Diagnostic performance of long head of biceps tendon tears on MRI: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the diagnostic performance of conventional MRI and MR arthrography for tendinosis, and partial and complete tears of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) using arthroscopy as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was performed using predefined data fields in PubMed, and all articles published from January 2000 up to April 2022 were retrospectively pooled and reviewed. Six MRI studies on complete tear (n = 555) and ten studies on partial tear/tendinosis (n = 2487) were included in the analysis. Two of the included studies in each group investigated the use of MR arthrography. The data sets were analyzed using a univariate approach with the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model and the proportional hazards model. RESULTS: MRI shows high specificities in diagnosing complete tears of the LHBT ranging from 93.0 to 99.0%. Diagnostic sensitivity was more heterogeneous ranging from 55.9 to 90.0%. The overall negative likelihood ratio was 0.29 (95% CI: 0.17-0.50) and the overall positive likelihood ratio was 37.3 (95% CI: 11.9-117.4). The mean sensitivity in diagnosing partial tear/tendinosis of the LHBT was 67.8% (95% CI: 54.3-78.9%) and the specificity was 75.9% (95% CI: 63.6-85.0%), resulting in a balanced accuracy of 71.9%. The overall negative likelihood ratio was 0.44 (95% CI: 0.32-0.59) and the overall positive likelihood ratio was 2.64 (95% CI: 1.91-3.65). CONCLUSION: MRI is highly specific for the diagnosis of complete tears of the LHBT, whereas diagnostic sensitivity was more heterogeneous. The diagnosis of partial tears and/or tendinosis of the LHBT remains challenging on MRI, which may warrant complementary clinical examination or other imaging modalities to increase diagnostic confidence in equivocal cases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Conventional MRI and MR arthrography have high diagnostic performance for complete tendon tear when compared to arthroscopy. The diagnosis of tendinosis/partial tears remains challenging and may require comparison with clinical tests and other imaging modalities. KEY POINTS: •There is no clear consensus regarding the primary imaging modality for the evaluation of LHBT disorders. •Conventional MRI and MR arthrography are highly specific in diagnosing complete tears of the LHBT. •Diagnosis of partial tears/tendinosis of the LHBT on conventional MRI and MR arthrography remains a diagnostic challenge.

Combination of computed tomography angiography with coronary artery calcium score for improved diagnosis of coronary artery disease: a collaborative meta-analysis of stable chest pain patients referred for invasive coronary angiography.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has higher diagnostic accuracy than coronary artery calcium (CAC) score for detecting obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with stable chest pain, while the added diagnostic value of combining CCTA with CAC is unknown. We investigated whether combining coronary CCTA with CAC score can improve the diagnosis of obstructive CAD compared with CCTA alone. METHODS: A total of 2315 patients (858 women, 37%) aged 61.1 ± 10.2 from 29 original studies were included to build two CAD prediction models based on either CCTA alone or CCTA combined with the CAC score. CAD was defined as at least 50% coronary diameter stenosis on invasive coronary angiography. Models were built by using generalized linear mixed-effects models with a random intercept set for the original study. The two CAD prediction models were compared by the likelihood ratio test, while their diagnostic performance was compared using the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC). Net benefit (benefit of true positive versus harm of false positive) was assessed by decision curve analysis. RESULTS: CAD prevalence was 43.5% (1007/2315). Combining CCTA with CAC improved CAD diagnosis compared with CCTA alone (AUC: 87% [95% CI: 86 to 89%] vs. 80% [95% CI: 78 to 82%]; p < 0.001), likelihood ratio test 236.3, df: 1, p < 0.001, showing a higher net benefit across almost all threshold probabilities. CONCLUSION: Adding the CAC score to CCTA findings in patients with stable chest pain improves the diagnostic performance in detecting CAD and the net benefit compared with CCTA alone. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: CAC scoring CT performed before coronary CTA and included in the diagnostic model can improve obstructive CAD diagnosis, especially when CCTA is non-diagnostic. KEY POINTS: • The combination of coronary artery calcium with coronary computed tomography angiography showed significantly higher AUC (87%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 86 to 89%) for diagnosis of coronary artery disease compared to coronary computed tomography angiography alone (80%, 95% CI: 78 to 82%, p < 0.001). • Diagnostic improvement was mostly seen in patients with non-diagnostic C. • The improvement in diagnostic performance and the net benefit was consistent across age groups, chest pain types, and genders.

Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Distinguishes Between Osteomyelitis, Bone Marrow Edema, and Healthy Bone on Forefoot Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of osteomyelitis by imaging can be challenging. The feasibility of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) as ancillary sequence was evaluated in this study. PURPOSE: To evaluate DWI for differentiation between osteomyelitis, bone marrow edema, and healthy bone on forefoot magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). STUDY TYPE: Prospective. SUBJECTS: A total of 60 consecutive patients undergoing forefoot MRI divided into three study groups (20 subjects each): osteomyelitis, bone marrow edema, and healthy bone. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: A 1.5T and 3T MRI scanners; readout-segmented multishot echo planar DWI. ASSESSMENT: Two independent radiologists measured apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values within abnormal or healthy bone. STATISTICAL TESTS: ADC values were compared between groups (pairwise t-test with Bonferroni-Holm correction for multiple testing). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess inter-reader agreement. Threshold ADC values were determined as the cutoffs that maximized the sum of sensitivity and specificity. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed with statistical threshold of P < 0.05. RESULTS: Inter-reader agreement was 0.92 in the healthy bone group and 0.78 in both the edema and osteomyelitis groups. Average ADC values were significantly different between groups: 1432 ± 222 × 10-6  mm2 /sec (osteomyelitis), 1071 ± 196 × 10-6  mm2 /sec (bone marrow edema), and 277 ± 89 × 10-6  mm2 /sec (healthy bone). A threshold ADC value of 534 × 10-6  mm2 /sec distinguishes between healthy and abnormal bone with specificity and sensitivity of 100% each. For distinction between osteomyelitis and bone marrow edema, two cutoff values were determined: a 95%-specificity cutoff indicating osteomyelitis (>1320 × 10-6  mm2 /sec) and a 95%-sensitivity cutoff indicating bone marrow edema (<1155 × 10-6  mm2 /sec). Diagnostic accuracy of 95% was achieved for 73% (29/40) of the subjects. DATA CONCLUSION: DWI with ADC maps distinguishes between healthy and abnormal bone on forefoot MRI. Calculated cutoff values allow confirmation or exclusion of osteomyelitis in a high proportion of subjects. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Computed tomography angiography versus Agatston score for diagnosis of coronary artery disease in patients with stable chest pain: individual patient data meta-analysis of the international COME-CCT Consortium.

OBJECTIVES: There is conflicting evidence about the comparative diagnostic accuracy of the Agatston score versus computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with suspected obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). PURPOSE: To determine whether CTA is superior to the Agatston score in the diagnosis of CAD. METHODS: In total 2452 patients with stable chest pain and a clinical indication for invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for suspected CAD were included by the Collaborative Meta-analysis of Cardiac CT (COME-CCT) Consortium. An Agatston score of > 400 was considered positive, and obstructive CAD defined as at least 50% coronary diameter stenosis on ICA was used as the reference standard. RESULTS: Obstructive CAD was diagnosed in 44.9% of patients (1100/2452). The median Agatston score was 74. Diagnostic accuracy of CTA for the detection of obstructive CAD (81.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.5 to 84.1%) was significantly higher than that of the Agatston score (68.8%, 95% CI: 64.2 to 73.1%, p < 0.001). Among patients with an Agatston score of zero, 17% (101/600) had obstructive CAD. Diagnostic accuracy of CTA was not significantly different in patients with low to intermediate (1 to < 100, 100-400) versus moderate to high Agatston scores (401-1000, > 1000). CONCLUSIONS: Results in our international cohort show CTA to have significantly higher diagnostic accuracy than the Agatston score in patients with stable chest pain, suspected CAD, and a clinical indication for ICA. Diagnostic performance of CTA is not affected by a higher Agatston score while an Agatston score of zero does not reliably exclude obstructive CAD. KEY POINTS: • CTA showed significantly higher diagnostic accuracy (81.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.5 to 84.1%) for diagnosis of coronary artery disease when compared to the Agatston score (68.8%, 95% CI: 64.2 to 73.1%, p < 0.001). • Diagnostic performance of CTA was not affected by increased amount of calcium and was not significantly different in patients with low to intermediate (1 to <100, 100-400) versus moderate to high Agatston scores (401-1000, > 1000). • Seventeen percent of patients with an Agatston score of zero showed obstructive coronary artery disease by invasive angiography showing absence of coronary artery calcium cannot reliably exclude coronary artery disease.

Retrospective evaluation of routine in-hospital observation in 433 patients after CT-guided biopsies.

BACKGROUND: After computed tomography (CT)-guided interventions, routine in-hospital observation is recommended by the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe. PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency of delayed major complications or hospitalizations after CT-guided biopsies in patients with initially no or minor complications and to assess whether routine in-hospital observation is justified. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 433 outpatients after CT-guided biopsy of the thoracic (n = 176), abdominal (n = 129), or musculoskeletal (n = 128) region with subsequent in-hospital observation. Complications were graded according to the current Society of Interventional Radiology recommendations and grouped into minor or major. A complication that occurred during in-hospital observation was defined as delayed complication. A delayed major complication was a newly developed major complication or a progression from an initially minor to a major complication. Hospitalization frequencies were evaluated similarly. Occurrence, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and P values for significant differences between the three organ groups were calculated. If delayed major complications were more frequent than 1%, routine in-hospital observation was considered justified. RESULTS: Delayed, major complication frequencies were: thoracic, 8.2% (95% CI 4.6-13.4); abdominal, 0.0% (95% CI 0.0-2.9); and musculoskeletal, 0.0% (95% CI 0.0-2.9) (P < 0.001). Delayed hospitalization frequencies were: thoracic, 8.8% (95% CI 5.0-14.2); abdominal, 1.6% (95% CI 0.2-5.6); and musculoskeletal, 0.0% (95% CI 0.0-2.9) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: After thoracic interventions, routine observation is considered justified for patient safety whereas routine observation may be omitted after musculoskeletal interventions. In the abdominal group, no delayed complications were observed, but delayed hospitalization occurred. Thus, in-hospital observation could be justified in a safe patient environment, but remains an individual decision.

Organ-based tube current modulation and bismuth eye shielding in pediatric head computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Exposure of the eye lens to ionizing radiation results in cataract. Several dose optimization techniques to protect the lens are available for computed tomography (CT). OBJECTIVE: The radiation dose to the eye lens, volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and image quality of various methods of dose optimization were evaluated for pediatric head CT: automated tube current modulation (ATCM), automated tube voltage selection (ATVS), organ-based tube current modulation (OBTCM) and bismuth shielding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anthropomorphic phantom of a 5-year-old child was scanned with nine protocols: no dose optimization technique and then adding different dose optimization techniques alone and in combination. Dose to the eye, thyroid and breast were estimated using metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimetry. CTDIvol, influence of timing of shield placement, image noise and attenuation values in 13 regions of interest of the head and subjective image quality were compared. RESULTS: The eye shield significantly reduced the eye lens dose when used alone, to a similar degree as when using all software-based techniques together. When used in combination with software-based techniques, the shield reduced the eye lens dose by up to 45% compared to the no dose optimization technique. Noise was significantly increased by the shield, most pronounced in the anterior portion of the eye. CONCLUSION: The combination of ATCM, ATVS, OBTCM and a bismuth shield, with the shield placed after acquiring the localizer image, should be considered to reduce the radiation dose to the eye lens in pediatric head CT.

Short tau inversion recovery (STIR) after intravenous contrast agent administration obscures bone marrow edema-like signal on forefoot MRI.

OBJECTIVE: Short tau or short TI inversion recovery (STIR) MRI sequences are considered a robust fat suppression technique. However, STIR also suppresses signals from other tissues with similar T1 relaxation times. This study investigates the in vivo effect of intravenous gadolinium-based T1-shortening contrast agent on STIR signal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional board approval and informed consent was obtained. MRI examinations (1.5-T or 3-T) of 31 prospectively included patients were analyzed by two readers. Signal intensity of degenerative bone marrow edema-like signal at the Lisfranc joint on precontrast STIR images and on STIR images acquired after intravenous contrast agent administration (gadoteric acid, gadolinium: 0.5 mmol/ml, 15 ml) was measured. The medial cuneiform bone without observable bone marrow edema-like signal was considered a healthy tissue and served as a reference. Relative changes in signal intensity between precontrast and postcontrast images were calculated for the two tissues. Wilcoxon signed-rank test served for statistical analyses. RESULTS: In bone marrow edema-like signal, both readers observed a median signal change of -35% (interquartile range (IQR) 24) and -34% (IQR 21), respectively, on postcontrast STIR images compared to precontrast STIR. In healthy tissue, the signal remained constant on postcontrast STIR images (median change -2%, IQR 15, and 0%, IQR 17) respectively. For both readers, postcontrast signal change in bone marrow edema-like signal differed from that in healthy tissue (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agent causes a significant reduction of signal intensity in bone marrow edema-like signal on routine STIR images. Thus, pathological MRI findings may be obscured.

Normal sonographic liver and spleen dimensions in a central European pediatric population.

BACKGROUND: Organ size is influenced by a number of factors. Age, height, weight, and ethnicity are known influencing factors. Pediatric populations have changed over time, puberty beginning earlier resulting in a changing growth pattern of their organs. Hence, contemporary charts using local data are considered the most appropriate for a given population. Sonographic charts for liver size for a predominantly Caucasian population are limited, which has implications for clinical practice. The aim of this study was to define a contemporary normative range of liver and spleen sizes for a healthy, predominantly Caucasian population and for all pediatric age groups (0-18 years) and to investigate whether there is a size difference between genders and ethnicities. METHODS: Retrospective study including children with normal sonographic findings and no evidence of liver or splenic disease clinically. Craniocaudal and anteroposterior dimensions are measured for the right and left lobe of the liver, and craniocaudal dimension for the spleen. Relationship of the liver and spleen dimensions with age, body length, body surface area, weight, and gender were investigated. Charts of normal values were established. Values were compared to studies involving other ethnicities and to one study carried out in 1983 involving the same ethnicity. RESULTS: Seven hundred thirty-six children (371 boys, 365 girls) aged 1 day - 18.4 years were included. From the second year of life, the craniocaudal dimension of the right lobe of the liver is 1-2 cm larger in the Central European population compared with non-Caucasian populations at a given age. Liver size of Central European children in 2020 is greater compared to a similar population almost 40 years ago. The craniocaudal dimension of the spleen of Central European, US-American and Turkish children is similar. The difference between genders is statistically significant for both the liver and the spleen, being larger in boys. CONCLUSION: Contemporary and ethnically appropriate reference charts for liver and spleen measurements should be used, especially for liver size. The effect of ethnicity is reduced if patient height rather than age is referenced.

Differentiating epidural fibrosis from disc herniation on contrast-enhanced and unenhanced MRI in the postoperative lumbar spine.

OBJECTIVE: To determine diagnostic confidence and inter-observer/intra-observer agreement in differentiating epidural fibrosis from disc herniation and lumbar spinal stenosis parameters on magnetic resonance images (MRI) in postoperative lumbar spines with (Gad-MRI) and without (unenhanced MRI) intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agent. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: N = 124 lumbar spine MRI examinations of four groups were included: 1-6 months, 7-18 months, 19-36 months, more than 37 months between lumbar spine surgery and imaging. Two radiologists evaluated Gad-MRI and unenhanced MRI: diagnostic confidence was determined as confident or unconfident. Inter-observer and intra-observer agreement were assessed in differentiating epidural fibrosis from disc herniation and for lumbar spinal stenosis parameters on MRI. Fisher's exact test and Cohen's kappa served for statistics. RESULTS: Diagnostic confidence in differentiating epidural fibrosis from disc herniation was significantly higher on Gad-MR images compared with unenhanced MRI at 1-18 months for observer 1 and at 1-6 months postoperatively for observer 2 (p values: 0.01-0.025). Inter-observer agreement at 1-6 months postoperatively for identification of epidural fibrosis was higher on Gad-MRI (kappa values: 0.53 versus 0.24). Inter-observer and intra-observer agreement for identification of disc herniation and for assessment of lumbar spinal stenosis parameters revealed inconsistent data, without a trend for higher inter-observer or intra-observer agreement on Gad-MRI compared with unenhanced MRI (kappa values: 0.17-0.75). CONCLUSION: Gad-MR images compared with unenhanced MRI improved diagnostic confidence and agreement in differentiating epidural fibrosis from disc herniation for both observers in the first 6 months and for one observer in the first 18 months after lumbar spine surgery. After 18 months, Gad-MR images compared with unenhanced MRI did neither improve confidence nor agreement.

Nano-analytical characterization of endogenous minerals in healthy placental tissue: mineral distribution, composition and ultrastructure.

Despite its crucial role, the placenta is the least understood human organ. Recent clinical studies indicate a direct association between placental calcification and maternal and offspring health. This study reveals distinct characteristics of minerals formed during gestational ageing using cutting-edge nano-analytical characterization and paves the way for investigations focused on the identification of potential markers for disease risks in a clinical setting based on atypical placental mineral fingerprints.

Organ-specific response to nivolumab in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

BACKGROUND: Response to immune checkpoint inhibitors depends on tumor intrinsic properties and also on host factors in the tumour microenvironment including the presence of immune cells (IC). We hypothesized that nivolumab efficacy varies across different metastatic sites. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed computed tomography scans of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) receiving nivolumab. RECIST 1.1 criteria were applied to assess the overall response rate (ORR) and organ-specific response rate (OSRR). RESULTS: We analyzed 52 patients including 44% females, 58% adenocarcinoma and 8% never smokers. Involved organs had target-lesions in the lung (42%), liver (25%), lymph nodes (56%) and soft tissue (13%) and non-target lesions in the bones (23%). ORR and disease control rate (DCR) were 20% and 45%, respectively. Median overall survival, progression-free survival and duration of response were 11.9, 2.3 and 10.3 months. OSRR and organ-specific DCR (OSDCR) were 28% and 90% in lymph nodes, 8% and 54 in the liver, and 9% and 55% in lung metastases. Nine out of 12 patients with bone metastases had progressive lesions. The cumulative incidence probability of organ-specific progression at 6 months was 14% in lymph nodes, 42% in the liver, 36% in lung metastases and 26% in the primary tumor, 29% in soft tissue and 33% in adrenal metastases. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the efficacy of immunotherapy is dependent on the metastatic location. Treatment appears more active in lymph nodes compared to other organ sites such as liver, adrenals and bone. Future strategies may include additional local treatment in case of oligoprogression in these organs in patients with otherwise sustained treatment benefit.

Correction to: Applicability and accuracy of pretest probability calculations implemented in the NICE clinical guideline for decision making about imaging in patients with chest pain of recent onset.

The original version of this article, published on 19 March 2018, unfortunately contained a mistake. The following correction has therefore been made in the original: The names of the authors Philipp A. Kaufmann, Ronny Ralf Buechel and Bernhard A. Herzog were presented incorrectly.

Applicability and accuracy of pretest probability calculations implemented in the NICE clinical guideline for decision making about imaging in patients with chest pain of recent onset.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the implementation, applicability and accuracy of the pretest probability calculation provided by NICE clinical guideline 95 for decision making about imaging in patients with chest pain of recent onset. METHODS: The definitions for pretest probability calculation in the original Duke clinical score and the NICE guideline were compared. We also calculated the agreement and disagreement in pretest probability and the resulting imaging and management groups based on individual patient data from the Collaborative Meta-Analysis of Cardiac CT (CoMe-CCT). RESULTS: 4,673 individual patient data from the CoMe-CCT Consortium were analysed. Major differences in definitions in the Duke clinical score and NICE guideline were found for the predictors age and number of risk factors. Pretest probability calculation using guideline criteria was only possible for 30.8 % (1,439/4,673) of patients despite availability of all required data due to ambiguity in guideline definitions for risk factors and age groups. Agreement regarding patient management groups was found in only 70 % (366/523) of patients in whom pretest probability calculation was possible according to both models. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that pretest probability calculation for clinical decision making about cardiac imaging as implemented in the NICE clinical guideline for patients has relevant limitations. KEY POINTS: • Duke clinical score is not implemented correctly in NICE guideline 95. • Pretest probability assessment in NICE guideline 95 is impossible for most patients. • Improved clinical decision making requires accurate pretest probability calculation. • These refinements are essential for appropriate use of cardiac CT.

Ultralow dose CT for pulmonary nodule detection with chest x-ray equivalent dose - a prospective intra-individual comparative study.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the accuracy of ultralow radiation dose CT of the chest with tin filtration at 100 kV for pulmonary nodule detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 202 consecutive patients undergoing clinically indicated chest CT (standard dose, 1.8 ± 0.7 mSv) were prospectively included and additionally scanned with an ultralow dose protocol (0.13 ± 0.01 mSv). Standard dose CT was read in consensus by two board-certified radiologists to determine the presence of lung nodules and served as standard of reference (SOR). Two radiologists assessed the presence of lung nodules and their locations on ultralow dose CT. Sensitivity and specificity of the ultralow dose protocol was compared against the SOR, including subgroup analyses of different nodule sizes and types. A mixed effects logistic regression was used to test for independent predictors for sensitivity of pulmonary nodule detection. RESULTS: 425 nodules (mean diameter 3.7 ± 2.9 mm) were found on SOR. Overall sensitivity for nodule detection by ultralow dose CT was 91%. In multivariate analysis, nodule type, size and patients BMI were independent predictors for sensitivity (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ultralow dose chest CT at 100 kV with spectral shaping enables a high sensitivity for the detection of pulmonary nodules at exposure levels comparable to plain film chest X-ray. KEYPOINTS: • 91% of all lung nodules were detected with ultralow dose CT • Sensitivity for subsolid nodule detection is lower in ultralow dose CT (77.5%) • The mean effective radiation dose in 202 patients was 0.13 mSv • Ultralow dose CT seems to be feasible for lung cancer screening.

Comparative assessment of image quality for coronary CT angiography with iobitridol and two contrast agents with higher iodine concentrations: iopromide and iomeprol. A multicentre randomized double-blind trial.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate non-inferiority of iobitridol 350 for coronary CT angiography (CTA) compared to higher iodine content contrast media regarding rate of patients evaluable for the presence of coronary artery stenoses. METHODS: In this multicentre trial, 452 patients were randomized to receive iobitridol 350, iopromide 370 or iomeprol 400 and underwent coronary CTA using CT systems with 64-detector rows or more. Two core lab readers assessed 18 coronary segments per patient regarding image quality (score 0 = non diagnostic to 4 = excellent quality), vascular attenuation, signal and contrast to noise ratio (SNR, CNR). Patients were considered evaluable if no segment had a score of 0. RESULTS: Per-patient, the rate of fully evaluable CT scans was 92.1, 95.4 and 94.6 % for iobitridol, iopromide and iomeprol, respectively. Non-inferiority of iobitridol over the best comparator was demonstrated with a 95 % CI of the difference of [-8.8 to 2.1], with a pre-specified non-inferiority margin of -10 %. Although average attenuation increased with higher iodine concentrations, average SNR and CNR did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: With current CT technology, iobitridol 350 mg iodine/ml is not inferior to contrast media with higher iodine concentrations in terms of image quality for coronary stenosis assessment. KEY POINTS: • Iodine concentration is an important parameter for image quality in coronary CTA. • Contrast enhancement must be balanced against the amount of iodine injected. • Iobitridol 350 is non-inferior compared to CM with higher iodine concentrations. • Higher attenuation with higher iodine concentrations, but no SNR or CNR differences.

Optimizing radiation dose by using advanced modelled iterative reconstruction in high-pitch coronary CT angiography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential of advanced modeled iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE) for optimizing radiation dose of high-pitch coronary CT angiography (CCTA). METHODS: High-pitch 192-slice dual-source CCTA was performed in 25 patients (group 1) according to standard settings (ref. 100 kVp, ref. 270 mAs/rot). Images were reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) and ADMIRE (strength levels 1-5). In another 25 patients (group 2), high-pitch CCTA protocol parameters were adapted according to results from group 1 (ref. 160 mAs/rot), and images were reconstructed with ADMIRE level 4. In ten patients of group 1, vessel sharpness using full width at half maximum (FWHM) analysis was determined. Image quality was assessed by two independent, blinded readers. RESULTS: Interobserver agreements for attenuation and noise were excellent (r = 0.88/0.85, p < 0.01). In group 1, ADMIRE level 4 images were most often selected (84%, 21/25) as preferred data set; at this level noise reduction was 40% compared to FBP. Vessel borders showed increasing sharpness (FWHM) at increasing ADMIRE levels (p < 0.05). Image quality in group 2 was similar to that of group 1 at ADMIRE levels 2-3. Radiation dose in group 2 (0.3 ± 0.1 mSv) was significantly lower than in group 1 (0.5 ± 0.3 mSv; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In a selected population, ADMIRE can be used for optimizing high-pitch CCTA to an effective dose of 0.3 mSv. KEY POINTS: • Advanced modeled IR (ADMIRE) reduces image noise up to 50% as compared to FBP. • Coronary artery vessel borders show an increasing sharpness at higher ADMIRE levels. • High-pitch CCTA with ADMIRE is possible at a radiation dose of 0.3 mSv.

Systematic Evaluation of Radiation Dose Reduction in CT Studies of Body Packers: Accuracy Down to Submillisievert Levels.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the accuracy of abdominal CT performed at different radiation dose levels for the detection of body packs in human cadavers, in comparison with the accuracy of abdominal radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, differing numbers of body packs (range, 0-20) were placed in the alimentary tract of human cadavers and then underwent imaging with abdominal radiography and with CT performed at different radiation dose levels (ranging from the standard abdominal CT dose to the technical minimum dose). Depiction of body packs on abdominal radiographs and on each CT scan was assessed by two independent blinded radiologists, and the accuracy of detection of body packs was calculated. The radiation dose associated with abdominal radiography was measured, and the effective radiation dose associated with CT was estimated. RESULTS: The mean (± SD) effective radiation dose for abdominal radiography was 1.4 ± 0.3 mSv, whereas the mean effective dose of CT ranged from 0.1 to 9.6 mSv. Interobserver agreement for body pack detection was moderate (κ = 0.51) for abdominal radiography and good (κ = 0.72-0.85) for CT. In a per-body pack analysis, abdominal radiography depicted 42% of the body packs with a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 100%. When performed at radiation dose levels of 0.6 mSv or greater, CT correctly detected all body packs. In per-person analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of CT for the correct detection of at least one body pack per cadaver was 100% for all radiation dose levels. CONCLUSION: CT performed at a dose of 0.6 mSv can be used for the detection of body packs. With a sensitivity and specificity of 100%, CT is superior to abdominal radiography in terms of reliability, associated radiation dose, and accuracy of detection.

Terson syndrome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage-its relation to intracranial pressure, admission factors, and clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND: A large number of reports have not been able to clarify the pathophysiology of Terson syndrome (TS) in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). METHODS: Prospective single-center study on aSAH patients. Fundoscopic and radiological signs of TS were assessed. The opening intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients who required a ventriculostomy was recorded with a manometer. RESULTS: Six out of 36 included patients had TS (16.7 %), which was associated with unfavorable admission scores. Twenty-nine patients (80.5 %) required ventriculostomy; TS was associated with higher ICP (median, 40 vs. 15 cm cmH2O, p = .003); all patients with TS had pathological ICP values of >20 cmH2O. Patients with a ruptured aneurysm of the anterior cerebral artery complex were ten times as likely to suffer from TS (OR 10.0, 95 % CI 1.03-97.50). Detection of TS on CT had a sensitivity of 50 %, a specificity of 98.4 %, a positive predictive value of 83.3 %, and a negative predictive value of 92.4 %. Mortality was 45 times as high in patients with TS (OR 45.0, 95 % CI 3.86-524.7) and neurologic morbidity up until 3 months post-aSAH was significantly higher in patients with TS (mRS 4-6; 100 vs. 17 %; p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate an association between raised ICP and the incidence of TS. TS should be ruled out in aSAH patients presenting comatose or with raised ICP to ensure upfront ophthalmological follow-up. In alert patients without visual complaints and a TS-negative CT scan, the likelihood for the presence of TS is very low.

Automated attenuation-based tube voltage selection for body CTA: Performance evaluation of 192-slice dual-source CT.

OBJECTIVE: To assess radiation dose and image quality in body CT-angiography (CTA) with automated attenuation-based tube voltage selection (ATVS) on a 192-slice dual-source CT (DSCT). METHODS: Forty patients (69.5 ± 9.6 years) who had undergone body CTA with ATVS (ref.kVp 100, ref.mAs 90) using a 2x192-slice CT in single-source mode were retrospectively included. All patients had undergone prior CTA with a 2x128-slice CT and ATVS with identical imaging and contrast media protocols, serving for comparison. Images were reconstructed with iterative reconstruction at similar strength levels. Radiation dose was determined. Image quality was assessed semi-quantitatively (1:excellent, 5:non-diagnostic), aortic attenuation, noise and CNR were determined. RESULTS: As compared to 128-slice DSCT, 192-slice DSCT selected tube voltages were lower in 30 patients (75 %), higher in 3 (7.5 %), and similar in 7 patients (17.5 %). CTDIvol was lower with 192-slice DSCT (4.7 ± 1.9 mGy vs. 5.8 ± 2.1 mGy; p < 0.001). Subjective image quality, mean aortic attenuation (342 ± 67HU vs. 268 ± 67HU) and CNR (9.8 ± 2.5 vs. 8.2 ± 2.9) were higher with 192-slice DSCT (all p < 0.01), all datasets being diagnostic. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that ATVS of 192-slice DSCT for body CTA is associated with an improved image quality and further radiation dose reduction of 19 % compared to 128-slice DSCT. KEY POINTS: • 192-slice DSCT allows imaging from 70 kVp to 150 kVp at 10 kVp increments. • 192-slice DSCT allows for radiation-dose reduction in body-CTA with ATVS. • Subjective and objective image quality increase compared to 128-slice DSCT.