details of the posterior ethmoid sinuses are mandatory before any approach or procedure involving this area.ObjectiveTo determine the different dimensions, measurements, and grading of the posterior ethmoid sinus by computed tomography (CT) that were not previously published.MethodsTwo hundred paranasal CT scans (400 sides) were included in the study. Axial images were acquired with multiplanar reformats to obtain delicate details in coronal and sagittal planes for all subjects.ResultsWithin 200 CTs (400 sides), the mean anteroposterior dimension of the posterior ethmoid was 13.62± 1.75 mm (range= 9.5–19.5), the mean posterior ethmoid transverse diameter was 12.15+1.6 mm (range= 8–16.2) and the mean posterior ethmoid height was 44.64±3.83 mm (range= 35.8–56) without reported significant differences between both sides in all posterior ethmoid dimensions. The mean width of the posterior ethmoid sinus and its height from the orbital roof and nasal floor was significantly more in males than in females. There was significantly lower fovea ethmoidalis in males than females as we go posterior.ConclusionThis study improves surgeons’ awareness and orientation of posterior ethmoid sinus variations in the endoscopic sinus surgery and can be of help to residents in training.

SOUP-GAN: Super-Resolution MRI Using Generative Adversarial Networks.

There is a growing demand for high-resolution (HR) medical images for both clinical and research applications. Image quality is inevitably traded off with acquisition time, which in turn impacts patient comfort, examination costs, dose, and motion-induced artifacts. For many image-based tasks, increasing the apparent spatial resolution in the perpendicular plane to produce multi-planar reformats or 3D images is commonly used. Single-image super-resolution (SR) is a promising technique to provide HR images based on deep learning to increase the resolution of a 2D image, but there are few reports on 3D SR. Further, perceptual loss is proposed in the literature to better capture the textural details and edges versus pixel-wise loss functions, by comparing the semantic distances in the high-dimensional feature space of a pre-trained 2D network (e.g., VGG). However, it is not clear how one should generalize it to 3D medical images, and the attendant implications are unclear. In this paper, we propose a framework called SOUP-GAN: Super-resolution Optimized Using Perceptual-tuned Generative Adversarial Network (GAN), in order to produce thinner slices (e.g., higher resolution in the ‘Z’ plane) with anti-aliasing and deblurring. The proposed method outperforms other conventional resolution-enhancement methods and previous SR work on medical images based on both qualitative and quantitative comparisons. Moreover, we examine the model in terms of its generalization for arbitrarily user-selected SR ratios and imaging modalities. Our model shows promise as a novel 3D SR interpolation technique, providing potential applications for both clinical and research applications.

Characteristics of Retained Foreign Bodies in the Tongue: A Retrospective Study of 35 Cases

There are only a few case reports of foreign bodies (FBs) in the tongue. Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis is commonly reported. The purpose of this study was to identify the demographic, clinical, and radiological features that might facilitate the diagnosis of retained FBs in the tongue. A retrospective case series was performed. Clinical and imaging data of patients with FBs in the tongue at Wuhan University Hospital of Stomatology were reviewed. The outcome variable was a preliminary, radiological, intraoperative, or pathological diagnosis. Covariates included age, sex, FB-related history, symptoms and signs, duration, and computed tomography (CT) imaging features. Descriptive statistics were computed for each study variable. Thirty-five patients were included. The sample's mean age was 54.5±11.2years, included 19 males (54.3%). Eighty percent of the patients reported FB-related history with a mean duration of 4weeks. More than 70% of the patients presented with tongue swelling. Approximately half of the 35 cases were preliminarily misdiagnosed, and 15 of them were initially suspected to be tumors. After CT examinations, 33 of the 35 cases were diagnosed as FB. Characteristic CT imaging feature of the FB was a radiopaque line. Most FBs were located at the anterior two-thirds and marginal area of the tongue and in an oblique direction. The depth of FB was 0.61±0.42cm. The superficial ends of most FBs were close to the surface of the dorsum and the tongue margin. The possibility of a retained FB should be included in the differential diagnosis of a nonhealing wound or tongue enlargement when a radiopaque line is present on CT images of patients presenting with or without FB-related history. It may be easier to detect a FB in the tongue when a CT imaging postprocessing protocol, including thin-slice reconstruction and multiplanar reformation visualization and careful interpretation, is used.