Age estimation in Indian soldiers: Maxillary anterior tooth pulp/tooth volume ratio analysis with cone beam computed tomography.

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the utility of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)-based pulp tooth volume- ratio of maxillary anterior teeth for accurate age estimation. The project aimed to utilize the HOROS software for image analysis and develop prediction models using regression analysis. Methods: 1800 male patients in the age group of 20 to 40 years were selected, and maxillary anterior teeth were picked. High-resolution CBCT scans were collected, and image analysis in terms of pulp volume (PV), tooth volume (TV), and pulp-volume-to-tooth-volume ratio (PV/TV) was calculated using HOROS software. Simple linear regression analysis was used to develop prediction models correlating the PV/TV with chronological age. Results: PV/TV of all teeth ranged between 0.073 and 0.214. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between the chronological age and the PV/TV. It shows a statistically significant (positive) but low correlation between age and PV/TV 13 and 22 (combined), respectively, and the highest Pearson correlation (0.849) for maxillary canine (13). This study presents four models for age estimation with maximum standard error ranging between 3.5 and 4.3 and an accuracy of 96%. Conclusion: This study illustrates the effectiveness of CBCT-based PV/TV of maxillary anterior teeth for age assessment. Accurate prediction models were constructed by using regression analysis and the HOROS software. These findings enhance the study of forensic odontology and have potential applications in forensic investigations, archaeological research, and legal-age assessment. Further research is necessary to validate and refine the prediction models, expanding their applicability to larger and more diverse population samples.

MRI perfusion analysis using freeware, standard imaging software.

BACKGROUND: Perfusion-weighted imaging is only scarcely used in veterinary medicine. The exact reasons are unclear. One reason might be the typically high costs of the software packages for image analysis. In addition, a great variability concerning available programs makes it hard to compare results between different studies. Moreover, these algorithms are tuned for their usage in human medicine and often difficult to adapt to veterinary studies. In order to address these issues, our aim is to deliver a free open source package for calculating quantitative perfusion parameters. We develop an "R package" calculating mean transit time, cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume from data obtained with freely imaging software (OsiriX Light®). We hope that the free availability, in combination with the fact that the underlying algorithm is open and adaptable, makes it easier for scientists in veterinary medicine to use, compare and adapt perfusion-weighted imaging analysis. In order to demonstrate the usage of our software package, we reviewed previously acquired perfusion-weighted images from a group of eight purpose-breed healthy beagle dogs and twelve client-owned dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. In order to obtain the data needed for our algorithm, the following steps were performed: First, regions of interest (ROI) were drawn around different, previously reported, brain regions and the middle cerebral artery. Second, a ROI enhancement curve was generated for each ROI using a freely available PlugIn. Third, the signal intensity curves were exported as a comma-separated-value file. These files constitute the input to our software package, which then calculates the PWI parameters. RESULTS: We used our software package to re-assess perfusion weighted images from two previous studies. The clinical results were similar, showing a significant increase in the mean transit time and a significant decrease in cerebral blood flow for diseased dogs. CONCLUSION: We provide an "R package" for computing the main perfusion parameters from measurements taken with standard imaging software and describe in detail how to obtain these measurements. We hope that our contribution enables users in veterinary medicine to easily obtain perfusion parameters using standard Open Source software in a standard, adaptable and comparable way.

Quantitative chest computed tomography is associated with two prediction models of mortality in interstitial lung disease related to systemic sclerosis.

Objective: In this multicentre study, we aimed to evaluate the capacity of a computer-assisted automated QCT method to identify patients with SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) with high mortality risk according to validated composite clinical indexes (ILD-Gender, Age, Physiology index and du Bois index). Methods: Chest CT, anamnestic data and pulmonary function tests of 146 patients with SSc were retrospectively collected, and the ILD-Gender, Age, Physiology score and DuBois index were calculated. Each chest CT underwent an operator-independent quantitative assessment performed with a free medical image viewer (Horos). The correlation between clinical prediction models and QCT parameters was tested. A value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Most QCT parameters had a statistically different distribution in patients with diverging mortality risk according to both clinical prediction models (P < 0.01). The cut-offs of QCT parameters were calculated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and most of them could discriminate patients with different mortality risk according to clinical prediction models. Conclusion: QCT assessment of SSc-ILD can discriminate between well-defined different mortality risk categories, supporting its prognostic value. These findings, together with the operator independence, strengthen the validity and clinical usefulness of QCT for assessment of SSc-ILD.

A Cross-Sectional Validation of Horos and CoreSlicer Software Programs for Body Composition Analysis in Abdominal Computed Tomography Scans in Colorectal Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: Body composition assessment using computed tomography (CT) scans may be hampered by software costs. To facilitate its implementation in resource-limited settings, two open-source segmentation programs (Horos and CoreSlicer) were transversally validated in colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scans were analyzed following the Alberta protocol. The Cross-Sectional Area (CSA) and intensities of skeletal muscle tissue (MT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) were measured. The Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) was calculated. Cutoff points were applied to the SMI, MT intensity, and VAT CSA to define muscle atrophy, myosteatosis, and abdominal obesity. The inter-software agreement was evaluated using different statistical tools. RESULTS: A total of 68 participants were measured. The MT CSA and SMI displayed no differences. The MT CSA agreement was excellent, and both programs provided equal muscle atrophy prevalences. CoreSlicer underestimated the MT intensity, with a non-significant myosteatosis prevalence increase (+5.88% and +8.82%) using two different operative definitions. CoreSlicer overestimated the CSA and intensity in both VAT and SAT, with a non-significant increase (+2.94%) in the abdominal obesity prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Both software programs were feasible tools in the study group. The MT CSA showed great inter-software agreement and no muscle atrophy misdiagnosis. Segmentation differences in the MT intensity and VAT CSA caused limited diagnostic misclassification in the study sample.

Presurgical Planning with Open-Source Horos Software for Superficial Brain Arteriovenous Malformations.

BACKGROUND: Surgical planning for treating brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) is challenging because it entails visualizing 3-dimensional (3D) relationships between the nidus, its feeding and en passage arteries, and draining veins. Surgical experience in developing the capacity to mentally visualize pathological bAVM angioarchitecture could be complemented by this software, and thus potentially lower the steep learning curve for understanding complex bAVM angioarchitecture. We evaluated the clinical application of freely available online 3D reconstruction software in facilitating visualization of AVM angioarchitecture for presurgical planning. METHODS: Preoperative Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography images of 56 superficial bAVMs from 2013 to 2018 were processed using open-source software Horos. 3D rendered images were compared with the surgical view to evaluate software accuracy and determine its value as a preoperative tool. 3D reconstructed images were compared with intraoperative recordings. RESULTS: A useful image identifying both the main feeding artery and draining vein was achieved in 35 of 56 cases (62.5%). Reconstructions of small AVMs (nidus ≤2 cm) and those located within the temporal or cerebellar cortex were less useful due to soft tissue artifacts. Frontal and parietal lobe lesions had significantly higher rates of identifying feeding arteries and draining veins (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Presurgical planning for resection of superficial bAVMs using Horos software allows for a comprehensive 3D analysis of the bAVM angioarchitecture. This technique is most useful for frontal and parietal lobe lesions, and aids the surgeon in formulating an optimal surgical strategy. The 3D reconstruction of the brain surface offers a surgical map not influenced by brain shift.

Three-Dimensional Volumetric Assessment of Resected Gliomas Assisted by Horos Imaging Software: Video Case Series of Postoperative Tumor Analyses.

Horos (LGPL 3.0; GNU Lesser General Public License, Version 3) is a free, open-source medical image viewer with a user-friendly interface and three-dimensional (3D) volumetric rendering capabilities. We present the use of Horos software as a postoperative tool for residual tumor volume analysis in children with high-grade gliomas (HGG). This is a case series of two pediatric patients with histologically confirmed high-grade gliomas who underwent tumor resection as definitive treatment from June 2011 to June 2019. Volumetric data and extent of resection were obtained via region of interest-based 3D analysis using Horos image-processing software. Horos software provides increased accuracy and confidence in determining the postoperative volume and is useful in assessing the impact of residual volume on outcomes in patients with high-grade gliomas. Horos software is a highly effective means of volumetric analysis for the postoperative analysis of residual volume after maximal safe resection of high-grade gliomas in pediatric patients.

A rare case of carotid body tumor associated with near complete cerebral sinus thrombosis and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Management strategy and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare hypervascular lesions with critical location which makes them very challenging to treat. In rare occasions, compression of the jugular vein from the tumor mass could predispose to progressive thrombosis of intracranial venous sinuses. The latter consequently leads to intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) with the accompanying danger to the vision. Herewith, we present our management strategy for this rare presentation of CBTs. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 38-year-old woman, with no medical history, was admitted in the emergency unit with acute onset of headache, dizziness, and vomiting. On the diagnostic imaging studies (CT venography and MRI) a near total occlusion of all cerebral venous sinuses and a large CBT (Shambin Type II) were diagnosed. Initially, the patient was treated with anticoagulants for the thrombosis and with lumbo-peritoneal (LP) shunt for the management of pseudotumor cerebri. At a second stage, after resolution of the cerebral sinus thrombosis, the CBT was completely resected under electrophysiological monitoring, without preoperative embolization. At 1-year follow-up, the patient is neurologically intact with functioning LP shunt, patent cerebral venous sinuses, without tumor recurrence. CONCLUSION: We present a rare case of CBT with intracranial complications, which was managed successfully by staged treatment. Careful study of the preoperative radiological and laboratory data, thorough preoperative planning of the tridimensional lesion anatomy, as well as meticulous microsurgical technique under intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring was essential for the successful outcome of the case.

Improvements in planning lacrimal surgery using DICOM Horos® viewer 3D images.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The individual anatomic variation of the course of the lacrimal duct and surrounding structures requires the thorough knowledge of its three-dimensional configuration in order to perform the surgery in the safest and most efficient way. The aim of this study was to consider virtual surgical planning in order to improve dacryocystorhinostomies. METHODS: Horos® was used as a viewer and manager of DICOM-format images for multiplanar, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction when planning 148 first-time lacrimal operations and 26 reoperations by laser endonasal and endocanalicular DCRs. RESULTS: The 3D images of the CT dacryocystography were much better identified than the 2D ones, Horos® showing a statistically significant correlation (P < .0001). Over 98.27% of the images match the programme reconstruction. Less than 1.73% of them showed some discordance due to study distortion. These cases were related to trauma. The intraopearative location of the lacrimal system was very accurate, avoiding complications. CONCLUSIONS: Viewing and studying 3D images, Horos® is a very useful tool for diagnosis and preoperative planning. It is very helpful in complex conditions by marking surgical references, locating the lacrimal sac and controlling the post-operative permeability of the lacrimal system. The information loss produced by the image selection is also avoided. Another great advantage is that the programme is free.

Improvements in planning lacrimal surgery using DICOM Horos® viewer 3D images. / Mejora de la planificación de las cirugías lagrimales a partir de imágenes tridimensionales con el visualizador DICOM Horos®.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The individual anatomic variation of the course of the lacrimal duct and surrounding structures requires the thorough knowledge of its three-dimensional configuration in order to perform the surgery in the safest and most efficient way. The aim of this study was to consider virtual surgical planning in order to improve dacryocystorhinostomies. METHODS: Horos® was used as a viewer and manager of DICOM-format images for multiplanar, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction when planning 148 first-time lacrimal operations and 26 reoperations by laser endonasal and endocanalicular DCRs. RESULTS: The 3D images of the CT dacryocystography were much better identified than the 2D ones, Horos® showing a statistically significant correlation (P<.0001). Over 98.27% of the images match the programme reconstruction. Less than 1.73% of them showed some discordance due to study distortion. These cases were related to trauma. The intraopearative location of the lacrimal system was very accurate, avoiding complications. CONCLUSIONS: Viewing and studying 3D images, Horos® is a very useful tool for diagnosis and preoperative planning. It is very helpful in complex conditions by marking surgical references, locating the lacrimal sac and controlling the post-operative permeability of the lacrimal system. The information loss produced by the image selection is also avoided. Another great advantage is that the programme is free.