Autoimmune Pancreatitis Type 1 with Biliary, Nasal, Testicular, and Pulmonary Involvement: A Case Report and a Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated condition associated with fibroinflammatory lesions that can occur at almost any anatomical site. It often presents as a multiorgan disease that may mimic malignancy, infection, or other immune-mediated conditions. Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) type 1 is the most prominent manifestation of IgG4-RD in the digestive tract, with common extra-pancreatic inflammation. We present the first patient with AIP and involvement of the testicles and nasal cavity. PATIENT AND METHODS: A case of a patient with AIP type 1 and other organ involvement (bile ducts, testicles, nasal polyps, and lungs) is described. Additionally, a systematic review of AIP type 1 with testicular and nasal involvement was conducted. RESULTS: The systematic review found two cases of AIP type 1 with testicular involvement and 143 cases with AIP type 1 with nasal cavity involvement. None of them had both testicular and nasal involvement. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case of AIP type 1 with other organ involvement, including testicular and nasal involvement, to be described. The number of patients with nasal and testicular involvement described in the literature is low. Creating awareness of this rare clinical condition is necessary, especially due to the very effective available treatment with corticosteroids and rituximab.

Hormone replacement therapy-related changes in the early postmenopausal period (critical window): an in vivo brain proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.

AIM: Findings from clinical studies in postmenopausal women with late initiation of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that test whether HRT protects cognitive functions in women are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HRT on brain metabolite ratios when initiated in the early postmenopausal period (critical window). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Proton magnetic resonance spectrometry (1H MRS) was performed in 4 brain regions of 47 healthy postmenopausal women (21 received HRT, 26 did not). The subjects were aged between 45 and 65 years. The duration of HRT ranged from 1 to 12 years (mean: 6.3 years). The duration of menopause was 2-12 years (mean: 6.1 years) for HRT users and 1-20 years (mean: 7.8 years) for non-HRT users. Metabolite ratios [N-acetyl aspartate/choline (NAA/Cho), NAA/creatine (Cr), and Cho/Cr] were evaluated. RESULTS: Cho/Cr ratios were significantly increased and NAA/Cho ratios significantly decreased in all 4 regions in the HRT user group compared to the other group after elimination of the effects of age and menopause duration. Regression analysis revealed an association only between NAA/Cho and duration of menopause. CONCLUSION: HRT-related changes in metabolite ratios are found in all brain regions. Decreased NAA/Cho and increased Cho/Cr levels do not support the neuroprotective role of HRT in the critical window.

The significance of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography findings in sphenoid sinus agenesis.

Agenesis of the sphenoid sinuses is a very rarely encountered anatomic variation. Findings on magnetic resonance imaging can mislead the radiologist and clinician. Therefore, the gold standard for diagnosis is computed tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinuses. We present the case of a 28-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital with a 3-month history of headache. CT of the paranasal sinuses revealed isolated bilateral sphenoid sinus agenesis.

Importance of the ultrasonography in diagnosis of ileal duplication cyst.

Gastrointestinal duplication cysts are rare congenital anomalies that can be seen in anywhere of the gastrointestinal system from the mouth to the anus. These are prenatally diagnosed through antenatal ultrasonography. However, attention must be paid since these formations might be confused with ovarian or mesenteric cysts. Our patient, who had been diagnosed with ovarian cyst on the ultrasonography performed in another center and with mesenteric cyst based on the abdominal MRI carried out at fifth month of life, presented to our clinic with the only complaint of constipation at 9th month of life. The diagnosis was set through double wall appearance of duplication cyst on the abdominal ultrasonography. The patient's cyst was resected.

The benefit of expiratory-phase quantitative CT densitometry in the early diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare the inspiratory and expiratory quantitative computed tomography (CT) densitometric data of healthy volunteers, individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk, and COPD patients to aid in the early diagnosis of COPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the study patients, 14 were healthy volunteers (Group I), 12 were patients at risk for COPD (Group II), and 13 were COPD patients (Group III). The high-resolution CT was performed at three levels (the upper, middle, and lower parts of the lungs). All images were evaluated with a specific program for the segmentation of pulmonary parenchyma. The mean lung density (MLD) was measured, and the emphysema index (EI) was calculated using this program. RESULTS: Both MLD values and calculated EI ratios showed significant differences between Groups I and III, and Groups II and III in both expiratory and inspiratory phases (P < 0.05). However, in the comparison of healthy volunteers and patients at risk for COPD (Group I and II), only expiratory-phase MLD values showed statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients at risk for COPD, expiratory-phase MLD measurements can be used as an early diagnostic method.

Automatic identification of landmarks for standard slice positioning in brain MRI.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate a novel automatic slice-positioning technique based on three new anatomical landmarks and to standardize prospective scans by lowering rotational and translational variances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After defining the interpeduncular fossa corner and the eyeball centers as landmarks, they are manually labeled on 25 different T1 MRI scans. New scans are produced according to the Eyeball centers-Mesencephalon (EM) plane. The comparison of angular deviations at EM and original scans is based on the comparison of rotational angles according to manually labeled Talairach points on both scans. The same variability comparison is also done with automatically captured landmarks to see the effects of segmentation errors. RESULTS: Analysis of variances proved significant lowering of intersubject variability for pitch and yaw angles (P(pitch) < 0.005, P(yaw) < 0.001), which are the two basic causes of misalignments. Automatic segmentation accuracy is proved by paired t-test and significance tests. CONCLUSION: A new field of view and slice orientation proposed by the EM technique will have fixed the follow-up scans by significantly lowering the rotational and translational variances. The EM technique will precisely match the intrasubject scans and produce better standardized intersubject scans. The distinguishing features of landmarks are sufficient for robust automatic capture.

A Mild Chest Trauma in an Infant who Developed Severe Pulmonary Hemorrhage.

Chest trauma, an important cause of morbidity and mortality, is the second most common cause of death in children under four years of age. Due to the different anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system in childhood, the injuries and consequences of chest trauma are also dissimilar. A seven-month-old male infant presented to the emergency clinic with cyanosis and respiratory distress. His medical history revealed that he had been found trapped behind his bed in a cyanotic state two hours earlier. Although physical examination revealed no signs of trauma, respiratory distress and hemorrhagic secretions indicated pulmonary hemorrhage or contusion. This preliminary diagnosis was confirmed by thoracic tomography. There was complete recovery following 48-hour oxygen and medical treatment. Even after mild injuries, the fact that severe pulmonary hemorrhages and contusions may develop without a trace of trauma should be kept in mind.

Fragmented QRS complexes are associated with cardiac fibrosis and significant intraventricular systolic dyssynchrony in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy patients with a narrow QRS interval.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial scar causes heterogeneous ventricular activation, which results in fragmentation of QRS complexes on ECG. Myocardial fibrosis in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NDCM) can be identified as late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) areas on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) studies. We investigated the association of fragmented QRS (fQRS) complexes with systolic dyssynchrony and myocardial fibrosis in patients with NDCM. METHODS: Twenty patients with NDCM and sinus rhythm who had fQRS complexes were evaluated with CMR. The association of fQRS complexes with LGE and systolic dyssynchrony was investigated. RESULTS: Nineteen patients had significant systolic dyssynchrony with echocardiography. Among 19 patients with significant dyssynchrony, 14 (74%) patients had fQRS complexes in the most delayed contracting segment or one of the dyssynchronous segments, whereas five patients (26%) had fQRS complexes in a lead which is discordant with the dyssynchronous segment on echocardiography. Seventeen patients had LGE in their CMR. Among the 17 patients with LGE; 13 patients (76%) had fQRS complexes concordant with LGE present segments. CONCLUSION: Fragmentation of QRS complexes on ECG is associated with intraventricular systolic dyssynchrony and subendocardial fibrosis in NDCM patients with a narrow QRS interval and sinus rhythm.

The effect of cardiac fibrosis on left ventricular remodeling, diastolic function, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac fibrosis is common and associated with poor prognosis in patients with heart failure. We investigated the effect of cardiac fibrosis on the left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, functional capacity, LV remodeling, and biochemical parameters in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDC). In addition, we investigated the biochemical and echocardiographic predictors of cardiac fibrosis in this group. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty patients with NIDC were enrolled. Cardiac fibrosis was evaluated according to the presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Nineteen patients had cardiac fibrosis (Group I) and 21 patients did not have cardiac fibrosis (Group II). LV systolic and diastolic parameters were assessed with conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) levels of each patient were recorded. Patients with cardiac fibrosis had impaired diastolic function, higher functional class and NT-pro BNP levels, and significant LV remodeling than the patients without cardiac fibrosis. A correlation analysis revealed that the cardiac fibrosis severity was associated with functional class, cardiac chamber sizes, NT-pro BNP levels, diastolic parameters such as E/Se. A linear regression analysis demonstrated that NT-pro BNP and E/Se were the independent predictors of cardiac fibrosis. CONCLUSION: Cardiac fibrosis correlates with impaired LV diastolic function and functional capacity, elevated NT-proBNP levels, and adverse cardiac remodeling in patients with NIDC. Therefore, the assessment of cardiac fibrosis can be useful in the management of these patients.

Lung clearance of 99mTc-DTPA in ankylosing spondylitis.

The association of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and lung parenchyma abnormalities has been shown in previous studies by radiological and pulmonary function tests. Technetium-99m diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid ((99m)Tc-DTPA) dynamic lung scanning is an easy, noninvasive method to assess alveolar-capillary barrier permeability. We aimed to study the abnormalities in pulmonary clearance of (99m)Tc-DTPA in patients with AS, and the presence of any correlation between this clearance and the radiological and pulmonary function tests. We studied twenty-one nonsmoker patients with AS who were compared to 21 age and sex matched healthy volunteers. All subjects underwent pulmonary function tests and pulmonary scintigraphy with (99m)Tc-DTPA to evaluate pulmonary clearance. Clearance half time (T(1/2)) of (99m)Tc-DTPA through the lungs was calculated by placing a monoexponential fit on the 30 min activity curves. High resolution CT and pulmonary function tests were performed for each patient. Our results showed the following: Spirometric parameters of forced vital capecity (FVC) and theratio of forced expiratory value in 1sec/FVC (FEV1%) scores were worse in patients compared to the control group (P<0.005 and P<0.05, respectively). Clearance half time was longer in AS group than in the control group (58.45+/-7.59 and 51.62+/-4.79 min, respectively; P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between T(1/2) value and FEV1% (r=-0.876, P< 0.01), of AS patients and the control group. Additionally, there were moderate positive correlation between T(1/2) and FVC (r=0.705, P<0.001), weak positive correlation between T(1/2) and FEF2575 (r=0.493, P<0.05), and T(1/2) and DLCO (r=0.444, P<0.05). A positive correlation was found between the duration of the disease and T(1/2) (r=0.44, P<0.05). In conclusion, longer T(1/2) values and lower FVC values in nonsmoker AS patients may suggest not only the pulmonary involvement in AS but also the duration of the disease.

Color Doppler evaluation of the ocular arterial flow changes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the hemodynamic changes in the extraocular orbital vessels of the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), using color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) technique, and to compare the results with those of healthy control subjects. METHODS: Forty-five patients with COPD and 17 healthy control subjects were included in this study. Patients with COPD were classified according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Fifteen patients of stage I COPD (mild airflow limitation), stage II COPD (worsening airflow limitation) or stage III COPD (severe airflow limitation) were enrolled into Group I, II and III, respectively. End tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO(2)), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), pulse rate (PR) and respiratory rate (RR) were measured by using capnograph/pulse oximeter in all patients. Measurements were performed in only one randomly chosen eye of each participant. The peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistance index (RI) were measured in the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), lateral short posterior ciliary artery (LPCA) and medial short posterior ciliary artery (MPCA), using CDU technique. RESULTS: The PSV measurements of the OA were significantly higher in Groups II and III compared to control group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). The RI values from OA and CRA were significantly higher in Group II and III than the control group (p < 0.05). The RI values of LPCA and MPCA were also significantly higher in Group II than the control subjects (p < 0.05). When RI values were compared, mean values of LPCA and MPCA were significantly lower in Group III than in Group II (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between Group I and control patients about PSVs, EDVs and RI values of all arteries Statistically significant correlations were found for the EtCO(2) with PSV (r = 0.53, p < 0.01) and EDV (r = 0.51, p < 0.01) of the OA. Statistically significant correlations were also found for the SpO2 with RI (r = -0.34, p < 0.05) in the OA. CONCLUSION: We concluded that COPD is associated with impaired retrobulbar hemodynamics, especially in the ophthalmic artery. Moreover, central retinal and posterior ciliary arteries with increased resistance are also found to be affected when compared with healthy control eyes.

Evaluation of the hippocampus and the anterior cingulate gyrus by proton MR spectroscopy in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have shown that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with lymbic system dysfunction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether or not the neuronal integrity in hippocampus and anterior cingulate gyrus is affected in PTSD as assessed by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single voxel MRS was performed in 10 PTSD patients and 6 healthy subjects in two cerebral areas highly involved in the pathophysiology of PTSD (the hippocampus and the anterior cingulate gyrus). Spectra were obtained using PRESS sequence. Voxel sizes were 3.7 cm3 (hippocampus) and 6-7.2 cm3 (anterior cingulate gyrus). Metabolite ratios of NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr were calculated and compared to the control subjects. The severity of PTSD in the patient group was evaluated by Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale. RESULTS: Analysis of the proton MR spectra showed reductions in NAA/Cr ratio in bilateral hippocampus of PTSD subjects as compared to normal controls (p < 0.001), whereas Cho/Cr ratios were increased (p < 0.001). Reductions in NAA/Cr ratio were found in the the anterior cingulate gyrus of PTSD subjects as compared to normal controls (p < 0.01), whereas Cho/Cr ratios did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Changes in the metabolite ratios provide support for either neuronal dysfunction or neuronal loss both in the hippocampus and the anterior cingulate gyrus and may be associated with reduced neuronal integrity. Further studies with MRS in larger patient populations are needed to clarify the relationship between brain structures and neurobiology of PTSD.

Doppler evaluation of pediatric goiter: effect of mandatory iodination.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic status of the thyroid in children with goiter after the use of iodinated dietary salt for 3 years in a region of endemic iodine deficiency. METHODS: Sixty-six children between 7 and 12 years of age were included in the study. Three groups were constituted according to sonographically measured thyroid volume and urinary iodine excretion levels. Group 1 included 11 children with thyroid volumes greater than the 97th percentile according to age and sex criteria suggested by the World Health Organization International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders and urinary iodine level lower than 100 microg/l. Group 2 included 30 children with thyroid volumes greater than the 97th percentile and urinary iodine level equal to or higher than 100 microg/l. The control group included 25 children who had normal thyroid volume and urinary iodine level. All children were examined by thyroid duplex sonography. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) and resistance index (RI) were measured in the inferior thyroid artery bilaterally. RESULTS: PSV in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 and in the control group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). There was no significant difference between the PSV of group 2 and the control group. The RI in groups 1 and 2 was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). There was no significant difference between the RIs of group 1 and group 2. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest an effect of iodination on thyroid hemodynamics before the size of the hyperplastic thyroid returned to normal, in keeping with normalization of the urinary iodine level.

The effects of sildenafil on ocular blood flow.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of sildenafil, a popular new drug in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, on ocular blood flow. METHODS: This study was designed as a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Twenty participants with erectile dysfunction were given a single oral dose of 100 mg sildenafil, while 10 participants with erectile dysfunction were given placebo. All the participants underwent routine systemic and ophthalmological examinations. Intraocular pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and ocular blood flow (ophthalmic, central retinal, short posterior ciliary arteries) were measured in both eyes before and 1 hour after the dose of sildenafil or placebo. Ocular blood flow measurements were performed using colour Doppler ultrasonography. RESULTS: None of the parameters were significantly different between the groups before study drug intake. Although central retinal artery velocities were not changed, ophthalmic artery and short posterior ciliary artery peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and mean velocity values were significantly increased 1 hour after drug intake in the sildenafil group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sildenafil causes a significant increase in blood flow in these arteries. A possible role of inhibition of phosphodiesterase-5 in vascular smooth muscles by sildenafil is implicated. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of sildenafil on ocular blood flow in patients with senile macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

Remote effect of optic tract trauma in the occipital lobe (case report).

Traumatic brain damage can result in severe visual impairments including hemianopia. Lesions correlated with hemianopia can be located in any part of the retrochiasmatic optic pathway. However, traumatic lesions of the optic tract are relatively rare. We present a case with posttraumatic left homonymous hemianopia who had signal intensity change at the ipsilateral optic tract on MR imaging and ipsilateral occipital hypoperfusion on SPECT imaging.

Evaluation of carotid artery wall thickness with high-resolution sonography in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PURPOSE: An increased intima-media thickness (IMT) in the carotid arteries is a marker of generalized atherosclerosis, and it has been associated with a high risk of stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) have an increase in atherosclerotic indicators in the carotid arteries. METHODS: We studied 30 men with severe OSAS who had an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of at least 20. IMT measurement and the presence of stenotic occlusive lesions in the carotid arteries (right common carotid artery [RCCA], right bulb [Rbulb], right internal carotid artery [RICA], left common carotid artery [LCCA], left bulb [Lbulb], and left internal carotid artery [LICA]) were investigated by high-resolution sonography. Results of the sonographic examinations were compared with those for a group of 20 subjects with mild OSAS (AHI <20) and 20 healthy subjects. RESULTS: The mean IMT of the carotid arteries of patients with severe OSAS was significantly higher than those of patients with mild OSAS and control subjects (RCCA 0.81 versus 0.63 versus 0.58, p <0.01; Rbulb 0.96 versus 0.87 versus 0.65, p <0.001; RICA 0.77 versus 0.69 versus 0.61, p <0.05; LCCA 0.97 versus 0.78 versus 0.67, p <0.01; Lbulb 1.01 versus 0.89 versus 0.72, p <0.01; LICA 0.91 versus 0.75 versus 0.65, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the carotid arteries' IMT is increased in patients with severe OSAS. This increase may predispose the patients to cerebrovascular disease. Additionally, the findings support the hypothesis that patients with OSAS are at risk of developing cerebrovascular disease regardless of the presence or absence of other vascular risk factors (eg, hypercholesterolemia, diabetus mellitus, and hypertension).

How does nose blowing effect the computed tomography of paranasal sinuses in chronic sinusitis?

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine whether inward or outward movement of the secretions in the paranasal sinuses due to nose blowing after nasal decongestion has any effect on the paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) images in patients with sinusitis and to asses whether nose blowing may result in misdiagnosis or overdiagnosis in radiological evaluation of sinusitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with chronic sinusitis were evaluated in an academic tertiary care hospital and data were collected prospectively. After coronal sinus computed tomography scans were performed at 100 mA setting which was half the value of the standard radiation dose suggested by the manufacturer, topical decongestion was applied to each nostril followed by nose blowing 10 min later. Sinus CT scans were then repeated at the same setting. We evaluated the mucosal thickness of medial, lateral, superior and inferior maxillary and frontal sinus walls and the maximal thickness in anterior ethmoidal cells. The measurements prior to and following nose blowing were compared with Wilcoxon signed ranks test. The obtained images were also staged using Lund-McKay staging system separately and the scores were compared with Student's t-test. RESULTS: We observed a tendency towards reduction in mucosal thickness after nose blowing. There were statistically significant differences between maxillary sinus inferior wall and frontal sinus inferior wall mucosal thickness values prior to and after nose blowing. The difference however was very small, about 0.5 mm in magnitude and Lund-McKay score did not change in any of the patients after nose blowing. CONCLUSION: Nose blowing and topical nasal decongestion does not have any effect on the diagnostic accuracy of sinus CT in chronic sinusitis patients.

Transabdominal pulse inversion harmonic imaging improves assessment of ovarian morphology in virgin patients with PCOS: comparison with conventional B-mode sonography.

OBJECTIVE: In virgin policystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients transabdominal sonography is the preferential method of the pelvic examination. The purpose of this study was to determine ovarian morphology by the transabdominal route by pulse inversion harmonic imaging (PIHI) in virgin PCOS patients and to compare the diagnostic image quality with conventional B-mode ultrasonography (CBU). METHODS: Fifty-two ovaries in 26 virgin patients were evaluated by the transabdominal approach. Each ovary was examined using both PIHI and CBU. The sharpness of the follicular cysts walls, degree of internal echo definitions of the follicle cysts and overall ovarian conspicuity was assessed subjectively, using 4 point scoring (0, being worst; 3, being best score). The number of countable follicles, the size of largest and smallest ovarian follicle and ovarian volumes were assessed quantitively by both techniques. The effect of body mass index (BMI) on qualitative and quantitative scoring was evaluated. RESULTS: The sharpness of the cyst wall and internal echo structure was significantly better with PIHI than with CBU (P < 0.001 P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). PIHI improved overall ovarian conspicuity in 41 (78.8%) of 52 examination. The number of countable follicles was significantly lower with CBU (P < 0.001). The maximum diameter of the largest follicle was larger with PIHI sonography to compared CBU (P < 0.001). Mean ovarian volume was significantly larger with CBU (P < 0.001). When data were analyzed separately according to BMI, number of non-diagnostic overall ovarian conspicuity scores with CBU was markedly high in obese patients (88% with CBU versus 3.8% with PIHI). On the other hand, mean number of countable follicles with CBU became much more lower in the obese group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In virgin PCOS patients, when compared to transabdominal CBU, PIHI significantly improved the detection of ovarian follicles, especially in high BMI obese subjects, through increased contrast sensitivity for cystic structures and decreased intrafollicular artifactual echoes. Transabdominal ultrasonographic examination by PIHI mode can contribute to the evaluation of ovaries.

Assessment of image quality of a standard and three dose-reducing protocols in adult cranial CT.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of various tube current settings (mAs) and optimize the image quality and dose for adult cranial CT protocol. Sixty adult patients who underwent a cranial CT scanning for different indications were subdivided into three subgroups. Subjective image and noise quality scores and quantitative noise measurements were selectively studied on three reference levels (cerebellar, basal ganglia and centrum semiovale levels). For each subgroup, only one level was studied. Head circumference (HC) and the maximum anteroposterior diameter (MAPD) of each patient were measured. At 50% decreased dose protocol, there was no poor quality score at any level. At nearly 60% decreased dose protocol, the incidence of poor quality scores was much higher at the cerebellar level than at the other two levels. For the same protocol number, quantitative noise measurements were higher at the cerebellar level than the other two supratentorial levels. The correlation was found to be significant between HC, MAPD and quantitative noise measurements, and there was a non-significant correlation between HC and subjective noise scores. In adult cranial CT, depending on the level, a dose reduction of up to 60% may be possible while maintaining image quality.