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AIM: To evaluate the potential of new spectral computed tomography (SCT)-based tools in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-eight consecutive patients with NENs were included prospectively. The patients underwent multiphase CT with spectral and standard mode. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)/contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR)tumour-to-liver, iodine concentrations (ICs, total tumour/hotspot) and attenuation slopes in virtual monochromatic images (VMIs) were used to assess NEN-specific SCT values in primary tumours and metastatic lesions and investigate a possible lesion contrast improvement as well as possible correlations of SCT parameters to primary tumour location and tumour grade. Furthermore, the usability of SCT parameters to differentiate between the primary tumour and metastatic lesions, and to predict tumour response after 6-months follow-up was analyzed. The applied dose of spectral and standard mode was compared intra-individually. RESULTS: SNR/CNRtumour-to-liver significantly increased in low-energy VMIs. NENs showed significant differences in ICs between primary and metastatic lesions for both absolute and normalised values (p<0.001) regardless of whether the total tumour or the hotspot was measured. There was also a significant difference in the attenuation slope (p<0.001). No significant correlations were found between SCT and tumour grade. A tumour response prediction by SCT parameters was not possible. The applied dose was comparable between the scan modes. CONCLUSION: SCT was comparable regarding applied dose, improved tumour contrast, and contributed to differentiation between primary NEN and metastasis.
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Tumores Neuroendocrinos/diagnóstico por imagen , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X/métodos , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios ProspectivosRESUMEN
Background: Accurate lesion visualization after microwave ablation (MWA) remains a challenge. Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) has been proposed to improve visualization, but it was shown that different perfusion-models delivered different results on the same data set.Purpose: Comparison of different perfusion algorithms and identification of the algorithm enables for the best imaging of lesion after hepatic MWA.Materials and methods: 10 MWA with consecutive CTP were performed in healthy pigs. Parameter-maps were generated using a single-input-dual-compartment-model with Patlak's algorithm (PM), a dual-input-maximum-slope-model (DIMS), a dual-input-one-compartment-model (DIOC), a single-(SIDC) and dual-input-deconvolution-model (DIDC). Parameter-maps for hepatic arterial (AF) and portal venous blood flow (PF), mean transit time, hepatic blood volume (HBV) and capillary permeability were compared regarding the values of the normal liver tissue (NLT), lesion, contrast- and signal-to-noise ratios (SNR, CNR) and inter- and intrarater-reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman plots and linear regression.Results: Perfusion values differed between algorithms with especially large fluctuations for the DIOC. A reliable differentiation of lesion margin appears feasible with parameter-maps of PF and HBV for most algorithms, except for the DIOC due to large fluctuations in PF. All algorithms allowed for a demarcation of the central necrotic zone based on hepatic AF and HBV. The DIDC showed the highest CNR and the best inter- and intrarater reliability.Conclusion: The DIDC appears to be the most feasible model to visualize margins and necrosis zones after microwave ablation, but due to high computational demand, a single input deconvolution algorithm might be preferable in clinical practice.
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Técnicas de Ablación/métodos , Tomografía Computarizada Cuatridimensional/métodos , Microondas/uso terapéutico , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias/radioterapia , Algoritmos , Animales , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Humanos , PorcinosRESUMEN
AIM: To investigate how spectral computed tomography (SCT) values impact the staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirteen patients with confirmed NSCLC were included in a prospective cohort study. All patients underwent single-phase contrast-enhanced SCT (using the fast tube voltage switching technique, 80-140 kV). SCT values (iodine content [IC], spectral slope pitch, and radiodensity increase) of malignant tissue (primary and metastases) and lymph nodes (LNs) were measured. Adrenal masses were evaluated in a virtual non-contrast series (VNS). If pulmonary embolism was present, pulmonary perfusion was analysed as an additional finding. RESULTS: Fifty-two untreated primary NSCLC lesions were evaluable. Lung adenocarcinoma had significantly higher normalised IC (NIC: 19.37) than squamous cell carcinoma (NIC: 12.03; p=0.035). Pulmonary metastases were not significantly different from benign lung nodules. A total of 126 LNs were analysed and histologically proven metastatic LNs (2.08 mg/ml) had significantly lower IC than benign LNs (2.58 mg/ml; p=0.023). Among 34 adrenal masses, VNS identified adenomas with high sensitivity (91%) and specificity (100%). In two patients, a perfusion defect due to pulmonary embolism was detected in the iodine images. CONCLUSION: SCT may contribute to the differentiation of histological NSCLC subtypes and improve the identification of LN metastases. VNS differentiates adrenal adenoma from metastasis. In case of pulmonary embolism, iodine imaging can visualise associated pulmonary perfusion defects.
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Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/diagnóstico por imagen , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/patología , Neoplasias Pulmonares/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patología , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X/métodos , Anciano , Estudios de Cohortes , Femenino , Humanos , Pulmón/diagnóstico por imagen , Pulmón/patología , Masculino , Estadificación de Neoplasias , Estudios Prospectivos , Sensibilidad y EspecificidadRESUMEN
AIM: To test the potential of unenhanced cardiac- and respiratory-motion-corrected three-dimensional steady-state free precession (3D-SSFP) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the assessment of inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus in patients with clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (cRCC), compared to standard contrast-enhanced (CE)-MRI and CE-computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with cRCC and IVC thrombus, who received CE-MRI and 3D-SSFP at 1.5 T between June 2015 and December 2017, were included. The diagnostic performance of 3D-SSFP in determining the level of thrombus extension, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and image quality were compared with standard MRI/CT and validated against intraoperative and histopathology results. RESULTS: There was 100% agreement between 3D-SSFP, 83.3% agreement between CE-MRI, and 71.4% agreement between CE-CT and surgical findings regarding the level of IVC thrombus. In addition, 3D-SSFP showed a slightly superior estimate of pathological IVC volume. 3D-SSFP reached a significantly higher CNR in the supra- and infrarenal IVC compared to the morphological sequence T2-weighted half-Fourier axial single-shot fast spin-echo (T2-HASTE) and all phases of CE-MRI. More specifically, 3D-SSFP showed a significantly higher CNR in the infrarenal IVC (mean CNR of 10.09±5.74 versus 4.21±2.33 in the delayed phase, p≤0.001) and in the suprarenal IVC (mean CNR of 9.22±4.11 versus 4.84±5.74 in the late arterial phase, p=0.015). CE-CT also was significantly inferior to 3D-SSFP (p≤0.01) and slightly inferior to CE-MRI (p>0.05). The thrombus delineation score for 3D-SSFP (4.38±0.67) was higher compared to CE-MRI (3.76±0.56, p=0.005). CONCLUSION: This preliminary study indicates that 3D-SSFP can achieve an accurate assessment of IVC thrombus in cRCC patients without the need for contrast medium administration, being superior to standard MRI and CT.
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Carcinoma de Células Renales/complicaciones , Imagenología Tridimensional/métodos , Neoplasias Renales/complicaciones , Neoplasias Renales/patología , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Vena Cava Inferior , Trombosis de la Vena/diagnóstico por imagen , Trombosis de la Vena/etiología , Adulto , Anciano , Carcinoma de Células Renales/patología , Carcinoma de Células Renales/cirugía , Medios de Contraste , Femenino , Humanos , Interpretación de Imagen Asistida por Computador , Neoplasias Renales/cirugía , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Clasificación del Tumor , Nefrectomía , Estudios Retrospectivos , Trombectomía , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Trombosis de la Vena/cirugíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer is a potentially challenging operation due to limited space in the pelvis. CT pelvimetry allows to quantify pelvic space, so that its relationship with outcome after LAR may be assessed. Studies investigating this, however, yielded conflicting results. We hypothesized that a small pelvis is associated with a higher rate of incomplete mesorectal excision, anastomotic leakages, and increased rate of urinary dysfunction in patients operated for rectal cancer. METHODS: In a single-center retrospective analysis, we studied 74 patients that underwent LAR for rectal cancer with primary anastomosis. Thin-layered multi-slice CT datasets were used for slice by slice depiction of the inner pelvic surface, and the inner pelvic volume was automatically compounded. The primary outcome was quality of total mesorectal excision (TME; Mercury grading); secondary outcomes were anastomotic leakage and urinary dysfunction with regard to pelvic dimensions. Univariate analyses and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed for the primary and the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Shorter obstetric conjugate diameters were associated with a higher probability of a worse TME quality (110.8 ± 10.2 vs. 105.0 ± 8.6 mm; OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.73-0.99; p = 0.038). Short interspinous distance showed a trend towards an increased risk for deteriorated TME quality (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.76-1.0; p = 0.06). Anastomotic leakage was associated with anemia (OR 2.77; 95% CI 1.0-7.7; p = 0.047). Association between pelvic diameters or pelvic volume and anastomotic leakage or urinary dysfunction was not observed. Perioperative blood transfusions were administered more often in patients with postoperative urinary dysfunction (OR 17.67; 95% CI 2.44-127.7; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Shorter obstetric conjugate diameter might be a risk factor for incompleteness of total mesorectal excision. Anastomotic leakage seems to be influenced more by clinical factors such as anemia rather than pelvic dimensions. Further studies have to prove the influence of pelvic diameter on local recurrence of rectal cancer after LAR.
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Procedimientos Quirúrgicos del Sistema Digestivo/métodos , Pelvis/patología , Pelvis/cirugía , Neoplasias del Recto/cirugía , Anciano , Fuga Anastomótica/etiología , Procedimientos Quirúrgicos del Sistema Digestivo/efectos adversos , Femenino , Humanos , Imagenología Tridimensional , Masculino , Análisis Multivariante , Tamaño de los Órganos , Pelvis/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias del Recto/diagnóstico por imagen , Análisis de Regresión , Factores de Riesgo , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of susceptibility-weighted-magnetic-resonance imaging (SW-MRI) for the detection of vertebral haemangiomas (VHs) compared to T1/T2-weighted MRI sequences, radiographs, and computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by the local ethics review board. An SW-MRI sequence was added to the clinical spine imaging protocol. The image-based diagnosis of 56 VHs in 46 patients was established using T1/T2 MRI in combination with radiography/CT as the reference standard. VHs were assessed based on T1/T2-weighted MRI images alone and in combination with SW-MRI, while radiographs/CT images were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-one of 56 VHs could be identified on T1/T2 MRI images alone, if radiographs/CT images were excluded from analysis. In five cases (9.1%), additional radiographs/CT images were required for the imaging-based diagnosis. If T1/T2 and SW-MRI images were used in combination, all VHs could be diagnosed, without the need for radiography/CT. Size measurements revealed a close correlation between CT and SW-MRI (R2=0.94; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that SW-MRI enables reliable detection of the typical calcified features of VHs. This is of importance for routine MRI of the spine, as the use of additional CT/radiography can be minimized.
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Calcinosis/diagnóstico por imagen , Hemangioma/diagnóstico por imagen , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Radiografía , Enfermedades de la Columna Vertebral/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias de la Columna Vertebral/diagnóstico por imagen , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Calcinosis/complicaciones , Femenino , Hemangioma/complicaciones , Humanos , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades de la Columna Vertebral/complicaciones , Neoplasias de la Columna Vertebral/complicacionesRESUMEN
AIM: To evaluate different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences for diagnosis of pulmonary manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF) in comparison to chest computed tomography (CT), including an extended outcome analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with CF (15 male, 13 female, mean age 30.5±9.4 years) underwent CT and MRI of the lung. MRI (1.5 T) included different T2- and T1-weighted sequences: breath-hold HASTE (half Fourier acquisition single shot turbo spin echo) and VIBE (volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination, before and after contrast medium administration) sequences and respiratory-triggered PROPELLER (periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction) sequences with and without fat signal suppression, and perfusion imaging. CT and MRI images were evaluated by the modified Helbich and the Eichinger scoring systems. The clinical follow-up analysis assessed pulmonary exacerbations within 24 months. RESULTS: The highest concordance to CT was achieved for the PROPELLER sequences without fat signal suppression (concordance correlation coefficient CCC of the overall modified Helbich score 0.93 and of the overall Eichinger score 0.93). The other sequences had the following concordance: PROPELLER with fat signal suppression (CCCs 0.91 and 0.92), HASTE (CCCs 0.87 and 0.89), VIBE (CCCs 0.84 and 0.85) sequences. In the outcome analysis, the combined MRI analysis of all five sequences and a specific MRI protocol (PROPELLER without fast signal suppression, VIBE sequences, perfusion imaging) reached similar correlations to the number of pulmonary exacerbations as the CT examinations. CONCLUSION: An optimum lung MRI protocol in patients with CF consists of PROPELLER sequences without fat signal suppression, VIBE sequences, and lung perfusion analysis to enable high diagnostic efficacy and outcome prediction.
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Fibrosis Quística/diagnóstico por imagen , Aumento de la Imagen/métodos , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X/métodos , Adulto , Medios de Contraste , Femenino , Humanos , Interpretación de Imagen Asistida por Computador/métodos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios ProspectivosRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To test the diagnostic performance of bone SPECT/CT and MRI for the evaluation of bone viability in patients after girdlestone-arthroplasty with histopathology used as gold standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, patients after girdlestone-arthroplasty were imaged with single-photon-emission-computed-tomography/computed-tomography (SPECT/CT) bone-scans using 99mTc-DPD. Additionally, 1.5 T MRI was performed with turbo-inversion-recovery-magnitude (TIRM), contrast-enhanced T1-fat sat (FS) and T1-mapping. All imaging was performed within 24 h prior to revision total-hip-arthroplasty in patients with a girdlestone-arthroplasty. In each patient, four standardized bone-tissue-biopsies (14 patients) were taken intraoperatively at the remaining acetabulum superior/inferior and trochanter major/minor. Histopathological evaluation of bone samples regarding bone viability was used as gold standard. RESULTS: A total of 56 bone-segments were analysed and classified as vital (n = 39) or nonvital (n = 17) by histopathology. Mineral/late-phase SPECT/CT showed a high sensitivity (90%) and specificity (94%) to distinguish viable and nonviable bone tissue. TIRM (sensitivity 87%, specificity 88%) and contrast-enhanced T1-FS (sensitivity 90%, specificity 88%) also achieved a high sensitivity and specificity. T1-mapping achieved the lowest values (sensitivity 82%, specificity 82%). False positive results in SPECT/CT and MRI resulted from small bone fragments close to metal artefacts. CONCLUSIONS: Both bone SPECT/CT and MRI allow a reliable differentiation between viable and nonviable bone tissue in patients after girdlestone arthroplasty. The findings of this study could also be relevant for the evaluation of bone viability in the context of avascular bone necrosis.
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Artroplastia de Reemplazo de Cadera/métodos , Articulación de la Cadera/diagnóstico por imagen , Articulación de la Cadera/cirugía , Imagen Multimodal , Anciano , Artefactos , Biopsia , Medios de Contraste , Estudios Transversales , Difosfonatos , Femenino , Articulación de la Cadera/patología , Humanos , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Masculino , Radiofármacos , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Compuestos de Tecnecio , Tomografía Computarizada de Emisión de Fotón Único , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos XRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To investigate different brain regions for grey (GM) and white matter (WM) damage in a well-defined cohort of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients and compare advanced MRI techniques (VBM, Subcortical and cortical analyses (Freesurfer), and DTI) for their ability to detect damage in NMOSD. METHODS: We analyzed 21 NMOSD patients and 21 age and gender matched control subjects. VBM (GW/WM) and DTI whole brain (TBSS) analyses were performed at different statistical thresholds to reflect different statistical approaches in previous studies. In an automated atlas-based approach, Freesurfer and DTI results were compared between NMOSD and controls. RESULTS: DTI TBSS and DTI atlas based analysis demonstrated microstructural impairment only within the optic radiation or in regions associated with the optic radiation (posterior thalamic radiation p < 0.001, 6.9 % reduction of fractional anisotropy). VBM demonstrated widespread brain GM and WM reduction, but only at exploratory statistical thresholds, with no differences remaining after correction for multiple comparisons. Freesurfer analysis demonstrated no group differences. CONCLUSION: NMOSD specific parenchymal brain damage is predominantly located in the optic radiation, likely due to a secondary degeneration caused by ON. In comparison, DTI appears to be the most reliable and sensitive technique for brain damage detection in NMOSD. KEY POINTS: ⢠The hypothesis of a widespread brain damage in NMOSD is challenged. ⢠The optic radiation (OR) is the most severely affected region. ⢠OR-affection is likely due to secondary degeneration following optic neuritis. ⢠DTI is currently the most sensitive technique for NMOSD-related brain-damage detection. ⢠DTI is currently the most reliable technique for NMOSD-related brain-damage detection.
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Encéfalo/diagnóstico por imagen , Sustancia Gris/diagnóstico por imagen , Neuromielitis Óptica/diagnóstico por imagen , Nervio Óptico/diagnóstico por imagen , Sustancia Blanca/diagnóstico por imagen , Adulto , Anisotropía , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Imagen de Difusión Tensora , Femenino , Humanos , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Imagen Multimodal , Tomografía de Coherencia ÓpticaRESUMEN
AIM: To compare the radiation dose and image quality of 64-row chest computed tomography (CT) in patients with bronchial carcinoma or intrapulmonary metastases using full-dose CT reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) at baseline and reduced dose with 40% adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) at follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chest CT images of patients who underwent FBP and ASIR studies were reviewed. Dose-length products (DLP), effective dose, and size-specific dose estimates (SSDEs) were obtained. Image quality was analysed quantitatively by signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) measurement. In addition, image quality was assessed by two blinded radiologists evaluating images for noise, contrast, artefacts, visibility of small structures, and diagnostic acceptability using a five-point scale. RESULTS: The ASIR studies showed 36% reduction in effective dose compared with the FBP studies. The qualitative and quantitative image quality was good to excellent in both protocols, without significant differences. There were also no significant differences for SNR except for the SNR of lung surrounding the tumour (FBP: 35±17, ASIR: 39±22). DISCUSSION: A protocol with 40% ASIR can provide approximately 36% dose reduction in chest CT of patients with bronchial carcinoma or intrapulmonary metastases while maintaining excellent image quality.
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Neoplasias de los Bronquios/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias de los Bronquios/patología , Neoplasias Pulmonares/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias Pulmonares/secundario , Dosis de Radiación , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X/métodos , Humanos , Relación Señal-RuidoRESUMEN
AIM: To evaluate the incidence and clinical relevance of extravascular incidental findings (EVIFs) in CT angiography of the abdominal aorta and lower extremities (run-off CTA) in patients presenting with acute limb ischaemia (ALI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this institutional review board-approved, retrospective study, 141 run-off CTA examinations conducted between 2005 and 2013 of patients (67 women, mean age 80 years; 74 men, mean age 69 years) presenting with clinical symptoms of ALI were re-evaluated by two radiologists (2 and 7 years of experience in interpreting run-off CTA). Imaging was conducted using 16- and 64-section CT systems. Image acquisition ranged from the costodiaphragmatic recess to the forefoot. The medical history form of each patient served as the standard of reference for assessment of incidence of EVIFs. CT morphology was assessed to assign EVIFs to one of three categories of clinical relevance: (I) immediate, (II) potential, and (III) no clinical relevance. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients had category I findings, including four patients (2.8%) with previously unknown malignancy and 67 patients with category II EVIFs. In total 473 extravascular EVIFs were found in 141 patients: 52 category I, 163 category II and 258 category III. CONCLUSION: EVIFs with immediate clinical relevance are very common in run-off CTA in patients presenting with acute peripheral artery disease. Therefore, it is important to evaluate all body regions included in a CT examination carefully, even if the clinical focus is on vascular evaluation. The adequate classification of these EVIFs is required to avoid possible unnecessary diagnostic work-up with associated risks and costs.
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Hallazgos Incidentales , Isquemia/diagnóstico por imagen , Extremidad Inferior/irrigación sanguínea , Enfermedad Aguda , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Aorta Abdominal/diagnóstico por imagen , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Estudios Retrospectivos , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos XRESUMEN
CLINICAL ISSUE: Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men in Germany; however, there is a distinct difference between incidence and mortality. STANDARD TREATMENT: The detection of prostate cancer is based on clinical and laboratory testing using serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and transrectal ultrasound with randomized biopsy. DIAGNOSTIC WORK-UP: Multiparametric MR imaging of the prostate can provide valuable diagnostic information for detection of prostate cancer, especially after negative results of a biopsy prior to repeat biopsy. PERFORMANCE: In addition the use of MR ultrasound fusion-guided biopsy has gained in diagnostic importance and has increased the prostate cancer detection rate. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: The prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) classification has standardized the reporting of prostate MRI which has positively influenced the acceptance by urologists.
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Interpretación de Imagen Asistida por Computador/normas , Biopsia Guiada por Imagen/métodos , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/normas , Guías de Práctica Clínica como Asunto , Próstata/patología , Neoplasias de la Próstata/patología , Algoritmos , Europa (Continente) , Humanos , Aumento de la Imagen/métodos , Aumento de la Imagen/normas , Interpretación de Imagen Asistida por Computador/métodos , Masculino , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Sensibilidad y EspecificidadRESUMEN
AIMS: The teleradiological examinations performed at the Charité were analyzed for the purpose of internal quality and efficiency control. Data included the type and number of examinations performed, the time of day and week the examination was performed and the differences in teleradiologist report turnaround times. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the radiology information system (RIS) database of all teleradiological computed tomography examinations performed at the Charité from 2011 through 2013 was carried out. The search retrieved 10,200 teleradiological examinations which were included in the analysis. The records were analyzed for the time of the day and week the examination was performed, the interval between examination and time of reporting, the type of teleradiological examination and the campus in which they were performed. RESULTS: The number of teleradiological examinations performed increased continuously during the observation period. Computed tomography of the head was the most frequently performed type of examination with 86%. Taking all forms of examination into consideration it took an average of 34 min until a report was written. Over the 3-year observation period the times remained virtually unaltered. CONCLUSION: During the 3-year observation period nearly constant report times could be observed in spite of the increased numbers of examinations. This indicates an efficiency enhancement and rational integration of teleradiology into the radiological workflow.
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Eficiencia Organizacional/normas , Garantía de la Calidad de Atención de Salud/organización & administración , Garantía de la Calidad de Atención de Salud/normas , Sistemas de Información Radiológica/organización & administración , Sistemas de Información Radiológica/normas , Telerradiología/organización & administración , Telerradiología/normas , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X/normas , Alemania , Humanos , Control de Calidad , Asignación de Recursos/organización & administración , Asignación de Recursos/normas , Estudios de Tiempo y Movimiento , Flujo de TrabajoRESUMEN
Aim: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) pose a diagnostic challenge with respect to the physiologic somatostatin receptor expression in the uncinate process representing a potential pitfall for receptor imaging with PET/CT. Methods: We identified 49 PNETs from a total of 316 consecutive [68Ga]DOTATOC PET/CT examinations for whom the detections rates of PET and multiphase contrast enhanced (CE-) CT could be retrospectively compared and 38 PNETs for which SUV max and SUV max target-to-liver ratios could be calculated for the tumors and the uncinate process. Results: The detection rate of PET (83.7%) was higher than of the different CT phases (arterial: 59.2%, P=0.017; portal-venous: 38.8%, P<0.001; venous: 46.9%, P=0.001; multiphase: 71.4%, P=0.286). Compared to the other method PET revealed 28.6% additional lesions and multiphase CE-CT 16.3%. The portal-venous phase revealed only lesions that were also detected in the arterial or venous phase. The detection rate for PNETs in the uncinate process (N.=9) was 66.7% for PET versus 55.6% for multiphase CE-CT. SUV max and SUV max target-to-liver ratios differed significantly (P<0.001) for PNETs (mean, range: SUV max,14.6, 1.4-69.3; SUV max target-to-liver ratio, 3.2, 0.69-23.1) and uncinate process (4.32, 0.8-13.5; 0.94, 0.51-1.56), however with a wide overlap. Conclusion: Patients with PNETs should undergo [68Ga]DOTATOC PET/CT with at least an arterial and venous phase CT scan. SUV max and SUV max target-to-liver ratios provide additional information but do no reliably separate PNETs from normal tracer uptake in the uncinate process.
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BACKGROUND: Positioning central venous catheters (CVCs) in the proper part of the superior vena cava (SVC) is difficult. The aim of this exploratory study was to analyse topographic relationships of the extrapericardial SVC using chest X-ray (CXR) and computed tomography (CT). This included an appraisal of rules for optimal CVC tip placement. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 100 patients with CVCs who underwent bedside CXR and CT on the same day. Distances between the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ), tracheal carina, SVC origin, pericardial reflection, and CVC tip were analysed on CT and, if visible, on CXR. These measurements served to locate the extrapericardial SVC in relation to anatomical landmarks. Different strategies for CVC tip positioning were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) extrapericardial length of the SVC was 26 (12) mm. The average position of the pericardial reflection was 5 mm below the carina (range, 29 mm below to 25 mm above). In our patient population, the best results in terms of tip positions in the extrapericardial SVC would have been achieved by using 85% of the SCJ-to-carina distance (in 86%) or by positioning the CVC tip 9 mm above the carina (in 84% of patients). CONCLUSIONS: The extrapericardial part of the SVC varies considerably in length and position, and rules of thumb based on anatomical landmarks should be used cautiously. In our series, using 85% of the SCJ-to-carina distance or placing the CVC tip 9 mm above the carina would have resulted in a high percentage of positions in the extrapericardial SVC.
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Cateterismo Venoso Central/métodos , Catéteres Venosos Centrales , Radiografía Torácica/métodos , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X/métodos , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Medios de Contraste/administración & dosificación , Femenino , Humanos , Procesamiento de Imagen Asistido por Computador/métodos , Yohexol/administración & dosificación , Yohexol/análogos & derivados , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pericardio/diagnóstico por imagen , Intensificación de Imagen Radiográfica/métodos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Tráquea/diagnóstico por imagen , Vena Cava Superior/diagnóstico por imagen , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of unenhanced electrocardiography (ECG)-gated quiescent-interval single-shot magnetic resonance angiography (QISS-MRA) of the lower extremities at 3 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with known or suspected peripheral arterial disease underwent ECG-gated QISS-MRA and contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) at 3 T. Two independent readers performed a per-segment evaluation of the MRA datasets. Image quality was rated on a four-point scale (1 = excellent to 4 = non-diagnostic; presented as medians with interquartile range). Diagnostic performance of QISS-MRA was evaluated using CE-MRA as the reference standard. RESULTS: QISS-MRA and CE-MRA of all patients were considered for analysis, resulting in 807 evaluated vessel segments for each MRA technique. Readers 1 and 2 rated image quality of QISS-MRA as diagnostic in 97.3% and 97% of the vessel segments, respectively. CE-MRA was rated diagnostic in all vessel segments. Image quality of the proximal vessel segments, including the infrarenal aorta, iliac arteries, and common femoral artery, was significantly lower on QISS-MRA compared to CE-MRA [image quality score across readers: 2 (1,3) versus 1 (1,1) p < 0.001]. In the more distal vessel segments, image quality of QISS-MRA was excellent and showed no significant difference compared to CE-MRA [image quality score across readers: 1 (1,1) versus 1 (1,1) p = 0.036]. Diagnostic performance of QISS-MRA was as follows (across readers): sensitivity: 87.5% (95% CI: 80.2-92.4%); specificity: 96.1% (95% CI: 93.6-97.6%); diagnostic accuracy: 94.9% (95% CI: 92.6-96.5%). CONCLUSIONS: QISS-MRA of the lower extremities is feasible at 3 T and provides high image quality, especially in the distal vessel segments.
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Electrocardiografía , Aumento de la Imagen , Extremidad Inferior/irrigación sanguínea , Angiografía por Resonancia Magnética , Enfermedad Arterial Periférica/diagnóstico , Anciano , Medios de Contraste , Estudios de Factibilidad , Femenino , Humanos , Angiografía por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedad Arterial Periférica/fisiopatología , Estudios Prospectivos , Estándares de Referencia , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Sensibilidad y EspecificidadRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Myxoid liposarcomas represent a heterogeneous group of soft tissue tumors in which prognosis is dependent on differentiation. PURPOSE: To identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria to distinguish low-grade from high-grade myxoid liposarcomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MR images of 30 histologically proven myxoid liposarcomas were retrospectively reviewed. Tumors were evaluated according to size, localization, tumor border, and structure as well as tumor composition. These imaging criteria were correlated with histopathological findings. RESULTS: Nineteen myxoid liposarcomas were histologically classified as low-grade myxoid liposarcomas, whereas 11 were considered high-grade myxoid liposarcomas. Mean tumor volume of low-grade myxoid liposarcomas (710.1 ± 960.1 ccm) was significantly smaller as compared to high-grade myxoid liposarcomas (2737.0 ± 3423.7 ccm; P = 0.04). In addition to necrotic areas, three tumor components - fatty, myxoid, as well as contrast-enhancing non-fatty, non-myxoid - could be identified. The mean fraction of fatty tumor areas in low-grade myxoid liposarcomas was 10 ± 11% as compared to 6 ± 4% for high-grade myxoid liposarcomas (P = 0.66). Myxoid components accounted for 88 ± 16% in low-grade myxoid liposarcomas, but only for 45 ± 25% in high-grade myxoid liposarcomas (P < 0.0001). The non-fatty, non-myxoid tumor fraction was significantly higher in high-grade myxoid liposarcomas (50 ± 25%) as compared to low-grade myxoid liposarcomas (2 ± 9%; P < 0.0001). A proportion of > 5% of this tumor fraction was found to be a precise unique predictor for high-grade myxoid liposarcomas with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 95%. CONCLUSION: Tumor components with contrast-enhancing non-fatty, non-myxoid imaging features were predominantly found in high-grade myxoid liposarcomas, which may histologically resemble round cell clusters.
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Liposarcoma Mixoide/patología , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/patología , Medios de Contraste , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Gadolinio DTPA , Cadera/patología , Humanos , Aumento de la Imagen/métodos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Variaciones Dependientes del Observador , Pelvis/patología , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Estudios Retrospectivos , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Hombro/patología , Muslo/patología , Carga TumoralRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Compressed sensing allows for image reconstruction from sparsely sampled k-space data, which is particularly useful in dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of a volume-interpolated 3D T1-weighted spoiled gradient-echo sequence with variable density Cartesian undersampling and compressed sensing (CS) for head and neck MRI. METHODS: Seventy-one patients with clinical indications for head and neck MRI were included in this study. DCE-MRI was performed at 3 Tesla magnet using CS-VIBE (variable density undersampling, temporal resolution 3.4 s, slice thickness 1 mm). Image quality was compared to standard Cartesian VIBE. Three experienced readers independently evaluated image quality and lesion conspicuity on a 5-point Likert scale and determined the DCE-derived time intensity curve (TIC) types. RESULTS: CS-VIBE demonstrated higher image quality scores compared to standard VIBE with respect to overall image quality (4.3 ± 0.6 vs. 4.2 ± 0.7, p = 0.682), vessel contour (4.6 ± 0.4 vs. 4.4 ± 0.6, p < 0.001), muscle contour (4.4 ± 0.5 vs. 4.5 ± 0.6, p = 0.302), lesion conspicuity (4.5 ± 0.7 vs. 4.3 ± 0.9, p = 0.024) and showed improved fat saturation (4.8 ± 0.3 vs. 3.8 ± 0.4, p < 0.001) and movement artifacts were significantly reduced (4.6 ± 0.6 vs. 3.7 ± 0.7, p < 0.001). Standard VIBE outperformed CS-VIBE in the delineation of pharyngeal mucosa (4.2 ± 0.5 vs. 4.6 ± 0.6, p < 0.001). Lesion size in cases where a focal lesion was identified was similar for all readers for CS-VIBE and standard VIBE (p = 0.101). TIC curve assessment showed good interobserver agreement (k=0.717). CONCLUSION: CS-VIBE with variable density Cartesian undersampling allows for DCE-MRI of the head and neck region with diagnostic, high image quality and high temporal resolution.
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PURPOSE: To compare current technology multislice computed tomography angiography (CTA) with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in the pre-operative evaluation of vascular anatomy of living renal transplant donors. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Two hundred and thirty-six kidneys were included in the CTA and MRA analysis. Renal vasculature was evaluated independently by two readers in each modality with a delay of 4 weeks between reading sessions. Surgical correlation on the operated side was available in all patients. The reference standard was defined by surgical correlation and consensus reading of both modalities. RESULTS: Detection rate of CTA for arteries was 99.1 and 95.0 % for reader 1 and reader 2, respectively. Detection rate of MRA for arteries was 95.0/94.3 %. Most of the undetected arteries were ≤ 1 mm diameter (reader 1: 2 of 3 in CTA and 9 of 16 in MRA; reader 2: 11 of 16 in CTA, and 8 of 18 in MRA). Detection rates for arteries ≥ 2 mm for reader 1/reader 2 were 99.7/98.7 % in CTA and 99.1/97.8 % in MRA, respectively. Detection rates for veins were 99.6/97.4 % in CTA and 97.8/96.9 % in MRA, respectively. Both readers misdiagnosed between 0 and 1 non-present arteries and between 2 and 3 non-present veins in both modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Modern multislice CT and MRI scanners allow highly accurate evaluation of the vascular anatomy, especially for vessels of ≥ 2 mm diameter. CTA may provide slightly better depiction of very small arteries; however, this may be reader-dependent. Additional factors affecting the choice of imaging modality should include local availability, cost, and the desire to avoid ionizing radiation in healthy transplant donors.
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Angiografía , Trasplante de Riñón , Riñón/irrigación sanguínea , Donadores Vivos , Angiografía por Resonancia Magnética , Arteria Renal , Angiografía/métodos , Arteriopatías Oclusivas/diagnóstico , Arteriopatías Oclusivas/diagnóstico por imagen , Arteriopatías Oclusivas/patología , Medios de Contraste/efectos adversos , Humanos , Procesamiento de Imagen Asistido por Computador/métodos , Riñón/diagnóstico por imagen , Riñón/patología , Variaciones Dependientes del Observador , Cuidados Preoperatorios , Arteria Renal/diagnóstico por imagen , Arteria Renal/patología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos XRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To compare the costs of CT- and MR-guided lumbosacral nerve root infiltration for minimally invasive treatment of low back pain and radicular pain. METHODS: Ninety patients (54 men, 36 women; mean age, 45.5 ± 12.8 years) underwent MR-guided single-site periradicular lumbosacral nerve root infiltration with 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide. A further 91 patients (48 men, 43 women; mean age, 59.1 ± 13.8 years) were treated under CT fluoroscopy guidance. Prorated costs of equipment use (purchase, depreciation and maintenance), staff costs based on involvement times and expenditure for disposables were identified for MR- and CT-guided procedures. RESULTS: Mean intervention time was 20.6 min (14-30 min) for MR-guided and 14.3 min (7-32 min) for CT-guided treatment. The average total costs per patient were 177 for MR-guided and 88 for CT-guided interventions. These consisted of (MR/CT guidance) 93/29 for equipment use, 43/35 for staff and 41/24 for disposables. CONCLUSIONS: Lumbosacral nerve root infiltration using MRI guidance is still about twice as expensive as infiltration using CT guidance. Given the advantages of no radiation exposure and possible future decrease in prices for MRI devices and MR-compatible injection needles, MR-guided nerve root infiltration may become a promising alternative to the CT-guided procedure. KEY POINTS: ⢠MR-guided nerve root infiltration therapy is now technically and clinically established. ⢠Costs using MRI guidance are still about double those for CT guidance. ⢠MR guidance involves no radiation exposure to patients and personnel. ⢠MR-guided nerve root infiltration may become a promising alternative to CT.