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To evaluate the effect of monochromatic energy image on inferior vena cava imaging quality on dual-layer detector spectral CT. Totally 39 patients who were clinically suspected of abdominal disease and referred to perform contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)were prospectively enrolled and underwent abdominal examination using a single-source,dual-detector spectral CT.The delayed phase scan was performed 3 minutes after injection of 60 ml of iopamidol(320 mg/ml)at a rate of 3 ml/s.The raw images were reconstructed to obtain conventional mixed energy images and spectral based images(SBI).The 40,50,60,and 70 keV single energy images were obtained.The CT value,noise,and signal-to-noise(SNR)of inferior vena cava and the contrast-to-noise(CNR)of inferior vena cava relative to psoas major on conventional mixed energy images and the 40,50,60,70 keV single energy images were measured.The SNRs and CNRs on monoenergetic 40-70 keV images were compared with polychromatic 120 kVp images.ANOVA was used to compare the CT value,noise,SNR,and CNR among these five groups.The optimal monoenergetic image set was chosen. The differences in CT value,noise,SNR,CNR of inferior vena cava were statistically significant among five groups(all <0.05).The SNR and CNR in 40 keV group and 50 keV group were significantly higher than those in other groups(all <0.05).The SNR of 40 keV group was significantly higher than that of 50 keV group(=0.002).The CNR of 40 keV group was not statistical different compared with that of 50 keV group(=0.630). 40 keV is the optimal monoenergetic energy level for the inferior vena cava on dual-layer detector spectral CT and may be valuable for the diagnosis of inferior vena cava disease.
Subject(s)
Humans , Abdomen , Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted , Signal-To-Noise Ratio , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Vena Cava, InferiorABSTRACT
Infective endocarditis is a microbial infection of the endocardium and can easily affect heart valve.Its characteristic lesion is vegetation formation,and the shedding of vegetation results in arterial embolism and ischemic necrosis of corresponding tissues and organs.A case of infective endocarditis with multiple extracardiac complications was described in this article.The characteristic ultrasound finding was the vegetation formation in anterior mitral valve.CT and MRI scans revealed involvements in multiple organs and blood vessels,which were manifested as splenic infarction,renal infarction,cerebral infarction,splenic aneurysm,superior mesenteric artery aneurysms,renal artery aneurysms,and distal segment stenosis and occlusion of right middle cerebral artery.
Subject(s)
Humans , Embolism , Endocarditis , Endocarditis, Bacterial , Infarction , Mitral ValveABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of iterative model reconstruction (IMR) on image quality for demonstrating non-calcific high-risk plaque characteristics of coronary arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 66 patients (53 men and 13 women; aged 39–76 years; mean age, 55 ± 13 years) having single-vessel disease with predominantly non-calcified plaques evaluated using prospective electrocardiogram-gated 256-slice CT angiography. Paired image sets were created using two types of reconstruction: hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) and IMR. Plaque characteristics were compared using the two algorithms. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the images and the CNR between the plaque and adjacent adipose tissue were also compared between the two reformatted methods. RESULTS: Seventy-seven predominantly non-calcified plaques were detected. Forty plaques showed napkin-ring sign with the IMR reformatted method, while nineteen plaques demonstrated napkin-ring sign with HIR. There was no statistically significant difference in the presentation of positive remodeling, low attenuation plaque, and spotty calcification between the HIR and IMR reconstructed methods (all p > 0.5); however, there was a statistically significant difference in the ability to discern the napkin-ring sign between the two algorithms (χ2 = 12.12, p < 0.001). The image noise of IMR was lower than that of HIR (10 ± 2 HU versus 12 ± 2 HU; p < 0.01), and the SNR and CNR of the images and the CNR between plaques and surrounding adipose tissues on IMR were better than those on HIR (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: IMR can significantly improve image quality compared with HIR for the demonstration of coronary artery and atherosclerotic plaques using a 256-slice CT.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Adipose Tissue , Angiography , Atherosclerosis , Coronary Artery Disease , Coronary Vessels , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Methods , Multidetector Computed Tomography , Noise , Plaque, Atherosclerotic , Prospective Studies , Signal-To-Noise RatioABSTRACT
Objective To find the invasion-associated clinical and CT risk factors of lung adenocarcinoma presenting as pure ground glass opacity nodule (pGGN) and to calculate odds ratio valve of each independent risk factor, the total risk value(TRV) of each lesion and an alert value for the management of pGGN. Methods From January 2014 to December 2016, 265 patients with 274 lesions pathologically confirmed lung adenocarcinoma with pGGN on CT who had undergone curative resection were included. Patient′s clinical data and CT features of pGGN were collected. CT features included the location, size, density and edge of pGGN, bubble-like sign, intrinsic abnormal air-bronchogram and vascular changes, tumor-lung interface. All lesions were divided into preinvasive groups (74 lesions) and invasive groups (200 lesions) according to the histopathology. Quantitative data were compared between preinvasive and invasive groups using t test or variance analysis (ANOVA) or nonparametric test. Qualitative data were compared between two groups using chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the clinical and imaging independent risk factors of invasiveness. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to get the optimal cutoff value (alert value) for lesion invasiveness. Results There were statistically significant differences in patient age, lesion size, bubble-like sign, abnormal air-bronchogram, intrinsic vascular changes and tumor-lung interface between preinvasive and invasive groups (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that bubble-like sign, abnormal air-bronchogram, tumor-lung interface and lesion size were independent risk factors of invasiveness of pGGN, the OR value and 95％CI were 2.145(1.157—3.977), 3.167(1.211—8.281), 3.253(1.444—7.324), 1.175(1.061—1.303), respectively. The ROC curve demonstrated the optimal cutoff of TRV for predicting invasiveness was 3.5 with the sensitivity of 85.5％and specificity of 69.0％. Conclusions TRV can predict the invasiveness of pGGN. Surgical treatment is recommended if TRV is≥3.5.
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Objective@#To investigate the value of Multislice computed tomography volume rendering(VR) technique and 3D printing technique in auricular reconstruction.@*Methods@#Six patients were enrolled for auricular reconstruction with costal cartilage, including 5 congenital microtia patients and 1 traumatic auricular defect patient. We harvest the three-dimensional reconstructive data of the contralateral sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth costal cartilage with VR technique. Three-dimensional solid models were 3D printed with nylon material according to the data exported in STL format. Preoperative simulation was performed on the models, accordingly, we determined the strategies of costal cartilage harvest and framework fabrication, and operations were performed based on the pre-designed plan.@*Results@#In all 6 patients, the actual costal cartilage harvest and framework fabrication process was consistent with the preoperative design and simulation results, and more scientific than before. The shapes of reconstructed ears were vivid and natural. No complications such as infection, absorption, distortion and chest deformity happened.@*Conclusions@#Through costal cartilage VR and 3D printing technique, we could make more reasonable preoperative design and simulation. The results can be improved with reduced injury, while avoiding the risks of thoracic deformity.
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Objective To compare the values of two photography positions for the evaluation after locking plate implantation of the proximal humeral fracture patient.Methods Totally 200 proximal humeral frature patients after locking plate implantation had the front and lateral shoulder joint X-ray films with the conventional and improved photography positions analyzed retrospectively.Post-operative evaluation was carried out with double-blind method from the aspects of morphology of humeral head,condition of locking plate and screw,humeral head angle and bone cortex around humerus.Results Improved photography position behaved better than the conventional position in displaying morphology of humeral head,condition of locking plate and screw,humeral head angle and bone cortex around humerus.Conclusion Improved photography position is recommended to photograph the lateral side of the locking plate for post-operative evaluation.
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Objective To analyze the value of abnormal air bronchogram for predicting the invasiveness of lung adenocarcinoma with pure ground-glass nodule (pGGN).Methods From April 2014 to February 2016,157 patients with 165 pGGN lung adenocarcinomas confirmed by surgical pathology were selected.There were 30 pre-invasive lesions (AAH+AIS),39 minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA),and 96 invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC).CT characteristics including lesion size,density,abnormal air bronchogram were recorded.All lesions were divided into two groups:normal group (no air bronchogram or normal air bronchogram) and abnormal air bronchogram group.Chi-square test was used to analyze the difference of pathological subtypes between the two groups.Mann-Whitney rank test was used to analyze the size difference of pGGN between the two groups.Two-independent samples t-test was used to analyze the lesion density difference of pGGN between the two groups.Results Of the 165 lesions,85 were found to have air bronchogram,there were 12 lesions in 30 pre-invasive lesions (AAH+AIS),17 in 39 MIAs,56 in 96 IACs.Abnormal air bronchogram were demonstrated in 61 lesions which was 1 in 30 pre-invasive lesions (IACs+AIS),13 in 39 MIAs and 47 in 96 IACs,significant differences were found between two groups (x2=25.943,P＜0.01).The mean size of the IACs were (10.8±4.2) mm for normal group,(17.0±6.7) mm for abnormal air bronchogram group,the mean density were (-519± 118) HU and (-518± 124) HU,respectively.There was a significant difference in lesion diameter between two groups (Z=-6.197,P＜0.01),but not in density (t=-0.042,P=-0.966).Conclusions Abnormal air bronchogram can be used to predict the invasiveness of pGGN lung adenocarcinoma,and is correlated with lesion size,but not with density.
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Objective To investigate the role of multi-detector computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and classification of isolated spontaneous superior mesenteric artery dissection (ISSMAD). Methods From July 2012 to December 2016, 30 consecutive patients with ISSMAD underwent CT scan at least two times. We retrospectively summarized the clinical characteristics and CT findings of them. The stenosis ratio of true lumen was compared between the patients without bowel ischemia and ones with bowel ischemia. Results There were 5 cases of type I ISSMAD, 14 cases of type 2, 1 case of type 3, 7 cases of type 4 and 3 cases of type V. Intestinal ischemia occurred in 5 patients. The stenosis ratio of true lumen in the patients without bowel ischemia was lower than that with bowel ischemia (45.6% vs. 76.0%, t=-14.5, P=0.000). Five patients with intestinal ischemia underwent superior mesenteric artery stenting and others received conservative therapy. The abdominal pain was alleviated for all the patients after treatment. Follow-up was complete in 30 cases. Follow-up CT angiography of superior mesenteric artery showed dissection remodeling in 12 patients. Conclusion Multi-detector CT is a valuable method in diagnosis and classification of ISSMAD and monitoring the changes of dissection.