Preoperative Multislice Computed Tomography Research Articles

Improved radiological imaging of congenital aural atresia using flat-panel volume CT

Abstract Background Precise preoperative radiological evaluation of aural atresia is of utmost importance for surgical planning. Until now, multislice computed tomography (MSCT) has been used but it cannot adequately visualize small structures such as the stapes. Flat-panel volume CT (fpVCT) with its secondary reconstructions (fpVCTSECO) offers a high-resolution visualization of the middle ear. New otosurgical planning software also enables detailed 3D reconstruction of the middle ear anatomy. Aim of the work Evaluation of the use of fpVCTSECO in combination with an otosurgical planning software for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment of congenital aural atresia. Material and methods Seven patients with congenital aural atresia underwent preoperative MSCT (600 µm slice thickness) and corresponding fpVCT (466 µm slice thickness). In addition, fpVCTSECO (99 µm slice thickness) were reconstructed. The Jahrsdoerfer and Siegert grading scores were determined and their applicability in the abovementioned imaging modalities was evaluated. In addition, the malleus incus complex was analyzed in 3D rendering. Results Imaging with fpVCTSECO enabled reliable visualization of the abnormalities, in particular the ossicular chain. A significant difference in the Siegert grading score was found. In addition, the malleus-incus complex could be visualized better in 3D. Discussion The introduction of new imaging techniques and surgical planning techniques into the diagnostic concept of aural atresia facilitates the identification of malformed anatomy and enables systematic analysis. This combination can also help to more accurately classify the pathology and thus increase the safety and success of the surgical procedure.

Improved radiological imaging of congenital aural atresia using flat-panel volume CT. German version

Precise preoperative radiological evaluation of aural atresia is of utmost importance for surgical planning. Until now, multislice computed tomography (MSCT) has been used but it cannot adequately visualize small structures such as the stapes. Flat-panel volume CT (fpVCT) with its secondary reconstructions (fpVCTSECO) offers ahigh-resolution visualization of the middle ear. New otosurgical planning software also enables detailed 3D reconstruction of the middle ear anatomy. Evaluation of the use of fpVCTSECO in combination with an otosurgical planning software for amore accurate diagnosis and treatment of congenital aural atresia. Sevenpatients with congenital aural atresia underwent preoperative MSCT (600 µm slice thickness) and corresponding fpVCT (466 µm slice thickness). In addition, fpVCTSECO (99 µm slice thickness) were reconstructed. The Jahrsdoerfer and Siegert grading scores were determined and their applicability in the abovementioned imaging modalities was evaluated. In addition, the malleus incus complex was analyzed in 3D rendering. Imaging with fpVCTSECO enabled reliable visualization of the abnormalities, in particular the ossicular chain. Asignificant difference in the Siegert grading score was found. In addition, the malleus-incus complex could be visualized better in 3D. The introduction of new imaging techniques and surgical planning techniques into the diagnostic concept of aural atresia facilitates the identification of malformed anatomy and enables systematic analysis. This combination can also help to more accurately classify the pathology and thus increase the safety and success of the surgical procedure.

Supra-renal aortic atheroma extent and composition predict acute kidney injury after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A three-dimensional computed tomography study

ObjectiveAcute kidney injury (AKI) may complicate transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and could be linked to atheroembolization associated with catheter manipulation in the supra-renal (SR) aorta.We sought to determine the impact of SR aortic atheroma burden (SR-AAB) and composition, as well as of the aortic valve calcium score (AV-CS), measured at pre-operative multislice computed tomography (PO-MSCT), on AKI-TAVR. MethodsAll TAVR-patients 3 January-2018 to December-2020 were included. A three-dimensional analysis of PO-MSCT was performed, calculating percentage SR-AAB (%SR-AAB) as [(absolute SR-AAB volume)*100/vessel volume]. Types of plaque were defined according to Hounsfield unit (HU) intensity ranges. Calcified plaque was subcategorized into 3 strata: low- (351–700 HU), mid- (701–1000 HU), and high‑calcium (>1000 HU, termed 1 K-plaque). ResultsThe study population included 222 patients [mean age 83.3 ± 5.7 years, 95 (42.8%) males], AKI-TAVR occurred in 67/222 (30.2%). Absolute SR-AAB (41.3 ± 16.4 cm3 vs. 32.5 ± 10.7 cm3,p < 0.001) and %SR-AAB (17.6 ± 5.1% vs. 13.9 ± 4.3%,p < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients developing AKI-TAVR.Patients who developed AKI-TAVR had higher mid‑calcium (6.9 ± 3.8% vs. 4.2 ± 3.5%,p < 0.001) and 1 K-plaque (5.4 ± 3.7% vs. 2.4 ± 2.4%,p < 0.001) with no difference in AV-CS (p = 0.691).Adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that %SR-AAB [OR (x%increase): 1.12, 95%CI: 1.04–1.22,p = 0.006] and %SR-calcified plaque [OR (x%increase): 5.60, 95%CI: 2.50–13.36,p < 0.001] were associated with AKI-TAVR. Finally, 3-knots spline analyses identified %SR-AAB >15.0% and %SR-calcified plaque >7.0% as optimal thresholds to predict an increased risk of AKI-TAVR. ConclusionsSuprarenal aortic atheroma, when highly calcified, is associated with AKI-TAVR. Perioperative-MSCT assessment of aortic atherosclerosis may help in identification of patients at high-risk for AKI-TAVR, who could benefit from higher peri-operative surveillance.

579 Pre-operative computed tomography evaluation of suprarenal aortic burden predicts post-procedural acute kidney injury after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: the spread-AKI study

Abstract Aims Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a potential complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Athero-embolization linked to catheter manipulation in the supra-renal aorta is a possible pathogenetic mechanism of AKI after TAVR. We sought to determine the impact of supra-renal aortic atheroma burden (AB) on AKI, and the potential role of pre-operative multislice computed tomography (PO-MSCT) in evaluating the supra-renal aortic atherosclerosis and the pre-operative risk of AKI. Methods and results We collected PO-MSCT, as well as baseline, procedural, and post-procedural characteristics of 222 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR from January 2018 to December 2020 at a single, high-volume, Italian centre. PO-MSCT was performed using a dedicated TAVR protocol with an ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral acquisition. The non-contrast aortic valve calcium score (AV-CS) was calculated by a dedicated software. Angiographic data were analysed on a dedicated 3D workstation. Bidimensional measurements, total renal volume (TRV), and presence of significant (≥50%) renal artery stenosis (RAS) were recorded. The supra-renal AB was quantified using a ‘plaque analysis’ module that automatically segments the entire aortic root, from the sino-tubular junction to the renal arteries, by drawing a centreline across the aortic lumen and delineating the inner and outer vessel walls (including the plaque). Manual correction was applied. A set of Hounsfield unit (HU) intensity ranges were defined and mapped to a color overlay to visualize the various elements of atherosclerotic lesion by using the plaque density classification of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (necrotic core, fibro-fatty, fibrous, and calcified plaque); calcified plaque were subcategorized on a voxel-level basis into three strata: low- (351–700 HU), mid- (701–1000 HU), and high-calcium (&amp;gt;1000 HU, termed 1K plaque). Post-procedural complications were defined according to Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC-3) criteria. Mean age was 83.3 ± 5.7 years, and 95 (42.8%) patients were males. AKI occurred in 67/222 (30.2%). Patients who developed AKI had higher supra-renal AB (17.6 ± 5.1% vs. 13.9 ± 4.3%, P &amp;lt; 0.001), TRV indexed for body surface area (TRVBSA; 153.7 ± 43.1 vs. 134.9 ± 38.7, P = 0.002), mid-calcium plaque (2.2 ± 1.5% vs. 1.3 ± 1.1%, P &amp;lt; 0.001), 1K plaque (5.4 ± 3.7% vs. 2.4 ± 2.4%, P &amp;lt; 0.001) and suffered more post-procedural major/life-threatening (severe) bleedings [9/67 (13.4%) vs. 5/155 (3.2%), P = 0.004], whereas there was no difference in AV-CS (P = 0.691) and RAS (P = 0.077). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for other univariate predictors (male sex, baseline eGFR, baseline ejection fraction, baseline mean aortic gradient, and RAS) showed percent supra-renal AB (HR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06–1.26, P = 0.002), mid-to-high calcium plaque (HR: 5.67, 95% CI: 2.49–13.77, P &amp;lt; 0.001), severe bleedings (HR: 4.93, 95% CI: 1.09–24.69, P = 0.043), and TRVBSA (HR: 1.015, 95% CI: 1.01–1.02, P = 0.021) as independent predictors of AKI. Finally, a 3-knots spline curve analysis identified percent of supra-renal AB &amp;gt; 15.0% as the optimal threshold to predict an increased risk of AKI. Conclusions Suprarenal AB is associated with the occurrence of AKI, and this association is strengthened as the percentage of calcified plaque increases. Quantitative and qualitative pre-operative MSCT assessment of aortic atherosclerosis may help in early identification of patients at high-risk for AKI who could benefit from higher peri-operative surveillance.

Identification of anatomic risk factors for scalar translocation in cochlear implant patients

AimMicroanatomical evaluation of cochlear implant (CI) patients to identify anatomical risk factors for a scalar translocation. MethodsCI patients with both a regular scala tympani spiralization (group A) and a scalar translocation (group B) were identified via postoperative flat-detector computed tomography (FD-CT). Then, the corresponding preoperative multislice computed tomography (MS-CT) and postoperative FD-CT datasets were assessed: First, the cochleae were separated in 6 segments of 45° each. Next, quantitative (cochlea height, length, depth, cochlear duct diameter [CD] per segment; percentual tapering of the CD per segment named cochlear geometry index [CGI]) and qualitative (identifiability of the CI model; CI-integrity; intracochlear array position) parameters were evaluated and compared for both groups. Receiver-operating-characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed for the CGI. ResultsIn total, 40 preoperative MS-CT and postoperative FD-CT datasets (nA=20; nB=20) were analysed. Model “CI 512” was successfully identified and CI-integrity has been confirmed in all cases. Quantitative analysis showed a significant difference of both the CD at 0° (CDA0°= 2.06± 0.23mm; CDB0°= 2.19±0.18mm; p0°= 0.04) and the CGI of the first segment (CGIA0°-45°= 18.87±6.04%; CGIB0°-45°= 28.89±8.58%; p0°-45°= 0.0001). For all other 5 cochlear segments there was no significant difference of CD and CGI; there was no significant difference of external cochlea diameters. The area under the curve (AUC) of the CGI0-45° was 0.864 with 24.50° as the optimal cut-off value to discriminate patients with a scala tympani spiralization and a scalar translocation. CGI0-45° of> 24.50° allowed the correct identification of 85% of patients with a scalar translocation. ConclusionCI insertion trauma is associated with a significantly higher narrowing of the proximal basal cochlea turn (BCT). The CGI as percentual tapering of the BCT turned out as reliable, clinically applicable parameter for identification of patients with an increased risk for a scalar translocation.

Risk prediction of posttraummatic enophthalmos development on the basis of orbital volume calculations using multislice computed tomography data

Purpose. To elaborate a method of orbital volume measurement in patients with midface trauma at pre- and postoperative stages on the basis of multislice computed tomography (MSCT); to investigate the capabilities of orbital volume measurement to acquire additional diagnostic information and to estimate the risk of postoperative enophthalmos development.&#x0D; Materials and methods. A total of 71 patients (100%) with midface trauma were examined at the Sechenov University clinic. At pre- and postoperative stages, all patients (n = 71, 100%) were examined using MSCT (Toshiba Aquilion One 640) with 0.5 mm slice thickness in bone and soft tissue regimen. To measure orbital volume, MSCT data were processed using Vitrea workstation: bone borders of the right and left orbit were marked before and after surgical treatment on every axial slice, and orbital volumes were presented in ml.&#x0D; Results. Preoperative MSCT data management revealed increased orbital volume due to orbital trauma in 64 patients (90%), the difference between healthy and traumatized orbit was between 2 ml and 14 ml. In these patients, reconstructive surgical procedure was performed. In 7 patients (10%) with mild midface trauma, the difference between orbital volumes was less than 2 ml, this was considered as a positive prognostic factor, and these patients were not subjects to surgical treatment. After surgery, in 55 patients (77%) the orbital volume restored, the difference between orbital volumes was less than 2 ml. In 9 cases (13%), the difference in orbital volume was more than 2 ml, considered as adverse prognostic factor which means that there still was a risk of postoperative enophthalmos development. In this patient group, additional diagnostic examination was necessary, and patients required planning of residual enophthalmos surgical correction with MSCT control during the post-op period.&#x0D; Conclusion. Postprocessing of the MSCT data gave the possibility to calculate pre-and postoperative orbital volume changes and present it in mathematical units (ml) in 3D mode. As the result the additional information can be acquired in order to identify the risk of postoperative enophthalmos.

Evaluation of the characteristics of hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia: correlation between dynamic contrast-enhanced multislice computed tomography and pathological findings.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the characteristics of enhancement of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) of the liver by analyzing the dynamic contrast-enhanced multislice computed tomography (MSCT) features and correlating them with pathological findings.Patients and methodsNine males and 16 females with pathologically confirmed FNH and complete preoperative contrast-enhanced MSCT data were recruited for this study. The imaging features of FNH on the pre- and postcontrast MSCT were analyzed by two experienced radiologists by consensus.ResultsPathology showed central scars and abnormal blood vessels in 17 and 21 of 25 lesions, respectively, while MSCT with multiphase enhancement showed central scars in eight of the 17 lesions (47.1%) and abnormal arteries or draining veins in 13 of the 21 lesions (61.9%). Furthermore, abnormal draining veins in five lesions were found to be diagnostic, which is another important finding.ConclusionMultiphase scanning can provide the panorama of FNH lesions and reveal their enhancement patterns and pathological characteristics. Abnormal blood vessels within or around the lesion are demonstrated more often than central scar, and both should be observed for FNH diagnosis.

Multislice computed tomography-guided surgical repair of acquired posterior left ventricular aneurysms: demonstration of mitral valve and left ventricular reverse remodelling.

Involvement of the mitral valve (MV) apparatus represents a challenge in surgical ventricular repair (SVR) of posterior left ventricular (LV) aneurysms. This study sought to investigate whether multislice computed tomography (MSCT) assessment can be used to optimize the surgical procedure for posterior LV aneurysms. Thirty patients (m : w = 24 : 6, age 38-78, median 66 years; mean New York Heart Association class 2.98) with posterior LV aneurysm were operated upon. MSCT was performed in 24 patients before and after surgery. End-diastolic and end-systolic volumes of LV and aneurysm were indexed to body surface area (LVEDVI/LVESVI, AEDVI/AESVI). The MV apparatus was characterized by coaptation distance (CD), tenting area (TA), MV closure angle (MVCA), MV annulus area (MVAA) and interpapillary muscle distance (IMD). Thirty-day mortality was 10% and 5-year survival rate was 83%. After surgery, LVEDVI decreased from 151.2 ± 84.1 to 85.7 ± 28.3 ml/m(2) (P = 0.001) and LVESVI from 110.6 ± 88.8 to 50.2 ± 22.9 ml/m(2) (P = 0.001). LV ejection fraction increased from 31.5 ± 15.1 to 43.4 ± 9.9% (P = 0.001). Preoperative MSCT showed significantly higher values of MVAA, CD and TA in patients who needed MV repair or replacement. Postoperative reduction of mitral regurgitation in patients without MV surgery corresponded with significant reduction in intercommissural diameter, anteroposterior diameter, MVAA, TA, CD, MVCA and IMD. MSCT represents an excellent diagnostic tool for the assessment of MV and LV geometry. MSCT-guided SVR of submitral LV aneurysms leads to excellent mid-term results. On the basis of the MSCT assessment, we propose an algorithm for surgical planning in posterior LV aneurysms.

New Automatic Modality for Multislice Computed Tomography Prediction of Optimal Implantation Angle for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Objectives: Different imaging techniques, including intraprocedural rotational angiography (DynaCT, Siemens Healthcare), have been suggested for predicting the optimal perpendicular C-arm angulation for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (T-AVI). The prototype software Aortic ValveGuide (AVG) of the DynaCT workstation also allows for automatic processing of conventional multi slice computed tomography (MSCT) images. Aim of this study was to analyze predicted C-arm angulation using AVG in the established DynaCT compared with AVG in preoperative MSCT.

Manual versus automatic detection of aortic annulus plane in a computed tomography scan for transcatheter aortic valve implantation screening

Precise measurements of aortic annulus dimensions are crucial for prosthesis size selection in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The so-called effective diameter (derived from area) measured in multislice computed tomography (MSCT) images has evolved to be the most precise measurement tool. Usually, the operator must manually adjust the aortic annular plane. Syngo Aortic ValveGuide (Siemens Healthcare) is a new software tool that allows for automatic aortic root reconstruction and annular plane detection. The aim of this study was to compare the effective diameter measured in automatically detected and manually adjusted annular plane. Seventy-three raw image datasets of preoperative TAVI MSCT scans were analysed using our institutional gold standard (3Mensio Valves™) with manual annular plane adjustment and using Aortic ValveGuide with automatic annular plane detection. The aortic annular circumference was manually marked for both software tools, and the effective diameter was calculated using the formula: effective diameter = 2 × √(circumferential area/π). Automatic annulus plane detection using Syngo Aortic ValveGuide worked well in all MSCT scans. Minor manual adjustment of the detected plane was necessary in only 3 patients. The mean effective aortic annulus diameter was 23.1 ± 2.4 mm for 3Mensio and 23.3 ± 2.4 mm for Syngo Aortic ValveGuide. Bland-Altman analysis of both imaging software tools showed good agreement (mean difference of 0.16 mm and limits of agreement of -0.48 to 0.80 mm). Effective aortic annulus diameter measured with Syngo Aortic ValveGuide, as a new imaging software that allows for automatic aortic annular plane detection, shows good agreement to gold standard measurements. Automatic annulus plane detection might reduce the effort for MSCT analysis and may lead to more reproducible aortic annulus measurements. Aortic ValveGuide is part of the DynaCT and in future aortic annulus dimension measurements may be feasible during intraoperatively acquired DynaCT.

242 * MANUAL VERSUS AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF AORTIC ANNULUS PLANE IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCAN FOR TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION SCREENING

OBJECTIVES: Precise measurements of aortic annulus dimensions are crucial for prosthesis size selection in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The so-called effective diameter (derived from area) measured in multislice computed tomography (MSCT) images has evolved to be the most precise measurement tool. Usually, the operator must manually adjust the aortic annular plane. Syngo Aortic ValveGuide (Siemens Healthcare) is a new software tool that allows for automatic aortic root reconstruction and annular plane detection. The aim of this study was to compare the effective diameter measured in automatically detected and manually adjusted annular plane. METHODS: Seventy-three raw image datasets of preoperative TAVI MSCT scans were analysed using our institutional gold standard (3Mensio Valves™) with manual annular plane adjustment and using Aortic ValveGuide with automatic annular plane detection. The aortic annular circumference was manually marked for both software tools, and the effective diameter was calculated using the formula: effective diameter = 2 × √(circumferential area/π). RESULTS: Automatic annulus plane detection using Syngo Aortic ValveGuide worked well in all MSCT scans. Minor manual adjustment of the detected plane was necessary in only 3 patients. The mean effective aortic annulus diameter was 23.1 ± 2.4 mm for 3Mensio and 23.3 ± 2.4 mm for Syngo Aortic ValveGuide. Bland–Altman analysis of both imaging software tools showed good agreement (mean difference of 0.16 mm and limits of agreement of −0.48 to 0.80 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Effective aortic annulus diameter measured with Syngo Aortic ValveGuide, as a new imaging software that allows for automatic aortic annular plane detection, shows good agreement to gold standard measurements. Automatic annulus plane detection might reduce the effort for MSCT analysis and may lead to more reproducible aortic annulus measurements. Aortic ValveGuide is part of the DynaCT and in future aortic annulus dimension measurements may be feasible during intraoperatively acquired DynaCT.

Diagnostic and application value of 64-slice spiral CT scanning in preoperative staging of esophageal cancer

To investigate the diagnostic and application value of pre-operative 64-slice spiral CT evaluation in operation selection for esophagus cancer. Multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) was conducted in 50 patients with esophageal cancer before operation, using the work station for after-treatment to get CT virtual endoscopy (CTVE), multiplanar reconstruction (MRP), shaded surface display (SSD) and Raysum images, and combined with the transect images to record the preoperative MSCT staging and to predict the operation scheme, and compared with the postoperative pathological staging and the actual operational plan. The diagnostic sensitivity of MSCT for preoperative T staging was 100.0% (50/50), while the N staging was 80.0% (16/20). According to the MSCT prediction, the resection rate of esophageal cancer was 96.0% (48/50). Through the preoperative MSCT evaluation, the accuracy of CT-TNM stage was 90.0%, highly consistent with the pathological TNM stage (Kappa = 0.811, P < 0.05). MSCT can effectively display the shape, size and position of the tumor, determine the tumor invasion range, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis, etc., make preoperative evaluation for esophagus cancer patients and provide evidence for clinicians to predict the operation scheme for esophagus cancer.

Local staging of rectal cancer: assessment with double-contrast multislice computed tomography and transrectal ultrasound.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) with double-contrast technique and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in staging of rectal carcinoma compared with histopathological confirmation. In a prospective study of 92 patients with rectal carcinoma, preoperative MSCT with negative rectal contrast (methylcellulose) and intravenous contrast was performed. Reconstructions in 3 planes were analyzed in a cine mode in picture archiving and communication (PAC) system. Analysis of rectal wall infiltration was performed preoperatively according to a modified tumor, nodes, metastases (TNM)-classification system (< or =T2/T3/T4, N0/N+, UICC/UICC I > I). MSCT imaging findings were compared with the results of TRUS and histopathology in all patients. With interactive multiplanar image viewing, the results of MSCT of depth of rectal wall invasion (T-staging) were as follows: sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy rate were 85%, 87%, 88%, 84%, and 86% (54/63 patients) compared with 59%, 63%, 72%, 48%, and 60% (38/63 patients), respectively, for TRUS staging in the same patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy rate of MSCT for perirectal nodes evaluation was 75%, 85%, 75%, 85%, and 81% (51/63 patients) compared with 55%, 71%, 50%, 74%, and 65% (41/63 patients), respectively, for TRUS in detecting metastatic lymph nodes. Preoperative double-contrast MSCT accurately indicates the exact depth of tumor infiltration and improves lymph node staging. The new technical innovations of MSCT provide superior information for preoperative staging of rectal cancer and may compete with TRUS as the standard preoperative diagnostic method.

Diagnostischer Nutzen multiplanarer Reformationen bei der Mehrschicht-CT von Larynx- und Hypopharynxkarzinomen

Ziele: Untersuchung des diagnostischen Nutzens multiplanarer Reformationen (MPR) bei der Mehrschicht-CT (MSCT) von Larynx- und Hypopharynxkarzinomen anhand eines anatomiebezogenen Vergleichs. Methode: Bei 69 konsekutiven Patienten (davon 30 Larynx- und 12 Hypopharynxkarzinome) erfolgte eine MSCT des Halses. Aus Larynxspiralen mit einer Kollimation von 4×1mm wurden neben einer axialen 3mm dicken Standardschicht 3mm koronare und sagittale Schichten sowie 1,25mm dünne axiale Schichten rekonstruiert. Gemessen am histologischen Goldstandard wurden Sensitivitäten und Spezifitäten hinsichtlich einer Tumorinfiltration für alle relevanten anatomischen Strukturen des Larynx und Hypopharynx bei allen vier Rekonstruktionen bestimmt und statistisch (McNemar-test) verglichen. Davon abgesehen wurde subjektiv bei den 42 Patienten mit Larynx- bzw. Hypopharynxkarzinom untersucht, ob einzelne Rekonstruktionen eine übersichtlichere Darstellung pathologischer Befunde ermöglichen und darüber hinaus die Therapieentscheidung (OP oder Radiatio, Art der Operation, operativer Zugang) beeinflussen. Ergebnis: Bei allen Sensitivitäten und Spezifitäten lagen keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen den Rekonstruktionen vor. Allerdings führten koronare und/oder sagittale MPR (zusätzlich zur axialen 3mm Standardschicht) in 14/42 (33%) der Fälle mit Larynx-/Hypopharynxkarzinom zu einer übersichtlicheren Befunddarstellung sowie in 8/42 (19%) zu einer Änderung des therapeutischen Vorgehens. Ein erniedrigtes Signal-zu-Rausch-Verhältnis erschwerte die Beurteilung der 1,25mm dünnen axialen Schichten in über 23% der Fälle. Schlussfolgerung: Neben 3mm axialen Schichten können koronare und sagittale MPR die topographische Orientierung verbessern und werden für die präoperative MSCT des Larynx und Hypopharynx empfohlen. Auf zusätzliche 1,25mm dünne axiale Rekonstruktionen kann verzichtet werden.

Diagnostic impact of multiplanar reformations in multi-slice CT of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas

Assessment of the diagnostic value of multiplanar reformations (MPR) in multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) by comparing relevant anatomic structures of the larynx and hypopharynx. MSCT of the neck was performed in 69 consecutive patients (including 30 laryngeal and 12 hypopharyngeal carcinomas). From a 4 x 1.0 mm collimation data set, 3.0-mm and 1.25-mm axial slices as well as 3-mm coronal and sagittal slices were reconstructed. Using the histological examination as gold standard, sensitivity and specificity regarding tumor infiltration for all relevant anatomical structures of the larynx and the hypopharynx were determined for each reconstruction and compared with the McNemar test. Moreover, 42 patients with laryngeal and/or hypopharyngeal carcinoma were subjectively evaluated to determine whether the respective reconstructions enables a better topographical visualization of the tumor in relation to surrounding structures and, furthermore, whether this has an influence on the therapeutical strategy (operation versus radiation therapy, type of operation, surgical approach). Sensitivities and specificities were not significantly different between the reconstructions. However, coronal and sagittal MPR provided a better topographical visualization of the tumor in 14 of 42 (33 %) of the patients, and influenced the therapeutical strategy in 8 of 42 (19 %) of the patients. A lowered signal-to-noise ratio impeded the evaluation of the relatively thin 1.25-mm axial slices in more than 23 % of the cases. Besides the 3-mm axial slices, coronal and sagittal MPR can improve the topographical visualization of laryngopharyngeal tumors and are recommended for preoperative MSCT of laryngeal and/or hypopharyngeal carcinomas. Additionally reconstructed 1.25-mm axial slices can be discarded since they do not hold a higher value compared to 3-mm axial reconstructions.