[Peritoneal carcinomatosis secondary to CUP syndrome : Diagnosis and indications for multimodal treatment]. / Peritonealkarzinose beim CUP­Syndrom : Diagnostik und Indikationsstellung für die multimodale Therapie.

CLINICAL PROBLEM: Peritoneal carcinomatosis secondary to cancer of unknown primary (CUP) syndrome is a rare entity for which there are no uniform treatment recommendations or guidelines. The median survival time is 3 months. DIAGNOSIS: Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 18F­FDG positron emission tomography (PET)/CT are valid imaging modalities for the detection of peritoneal carcinomatosis. The sensitivity of all techniques is highest for large, macronodular peritoneal carcinomatosis manifestations. A limitation of all imaging techniques is limited and small-nodular peritoneal carcinomatosis. Also, peritoneal metastasis in the small bowel mesentery or diaphragmatic domes can only be visualized with low sensitivity. Therefore, exploratory laparoscopy should be considered as the next diagnostic step. In half of these cases an unnecessary laparotomy can be avoided, because the laparoscopy revealed diffuse, small-nodule involvement of the small bowel wall and thus an irresectable situation. TREATMENT: In selected patients, performing complete cytoreduction followed by hyperthermic intra-abdominal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a good therapeutic option. Therefore, the identification of the extent of peritoneal tumor manifestation as accurately as possible is important for the definition of the increasingly complex oncological therapy strategies.

Sono-hepatic-arteriography (Sono-HA) in the assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate sono-hepatic-arteriography in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 15 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing TACE who presented in our institution from February 2006 to May 2008. All patients underwent a conventional B-mode ultrasound examination using a high-end machine and a multi-frequency transducer (2.5 - 4 MHz) before dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination was carried out. For the sono-hepatic-arteriography 1 ml SonoVue was injected as a bolus using the formerly placed intraarterial catheter. Biphasic enhanced computed tomography was performed using a 16-slice CT scanner up to 48 hours before transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and during follow-up. RESULTS: The lesion size (of the largest lesion) ranged from 1 to 13 centimeters in their largest diameter (mean: 4.8 cm). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound diagnosed more lesions than B-mode sonography in eight cases and more lesions than computed tomography in 5 patients. The findings of sono-hepatic-arteriography were correct in fourteen cases (93.3 %). Direct impact on patient management was seen in eleven patients (73.3 %). CONCLUSION: We were able to show that the application of an intraarterial sonographic contrast agent during embolization is able to diagnose new lesions on the one hand and to assess the embolization success on the other. This might improve transcatheter arterial chemoembolization results and patient outcome.

Detection and characterization of endoleaks following endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms using contrast harmonic imaging (CHI) with quantitative perfusion analysis (TIC) compared to CT angiography (CTA).

PURPOSE: To show the feasibility of the detection of endoleaks following endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms using contrast harmonic imaging (CHI) in comparison to computed tomography angiography (CTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 51 patients with suspected endoleaks, who underwent previous endovascular treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm, were examined using CTA and vascular ultrasound. Biphasic CTA in all cases and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in 8 patients were evaluated by two radiologists in consensus and served as the standard of reference. Ultrasound was performed by an experienced examiner with a multi-frequency linear transducer (2 - 4 MHz) using CHI following bolus injection of 2.4 ml of SonoVue® IV (maximum 5 ml). All images were evaluated by two observers in consensus regarding the reperfusion of the abdominal aneurysm using time intensity curve (TIC) analysis. RESULTS: In 30 of 51 patients, endoleaks were detected concordantly in CHI and CTA. In 20 of 51 patients, no endoleak was found in CHI and CTA/DSA. In one patient, a type II endoleak could initially only be detected in CHI and was later confirmed in follow-up examinations by CTA (sens. 99%, spec. 93%, NPV 99 %, PPV 95%). TIC analysis allowed evaluation of the perfusion dynamics of endoleaks in all patients. Significant differences were found (p < 0.05, Mann Whitney U Test) regarding the perfusion within the aneurysm when an endoleak was present (10.39 ± 4.29 dB) or not present (6.42 ± 2.86 dB). CONCLUSION: CHI with perfusion analysis allows definite detection of endoleaks, especially if contraindications for CTA are present. CHI presents an alternative for follow-up monitoring.

[PACS: acceptance by orthopedic surgeons]. / PACS: Akzeptanz bei Orthopäden und Unfallchirurgen.

PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to evaluate the acceptance of a web-based picture archiving and communication system (PACS) by orthopedic surgeons 1 year after implementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One year after the implementation of a web-based PACS all physicians were surveyed with a standardized questionnaire. Questions included: speed of PACS, quality of clinicoradiological meetings, quality of monitors, PACS training, and performance. Data were evaluated separately for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the reference group of all other physicians. RESULTS: Among the respondents, 92% of the orthopedic surgeons stated there was a reduction of time required to receive images, and 64% concluded that patient care was faster. Archived images were received in less than 5 min in 82% after PACS and in 8% before PACS. The clinicoradiological meetings improved with PACS in 100% due to beamer presentation. All would recommend a PACS. The equipment to view images in the operating theater was assessed as being good or very good by 83%; monitor quality was judged better for the outpatient clinics (100% good or very good). Conventional radiograms were missed at the ward rounds by 56%. Training for PACS was considered sufficient by 67%, and 15% asked for refresher courses. In the reference group 60% asked for refresher courses. In the comparison of orthopedic surgeons with the reference group PACS was judged better especially concerning the viewing software and quality of monitors. CONCLUSION: There is an over all acceptance of PACS by physicians outside the radiology department. The availability of images was not only facilitated it was faster as well. However, the quality of monitors in the operating theater should be improved. To achieve sustained success of PACS consistent training on PACS and its features is necessary. Conventional radiograms were often missed at the ward rounds.

Pre-surgical evaluation of ICA-stenosis using 3D power Doppler, 3D color coded Doppler sonography, 3D B-flow and contrast enhanced B-flow in correlation to CTA/MRA: first clinical results.

AIM: Pre-surgical evaluation of the extent of internal carotid artery stenosis (ICA) according to NASCT criteria using digital 3D ultrasound methods. MATERIAL/METHODS: In a prospective study, 25 patients (54-88 years, mean 75) with neurological deficits and the diagnosis of ICA stenosis underwent pre-surgical ultrasound examination using Color Coded Duplex Sonography (CCDS), 3D CCDS, 3D power Doppler, 3D B-flow, contrast enhanced 3D B-flow, and CTA/MRA. Ultrasound was performed by an experienced examiner with a multifrequency linear transducer (6-9 MHz, Logiq 9, GE). After bolus injection of 2.4 ml Sonovue i.v., low mechanical index technique (MI<0.16) was used for contrast enhanced 3D B-flow. As reference method for evaluation of the extent of ICA stenosis each patient underwent CTA (multislice CT, Sensation 16, Siemens) and/or MRA (1.5 T, Symphony Siemens). Indications for surgery (carotid EEA) followed the NASCET criteria. All images were interpreted and evaluated independently by two observers with three measurements of the degree of the ICA stenosis. For assessment of the extent of stenosis a 10%-scale from 50% to 99% was used. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman Correlation and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test with a significance threshold of p<0.05. RESULTS: Assessment of the extent of ICA stenosis during surgery and in CTA/MRA displayed a range from 60% to 99% (mean 80%). Non significant differences were found with paired Wilcoxon test only for 3D B-flow with and without contrast medium (p<0.05). Correlation with surgical evaluation regarding the extent of ICA stenosis using Spearman correlation teat was 0.77 for B-scan, 0.90 for 3D CCDS, 0.84 for 3D Power Doppler, 0.91 for B-flow and 0.93 for contrast enhanced 3D B-flow. When circular calcifications were present, contrast enhanced flow detection of 3D B-flow proved to be useful. Visualisation of intrastenotic variances of severe and profound stenosis (70-99%) without blooming and reverberation artefacts was possible only with 3D B-flow. This facilitates the detection of the morphology of plaques ulcers as an embolic source. CONCLUSION: In correlation with surgery and CTA/MRA, a valid evaluation of the extent and morphology of ICA stenosis using 3D B-flow, with and without contrast medium, is feasible.

[Multidetector computed tomography in abdominal emergencies]. / Multidetektor-CT bei abdominellen Notfällen.

Abdominal emergencies encompass traumatic events in the region of the abdomen as well as the clinical term acute abdomen. Multidetector CT (MDCT) represents one of the most important imaging modalities for detection and correct diagnosis in such abdominal emergencies. Based on the acquired data MDCT allows a stable imaging of the abdomen in an extremely short time even in critically ill patients. Multiplanar reconstructions can be created based on the high resolution data allowing an impressive visualization of the pathology. In this review article the most important abdominal pathologies of the abdomen diagnosed by MDCT are presented with special emphasis on the liver, bile ducts, spleen and kidneys as well as the gastro-intestinal tract. Additionally, MDCT imaging of the individual organ regions will be dealt with in detail.

Severe renal vein stenosis of a kidney transplant with beneficial clinical course after successful percutaneous stenting.

A 51-year-old renal transplant recipient presented with marked renal function deterioration 13 months after renal transplantation. After exclusion of ureteral obstruction, transplant artery stenosis and acute rejection, the diagnosis of a severe renal vein stenosis was made by an MR scan. After angiographic confirmation of the stenosis, treatment was attempted with percutaneous stent angioplasty. The long-term clinical course was favorable, with marked improvement in renal function. Transplant renal vein stenosis is a rare, but potentially curable, cause of renal allograft functional deterioration.

[Non-trauma-associated additional findings in whole-body CT examinations in patients with multiple trauma]. / Nicht traumaassozierte Nebenbefunde bei Ganzkörpercomputertomografien im Rahmen der Polytraumadiagnostik.

PURPOSE: Whole-body CT scans for patients with multiple trauma represent an increasingly accepted first diagnostic tool. The multidetector approach in particular provides appropriate diagnostic algorithms for detecting nearly all relevant traumatic findings in a short time with a high grade of sensitivity and specificity. Non-trauma-associated additional findings are commonly depicted based on these CT examinations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the number and quality of these additional findings in consecutive patients with multiple trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 3 / 04 and 8 / 06 we scanned 304 patients according to our dedicated multiple trauma protocol. The examination protocol includes a head scan without intravenous contrast followed by a whole-body scan including the neck, thorax and abdomen acquired by a 16-row CT Scanner (Siemens, Sensation 16). The CT scans were retrospectively analyzed by two radiologists with respect to non-trauma-associated findings. Lesions were assessed according to their clinical relevance (highly relevant, moderately relevant, not relevant). For patients with highly relevant findings, additional follow-up research was performed. RESULTS: The average age was 43 years (range 3 - 92). 236 of the patients were male (77.6 %), 68 female (22.4 %). 153 patients (50.3 %) had additional non-trauma-associated findings. In 20 cases (6.6 %) lesions with high clinical relevance were detected (e. g. carcinoma of the kidney or the ovary). In 71 patients (23.4 %) findings with moderate relevance were described. In 63 patients (20.7 %) additional findings without major relevance were diagnosed. CONCLUSION: Whole-body CT scans of patients randomized by a trauma show a considerable number of non-trauma-associated additional findings. In about 30 % of cases, these findings are clinically relevant because further diagnostic workup or treatment in the short or medium-term is needed. The results of these analyses emphasize the diagnostic value of CT examinations with high demands on the examining radiologist.

[Stenting in the treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia: technical and clinical success rates]. / Chronische mesenteriale Ischämie: Technische und klinische Erfolgsrate der perkutanen Stentangioplastie.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the technical and clinical success rates of percutaneous stent revascularization in the treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 17 patients (12 female) with typical symptoms of CMI were treated by percutaneous stent placement for stenoses of the splanchnic arteries (celiac trunk; superior mesenteric artery, SMA; inferior mesenteric artery, IMA). The primary and secondary technical success, primary and secondary clinical success, and the long-term clinical outcome were determined. RESULTS: A total of 24 stents were implanted in 21 splanchnic arteries (12 stents in the celiac trunk, 11 in the SMA and 1 in the IMA). The primary technical success rate was 91% (19/21 arteries), the secondary technical success rate was 95% (21/22 arteries). Clinical follow-up was available for 16 patients. The primary clinical success rate was 81% (13/16 patients). Following two secondary interventions, the secondary clinical success rate was 94% (15/16 patients). Long-term clinical success was achieved in 15 of 16 patients (94%) with a mean follow-up of 26 months. One patient died within 30 days of the intervention and two patients demonstrated major complications (1 dissection, 1 stent dislocation). None of the patients required surgical revascularization and none of the patients died due to recurrent mesenteric ischemia. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous stent placement for the treatment of CMI can be performed with a high technical and clinical success rate as well as an excellent long-term clinical outcome.

The value of Allen's test in harvesting a radial forearm flap: correlation of ex-vivo angiography and histopathological findings.

The radial forearm flap is one of the most commonly raised free flaps. In most cases an Allen's test is sufficient for preoperative assessment of the palmar arch, but an intact palmar arch does not imply that the radial artery is suitable for microvascular anastomosis. For a patient operated for oral squamous cell carcinoma, reconstruction was planned with a radial forearm flap. The flap had to be discarded because of advanced atherosclerosis in the presence of a negative Allen's test. The correlation of an ex-vivo angiography and the histopathologic findings was assessed. In cases of expected vascular disease, further examinations like color flow Doppler ultrasound are recommended to ensure sufficient perfusion of the radial artery.

Intraarterial gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the renal arteries in humans: feasibility, contrast agent reduction, and accuracy for detection of stenoses.

OBJECTIVE: Feasibility of intraarterial MR angiography of the renal arteries and comparison of the accuracy of intraarterial MR angiography with selective intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for detection of stenoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten consecutive patients (mean, 68 years) with suspected renal artery stenosis underwent a digital subtraction angiography and an intraarterial gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography, performed on a 1.5-T system. For intraarterial MR angiography 60 ml diluted contrast agent (10 ml gadodiamide in 50 ml 0.9% saline solution) was injected through a conventional angiography catheter placed in the suprarenal abdominal aorta using a flow rate of 3.5 ml/s. A three-dimensional (3D) gradient-echo sequence was performed. Differences in the quantitative measurement of stenoses of lesions between DSA and intraarterial MR angiography were evaluated by three observers. Overall impression of the intraarterial MR angiography was documented on a four-point scale (1 = excellent to 4 = poor). Interobserver variability was calculated. RESULTS: Intraarterial MR angiography of the renal arteries was feasible in all patients (100%) with a mean overall impression of all images of 1.8 (SD: 0.71). One of 9 accessory renal arteries was not visualized with intraarterial MR angiography. The overall sensitivity/specificity for detection of significant stenoses (>or=50% stenosis) were 83%/87%. Interobserver variability of intraarterial MR angiography ranged between fair and substantial (0.359-0.622). CONCLUSION: Intraarterial MR angiography of the renal arteries in humans is feasible and has an acceptable sensitivity in detecting stenoses using injections of diluted contrast agent at concentrations as low as 17%.

Contrast harmonic ultrasound and indocyanine-green fluorescence video angiography for evaluation of dermal and subdermal microcirculation in free parascapular flaps.

PURPOSE: Contrast harmonic ultrasound (CHI) with a linear transducer is a new diagnostic approach that allows dynamic and quantitative flow detection of tissue perfusion in microsurgery. The aim of the study was the evaluation of perfusion of the dermal and subdermal layers of microvascular tissue transplants with CHI in comparison to ICG-fluorescence angiography. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In a prospective clinical study Indocyanine-Green Fluorescence Video Angiography and Contrast Enhanced High Resolution Ultrasound (5-10 MHz; linear transducer; Logiq 9; GE) were used for evaluation of the microcirculation in 10 transplanted free parascapular flaps. Two regions were analysed, the centre of the flap and the region of the anastomosis. The perfusion patterns of both methods were compared. RESULTS: The perfusion indexes measured by ICG-fluorescence angiography correlated very precisely in all patients with the quantitative perfusion curves of contrast-enhanced US with CHI. Two flaps with slow filling and low dye intensity showed low contrast enhancement in CHI with modified perfusion curves with slow increase. In two cases a reduced perfusion and filling were found. There were no statistical differences between the two diagnostic methods (p>0.01). CONCLUSION: CHI improves US detections of dermal and subdermal microcirculation in comparison to ICG fluorescence angiography. CHI is a new diagnostic method for postoperative monitoring of free flaps.

Contrast harmonic ultrasound and indocyanine-green fluorescence video angiography for evaluation of dermal and subdermal microcirculation in free parascapular flaps.

PURPOSE: Contrast harmonic ultrasound (CHI) with a linear transducer is a new diagnostic approach that allows dynamic and quantitative flow detection of tissue perfusion in microsurgery. The aim of the study was the evaluation of perfusion of the dermal and subdermal layers of microvascular tissue transplants with CHI in comparison to ICG-fluorescence angiography. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In a prospective clinical study indocyanine-green fluorescence video angiography and contrast enhanced high resolution ultrasound (5-10 MHz; linear transducer; Logiq 9; GE) were used for evaluation of the microcirculation in 10 transplanted free parascapular flaps. Two regions were analysed, the centre of the flap and the region of the anastomosis. The perfusion patterns of both methods were compared. RESULTS: The perfusion indexes measured by ICG-fluorescence angiography correlated very precisely in all patients with the quantitative perfusion curves of contrast-enhanced US with CHI. Two flaps with slow filling and low dye intensity showed low contrast enhancement in CHI with modified perfusion curves with slow increase. In two cases a reduced perfusion and filling were found. There were no statistical differences between the two diagnostic methods (p>0.01). CONCLUSION: CHI improves US detections of dermal and subdermal microcirculation in comparison to ICG fluorescence angiography. CHI is a new diagnostic method for postoperative monitoring of free flaps.

Value of high resolution ultrasound and contrast enhanced US pulse inversion imaging for the evaluation of the vascular integrity of free-flap grafts.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of color coded Doppler sonography (CCDS) and contrast-enhanced harmonic imaging (CHI) for ultrasound (US) monitoring the integrity of free-flap vascular grafts. Patency of microvascular anastomoses and perfusion as well as microcirculation of the transplanted tissue were analysed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen free parascapular flap grafts performed over a period of three years by a single surgeon were examined with CCDS and CHI. The patients (12 male, 3 female) ranged in age from 16 to 60 years (average age 40+/-12). The follow-up period ranged from two weeks to 2.5 years. CCDS were performed with a multifrequency linear transducer (5-10 MHz, Logiq 9, GE) with 3D flow detection. For detection and characterization, B scan of the flap tissue was compared to tissue harmonic imaging (THI) and Cross Beam with Speckle Reduction Imaging (SRI). US Pulse Inversion Harmonic Imaging (PIHI) after bolus injection of 2.5 ml Sonovue was used for contrast enhancement. RESULTS: Border and tissue structure of the flaps could be detected best in all 15/15 cases using Cross Beam Technology with SRI and THI. Correlations were found for flow parameters of the common femoral artery, popliteal artery and lower leg artery to the anastomotic vessels. 3D imaging with CCDS facilitated flow detection of elongated and small anastomotic vessels in 4/15 cases. Contrast-enhanced US with PIHI allowed dynamic flow detection of the microcirculation of the transplanted tissue over a depth of up to 3 cm with quantitative perfusion curves of the tissue microcirculation. Reduced US contrast enhancement with modified perfusion curves was seen in 2/15 cases with low anastomic flow in CCDS. CONCLUSION: Assessment of microvascular perfusion with contrast-enhanced ultrasound can provide valuable information on free flap viability. Contrast-enhanced US enables dynamic and quantitative flow detection of free flap tissue.

Intra-arterial MR angiography in the iliac system: initial clinical experience with 25 patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate intra-arterial magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the iliac arteries. Therefore, 25 consecutive patients (17 male, 8 female) suffering from symptomatic occlusive disease of the lower limbs were investigated prospectively. Catheter angiography was performed before MRA and served as the standard of reference. Contrast-enhanced intra-arterial MRA was performed using a 1.5 Tesla MRI system. Contrast agent (gadodiamide) was injected by a conventional pigtail-shaped angiography catheter placed in the abdominal aorta. Vascular lesions were assessed by four investigators. The degree of stenosis was compared with the findings of conventional catheter angiography. Additionally, the diagnostic quality of the MR angiograms was assessed by the investigators using a semi quantitative five-point scale. All lesions shown by catheter angiography were detected and correctly localized by intra-arterial MRA. MR angiograms exhibit a specificity of 95% and a sensitivity of 96% for stenoses of 50% or more. The diagnostic quality of the images was judged from good to excellent, on average. Intra-arterial MRA exhibits a specificity and sensitivity comparable with intravenous angiography. The image quality appears to be adequate for supporting MR-guided vascular intervention.

Inflammatory diseases of the aorta: Part 1: Non-infectious aortitis.

Aortitis is a term which encompasses inflammatory changes to the aortic wall from various pathogenic etiologies. Large vessel vasculitis, such as Takayasu arteritis and giant cell arteritis represent the most common entities; however, there is also an association with other rheumatological diseases. Chronic idiopathic periaortitis represents a distinct disease entity and infectious aortitis is a rare but life-threatening disease. Due to the diverse clinical pictures vascular surgeons often face a significant challenge in terms of making an accurate initial diagnosis. Treatment requires an interdisciplinary approach. This article describes the pathogenesis of the various forms of aortitis as well as the diagnostic methods and treatment approaches.

Inflammatory diseases of the aorta: Part 2: Infectious aortitis.

Infectious aortitis is a rare but life-threatening disease. Due to impending local and systemic complications, prompt diagnosis and initiation of effective causal treatment are essential for patient survival. Differentiating infectious aortitis from other aortic diseases, in particular non-infectious aortitis, is of great importance. This article discusses the various causes, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic strategies for infectious aortitis.

Interventional Removal of Intravascular Medical Devices: Methods and Technical Success.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the technical success rate and complications when retrieving dislocated intravascular foreign bodies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1999 and 2015 38 patients (21 female; 17 male; Age: 17 - 92; Average 54.3 years) underwent an extraction of intravascular dislocated foreign bodies, which were not lost during a radiological intervention. The extracted material included 29 port catheters, 3 tips of tunneled dialysis catheters, 2 stents, 2 guide wires, 1 CVC tip and 1 AS occluder device. Various catheters for repositioning and extraction were used. The access was transarterial as well as transvenous. Technical success was defined as complete removal of the foreign body. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 92.1 % (35 of 38). In 17 patients an additional catheter was necessary to reposition the foreign body in order to make it accessible for the extraction catheter. In one case a stent was relocated and remodeled within the patient and was not extracted. In another case we experienced a dislocation of a small fragment of the port catheter into the distal parts of the pulmonary artery, which couldn't be extracted. A guide wire could not be extracted as it was already adhered with the vessel wall. Peri-interventional complications were not documented. CONCLUSION: The percutaneous extraction of dislocated intravascular foreign bodies is technically successful and poor of complications. Interventional therapy can avoid surgical removal. KEY POINTS: • The percutaneous extraction of dislocated intravascular foreign bodies is technically successful and safe.• In most cases surgical removal can be avoided.• The gooseneck-snare catheter was mainly used for the extraction of intravascular foreign bodies. Citation Format: • Ayx I, Goessmann H, Hubauer H et al. Interventional Removal of Intravascular Medical Devices: Methods and Technical Success. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2016; 188: 566 - 573.

Detection rate and efficiency of lymph node assessment with axial and coronal image reading based on 16 row multislice CT of the neck.

PURPOSE: Multislice CT (MSCT) has the advantage of isotropic volumetric data acquisition which allows high resolution data reconstruction in the axial and coronal plane. We evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of coronal reconstruction compared to axial reconstructions of a routinely performed CT scan exemplary in neck lymph node assessment performed on a 16 row MSCT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Contrast enhanced neck MSCT of 24 patients with known lymphoma were evaluated prospectively for lymph node assessment. 4 blinded readers evaluated the axial and coronal reconstructions of the same patient. Neck lymph nodes larger than 10 mm were evaluated by their anatomical region (deep jugular chain, submandibular, nuchal). Time for axial and coronal image evaluation was assessed. Detection rate was compared with consensus reading as gold standard. RESULTS: In consensus reading 169 enlarged lymph nodes in the deep jugular chain were found. Detection rate for axial image interpretation was 36.1 % with 54.9 % in coronal reading. Assessing the submandibular lymph nodes (n = 45) axial interpretation revealed 53.9 % with 36.1 % in coronal reading. Evaluation time for axial reading was in all but one reader significantly longer (mean 176 seconds) than in coronal reading (mean 129 seconds). CONCLUSION: Coronal image reading improves the detection rate of cranio-caudal oriented structures. Considering representatively neck lymph nodes in the deep jugular chain the image interpretation time is significantly reduced. Still axial reading remains necessary for assessing axially oriented structures such as the submandibular region in the neck.