Planar Reformation Research Articles

A Deformable Constraint Transport Network for Optimal Aortic Segmentation From CT Images.

Aortic segmentation from computed tomography (CT) is crucial for facilitating aortic intervention, as it enables clinicians to visualize aortic anatomy for diagnosis and measurement. However, aortic segmentation faces the challenge of variable geometry in space, as the geometric diversity of different diseases and the geometric transformations that occur between raw and measured images. Existing constraint-based methods can potentially solve the challenge, but they are hindered by two key issues: inaccurate definition of properties and inappropriate topology of transformation in space. In this paper, we propose a deformable constraint transport network (DCTN). The DCTN adaptively extracts aortic features to define intra-image constrained properties and guides topological implementation in space to constrain inter-image geometric transformation between raw and curved planar reformation (CPR) images. The DCTN contains a deformable attention extractor, a geometry-aware decoder and an optimal transport guider. The extractor generates variable patches that preserve semantic integrity and long-range dependency in long-sequence images. The decoder enhances the perception of geometric texture and semantic features, particularly for low-intensity aortic coarctation and false lumen, which removes background interference. The guider explores the geometric discrepancies between raw and CPR images, constructs probability distributions of discrepancies, and matches them with inter-image transformation to guide geometric topology in space. Experimental studies on 267 aortic subjects and four public datasets show the superiority of our DCTN over 23 methods. The results demonstrate DCTN's advantages in aortic segmentation for different types of aortic disease, for different aortic segments, and in the measurement of clinical indexes.

COACT: Coronary artery centerline tracker.

The curved planar reformation (CPR) technique is one of the most commonly used methods in clinical practice to locate coronary arteries in medical images. The artery centerline is the cornerstone for the generation of the CPR image. Here, we describe the development of a new fully automatic artery centerline tracker with the aim of increasing the efficiency and accuracy of the process. We propose a COronary artery Centerline Tracker (COACT) framework which consists of an ostium point finder (OPFinder) model, an intersection point detector (IPDetector) model and a set of centerline tracking strategies. The output of OPFinder is the ostium points. The function of the IPDetector is to predict the intersections of a sample sphere and the centerlines. The centerline tracking process starts from two ostium points detected by the OPFinder, and combines the results of the IPDetector with a series of strategies to gradually reconstruct the coronary artery centerline tree. Two coronary CT angiography (CCTA) datasets were used to validate the models. Dataset1 contains 160 cases (32 for test and 128 for training) and dataset2 contains 70 cases (20 for test and 50 for training). The results show that the average distance between the ostium points predicted by the OPFinder and the manually annotated ostium points was 0.88mm, which is similar to the differences between the results obtained by two observers (0.85mm). For the IPDetector, the average overlap of the predicted and ground truth intersection points was 97.82% and this is also close to the inter-observer agreement of 98.50%. For the entire coronary centerline tree, the overlap between the results obtained by COACT and the gold standard was 94.33%, which is slightly lower than the inter-observer agreement, 98.39%. We have developed a fully automatic centerline tracking method for CCTA scans and achieved a satisfactory result. The proposed algorithms are also incorporated in the medical image analysis platform TIMESlice (https://slice-doc.netlify.app) for further studies.

Diagnostic value of curved planar reformation of MRI for lumbosacral nerve roots in the localization of nerve roots for adult lumbar degenerative scoliosis.

To compare the diagnostic value of curved planar reformation of MRI (MRI-CPR) and 2D MRI in determining the responsible nerve in patients with adult lumbar degenerative scoliosis (ALDS). A total of 45 patients diagnosed with ALDS were included in the study. All patients underwent MRI-CPR and 2D MRI and subsequently received surgery. These two diagnostic methods were compared with the results of surgical exploration to assess nerve root compression. The sensitivity and accuracy of MRI-CPR are higher than 2D MRI (93.8% vs 80.0%; 92.8% vs 77.7%, respectively). And the specificity of MRI-CPR is higher than 2D MRI (87.5% vs 68.8%). Besides, the PPV and NPV of MRI-CPR are higher than 2D MRI (96.8% vs 91.2%; 7.8.% vs 45.8%). The area (AUC) under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for MRI-CPR and 2D MRI was 0.74 and 0.91, respectively. The judgement was made by two independent radiologists, while the consistency tests for 2D MRI and MRI-CPR with Kappa values were 90.6% and 82.2%, respectively. The clinical diagnostic value of MRI-CPR was better than 2D MRI in the determination of the responsible nerve root. Moreover, MRI-CPR sequence images can clearly show the route of lumbosacral nerve roots and their relationship with adjacent tissues. Therefore, MRI-CPR can be an important complement to conventional 2D MRI in the diagnosis of responsible nerve roots in patients with ALDS.

Preoperative Triple-Phase Three-Dimensional-Multi-Detector Computed Tomography Imaging of the Hepatic Vascular Tree: An Accurate Road Map Prior to Tumor Resection in Hepatoblastoma.

To evaluate the hepatic vasculature/tumor relations in hepatoblastoma patients with three-dimensional (3D) reformatted images after triple-phase multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and to compare these with the surgical findings to judge the accuracy of this investigation. The study was carried out in hepatoblastoma patients after appropriate neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, prior to resection. Images were postprocessed at a dedicated workstation for multi-planar reformations, maximum intensity projection, curved planar reformations, and volume-rendered technique reconstructions. The reporting was done as per a specific protocol by both the radiologist and surgeon (per-operative findings) and the accuracy of MDCT ascertained as per concordance between the surgical and imaging findings. Fourteen children (13 boys, 1 girl) underwent surgery. Clinically, relevant information regarding vascular, tumor involvement, and interface with vessels was provided by the study in all cases. Although all tumors were deemed resectable on preoperative imaging, one procedure was abandoned due to an unanticipated portal cavernoma. While a few anatomical variations were unexpectedly encountered during surgery, there was good concordance overall between findings on imaging and surgical exploration. MDCT with 3D reformatting provides accurate virtual representations of the hepatic tumor. This allows simulation of surgical resection with decreased risk of vascular injury and postoperative liver failure.

Emerging Technology in Musculoskeletal MRI and CT.

This article provides a focused overview of emerging technology in musculoskeletal MRI and CT. These technological advances have primarily focused on decreasing examination times, obtaining higher quality images, providing more convenient and economical imaging alternatives, and improving patient safety through lower radiation doses. New MRI acceleration methods using deep learning and novel reconstruction algorithms can reduce scanning times while maintaining high image quality. New synthetic techniques are now available that provide multiple tissue contrasts from a limited amount of MRI and CT data. Modern low-field-strength MRI scanners can provide a more convenient and economical imaging alternative in clinical practice, while clinical 7.0-T scanners have the potential to maximize image quality. Three-dimensional MRI curved planar reformation and cinematic rendering can provide improved methods for image representation. Photon-counting detector CT can provide lower radiation doses, higher spatial resolution, greater tissue contrast, and reduced noise in comparison with currently used energy-integrating detector CT scanners. Technological advances have also been made in challenging areas of musculoskeletal imaging, including MR neurography, imaging around metal, and dual-energy CT. While the preliminary results of these emerging technologies have been encouraging, whether they result in higher diagnostic performance requires further investigation.

Curved Planar Reformation: A Useful Method for Screening Dental Pathologies in Chronic Rhinosinusitis via Paranasal Sinus Computed Tomography.

(1) Background: Curved planar reformation (CPR) is a multiplanar reformatting technique of computed tomography (CT) commonly used during dental cone-beam CT (CBCT) to generate panorex-like images for dental evaluation. Here, we evaluated the utility of an additional CPR sequence in detecting dental pathologies in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). (2) Methods: CRS patients who underwent paranasal sinus CT were enrolled retrospectively. The CT images featured three orthogonal sequences and a reconstructed CPR sequence. Additional dental CBCT was performed in patients with pathologies with a strongly suspected odontogenic origin. Dental pathologies detected by CT, CPR, and CBCT were analyzed. (3) Results: A total of 82 CRS patients (37 females and 45 males; mean age 47.3 ± 13.7 years) were included, of whom 23 underwent dental CBCT. In total, 1058 maxillary teeth were evaluated. Compared with paranasal sinus CT, CPR identified greater frequencies of dental pathologies, particularly caries (p < 0.001), periapical lesions (p < 0.001), and fistulae (p = 0.014). CBCT identified greater frequencies of periodontal dental pathologies (p = 0.046) and premolar caries (p = 0.002) compared with CPR. CBCT and CPR detected molar dental pathologies at similar frequencies. (4) Conclusions: CPR could increase the diagnostic rate of odontogenic pathologies compared with standard CT orthogonal views, especially when the sinusitis is caused by caries, periapical lesions, or fistulae. The addition of a CPR sequence allows for simple screening of dental pathologies in CRS patients without a need for additional radiation.

The evaluation of facial nerve canal diameter in patients with ipsilateral recurrent idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis.

This study evaluated the effects of the diameter of facial canal segments on the ipsilateral recurrence of idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis. This study enrolled 20 patients with ipsilateral recurrent idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis. Measurements were made at the meatal foramen and mid-level of the labyrinthine segment and the narrowest and widest diameters of the mastoid and tympanic segments using the curved planar reformation technique with high-resolution computed tomography. The diameters of the labyrinthine segment measured at the meatal foramen and mid-level segments and the narrowest and widest diameters of the tympanic and mastoid segments on the recurrent paralytic side were significantly smaller than the diameters of the segments on the healthy side. The narrowness of the facial canal segments may be a risk factor in recurrent idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis.

Intelligent Algorithms-Based CT Image Segmentation in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases and Realization of Visualization Algorithms

The study focused on the intelligent algorithms-based segmentation of computed tomography (CT) images of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and the realization of visualization algorithms. The first step was to design a method for precise segmentation under the cylinder model based on the coronary body data of the coarse segmentation, and then the principles of different visualization algorithms were discussed. The results showed that the precise segmentation method can effectively eliminate most of the branches and calcified lesions; curved planar reformation (CPR) and straightened CPR can display the entire blood vessel on one image; and spherical CPR can display the complete coronary artery tree on an image, so that a problem with a certain blood vessel can be quickly found. In conclusion, the precise segmentation of CT images of CVD and visualization algorithm based on the cylinder model have clinical significance in the diagnosis of CVD.

COMPARATION OF MASTOID TRIANGLE AREA MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES USING VOLUME RENDERING POST PROCESSING AND MULTI PLANAR REFORMATION

Background: Identification in the anthropology of the forensic world using radiographic methods can be evaluated from variations in the human skeleton. The skull is the most dimorphic part of the skeleton, precisely in the temporal bone, namely the mastoid process. The use of advanced radiological technology in the evaluation of the mastoid process in humans can be done using the CT scan modality. Purpose: To determine the measurement results of the total area of the mastoid triangle using post processing volume rendering and multi planar reformation. Method: This type of research is an analytic observational study with a retrospective approach. The number of samples used were 152 raw data of patients with criteria aged 26-65 years and without any pathological changes in the mastoid process area. This research uses simple random sampling technique. Measurements were carried out 10 times by using 2 gauges, and using 3D slicer software on volume rendering and multi planar reformation reconstruction data. Data were analyzed using the free sample T test. Result: Measurer A produces total area of mastoid triangle using volume rendering is 1165.72 ± 1.2506 and multi planar reformation is 1145.84 ± 1.46512, with a significance value of 0.204 (p &gt; 0.05). Similar results were obtained by measuring B. Measurer A produced a total area of mastoid triangle using volume rendering is 1159.91 ± 1.29691 and an multi planar reformation is 1146.56 ± 1.4606, with a significance value of 0.400 (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that there was no significant difference in the results of measuring the total area of mastoid triangle using post processing volume rendering and multi planar reformation.

Image Rendering Techniques in Postmortem Computed Tomography: Evaluation of Biological Health and Profile in Stranded Cetaceans.

With 6 years of experience in implementing virtopsy routinely into the Hong Kong cetacean stranding response program, standardized virtopsy procedures, postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) acquisition, postprocessing, and evaluation were successfully established. In this pioneer cetacean virtopsy stranding response program, PMCT was performed on 193 stranded cetaceans, providing postmortem findings to aid necropsy and shed light on the biological health and profile of the animals. This study aimed to assess 8 image rendering techniques in PMCT, including multiplanar reconstruction, curved planar reformation, maximum intensity projection, minimum intensity projection, direct volume rendering, segmentation, transfer function, and perspective volume rendering. Illustrated with practical examples, these techniques were able to identify most of the PM findings in stranded cetaceans and served as a tool to investigate their biological health and profile. This study could guide radiologists, clinicians and veterinarians through the often difficult and complicated realm of PMCT image rendering and reviewing.

Shockwave lithotripsy facilitates large-bore vascular access through calcified arteries.

BackgroundOur objective is to explore the Peripheral Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) System in the treatment of calcific access vessels during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), and transcatheter aortic valve intervention.MethodsThis retrospective, single-center study evaluated the outcomes of patients undergoing TEVAR, EVAR, or transcatheter aortic valve intervention with severe calcific arterial disease between July 2018 and August 2019. Maximum circumferential calcification, length of calcification, and inner/outer diameter measurements were collected with curved planar reformation by medical imaging software (Aquarius APS, TeraRecon, Foster City, Calif). Effective luminal gain was calculated using the minimal inner diameter and the largest bore passed within the vessel lumen. End points included technical success, mortality, adverse events, and requirement for bail out maneuvers. Technical success was defined as successful delivery and deployment of device or endograft.ResultsNine patients were included (mean age, 79.3 ± 9.79 years; range, 59-97 years]). four transcatheter aortic valve replacement, one TEVAR, one EVAR, and three fenestrated EVAR. Six patients (66.7%) had more than one artery treated; the segments treated included common iliac artery (seven patients [77.8%]), the external iliac artery (seven patients [77.8%]), and the common femoral artery (one patient [11.1%]). The average inner iliac vessel diameter was 3.38 ± 0.99 mm (range, 1.87-4.72 mm). The average outside diameter of device introduced was 7.2 ± 0.94 (range, 6.3-8.8 mm) with 229% effective luminal gain. Technical success was achieved in 100% of cases with a 0% mortality. Adjunctive measures were needed in five cases (55.6%). One vessel perforation was controlled with covered stent (Viabahn; W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) deployment. Dissection was identified in two cases requiring stent placement. Two cases required the use of the Terumo International Systems SOLOPATH Balloon Expandable TransFemoral System (Terumo Interventional Systems, Somerset, NJ). One case deployed a Viabahn stent applying the “crack and pave” technique.ConclusionsAs the population of the United States ages, calcified arterial disease will become an everyday clinical conundrum. Furthermore, the procedures for which the IVL system is geared toward facilitating will likely also increase in use. The IVL system is an additional tool in the vascular surgeon's armamentarium to obtain large-bore access in these calcified vessels. Further studies are needed to better assess the clinical effectiveness of the IVL system.

Efficacy of the Decalcification of Heavily Calcified Femoral Bifurcation Lesions Using a Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator

In the current diabetes era, severe calcified femoral bifurcation lesions extending to the external elastic lamina are sometimes experienced and are technically challenging during conventional endarterectomy. We previously reported an alternative method, a decalcification technique with a Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (CUSA), for calcified lesions. This study aimed to clarify the efficacy of CUSA decalcification technique. A total of 26 limbs treated with CUSA decalcification from 2014 to 2017 were enrolled and evaluated hemodynamically with ankle-brachial index (ABI) and morphologically with computed tomography angiography (CTA). ABI was measured every 6months, and CTA was performed early after surgery and then annually thereafter. Curved planar reformation images and cross-sectional multiplanar reconstruction images obtained by CTA were used to measure the cross-sectional area of the common femoral artery (CFA). Then, the time courses of the ABI and CFA areas were analyzed. The operative indication was claudication in 80.8%, rest pain in 7.7%, and tissue loss in 11.5% of the cases. A concomitant profundaplasty was performed in 34.6% of the cases. One case of an intraoperative arterial wall perforation was experienced as a procedure-related complication. Hemodynamic success rate was 96.2% (preoperative ABI: 0.37±0.28, postoperative ABI: 0.75±0.15, P<0.0001) and technical success rate was 100.0% (preoperative CFA area: 4.1±5.9mm2, postoperative CFA area: 46.1±17.0mm2, P<0.0001), with clinical improvement achieved in 95.8% of cases. Primary and secondary patency rates of the CFA were 100.0% at 2years postoperatively, and the reintervention-free rate for the ipsilateral limb was 88.5% at 2years postoperatively. Over a median follow-up period of 28.0 months (range, 12.3-67.0 months), the restenosis rate of CFA was 7.6%, when restenosis was defined as a >50% decrease in cross-sectional area. CUSA decalcification is a safe and effective alternative method to treat heavily calcified femoral lesions with a good patency rate and a low restenosis rate.

Development of a multivariable prediction model for patient-adjusted aortic risk morphology.

Preventing type A aortic dissection requires reliable prediction. We developed and validated a multivariable prediction model based on anthropometry to define patient-adjusted thresholds for aortic diameter and length. We analysed computed tomography angiographies and clinical data from 510 control patients, 143 subjects for model validation, 125 individuals with ascending aorta ectasia (45-54 mm), 58 patients with aneurysm (≥55 mm), 206 patients with type A aortic dissection and 19 patients who had received a computed tomography angiography ≤2 years before they suffered from a type A aortic dissection. Computed tomography angiographies were analysed using curved planar reformations. In the control group, the mean ascending aortic diameter was 33.8 mm [standard deviation (SD) ±5.2 mm], and the length, measured from the aortic valve to the brachiocephalic trunk, was 91.9 mm (SD ±12.2 mm); both diameter and length were correlated with anthropometric parameters and were smaller than the respective values in all pathological groups (P < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis of the control group revealed that age, sex and body surface area were predictors of ascending aorta diameter (R2 = 0.40) and length (R2 = 0.26). Bicuspidity of the aortic valve was not included in the model; its prevalence was only 3.2% in the control group but >25% in the ectasia and aneurysm groups. The regression model provides a patient-adjusted prediction of the thresholds for aortic diameter and length. In our retrospective data, the model resulted in better identification of aortas at the risk of dissection than the conventional 55-mm diameter threshold. The model is available as an Internet calculator (www.aorticcalculator.com).

A novel algorithm for refining cerebral vascular measurements in infants and adults

BackgroundComprehensive quantification of intracranial vascular characteristics by vascular tracing provides an objective clinical assessment of vascular structure. However, weak signal or low contrast in small distal arteries, artifacts due to volitional motion, and vascular pulsation are challenges for accurate vessel tracing from 3D time-of-flight (3D-TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images. New MethodA vascular measurement refinement algorithm is developed and validated for robust quantification of intracranial vasculature from 3D-TOF MRA. After automated vascular tracing, centerline positions, lumen radii and centerline deviations are jointly optimized to restrict traces to within vascular regions in the straightened curved planar reformation (CPR) views. The algorithm is validated on simulated vascular images and on repeat 3D-TOF MRA acquired from infants and adults. ResultsThe refinement algorithm can reliably estimate vascular radius and correct deviated centerlines. For the simulated vascular image with noise level of 1 and deviation of centerline of 3, the mean radius difference is below 15.3 % for scan-rescan reliability. Vascular features from repeated clinical scans show significantly improved measurement agreement, with intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) improvement from 0.55 to 0.7 for infants and from 0.59 to 0.92 for adults. Comparison with Existing MethodsThe refinement algorithm is novel because it utilizes straightened CPR views that incorporate information from the entire artery. In addition, the optimization corrects centerline positions, lumen radii and centerline deviations simultaneously. ConclusionsIntracranial vasculature quantification using a novel refinement algorithm for vascular tracing improves the reliability of vascular feature measurements in both infants and adults.

Correlation of intraoperative and HRCT of temporal bone findings in CSOM

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess diagnostic role of High Resolution Multi-detector Computed Tomography (HRMDCT) of temporal bone in the evaluation of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) and to correlate intraoperative and HRCT findings in CSOM in selective cases. Material and Methods: 57 patients presented with CSOM in ENT department, referred to Radio diagnosis department were included in this study. The suspected patients were subjected to HRCT of Temporal bone using GE Bright speed Elite16 multi slice CT machine with 0.6mm plain axial and coronal slices with multi planar reformations. Results: The reported findings were correlated with clinical and surgical findings in subset of cases. Sensitivity, Specificity of HRMDCT with respect to clinical and surgical correlation in selective cases was evaluated. Among 30 surgical cases, most of them were atticoantral (53.4%) followed by tubotympanic CSOM (46.6%). On surgical correlation, HRCT has a high sensitivity (84.36%), specificity (80%), PPV of 90.4% and accuracy of 90% in the diagnosis of type of CSOM. A significant association with p value Conclusion: a good sensitivity, specificity of HRCT of temporal bone has a major role in the diagnosis of type of CSOM with respect to surgical correlation. HRCT of Temporal bone affords essential information regarding the disease extent, associated complications, aiding clinicians in deciding the appropriate surgical planning and management, thereby making HRMDCT an essential pre workup diagnostic tool. Keywords: Temporal bone, Cholesteatoma, HRCT, Facial canal dehiscence.

Application of post-processing technique in diagnosis of coronary computed tomography angiography imaging

Coronary artery disease (CAD) as a common chronic disease, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most urgent manifestations of CAD which had a highly mortality. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) combined with post-processing technique was the best way to diagnosis CAD in routine examination. By various postprocessing techniques, such as Volume rendering (VR), Curved planar reformations (CPR) techniques can speed up the complicated processing of CCTA and improve the diagnostic accuracy of radiologists.

Game changers in vascular and endovascular surgery

Game changers in vascular and endovascular surgery

Evaluation of multi‐slice spiral computed tomography application in the diagnosis of arterial root lesions

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the value of multi‐slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) enhanced scanning and postprocessing techniques in the diagnosis of arterial root lesions (ARL) in order to improve the understanding and diagnostic accuracy of ARL. We retrospectively analyzed the MSCT imaging findings of 1546 patients. MSCT parameters included the aortic valve annulus level, sinuses of Valsalva level, a sinotubular junction level, ascending aorta, effective diameter, aortic wall thickness, coronary artery height, and coronary sinus depth. The specific measurement method used was curved planar reformation. MSCT found 93 cases of aortic valve disease (AVD). The diagnostic accuracy of MSCT for AVD was 91.7% (33/36). MSCT found 95 cases of acute aortic syndrome involving the aortic root, 71 of which were Stanford type A‐aortic dissection (AD), 22 cases of Stanford type A‐interstitial hematoma (IHM), and two cases of penetrating aortic ulcers (PAU). MSCT diagnosed Stanford type A‐AD, Stanford type A‐IHM, and PAU had a specificity of 99.8% and a sensitivity of 98.9%. In conclusion, MSCT enhanced scanning and postprocessing techniques can accurately display the aortic root and adjacent structures, with clear positioning and high diagnostic accuracy, which can provide important basis for clinical diagnosis, preoperative localization, and postoperative follow‐up.

Postintubation Tracheal Rupture Detected by Virtual Endoscopy and Curved Planar Reformation.

Postintubation Tracheal Rupture Detected by Virtual Endoscopy and Curved Planar Reformation.

Flat chest projection in the detection and visualization of rib fractures: A cross-sectional study comparing curved and multiplanar reformation of computed tomography images in different reader groups

BackgroundRib fractures are common and potentially life-threatening. Fast and correct detection as well as comprehensive visual overview of rib fractures are of clinical and forensic importance. This study compared two computed tomography (CT) reformation methods, curved planar reformation (CPR) with conventional multiplanar reformation (MPR), regarding detection of rib fractures in different readers. MethodsTwelve postmortem CT datasets were retrospectively assessed for rib fractures using CPR and MPR. After defining the gold-standard regarding side, level, localization, and quantity of fractures, four reader groups per two readers consisting of radiologists, trauma surgeons, forensic pathologists, and laypersons, were evaluated for sensitivity, proportion of false positives, time to fracture detection, and subjective preference. ResultsOverall sensitivity for fracture detection did not vary significantly between both methods. However, it was significantly higher in trauma surgeons and laypersons when reading CPR compared to MPR (70.7% vs. 62.0%, p=0.038 and 33.7% vs. 22.1%, p=0.003 respectively). It was significantly lower in radiologists (63.8% vs. 76.8%, p=0.001). Forensic pathologists performed similarly with both methods (53.6% vs. 56.5%, p=0.549). All non-radiologists preferred the use of CPR (75%). All readers found CPR to provide better visual overview (100%). ConclusionCPR may increase rib fracture detection rates of non-radiologists (i.e. trauma surgeons and laypersons) and provides a better visual overview. However, radiologists achieve higher fracture detection rates when allowed to work with the software tools they are more experienced with. The overall sensitivity was improvable and better visualization methods are warranted in order to avoid misdiagnosis and medicolegal errors regarding rib fracture detection.