Effect of MRI-based semiautomatic size-assessment in cerebral metastases on the RANO-BM classification.

AIM: Evaluation of a semiautomatic software algorithm for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based assessment of cerebral metastases in cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Brain metastases (n = 131) in 38 patients, assessed by contrast-enhanced MRI, were retrospectively evaluated at two timepoints (baseline, follow-up) by two experienced neuroradiologists in a blinded manner. The response assessment in neuro-oncology (RANO) criteria for brain metastases (RANO-BM) were applied by means of a software (autoRANO-BM) as well as manually (manRANO-BM) at an interval of 3 weeks. RESULTS: The average diameter of metastases was 12.03 mm (SD ± 6.66 mm) for manRANO-BM and 13.97 mm (SD ± 7.76 mm) for autoRANO-BM. Diameter figures were higher when using semiautomatic measurements (median = 11.8 mm) as compared to the manual ones (median = 10.2 mm; p = 0.000). Correlation coefficients for intra-observer variability were 0.993 (autoRANO-BM) and 0.979 (manRANO-BM). The interobserver variability (R1/R2) was 0.936/0.965 for manRANO-BM and 0.989/0.998 for autoRANO-BM. A total of 19 lesions (15%) were classified differently when using semiautomatic measurements. In 14 cases with suspected disease progression by manRANO-BM a stable course was found according to autoRANO-BM. CONCLUSION: Computerized measuring techniques can aid in the assessment of cerebral metastases by reducing examiner-dependent effects and may consequently result in a different classification according to RANO-BM criteria.

High-pitch dual-source CT coronary angiography with low volumes of contrast medium.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of lower volumes of contrast medium (CM) on image quality in high-pitch dual-source computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA). METHODS: One-hundred consecutive patients (body weight 65-85 kg, stable heart rate ≤65 bpm, cardiac index ≥2.5 L/min/m(2)) referred for CTCA were prospectively enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to one of five groups of different CM volumes (G30, 30 mL; G40, 40 mL; G50, 50 mL; G60, 60 mL; G70, 70 mL; flow rate 5 mL/s each, iodine content 370 mg/mL). Attenuation within the proximal and distal coronary artery segments was analysed. RESULTS: Mean attenuation for men and women ranged from 345.0 and 399.1 HU in G30 to 478.2 and 571.8 HU in G70. Mean attenuation values were higher in groups with higher CM volumes (P < 0.0001) and higher in women than in men (P < 0.0001). The proportions of segments with attenuation of at least 300 HU in G30, G40, G50, G60 and G70 were 89 %, 95 %, 98 %, 98 % and 99 %. CM volume of 30 mL in women and 40 mL in men proved to be sufficient to guarantee attenuation of at least 300 HU. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients high-pitch dual-source CTCA can be performed with CM volumes of 40 mL in men or 30 mL in women. KEY POINTS: • High-pitch dual-source coronary angiography is feasible with low contrast media volumes. • Traditional injection rules still apply: higher volumes result in higher enhancement. • The patient's gender is a co-factor determining the level of contrast enhancement. • Volumes can be reduced down to 30-40 mL in selected patients.

Real time visualization of femoroacetabular impingement and subluxation using 320-slice computed tomography.

We visualized extreme ranges of motion of the hip and located femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and subluxations using 4dimensional (D) volume computed tomography (CT). In dynamic 4D CT, 30 patients with hip pain (>3 months) and positive clinical and radiological signs of impingement were prospectively analyzed. The investigations were performed in flexion, abduction, and external rotation. The accuracy of the CT visualization of FAI was compared with the intraoperative findings during surgical dislocation, which served as the gold standard. Compared to the intraoperative visualization of FAI, the dynamic CT images showed a high degree of accuracy. 4D CT is a suitable method to dynamically visualize the functional consequences of anatomical FAI pathologies. The location of impingement can be accurately determined, and when combined with information about possible labral tears and chondral damage supplied by magnetic resonance arthrography, allows the surgeon to select the optimal surgical access and plan the required operation for minimal invasiveness.

Radiofrequency ablation as a minimally invasive procedure in the treatment of twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence in twin pregnancy.

Twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence is a rare anomaly of monochorionic multiple pregnancies affecting 1 of 35,000 pregnancies and 1% of monochorionic twin pregnancies. In this condition the affected twin has lethal malformations including poor or absent heart development and is reversely perfused by a structurally normal co-twin. We report a case of a 21-year-old woman with a monochorionic twin pregnancy affected by twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence. This case highlights the therapeutic options and the management by radiofrequency ablation, which has been shown to be an easy and reliable technique with a high success rate compared with technically demanding fetoscopic procedures.

Endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair: evaluation of a single-acquisition CTA protocol using a prebolus.

PURPOSE: To investigate a single-acquisition computed tomographic angiography (CTA) protocol using a prebolus injection technique to visualize the stent-graft lumen and endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: Of 162 EVAR patients referred for CTA over a 2-year period, 18 (15 men; mean age 66.4 years) with an endoleak met the study inclusion criteria, which included constant endoleak size and scans using 3 different CT protocols at least once during follow-up: monophasic CTA (C1), biphasic CTA (C2.1 and C2.2), and single-acquisition CTA using a prebolus (PB). All CTA examinations were performed with the same overall volume of contrast medium (120 mL) and were started manually using a bolus-tracking technique. Attenuation was measured within the aortic lumen proximal to the stent prosthesis (Ao) and within the endoleak itself (EL). RESULTS: Mean attenuation ranged between 200 (C2.2) and 313 HU (C2.1) within Ao and between 172 (C2.2) and 235 HU (C2.1) within the endoleak. The attenuation differences between Ao (C1) and Ao (PB), as well as between Ao (C2.1) and Ao (PB), were not statistically significant, while the attenuations of Ao (C2.2) and Ao (PB) differed significantly (p<0.001), with higher attenuation in PB. Compared to EL (PB), none of the mean EL attenuation values (C1, C2.1, and C2.2) differed significantly. CONCLUSION: This prebolus CTA protocol combines late-phase attenuation of a biphasic image acquisition protocol for endoleak visualization with high opacification of the stent lumen without exposing the patient to radiation twice.

Low-dose triple-rule-out using 320-row-detector volume MDCT--less contrast medium and lower radiation exposure.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate image quality of triple-rule-out (TRO) computed tomography (CT) using a 320-row-detector CT system with substantially reduced contrast medium volume at 100 kV. METHODS: Forty-six consecutive patients with noncritical, acute chest pain underwent 320-row-detector CT using a two-step TRO protocol consisting of a non-spiral, non-gated chest CT acquisition (150 mA) followed by a non-spiral, electrocardiography-gated cardiac acquisition (200-500 mA based on body mass index (BMI)). Data were acquired using a biphasic injection protocol with a total iodinated contrast medium volume of 60 ml (370 mg/ml). Vessel attenuation and effective doses were recorded. Image quality was scored independently by two readers. RESULTS: Mean attenuation was 584 ± 114 Hounsfield units (HU) in the ascending aorta, 335 ± 63HU in the aortic arch, 658 ± 136HU in the pulmonary trunk, and 521 ± 97HU and 549 ± 102HU in the right and left coronary artery, respectively. In all but one patient, attenuation and image quality allowed accurate visualization of the pulmonary arteries, thoracic aorta, and coronary arteries in a single examination. Ninety-six percent of all coronary artery segments were rated diagnostic. Radiation exposure ranged between 2.0 and 3.3 mSv. CONCLUSION: Using 320-row-detector CT the investigated low-dose TRO protocol resulted in excellent opacification and image quality with substantial reduction of contrast medium volume compared to recently published TRO protocols.

Planimetry of the aortic valve orifice area: comparison of multislice spiral computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the comparability of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for measuring the aortic valve orifice area (AVA) and grading aortic valve stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven individuals, among them 18 patients with valvular stenosis, underwent AVA planimetry by both MSCT and MRI. In the subset of patients with valvular stenosis, AVA was also calculated from transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTE) using the continuity equation. RESULTS: There was excellent correlation between MSCT and MRI (r = 0.99) and limits of agreement were in an acceptable range (± 0.42 cm(2)) although MSCT yielded a slightly smaller mean AVA than MRI (1.57 ± 0.83 cm(2) vs. 1.67 ± 0.98 cm(2), p < 0.05). However, in the subset of patients with valvular stenosis, the mean AVA was not different between MSCT and MRI (1.05 ± 0.30 cm(2) vs. 1.04 ± 0.39 cm(2); p > 0.05). The mean AVAs on both MSCT and MRI were systematically larger than on TTE (0.88 ± 0.28 cm(2), p < 0.001 each). Using an AVA of 1.0 cm(2) on TTE as reference, the best threshold for detecting severe-to-critical stenosis on MSCT and MRI was an AVA of 1.25 cm(2) and 1.30 cm(2), respectively, resulting in an accuracy of 96% each. CONCLUSION: Our study specifies recent reports on the suitability of MSCT for quantifying AVA. The data presented here suggest that certain methodical discrepancies of AVA measurements exist between MSCT, MRI and TTE. However, MSCT and MRI have shown excellent correlation in AVA planimetry and similar accuracy in grading aortic valve stenosis.

Variability of semiautomated lung nodule volumetry on ultralow-dose CT: comparison with nodule volumetry on standard-dose CT.

The study investigates the effect of a substantial dose reduction on the variability of lung nodule volume measurements by assessing and comparing nodule volumes using a dedicated semiautomated segmentation software on ultralow-dose computed tomography (ULD-CT) and standard-dose computed tomography (SD-CT) data. In 20 patients, thin-slice chest CT datasets (1 mm slice thickness; 20% reconstruction overlap) were acquired at ultralow-dose (120 kV, 5 mAs) and at standard-dose (120 kV, 75 mAs), respectively, and analyzed using the segmentation software OncoTREAT (MeVis, Bremen, Germany; version 1.3). Interobserver variability of volume measurements of 202 solid pulmonary nodules (mean diameter 11 mm, range 3.2-44.5 mm) was calculated for SD-CT and ULD-CT. With respect to interobserver variability, the 95% confidence interval for the relative differences in nodule volume in the intrascan analysis was measured with -9.7% to 8.3% (mean difference -0.7%) for SD-CT and with -12.6% to 12.4% (mean difference -0.2%) for ULD-CT. In the interscan analysis, the 95% confidence intervals for the differences in nodule volume ranged with -25.1% to -23.4% and 26.2% to 28.9% (mean difference 1.4% to 2.1%) dependent on the combination of readers and scans. Intrascan interobserver variability of volume measurements was comparable for ULD-CT and SD-CT data. The calculated variability of volume measurements in the interscan analysis was similar to the data reported in the literature for CT data acquired with equal radiation dose. Thus, the evaluated segmentation software provides nodule volumetry that appears to be independent of the dose level with which the CT source dataset is acquired.

Feasibility of contrast material volume reduction in coronary artery imaging using 320-slice volume CT.

OBJECTIVE: To assess reduced volumes of contrast agent on image quality for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) by using single-beat cardiac imaging with 320-slice CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty consecutive male patients (mean age: 55.8 years) undergoing CCTA with body weight or=55% were included. Image acquisition protocol was standardized (120 kV, 400 mA, and prospective ECG-triggered single-beat nonspiral CCTA). Patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups (G1: received 40 ml, G2: 50 ml, G3: 60 ml, G4: 70 ml). Groups were compared with respect to aortic attenuation, image noise, and image quality. RESULTS: CT values (mean +/- standard deviation) in the aortic root were measured as 423 +/- 38 HU in G1, and 471 +/- 68, 463 +/- 60, and 476 +/- 78 HU in G2-4, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in attenuation among the groups (P > 0.068). All 40 CT datasets were rated diagnostic, and image noise and image quality were not statistically different among groups. CONCLUSION: Using 320-slice volume CT, diagnostic image quality can be achieved with 40 ml of contrast material in CCTA in patients with normal body weight, cardiac function, and low heart rate.

Intra- and interobserver variability of linear and volumetric measurements of brain metastases using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the intra- and interobserver variability of diameter and semiautomated volume measurements of brain metastases on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 75 MRI staging examinations of patients with metastasized renal cell carcinoma, thyroid cancer, or malignant melanoma (mean age, 56 years; range, 40-75 years) were included. Patients had been examined with a routine MRI protocol, including a CE 3D T1-weighted MP-RAGE sequence (1-mm slice thickness). MRI data were retrospectively analyzed using the OncoTREAT segmentation system (MeVis, Bremen, Germany, version 1.6). Volume of 355 enhancing brain metastases included in the analysis as well as the largest diameter according to Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors were measured by 2 radiologists. Intra- and interobserver variability was calculated. RESULTS: Metastases (n = 355) had a mean diameter of 12.2 mm (range, 3.4-44.3 mm) and a mean volume of 1.4 cm(3) (range, 12-25.1 cm(3)). With respect to interobserver variability analysis revealed broader limits of agreement for response evaluation criteria for solid tumor measurements of all lesions (range, +/-27.8%-+/-33.0%; unsigned mean: 0.2%-2.5%) than for volume measurements (range, +/-21.4%-+/-23.3%; unsigned mean, 0.1%-0.3%) with statistically significant differences between diameter and volume measurements (P

Computer-aided detection in computed tomography colonography with full fecal tagging: comparison of standalone performance of 3 automated polyp detection systems.

PURPOSE: We sought to compare the performance of 3 computer-aided detection (CAD) polyp algorithms in computed tomography colonography (CTC) with fecal tagging. METHODS: CTC data sets of 33 patients were retrospectively analysed by 3 different CAD systems: system 1, MedicSight; system 2, Colon CAD; and system 3, Polyp Enhanced View. The polyp database comprised 53 lesions, including 6 cases of colorectal cancer, and was established by consensus reading and comparison with colonoscopy. Lesions ranged from 6-40 mm, with 25 lesions larger than 10 mm in size. Detection and false-positive (FP) rates were calculated. RESULTS: CAD systems 1 and 2 could be set to have varying sensitivities with higher FP rates for higher sensitivity levels. Sensitivities for system 1 ranged from 73%-94% for all lesions (78%-100% for lesions > or =10 mm) and, for system 2, from 64%-94% (78%-100% for lesions > or =10 mm). System 3 reached an overall sensitivity of 76% (100% for lesions > or =10 mm). The mean FP rate per patient ranged from 8-32 for system 1, from 1-8 for system 2, and was 5 for system 3. At the highest sensitivity level for all polyps (94%), system 2 showed a statistically significant lower FP rate compared with system 1 (P = .001). When analysing lesions > or =10 mm, system 3 had significantly fewer FPs than systems 1 and 2 (P < .012). CONCLUSIONS: Standalone CTC-CAD analysis in the selected patient collective showed the 3 systems tested to have a variable but overall promising performance with respect to sensitivity and the FP rate.

Whole-organ perfusion of the pancreas using dynamic volume CT in patients with primary pancreas carcinoma: acquisition technique, post-processing and initial results.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a whole-organ perfusion protocol of the pancreas in patients with primary pancreas carcinoma and to analyse perfusion differences between normal and diseased pancreatic tissue. Thirty patients with primary pancreatic malignancy were imaged on a 320-slice CT unit. Twenty-nine cancers were histologically proven. CT data acquisition was started manually after contrast-material injection (8 ml/s, 350 mg iodine/ml) and dynamic density measurements in the right ventricle. After image registration, perfusion was determined with the gradient-relationship technique and volume regions-of-interest were defined for perfusion measurements. Contrast time-density curves and perfusion maps were generated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for analysis of normal distribution and Kruskal-Wallis test (nonparametric ANOVA) with Bonferroni correction for multiple stacked comparisons. In all 30 patients the entire pancreas was imaged, and registration could be completed in all cases. Perfusion of pancreatic carcinomas was significantly lower than of normal pancreatic tissue (P < 0.001) and could be visualized on colored perfusion maps. The 320-slice CT allows complete dynamic visualization of the pancreas and enables calculation of whole-organ perfusion maps. Perfusion imaging carries the potential to improve detection of pancreatic cancers due to the perfusion differences.

CT technology overview: 64-slice and beyond.

Sixty-four-slice CT typified the dramatic race in technical development in radiology. Featuring high spatial resolution with 0.5-mm thin slices and 0.3-second gantry revolution times, it has become state-of-the-art technology in CT imaging shortly after its clinical introduction. Three-dimensional tube modulation together with adaptive x-ray shutters led to significant dose reduction to the patients while improving image quality because of implementation of optimized reconstruction algorithms. The latest innovations-new detector materials, dual-layer detector, dual-source and dynamic volume CT-represent the pinnacles in CT imaging, pursuing different directions to further clinical applications of CT.

Initial experience with a chest pain protocol using 320-slice volume MDCT.

We sought to determine the feasibility and image quality of 320-slice volume computed tomography (CT) angiography for the evaluation of patients with acute chest pain. Thirty consecutive patients (11 female, 19 male, mean age 63.2 +/- 14.2 years) with noncritical, acute chest pain underwent 320-slice CT using a protocol consisting of a nonspiral, nongated CT of the entire chest, followed by a nonspiral, electrocardiography-gated CT study of the heart. Data were acquired following a biphasic intravenous injection of 90 ml iodinated contrast agent. Vessel attenuation values of different thoracic vascular territories were recorded, and image quality scored on a five-point scale by two readers. Mean attenuation was 467 +/- 69 HU in the ascending aorta, 334 +/- 52 HU in the aortic arch, 455 +/- 71 HU in the descending aorta, 492 +/- 94 HU in the pulmonary trunk, and 416 +/- 63 HU and 436 +/- 62 HU in the right and left coronary artery, respectively. Radiation exposure estimates ranged between 7 and 14 mSv. The CT protocol investigated enabled imaging of the thoracic aorta, coronary and pulmonary arteries with an excellent diagnostic quality for chest pain triage in all patients. This result was achieved with less contrast material and reduced radiation exposure compared with previously investigated imaging protocols.

Quantification of aortic valve stenosis: head-to-head comparison of 64-slice spiral computed tomography with transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac catheterization.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the accuracy of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) with 64 detector rows for determination of the aortic valve area (AVA) compared with transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography (TEE and TTE) and cardiac catheterization (CATH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: MSCT, TEE, TTE, and CATH were performed in 36 patients with aortic valve stenosis. AVA was determined by planimetry on MSCT and TEE and calculated using the continuity equation on Doppler TTE and the Gorlin formula on CATH. RESULTS: The mean AVA on MSCT (0.88 +/- 0.39 cm2) was not significantly different from TEE (0.94 +/- 0.41 cm2; P > 0.05) but significantly larger than TTE (0.74 +/- 0.28 cm2; P < 0.001) and CATH (0.75 +/- 0.31 cm2; P < 0.001). A good correlation with acceptable limits of agreement was found between MSCT and TTE (r = 0.91, limits +/-0.35 cm2) and between MSCT and CATH (r = 0.91, limits +/-0.32 cm2). An inferior correlation with wider limits of agreement was found between MSCT and TEE (r = 0.82, limits +/-0.48 cm2), but this applied also between TEE and TTE (r = 0.79, limits +/-0.51 cm2) and between TEE and CATH (r = 0.78, limits +/-0.52 cm2). CONCLUSIONS: AVA determined by MSCT correlated well with TTE and CATH, but a systematic difference must be taken into account when using MSCT findings for therapeutic decision-making. Validation against both TTE and CATH revealed a superior correlation and narrower limits of agreement for MSCT than for TEE suggesting that AVA planimetry with MSCT is more reliable than with TEE.