Multidetector Computed Tomography Imaging Research Articles

Role of thoracic periaortic adipose tissue in major adverse cardiovascular events in heart failure

Abstract Objecitve: Adipose tissue is defined as a complex endocrine organ that exerts various regulatory functions and has effects on the cardiovascular system. Previous studies have shown that epicardial adipose tissue is associated with heart failure (HF) and cardiovascular outcome. The effect of thoracic periaortic fat tissue (PFT) on this issue is unknown. We aimed to investigate the relationship between PFT and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with HF. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 71 patients with HF and 45 patients without HF. We calculated their PFT volumes by examining multi-detector computed tomography images with special software. Adverse cardiac events occurring within one year were recorded. Results: Adverse cardiac events were seen in 23 of the patients during follow-up. Only one of the events was in the healthy group. In the HF group, there was a statistically significant PFT volume compared to the healthy group (54.5 (41.2-66.5) vs. 42.1 (29.9-52.7), p= 0.014). Logistic regression analysis showed that PFT was an independent predictor of MACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94-0.99; p = 0.027). Conclusion: The study has shown for the first time in the literature that PFT volume can be a useful parameter in predicting adverse cardiac events in the follow-up of patients with HF.

Comparative Evaluation of Multidetector Computed Tomography and Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Findings in Gastrointestinal Tuberculosis.

To compare multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) imaging findings in gastrointestinal (GI) tuberculosis. To study imaging findings of MDCT and DECT in GI tuberculosis. All the patients falling in the sampling frame and fulfilling the eligibility criteria were clinically examined and demographic details, presenting complaints, medical history, history of anti-tubercular treatment (ATT) intake, personal habits,and family history of tuberculosis were noted. All the patients underwent sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) assessment. Outcomes of investigations like bronchoscopy and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)/biopsy were also noted wherever available. Ascitic fluid AFB and culture assessments were also performed wherever feasible. All CT scans were performed on a 384-slice dual-energy CT scanner (Somaton Force, Siemens Healthcare) and all the images were post-processed on a workstation using syngo.via software that allows the analysis of images using three material decompositions. Features like peritonitis, lymph node involvement, GI wall thickening, and solid organ involvement were focused on. Subjective assessment of images of both MDCT and DECT were assessed by two experienced radiologists to prepare the CT diagnosis. The mutual agreement of the two observers was considered final. The findings of the study showed that both MDCT, as well as DECT, were useful in the diagnosis of GI tuberculosis. On the basis of these findings, DECT could be considered to have an edge over MDCT in the diagnosis of GI tuberculosis. Keeping in view the small sample size and high prevalence, further studies on a larger sample size with relaxed sampling criteria are recommended to validate the findings of the present study.

Intravascular Ultrasound and Multidetector Computed Tomography Imaging of Polymethylmethacrylate Cement Leakage Inducing Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis.

HomeCirculation: Cardiovascular ImagingVol. 16, No. 2Intravascular Ultrasound and Multidetector Computed Tomography Imaging of Polymethylmethacrylate Cement Leakage Inducing Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis No AccessCase ReportRequest AccessFull TextAboutView Full TextView PDFView EPUBSections ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload citationsTrack citationsPermissionsDownload Articles + Supplements ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InMendeleyReddit Jump toSupplementary MaterialsNo AccessCase ReportRequest AccessFull TextIntravascular Ultrasound and Multidetector Computed Tomography Imaging of Polymethylmethacrylate Cement Leakage Inducing Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis Rei-Yeuh Chang, MD, MS, Tsung-Hsien Chen, PhD, Chu-Jen Kuo, MD and Han-Lin Tsai, MD Rei-Yeuh ChangRei-Yeuh Chang https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4008-1784 Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan (R.-Y.C., H.-L.T.). Min-Hwei Junior College of Health Care Management, Tainan, Taiwan (R.-Y.C.). Search for more papers by this author , Tsung-Hsien ChenTsung-Hsien Chen https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1542-1495 Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan (T.-H.C.). Search for more papers by this author , Chu-Jen KuoChu-Jen Kuo Department of Radiology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan (C.-J.K.). Search for more papers by this author and Han-Lin TsaiHan-Lin Tsai Correspondence to: Han-Lin Tsai, MD, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, 539 Jhongsiao Rd, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan. Email E-mail Address: [email protected] https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6698-7907 Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan (R.-Y.C., H.-L.T.). Search for more papers by this author Originally published3 Nov 2022https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCIMAGING.122.014527Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging. 2023;16FootnotesSupplemental Material is available at https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/suppl/10.1161/CIRCIMAGING.122.014527.Correspondence to: Han-Lin Tsai, MD, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, 539 Jhongsiao Rd, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan. Email [email protected]com

Iodinated Contrast Enhancement of Breast Cancer on Prone Multidetector Computed Tomography-Preliminary Findings.

Contrast-enhanced breast imaging has gained increasing importance in the diagnosis and management of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess breast cancer enhancement after contrast administration on prone multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). This retrospective, unicentric, institutional review board-approved study included patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer who were submitted to contrast-enhanced MDCT in prone position, with image acquisition before and after nonionic iodinated contrast administration. Sixty breast cancer patients aged between 31 and 74 years (mean, 49 years) were included. Most patients (n = 50, 83.3%) had no special type invasive breast carcinoma and luminal subtype (n = 45, 75%). All index breast tumors were identified on prone MDCT. Forty-three cases (70.5%) presented as mass, 13 (21.3%) as nonmass enhancement and 4 (6.6%) as both mass and nonmass enhancement. Mean tumor density was 37.8 HU and 87.9 HU on precontrast and postcontrast images, respectively. Mean contrast enhancement was 50.2 HU (range, 20-109 HU). There were no statistically significant differences in tumor enhancement according to histological type, molecular subtype, nuclear grade, tumor size, or imaging presentation. Our results show that breast cancer usually can be identified and have significant contrast enhancement on prone MDCT images. This method could be used as an alternative when other contrast-enhanced breast imaging methods are not available.

3D Cinematic Volume-Rendering Technique of Traumatic Spine Injuries: A Powerful Tool for Radiology Education

Spine trauma represents a common indication for imaging in the emergency department. Multidetector CT imaging, with its advantage of multiplanar reconstructions and fast image acquisition, is the technique of choice in the initial assessment of a patient with polytrauma. While many simple spinal fractures are adequately evaluated on 2D multiplanar reconstruction images, more complex, potentially displaced fracture patterns can be more fully highlighted on 3D reconstructions. Compared with conventional volume-rendering techniques, cinematic rendering uses a complex illumination model to create a more photorealistic representation of the fracture patterns, images that are certain to excite both trainees and clinicians. This review demonstrates the educational value and clinical utility of 3D cinematic rendering images in understanding complex spinal column injuries.Learning Objective: To demonstrate the methodology, clinical applicability, and educational utility behind 3D photorealistic cinematic rendering images of spine injuries, with emphasis on the “tension bands” biomechanical concept

A novel dual-energy cone beam computed tomography device for assessment of jaw bone density

<h3>Objective</h3> To evaluate a novel dual-energy cone beam computed tomography (DE-CBCT) device for jaw bone density assessment. <h3>Study Design</h3> An ongoing clinical trial has enrolled 19 subjects with a target enrollment of 24 subjects. All subjects were 21 years and older and required a maxillofacial CT scan for standard-of-care diagnosis. Each subject received 2 examinations: one with a 64-slice multi-detector CT (MDCT) scanner and the second with the experimental DE-CBCT device (RCT720, Ray Co. Seoul, Korea). Asynchronous scanning of a custom hydroxyapatite phantom (concentrations of 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 g/cc) provided calibration for bone density measurement. DICOM data from both CT examinations were imported into a custom version of OnDemand software<i>.</i> Calibration curves were generated from the MDCT and DE-CBCT scans of the hydroxyapatite phantoms. The MDCT and DE-CBCT scans of study subjects were superimposed and custom tools allowed calculation of bone density within a specified region of interest (ROI). Concordance between the MDCT- and DE-CBCT-derived bone densities was examined. <h3>Results</h3> In our preliminary assessments of data from current subjects, the mean calculated bone density in all the ROIs measured was 0.51 ± 0.27 g/cc for MDCT imaging and 0.50 ± 0.32 for DE-CBCT imaging. The range of the calculated bone densities was 0.06 to 1.1 g/cc for MDCT and 0.04 to 1.3 g/cc for DE-CBCT. Overall, there was strong correlation between bone densities calculated from MDCT scans with those calculated from DE-CBCT scans (r = 0.96, p <0.0001). Bland-Altman analysis identified a bias of 0.01 ± 0.1, and 95% limits of agreement range was -0.19 to 0.21. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The RCT720, a newly-developed DE-CBCT device, produced measurement of bone density equivalent to MDCT and overcomes the inaccuracies of bone density assessment using conventional CBCT scans. <b>Statement of Ethical Review</b> Human/Animal subjects were used and this study was approved by an institutional ethics panel

Chest multidetector computed tomography imaging of COVID-19 pneumonia patients with hematologic malignancies.

BackgroundData on the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the epidemiology and outcomes of hematological malignancies are limited. Hence, the present study aimed to assess the imaging findings using chest multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in patients with hematologic malignancies who developed COVID-19 pneumonia.MethodsThis retrospective study included two groups, the first group consisted of COVID-19 infected patients with hematologic malignancies (100 patients), while the second group consisted of COVID-19 infected patients without hematologic malignancies or other comorbidities (100 patients). The hematological malignancies included in this study were non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (40 patients), acute myeloid leukemia (25 patients), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (15 patients), multiple myeloma (10 patients), Hodgkin’s lymphoma (8 patients), and myelodysplastic syndrome (2 patients). Chest multidetector CT imaging was performed in all patients to assess for ground-glass opacity, consolidation, pleural effusion, and airway abnormalities.ResultsMore than one CT finding was reported in each patient. No significant difference was observed in the ground-glass opacities (P=0.0594), nodule formation (P=0.2278), or airway thickening/dilatation (P=0.0566) between the two groups; meanwhile, a significant difference was observed in the degree of consolidation, the number of lobes affected, and pleural effusion (P=0.0001) as well as in the total lung severity (P=0.0001); minimal, mild, and severe affection rates; and (P=0.0047) moderate affection rates.ConclusionEarly and reliable diagnosis of lung disease in COVID-19-infected patients may be achieved through multidetector CT imaging. Patients with hematological malignancies are more likely to have severe COVID-19 pneumonia, and radiologists should recognize the CT characteristics of this infection.

MedNeRF: Medical Neural Radiance Fields for Reconstructing 3D-aware CT-Projections from a Single X-ray.

Computed tomography (CT) is an effective med-ical imaging modality, widely used in the field of clinical medicine for the diagnosis of various pathologies. Advances in Multidetector CT imaging technology have enabled additional functionalities, including generation of thin slice multi planar cross-sectional body imaging and 3D reconstructions. However, this involves patients being exposed to a considerable dose of ionising radiation. Excessive ionising radiation can lead to deterministic and harmful effects on the body. This paper proposes a Deep Learning model that learns to reconstruct CT projections from a few or even a single-view X-ray. This is based on a novel architecture that builds from neural radiance fields, which learns a continuous representation of CT scans by disentangling the shape and volumetric depth of surface and internal anatomical structures from 2D images. Our model is trained on chest and knee datasets, and we demonstrate qual-itative and quantitative high-fidelity renderings and compare our approach to other recent radiance field-based methods. Our code and link to our datasets are available at https://qithub.com/abrilcf/mednerf Clinical relevance- Our model is able to infer the anatomical 3D structure from a few or a single-view X-ray showing future potential for reduced ionising radiation exposure during the imaging process.

Collapse-Related Bone Changes in Osteonecrotic Femoral Heads at Multidetector CT: Comparison between Femoral Heads with Limited and Advanced Collapse.

Aim:To assess the frequency of bone changes in resected osteonecrotic femoral head (ONFH) specimens at multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and compare their frequencies between ONFH with limited or advanced collapse.Method:Fourteen ONFH were imaged using MDCT (n = 14) and microcomputed tomography ([µCT]; n = 8). Preoperative staging was performed using radiographs and MRI. Coronal reformats of MDCT images of the specimens were analyzed using the grid overlay method. There were 2,933 grid boxes containing cortical bone and 10,596 containing trabecular bone. Two MSK radiologists assessed in every grid box the presence of interface-related sclerosis, cortical bone interruption, trabecular bone interruption, and trabecular bone resorption. The frequency of grid boxes with bone changes at MDCT was calculated and compared between ONFH with limited (<1.5 mm) or advanced (≥1.5 mm) collapse.Results:For both readers R1 and R2, there were 1111/10596 (10.5%) and 1362/10596 (12.9%) grid boxes with interface-related bone sclerosis, 557/2933 (19%) and 413/2933 (14.1%) with cortical bone interruption, 796/10596 (7.5%) and 665/10596 (6.3%) with trabecular bone interruption, and 331/10596 (3.1%) and 595/10596 (5.6%) with trabecular bone resorption. The frequency of grid boxes with cortical interruption and trabecular bone resorption was significantly higher in ONFH with advanced than in ONFH with limited collapse. There was no significant difference in frequency of grid boxes with trabecular interruption and interface-related bone sclerosis between ONFH with advanced or limited collapse.Conclusion:Cortical interruption and trabecular resorption, but not trabecular interruption, were more frequent in osteonecrotic femoral heads with advanced than with limited collapse.

Role of CT in the Pre- and Postoperative Assessment of Conotruncal Anomalies.

Conotruncal anomalies, also referred to as outflow tract anomalies, are congenital heart defects that result from abnormal septation of the great vessels' outflow tracts. The major conotruncal anomalies include tetralogy of Fallot, double-outlet right ventricle, transposition of the great arteries, truncus arteriosus, and interrupted aortic arch. Other defects, which are often components of the major anomalies, include pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect, pulmonary valve agenesis, aortopulmonary window, and double-outlet left ventricle. CT has emerged as a robust diagnostic tool in preoperative and postoperative assessment of various congenital heart diseases, including conotruncal anomalies. The data provided with multidetector CT imaging are useful for treatment planning and follow-up monitoring after surgery or intervention. Unlike echocardiography and MRI, CT is not limited by a small acoustic window, metallic devices, and need for sedation or anesthesia. Major advances in CT equipment, including dual-source scanners, wide-detector scanners, high-efficiency detectors, higher x-ray tube power, automatic tube current modulation, and advanced three-dimensional postprocessing, provide a low-risk, high-quality alternative to diagnostic cardiac catheterization and MRI. This review explores the various conotruncal anomalies and elucidates the role of CT imaging in their pre- and postoperative assessment. Keywords: CT, CT Angiography, Stents, Pediatrics © RSNA, 2022.

A novel use of cone beam CT: flexion and extension weight-bearing imaging to assess spinal stability

To assess spinal stability in different physiological positions whilst weight-bearing. A cone beam CT scanner (CBCT) was used to identify any abnormal motion in the spine in different physiological positions whilst weight-bearing. The lumbar spine was assessed in 6 different patients with a comfortable neutral standing position and standing flexion and extension images in selected patients. Seated, weight-bearing flexion and extension images of the cervical spine were obtained in a further patient. Clinical indications included stability assessment post-trauma, post-surgical fusion and back pain. The projection images were reconstructed using bone and soft tissue algorithms to give isotropic CT images which could be viewed as per conventional multi-detector CT images. The flexion and extension CBCT data were fused to give a representation of any spinal movement between the extremes of motion. The flexion and extension weight-bearing images gave anatomical detail of the spine. Detail of the surgical constructs was possible. Dynamic structural information about spinal alignment, facet joints, exit foramina and paraspinal musculature was possible. The effective dose from the neutral position was equal to that of supine, multi-detector CT. CBCT can be used to image the lumbar and cervical spine in physiological weight-bearing positions and at different extremes of spinal motion. This novel application of an existing technology can be used to aid surgical decision making to assess spinal stability and to investigate occult back and leg pain. Its use should be limited to specific clinical indications, given the relatively high radiation dose.

Diagnostic performance of dual-energy CT in nonspecific terminal ileitis.

To investigate the value of dual-energy CT (DECT) imaging in the diagnosis of nonspecific terminal ileitis (NTI). This is a retrospective study, enrolling patients with symptomatic terminal ileitis that underwent conventional multidetector CT (MDCT) enterography or DECT enterography. The sensitivity of the diagnosis of NTI between MDCT images and different kinds of DECT images (40-70 kev virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) and iodine density images) was compared. The iodine concentrations of lesion bowel wall among NTI, Crohn's disease (CD) and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) in DECT group and the value of lesion-to-non-lesion contrast ratios of all patients were measured. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for normalized iodine concentration (NIC) for differentiating among the three kinds of disease were drawn. The sensitivity for the diagnosis of NTI in DECT group (including 40 kev, 50keV VMIs, and iodine density images) were all 89.7%, significantly higher than that in MDCT group (65.1%) (P = 0.026). Statistical analysis did not reveal marked differences between 60 kev, 70 kev VMIs (86.2%) and MDCT images (65.1%) (P = 0.059). The NIC of NTI was (0.15 ± 0.04)100µg/cm3 and (0.45 ± 0.08)100µg/cm3, significantly lower than that of CD (0.34 ± 0.09) 100µg/cm3, (0.85 ± 0.06) 100µg/cm3 and that of ITB (0.29 ± 0.07) 100µg/cm3, (0.88 ± 0.07) 100µg/cm3 at the enteric phase (EP) and portal venous phase (PVP) (P < 0.001, wholly). The area under the ROC curves (AUROCs) of NICEP and NICPVP were 0.910 and 0.980, respectively, for differentiating between NTI and CD. The value of lesion-to-non-lesion contrast ratios is maximum on the 40keV VMI both EP and PVP. The value of lesion-to-non-lesion contrast ratios of NTI was lower than that of CD and ITB on each image. The AUROCs of NICEP and NICPVP were 0.875 and 0.940, respectively, for differentiating between NTI and ITB. DECT has higher sensitivity in the diagnosis of NTI than MDCT. Low-keV VMI and iodine density images of DECT can clearly show the NTI. DECT imaging can help to differentiate NTI from CD or ITB by comparing the NIC.

Intraoperative cone beam computed tomography of tracheal stenting for stenosis and fistula diseases: a retrospective cohort study.

Angiographic computed tomography (CT) is useful in various medical contexts, but little research has been presented regarding the application of cone beam CT (CBCT) in airway stenting. This study set out to evaluate the clinical feasibility of using CBCT in airway stent placement in a single-center retrospective cohort. A total of 228 patients with stenosis or fistula diseases were treated with metallic airway stents in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018. Of them, 128 patients underwent fluoroscopy-guided airway stenting. CBCT scanning was performed on the other 100 patients during and after treatment, and their images were compared with those from postoperative multidetector CT (MDCT). The outcomes and complications in the CBCT-guided and fluoroscopy-guided groups were also assessed via Pearson's χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. Tracheal stenting was performed successfully on the first attempt for 90 patients in the CBCT-guided group and 123 patients in the fluoroscopy-guided group. The mean measured diameters of the central airway in the CBCT images and MDCT images were 18.2±2.81 and 19.0±2.33 mm, respectively, and the mean lengths were 58.7±16.82 and 58.5±17.06 mm, respectively. In the CBCT-guided group and the fluoroscopy-guided group, the mean scores for visibility of the distal bronchus were 3.7±0.49 and 3.9±0.34, respectively; the mean scores for the pulmonary parenchyma were 3.3±0.71 and 3.9±0.31, respectively; and the mean scores for the airway above the upper stent graft were 1.8±0.41 and 4.0±0.20, respectively. Two of the three anatomical areas were reproduced in a diagnostically relevant way. The major complications rate was 7% and 19% in the CBCT-guided and fluoroscopy-guided groups, respectively. CBCT produces images with sufficient quality to replace MDCT as a reasonable control measure after stent implantation, and its use during surgery reduces complications relating to airway stent placement.

A study on the correlation between spleen volume estimated via cavalieri principle on computed tomography images with basic hemogram and biochemical blood parameters.

Considering its hematological and immunological functions, spleen is a very important organ. A change occurs in its size as the spleen performs these functions. This study aims to examine the possible relationships between spleen volume and the basic hemogram and biochemical parameters in serum. Multidetector computed tomography images and basic hemogram and biochemical parameters of 74 adult individuals, 34 male and 40 female, who were found to be healthy, were used in the study. Spleen volume was estimated using the Cavalieri method on multidetector computed tomography images and the correlations between the volume value with basic hemogram and biochemistry parameters were researched. While negative significant correlations were found between the estimated spleen volume and lymphocyte percentage (r=–0.224) and platelet level (r=–0.271); positive significant correlations were found between hemoglobin level (r=0.228), hematocrit level (r=0.237), alanine aminotransferase (r=0.345), and erythrocyte level (r=0.375). As a result of this study, a relationship was found between spleen volume and lymphocyte percentage, hematocrit level, erythrocyte level, platelet level, and alanine aminotransferase level in serum. We believe that the results of the study will provide a larger perspective to clinicians in the diagnosis of diseases associated with spleen.

Evaluation of the incidence of renal vein anomalies and their relationship with renal stone disease and renal tumors by abdominal multidetector computed tomography

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the types and incidence of renal vein anomaly (RVA) and their relationship with renal stone disease and renal tumors with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). &#x0D; Materials and Methods: We evaluated retrospectively 10124 patients abdominal MDCT images. After the exclusion criteria, the final study population consisted of 9294 patients. The demographic characteristics of the patients, the presence of RVA, the presence of renal stone disease and renal tumor were recorded. RVAs were separated into three subgroups: retroaortic left renal vein (RLRV), circumaortic left renal vein (CLRV), and double right renal vein (DRRV). The presence of renal stone disease and renal tumors were recorded in patients with RVAs.&#x0D; Results: 1389 cases had RVA (14.9%). RVA was higher in males than females. The prevalence of DRRV, RLRV, and CLRV were 9.5%, 3.9%, and 1.9%, respectively. Renal tumors was detected in 20, and renal stone disease was detected in 243 of 1389 RVA cases, there was no statistically significant correlation. However, a statistically significant correlation was found between left renal stone disease with RLRV and CRLV.&#x0D; Conclusion: Contrary to popular belief, RVAs are not uncommon. It is very important to know the presence of RVA before retroperitoneal surgery to prevent possible complications. In addition, RLRV and CLRV are thought to be factors that predispose to the development of left renal stone disease.

Diagnostic usefulness of cone-beam computed tomography versus multi-detector computed tomography for sinonasal structure evaluation.

ObjectiveCone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a promising imaging modality for sinonasal evaluation, with advantages of relatively low radiation dose, low cost, and quick outpatient imaging. Our study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance and image quality of CBCT with those of multi‐detector computed tomography (MDCT) with different slice thickness.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 60 consecutive patients who had undergone both CBCT and MDCT. MDCT images was reconstructed with 1 and 3 mm slice thickness. The quantitative image quality parameters (image noise, signal‐to‐noise ratio [SNR], and contrast‐to noise ratio [CNR] were calculated and compared between the two imaging modalities. Two observers (ENT surgeon and neuroradiologist) evaluated the presence of seven sinonasal anatomic variations in each patient and interobserver agreements were analyzed. The diagnostic performance of CBCT (0.3 mm) and MDCT (3 mm) was assessed and compared with that of high resolution MDCT (1 mm), which is considered as the gold standard.ResultsThe image noise was significantly higher and SNR and CNR values were lower in the CBCT (0.3 mm) group than in the MDCT groups (1 and 3 mm). The diagnostic performance of CBCT (0.3 mm) was similar to that of MDCT (1 mm) and superior to that of MDCT (3 mm). The highest interobserver agreement was for high resolution MDCT (1 mm), followed by CBCT (0.3 mm), and MDCT (3 mm).ConclusionConsidering its low radiation dose, low cost, and ease of clinical access, CBCT may be a useful imaging modality for as first line sinonasal evaluation and repeated follow up.Study design: Retrospective study in a tertiary referral university center.Level of evidence: NA.

3D Printing of Tooth Impressions Based on Multi-Detector Computed Tomography Images Combined with Beam Hardening Artifact Reduction in Metal Structures

We investigated the role of metal artifact reduction by taking 3D print impressions using 3D data of Computed Tomography (CT) images based on the algorithm applied. We manufactured a phantom of a human mandible tooth made of gypsum and nickel alloy to measure the metal artifacts. CT images were obtained by changing the phantom tube voltage and tube current. The signal intensity of the image generated by the metal artifacts before and after the iterative metal artifact reduction algorithm (iMAR) was measured. A 3D printing process was performed after converting the images, before and after iMAR application, into STL files using InVesalius version 3.1.1 by selecting the conditions that minimized the effect of the artifact. Regarding metal artifacts, the Hounsfield unit (HU) value showed low as the tube voltage increased. The iMAR-applied images acquired under the same conditions showed a significantly lower HU. The artifacts, in the form of flashes, persisted in the 3D-printed product of the image not subjected to iMAR, but were largely removed in the 3D-printed product following iMAR application. In this study, the application of iMAR and data acquired using high tube voltage eliminated a significant portion of the metal artifacts, resulting in an impression shape that was consistent with the human body.

Sex and stature estimation based on multidetector computed tomography imaging measurements of the sternum in Turkish population

: The aim of this study was to measure the accuracy of sternum measurement results obtained by multidetector computed tomography for sex and stature estimation and to develop regression formulas. : Multidetector computed tomography images of 237 cases (113 males, 124 females) were used. Manubrial length (ML), sternal body length (BL) and combined length of manubrium and sternal body (CL) as well as total sternal length (TSL) from the coronal plane images, manubrial width (MW), sternal body width at first sternebra (CSW1) and sternal body width at third sternebra (CSW3) were measured and evaluated. The effect of the measurements in determining the sex was determined by logistic regression analysis, and the effect in determining the stature was determined by linear regression analysis. : It was observed that the model created with MW, CSW1 and CL for stature estimation by linear regression analysis revealed with highest R2 value (R² = 0.416, SEE = 59.33 mm) of the cases. According to the logistic regression analysis, CL or TSL alone showed 85% accuracy in predicting sex. : This study shows that morphometric analysis of the sternum is important for sex and stature estimation in Turkish population and can be used effectively as an alternative in forensic anthropology in cases where only the sternum can be measured.

Aortic Arch Variants and Anomalies: Embryology, Imaging Findings, and Clinical Considerations.

There is a wide spectrum of congenital anomalies or variations of the aortic arch, ranging from non-symptomatic variations that are mostly detected incidentally to clinically symptomatic variations that cause severe respiratory distress or esophageal compression. Some of these may be accompanied by other congenital heart diseases or chromosomal anomalies. The widespread use of multidetector computed tomography (CT) in clinical practice has resulted in incidental detection of several variations of the aortic arch in adults. Thus, radiologists and clinicians should be aware of the classification of aortic arch anomalies and carefully look for imaging features associated with a high risk of clinical symptoms. Understanding the embryological development of the aortic arch aids in the classification of various subtypes of aortic arch anomalies and variants. For accurate diagnosis and precise evaluation of aortic arch anomalies, cross-sectional imaging modalities, such as multidetector CT or magnetic resonance imaging, play an important role by providing three-dimensional reconstructed images. In this review, we describe the embryological development of the thoracic aorta and discuss variations and anomalies of the aortic arch along with their clinical implications.

MDCT Evaluation of Celiac Axis Compression SyndromeA Rare Case Series

Celiac axis compression syndrome is an uncommon entity of abdominal vascular compression syndrome which results from the compression of the proximal celiac artery by the hypertrophied median arcuate ligament. The patients present clinically with postprandial abdominal pain predominantly in the epigastric region and weight loss. The use of thin-section Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) and 3-Dimensional (3D) image reconstruction has greatly improved the ability to obtain detailed images and helped to assess the abdominal vascular system non invasively. Five cases of celiac axis compression syndrome with its characteristic MDCT imaging features like hooked appearance, thickened median arcuate ligament more than 4 mm, poststenotic dilatation and posterior and inferior displacement of celiac artery with indentation on aorta have been described in the present case series and the imaging findings described by other authors in their reported studies have also been compared.