Impact of increasing levels of advanced iterative reconstruction on image quality in low-dose cardiac CT angiography

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of an advanced iterative reconstruction (IR) technique on subjective and objective image quality (IQ) in low-dose cardiac CT angiography (CCTA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

30 datasets of prospectively triggered "step-and-shoot" CCTA scans acquired on a 256-slice CT scanner with optimized exposure settings were processed on a prototype IR system using filtered back-projection (FBP) and 4 levels of advanced IR (iDose4, Philips) providing incremental rates of IR (level 2, 4, 6, 7). In addition, the effects of different reconstruction kernels (semi-smooth [CB], standard with edge-enhancement [XCB]) and a "multi-resolution" feature [MR] to preserve the noise power spectrum were evaluated resulting in a total of n = 480 image sets. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were computed from regions of interest at 9 coronary locations. The subjective IQ was rated on a 4-point-scale with "classic" image appearance and noise-related artifacts as main criteria.

RESULTS

At an effective dose of 1.7 ± 0.7 mSv, the CNR significantly improved with every increasing level of IR (range: 14.2 - 27.8; p < 0.001) with the best objective IQ at the highest level of IR (level 7). The subjective IQ, however, was rated best at the medium level of IR (level 4) with minimal artifacts and a more "classic" image appearance when compared to higher IR levels. The XCB kernel provided better subjective ratings than CB (p < 0.05) and the MR feature further increased the IQ at a high level of IR.

CONCLUSION

The objective IQ of low-dose CCTA progressively improves with an increasing level of IR. The best subjective IQ, however, is reached at medium levels of IR combined with an edge-enhancing kernel allowing for preservation of a "classic" image appearance suggesting application in the clinical routine.

KEY POINTS

• iterative reconstruction (IR) improves image quality in low-dose coronary CTA• objective image quality (CNR) enhances with increasing level of IR• best subjective image quality is reached at medium level of IR• "multi-resolution" algorithm further improves image quality at a higher level of IR.

The early phase influence of bone marrow concentrate on metaphyseal bone healing

Bone marrow concentrate (BMC) contains high densities of progenitor cells. Therefore, in critical size defects BMC may have the potency to support bone healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BMC in combination with calcium phosphate granules (CPG) on bone defect healing in a metaphyseal long bone defect in mini-pigs. A metaphyseal critical-size bone defect at the proximal tibia of 24 mini-pigs was filled with CPG combined with BMC, CPG solely (control group) or with an autograft. Radiological and histomorphometrical evaluations after 6 weeks (42 days) showed significantly more bone formation in the BMC group in the central area of the defect zone and the cortical defect zone compared to the CPG group. At the same time the resorption rate of CPG increased significantly in the BMC group. Nevertheless, compared to the BMC group the autograft group showed a significantly higher new bone formation radiologically and histomorphometrically. In BMC the count of mononuclear cells was significantly higher compared to the bone marrow aspirate (3.5-fold). The mesenchymal progenitor cell characteristics of the cells in BMC were confirmed by flow cytometry. Cells from BMC created significantly larger colonies of alkaline phosphatase-positive colony forming units (CFU-ALP) (4.4-fold) compared to cells from bone marrow aspirate. Nevertheless, even in the BMC group complete osseous bridging was only detectable in isolated instances of the bone defects. Within the limitations of this study the BMC+CPG composite promotes bone regeneration in the early phase of bone healing significantly better than the isolated application of CPG. However, the addition of BMC does not lead to a solid fusion of the defect in the early phase of bone healing an still does not represent an equal alternative to autologous bone.

Impact of organ-specific dose reduction on the image quality of head and neck CT angiography

OBJECTIVES

Organ-specific dose reduction (OSDR) algorithms can reduce radiation on radiosensitive organs up to 59 %. This study evaluates the influence of a new OSDR algorithm on image quality of head and neck computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in clinical routine.

METHODS

Sixty-two consecutive patients (68 ± 13 years) were randomised into two groups and imaged using 128-row multidetector CT. Group A (n = 31) underwent conventional CTA and group B (n = 31) CTA with a novel OSDR algorithm. Subjective and objective image quality were statistically compared. Subjective image quality was rated on a five-point scale. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated with region-of-interest measurements.

RESULTS

The SNR of the common carotid artery and middle cerebral artery was 53.6 ± 22.7 and 43.3 ± 15.3 (group A) versus 54.1 ± 20.5 and 46.2 ± 14.6 (group B). The CNR was 40.0 ± 19.3 and 29.7 ± 12.0 (group A) compared with 40.7 ± 16.8 and 32.9 ± 10.9 (group B), respectively. Subjective image quality was excellent in both groups (mean score 4.4 ± 0.7 versus 4.4 ± 0.6). Differences between the two groups were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel OSDR algorithm does not compromise image quality of head and neck CTA. Its application can be recommended for CTA in clinical routine to protect the thyroid gland and ocular lenses from unnecessary high radiation.

KEY POINTS

• Organ-specific dose reduction (OSDR) can significantly reduce radiation exposure during CT • OSDR does not compromise image quality of head and neck CTA • OSDR can significantly lower the risk of radiation damage to sensitive organs • OSDR can easily be applied in routine clinical practice.

Treatment of early and delayed esophageal perforation

Esophageal perforations are life threatening emergencies associated with high morbidity and mortality. We report on 22 consecutive patients (age 20-86; 13 female and 9 male) with an oesophageal perforation treated at the university hospital Duesseldorf. The patients' charts were reviewed and follow-up was completed for all patients until demission, healed reconstruction or death. Patients' history, clinical presentation, time interval to surgical presentation, and treatment modality were recorded and correlated with patients' outcome. Six esophageal perforations were due to a Boerhaave-syndrome, eleven caused by endoscopic perforation, two after osteosynthesis of the cervical spine and three foreign body induced. In 7 patients a primary local suture was performed, in 4 cases a supplemental muscle flap was interposed, and 7 patients underwent an oesophageal resection. Four patients were treated without surgery (three esophageal stent implantations, one conservative treatment). Eleven patients (50 %) were presented within 24 h of perforation, and 11 patients (50 %) afterwards. Time delay correlates with survival. In 17 (80.9 %) cases a surgical sufficient reconstruction could be achieved. One (4.7 %) patient is waiting for reconstruction after esophagectomy. Four (18.2 %) patients died. A small subset of patients can be treated conservatively by stenting of the Esophagus, if the patient presents early. In the majority of patients a primary repair (muscle flap etc.) can be performed with good prognosis. If the patient presents delayed with extensive necrosis or mediastinitis, oesophagectomy and secondary repair is the only treatment option with high mortality.

[Case-based interactive PACS learning: introduction of a new concept for radiological education of students]

PURPOSE

Medical curricula are currently being reformed in order to establish superordinated learning objectives, including, e.g., diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive competences. This requires a shifting from traditional teaching methods towards interactive and case-based teaching concepts. Conceptions, initial experiences and student evaluations of a novel radiological course Co-operative Learning In Clinical Radiology (CLICR) are presented in this article.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A novel radiological teaching course (CLICR course), which combines different innovative teaching elements, was established and integrated into the medical curriculum. Radiological case vignettes were created for three clinical teaching modules. By using a PC with PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) access, web-based databases and the CASUS platform, a problem-oriented, case-based and independent way of learning was supported as an adjunct to the well established radiological courses and lectures. Student evaluations of the novel CLICR course and the radiological block course were compared.

RESULTS

Student evaluations of the novel CLICR course were significantly better compared to the conventional radiological block course. Of the participating students 52% gave the highest rating for the novel CLICR course concerning the endpoint overall satisfaction as compared to 3% of students for the conventional block course. The innovative interactive concept of the course and the opportunity to use a web-based database were favorably accepted by the students. Of the students 95% rated the novel course concept as a substantial gain for the medical curriculum and 95% also commented that interactive working with the PACS and a web-based database (82%) promoted learning and understanding.

CONCLUSION

Interactive, case-based teaching concepts such as the presented CLICR course are considered by both students and teachers as useful extensions to the radiological course program. These concepts fit well into competence-oriented curricula.

Quality indicators for the development and didactics of ultrasound courses in continuing medical education

PURPOSE

Based on evaluation data from participant feedback, a concept was to be developed for introductory abdominal ultrasound courses lasting several days. This approach was to be developed incrementally with the intent of maximizing the learning effect per time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This concept has been modified annually over several years based on the findings of educational research and the scores on final examinations in OSCE format. It has been modified with the aid of detailed questionnaires completed by approximately 2000 participating physicians and has thus undergone incremental optimization.

RESULTS

Analysis of the most recent 1005 questionnaires has shown that participants recommend a modular course design with only brief lectures on theory (average optimal duration of 20 min., SD 9.6 min.). These should alternate with longer practical "hands-on" ultrasound exercises (60 - 90 min., accounting for at least 50 - 60 % of the course time), consolidating drawing exercises, and breaks. 51 % of the physicians specified 5 participants as the ideal group size for practical exercises, while 43 % specified only 4. The discussion presents 10 specific quality indicators for efficient ultrasound courses. It elucidates the feasibility and logistical prerequisites of this model, and compares it with other basic course concepts. Furthermore, this article presents a model for an evaluation covering the course concept and tutors as well as discussing a training program for tutors including a cost analysis.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the participants estimate the course design to represent a mature concept that has demonstrated its feasibility and broad acceptance among physicians in CME.

Nonenhanced ECG-gated time-resolved 4D steady-state free precession (SSFP) MR angiography (MRA) of cerebral arteries: comparison at 1.5T and 3T

PURPOSE

To compare image quality of nonenhanced time-resolved 4D steady-state free precession MR angiography (4D SSFP MRA) of cerebral arteries at 1.5T and 3T.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

12 healthy subjects (mean age 29.4±6.9 years) were studied at both 1.5T and 3T. Two different positions of the acquisition slab were evaluated; in one acquisition the imaging slab included the carotid siphon ("S(low)"), in the other acquisition the imaging slab was placed superior to the carotid siphon ("S(high)"). Subjective image quality of cerebral arteries was assessed independently by two readers on a 4-point scale. Relative Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) was determined for the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery.

RESULTS

Subjective image quality of the anterior cerebral artery (segments A1, A2) was significantly higher at 1.5T as compared to 3T, while 3T provided significantly higher image quality for segment P3 of the posterior cerebral artery. For the middle cerebral artery (segments M1-M3), image quality was significantly higher at 1.5T than at 3T when the carotid siphon was included in the acquisition slab ("S(low)"), while no significant difference was found between 1.5T and 3T with "S(high)". Relative SNR was significantly higher at 1.5T (23.1±5.1) as compared to 3T (12.1±7.8) for "S(low)" and significantly higher at 3T (29.8±5.9) than at 1.5T (24.2±3.6) for "S(high)".

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that 4D SSFP MRA should preferably be performed at 1.5T with inclusion of the carotid siphon in the acquisition slab, which might be required for the assessment of intracranial collateral flow.

[Prevalence and clinical significance of incidental cardiac findings in non-ECG-gated chest CT scans]

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of incidental cardiac findings in non-ECG-gated chest CT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Non-ECG-gated chest CT examinations of 300 patients were retrospectively analyzed for incidental cardiac findings. Subsequently, these findings were evaluated for their clinical relevance by a cardiologist.

RESULTS

A total of 107 out of 300 examined patients had 174 incidental cardiac findings including coronary calcification (90), aortic/mitral valve calcification (42), iatrogenic changes (23), pericardial effusion (6), dilatation of the heart (4), myocardial changes (3), thrombus in the left ventricle (2), constrictive pericarditis (2) and atrial myxoma (1). Of the cardiac findings 51% were described in the written report and in 53 out of the 107 patients the cardiac findings were unknown. Newly detected incidental findings from 8 patients were rated as clinically significant: pericardial effusion (4), constrictive pericarditis (1), thrombus in the left ventricle (1), atrial myxoma (1) and dilatation of the heart (1).

CONCLUSION

Incidental cardiac findings are frequent in non-ECG-gated chest CT and may have a high clinical relevance.