Multi-detector row CT: is prospective electrocardiographic triggering improving the detection of small pulmonary tumors?

Electrocardiography-Gated Computed Tomography of the Bronchial Arteries With Iterative Image Reconstruction: Clinical Evaluation and Image Quality

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to apply electrocardiography (ECG)-gated prospective-triggered multidetector row computed tomography angiography with iterative model reconstruction (IMR) to optimize imaging of the bronchial arteries in patients with the chief complaint of hemoptysis.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study. Between August 2015 and June 2016, we enrolled 31 consecutive patients with the chief complaint of hemoptysis who were scheduled to undergo computed tomography of the bronchial artery. Patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: group A, with filtered back-projection reconstruction; group B, with iDose reconstruction; and group C, with ECG-gated prospective-triggered multidetector row computed tomography angiography with IMR. Image quality, visibility, and traceability were compared.

RESULTS

Image quality, including signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios, visibility, and traceability, was best in group C.

CONCLUSIONS

With the help of IMR and ECG-synchronized prospective-triggered technology, the bronchial artery anatomy can be accurately depicted in patients with massive hemoptysis.

Regional and whole-body imaging in pediatric oncology

The goals of tumor imaging include tumor detection, tumor characterization and differential diagnosis, imaging-guided biopsy, evaluation of tumor extent and staging, assessment of treatment responses, and surveillance for residual tumor or tumor recurrence. In clinical practice, various combinations of imaging modalities are used to achieve these goals. Recently introduced tumor imaging methods, such as diffusion MRI, perfusion MRI, whole-body MRI, and positron emission tomography (PET-CT), have shown promising results. Depending on tumor type and management plan, imaging protocols for children should be individually optimized to achieve the shortest examination time, the highest image quality, the lowest risk, and maximum clinical benefits. In this article, the roles of regional and whole-body tumor imaging will be reviewed, and several important issues related to recent technical developments will be discussed.