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Wu H, Wang J, Zhou M, Wang Y, Cui C, Zhou C, Chen X, Wang Z. Application of bolus tracking: The effect of ROI positions on the images quality of cervicocerebral CT angiography. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29260. [PMID: 38617933 PMCID: PMC11015132 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cervicocerebral CT angiography (CTA) using the bolus tracking technique has been widely used for the assessment of cerebrovascular diseases. Regions of interest (ROI) can be placed in the descending aorta, ascending aorta, and the aortic arch. However, no study has compared the arteries and veins display when when the region of interest (ROI) is placed at different sites. In this study, we showed the impact of ROI positions on the image quality of cervicocerebral CTA. Methods Two hundred and seventy patients who underwent cervicocerebral CTA with bolus tracking technique were randomly divided into three groups based on the position of the ROI placement: ascending aorta (Group 1, n = 90), aortic arch (Group 2, n = 90), and descending aorta (Group 3, n = 90). The scanning parameters and contrast agent injection protocols were consistent across all groups. Three observers independently assessed the objective image quality, while two observers jointly assessed the subjective image quality using a grade scale: poor (grade 1), average (grade 2), good (grade 3), and excellent (grade 4). The differences in intravascular CT values, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), AVCR (arterial venous contrast ratio), and subjective image quality scores were compared among the three groups. Results The CT values of the intracranial veins (superior sagittal sinus, ethmoid sinus and great cerebral vein) in group 1 were significantly lower than those in group 3 (p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in CT values, SNR and CNR in the internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery among the three groups. The proportion of images with grade 4 was significantly higher in group 1 than group 2 and 3 (41.1% vs 15.6% and 13.3%, p < 0.001). The proportion of images with grade 1 was significantly lower in group 1 than group 2 and 3 (1.1% vs 6.6% and 17.8%, p < 0.001). Conclusion The ROI positions for cervicocerebral CTA did not affect the arterial image quality, but venous structures imaging was affected when the ROI was placed in the ascending aorta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiming Wu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Maodong Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yajie Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Can Cui
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Changsheng Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Jinling Hospital Nanjing University, 305 Zhongshan East road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong road, Nanjing, 210029, China
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Gravino G, Samaha S, Patel J, Babatola F, Chandran A. CT (neuro)angiography protocols for ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes: a regional evaluation and technical note from a tertiary neuroscience centre. Clin Radiol 2024; 79:41-46. [PMID: 37957077 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G Gravino
- Neuroradiology Department, The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Liverpool, UK.
| | - S Samaha
- Neuroradiology Department, The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Liverpool, UK
| | - J Patel
- Neuroradiology Department, The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Liverpool, UK
| | - F Babatola
- Neuroradiology Department, The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Liverpool, UK
| | - A Chandran
- Neuroradiology Department, The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Liverpool, UK
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Optimization of the Parameters for the Test Bolus Technique in Computed Tomography Angiography of Head and Neck. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2022; 46:257-263. [PMID: 35297582 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000001276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to optimize low-dose scanning protocols for the test bolus technique in 64-detector computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA) of the head and neck. METHODS A total of 250 patients were randomly divided into 5 groups of 50 patients each: conventional group (group A: 120 kV, 100 mA) and low-dose groups (group B: 100 kV, 100 mA; group C: 100 kV, 50 mA; group D: 80 kV, 100 mA; and group E: 80 kV, 50 mA). Subjective scores and objective measurements (CT values of the aortic arch, image noise, and signal-to-noise ratio) were used to evaluate the image quality and compare the radiation doses of the 5 groups. RESULTS The image quality of the 5 groups met the diagnostic requirements, with no significant difference in the subjective evaluation findings (P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the CT values between the conventional group and low-dose groups (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference between groups B and C and between groups D and E (P > 0.05). Moreover, the volume CT dose index and dose length product of groups B, C, D, and E decreased by 37.62%, 70.45%, 65.28%, and 83.39%, respectively, compared with those of group A. Although the image noise of the low-dose groups increased, an appropriate reduction in the tube voltage enhanced the contrast medium-induced x-ray attenuation and increased the CT value, which resulted in a nonsignificant difference in the signal-to-noise ratio. Therefore, the image quality of the low-dose groups was not affected compared with that of the conventional group. CONCLUSIONS In the test bolus technique in 64-detector CTA, the low-dose protocol of using 80 kV and 50 mA reduces the radiation dose by 83.39% compared with the conventional scan, without affecting the image quality.
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Park S, Jang M, Lee K, Choi H, Lee Y, Park I, Choi S. Optimal placement of the region of interest for bolus tracking on brain computed tomography angiography in Beagle dogs. J Vet Med Sci 2021; 83:1196-1201. [PMID: 34162782 PMCID: PMC8437732 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the optimal placement of the region of interest (ROI) among four anatomical sites-pulmonary artery (PA), pulmonary vein (PV), aortic arch (AA), and carotid artery (CA)-in computed tomography (CT) brain angiography with automatic bolus tracking in healthy beagle dogs. Six beagles were included, and CT brain angiography was performed four times for each dog, to cover each ROI. The scan parameters, amount, and injection rate of the contrast medium were the same. The major intracranial arteries were selected for quantitative and qualitative evaluation: caudal cerebellar artery (CcA), basilar artery (BA), rostral cerebellar artery (RcA), caudal cerebral artery (CCA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and rostral cerebral artery (RCA). Quantitative evaluation showed significantly higher CT attenuation values for the RcA, CCA, and MCA in the PA group and RcA and MCA in the PV group than in the CA group. Qualitative analysis revealed significantly higher scores for the BA, CCA, and MCA in the PA and PV groups than in the CA group. Venous contamination did not differ significantly among the ROIs, but the mean scores of the AA and CA groups were higher than those of the PA and PV groups. CT brain angiography using bolus tracking in the beagle dogs showed that the ROI should be placed at the PA or PV rather than at the CA for optimal images with strong contrast enhancement of the BA, RcA, CCA, and MCA and minimal venous contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sieun Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Kija Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Hojung Choi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngwon Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Inchul Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooyoung Choi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
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Shirasaka T, Hiwatashi A, Yamashita K, Kondo M, Hamasaki H, Shimomiya Y, Nakamura Y, Funama Y, Honda H. Optimal scan timing for artery-vein separation at whole-brain CT angiography using a 320-row MDCT volume scanner. Br J Radiol 2016; 90:20160634. [PMID: 27995807 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20160634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A 320-row multidetector CT (MDCT) is expected for a good artery-vein separation in terms of temporal resolution. However, a shortened scan duration may lead to insufficient vascular enhancement. We assessed the optimal scan timing for the artery-vein separation at whole-brain CT angiography (CTA) when bolus tracking was used at 320-row MDCT. METHODS We analyzed 60 patients, who underwent whole-brain four-dimensional CTA. Difference in CT attenuation between the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the superior sagittal sinus (Datt) was calculated in each phase. Using a visual evaluation score for the depiction of arteries and veins, we calculated the difference between the mean score for the intracranial arteries and the mean score for the veins (Dscore). We assessed the time at which the maximum Datt and Dscore were simultaneously observed. RESULTS The maximum Datt was observed at 6.0 s and 8.0 s in the arterial-dominant phase and at 16.0 s and 18.0 s in the venous-dominant phase after the contrast media arrival time at the ICA (Taa). The maximum Dscore was observed at 6.0 s and 8.0 s in the arterial-dominant phase and at 16.0 s in the venous-dominant phase after the Taa. There were no statistically significant differences in Datt (p = 0.375) or Dscore (p = 0.139) between these scan timings. CONCLUSION The optimal scan timing for artery-vein separation at whole-brain CTA was 6.0 s or 8.0 s for the arteries and 16.0 s for the veins after the Taa. Advances in knowledge: Optimal scan timing allowed us to visualize intracranial arteries or veins with minimal superimposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Shirasaka
- 1 Department of Medical Technology, Division of Radiology, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Akio Hiwatashi
- 2 Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koji Yamashita
- 2 Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Kondo
- 1 Department of Medical Technology, Division of Radiology, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hamasaki
- 1 Department of Medical Technology, Division of Radiology, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yamato Shimomiya
- 1 Department of Medical Technology, Division of Radiology, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Nakamura
- 1 Department of Medical Technology, Division of Radiology, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Funama
- 3 Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Honda
- 2 Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Radon MR, Chandran A, Bhojak M, Das KV. Radiation Dose Reduction in 4D Cerebral CT Angiography by Individualized Estimation of Cerebral Circulation Time. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2016; 37:2189-2194. [PMID: 27561832 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The novel technique of 4D CTA for dynamic assessment of the intracranial vessels has a greater radiation burden than conventional CTA. Previous descriptions of the technique used a fixed-duration exposure protocol. This study examines the potential for dose reduction by individualizing exposure time to patient physiology by the use of time-enhancement curve techniques as previously applied in CT angiography and venography. MATERIALS AND METHODS 4D-CTA examinations performed at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Scan protocols used a test-bolus scan with either a subjective estimate of the main acquisition timing (estimated-duration method) or a quantitative measure (measured-duration method). The estimated-duration method used peak arterial enhancement to determine the start of exposure, with the duration chosen at the radiologist's discretion. The measured-duration method used arterial and venous time-enhancement curves to determine exposure start and duration. Exposure duration, study adequacy, quality score, and maximum venous enhancement were compared among groups. RESULTS One hundred fifty-one examinations used the estimated-duration method, and 53 used measured-duration. The measured-duration method used a shorter exposure time (10 versus 15.8 seconds; P < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in the study adequacy rate, subjective quality score, or maximum venous enhancement. The radiation dose was reduced by 51% in the measured-duration method (3021 mGy × cm, 6.9 mSv, versus 1473 mGy × cm, 3.4 mSv). Both methods showed good agreement with DSA (κ = 0.88 for estimated-duration, κ = 1.0 for measured duration). CONCLUSIONS Exposure time in 4D-CTA can be reduced with dual time-enhancement curves to match exposure to physiology without degrading study adequacy or quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Radon
- From the Department of Neuroradiology, The Walton Centre, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - A Chandran
- From the Department of Neuroradiology, The Walton Centre, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - M Bhojak
- From the Department of Neuroradiology, The Walton Centre, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - K V Das
- From the Department of Neuroradiology, The Walton Centre, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Cerebral CT Venography Using a 320-MDCT Scanner With a Time-Density Curve Technique and Low Volume of Contrast Agent: Comparison With Fixed Time-Delay Technique. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2016; 205:1269-75. [PMID: 26587933 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.14.14200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare a cerebral CT venography (CTV) technique performed on a 320-MDCT scanner with the use of a time-density curve (TDC) and a small volume of IV contrast medium (35 mL, with 15 mL used for the test bolus) with CTV performed using an established reference technique in which scanning is performed at a fixed time delay of 30 seconds with the use of a larger volume of contrast medium (100 mL). MATERIALS AND METHODS The time of peak enhancement was determined from the TDC generated from a scan in which a test bolus dose was used. CTV was performed at the time of peak enhancement. The diagnostic quality of 31 CTV venograms acquired using this technique was compared retrospectively with the diagnostic quality of 29 CTV venograms obtained at a fixed time delay of 30 seconds. The densities in the major venous sinuses and the degree of arterial contamination on the scans acquired using the two techniques were compared using objective and semiobjective methods. The semiobjective assessments were made independently by two neuroradiologists. RESULTS Attenuation was higher in the venous structures seen on CTV images acquired using the TDC technique. Of the scans obtained using the TDC technique, the proportion deemed to be of good quality, on the basis of a grading scale, was statistically significantly higher (p < 0.05). Also, the degree of arterial contamination was statistically significantly lower (p < 0.05). The interrater agreement for semiobjective assessments ranged from good to very good. CONCLUSION We describe a CTV technique performed using a low volume of IV contrast medium and a TDC on a 320-MDCT scanner. This technique provides better venous opacification and lower arterial contamination compared with use of the fixed time-delay technique.
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Biswas S, Chandran A, Radon M, Puthuran M, Bhojak M, Nahser HC, Das K. Accuracy of four-dimensional CT angiography in detection and characterisation of arteriovenous malformations and dural arteriovenous fistulas. Neuroradiol J 2015; 28:376-84. [PMID: 26427892 DOI: 10.1177/1971400915604526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A retrospective review was made to assess the accuracy of four dimensional CT angiogram (4D-CTA) in diagnosis of arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF), with catheter-based digital-subtraction angiogram (DSA) being gold standard. 33 pairs of investigations (DSA and 4D-CTA) were performed primarily for suspicion of AVM/DAVF. Based on blinded reports, sensitivity and specificity for detection of AVM/DAVF were 77% (95% CI: 46-95%) and 100% (95% CI: 83-100%) respectively. Positive predictive value was 100% (95% CI: 69-100%) and negative predictive value 87% (95% CI: 66-97%). 4D-CTA is a practical minimally-invasive technique for evaluating cerebrovascular pathologies. There is good agreement between the findings of 4D-CTA and DSA despite the differences in temporal and spatial resolutions. 4D-CTA may obviate the need for DSA in a subgroup of patients who would otherwise have undergone this invasive investigation, which carries a risk of important complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhabrata Biswas
- Department of Neuroradiology, The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UK
| | - Arun Chandran
- Department of Neuroradiology, The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UK
| | - Mark Radon
- Department of Neuroradiology, The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UK
| | - Mani Puthuran
- Department of Neuroradiology, The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UK
| | - Maneesh Bhojak
- Department of Neuroradiology, The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UK
| | | | - Kumar Das
- Department of Neuroradiology, The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UK
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Evaluation of dual energy spectral CT in differentiating metastatic from non-metastatic lymph nodes in rectal cancer: Initial experience. Eur J Radiol 2014; 84:228-34. [PMID: 25497234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2014.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the value of dual energy spectral CT (DEsCT) imaging in differentiating metastatic from non-metastatic lymph nodes in rectal cancer. METHODS Fifty-five patients with rectal cancer underwent the arterial phase (AP) and portal venous phase (PP) contrast-enhanced DEsCT imaging. The virtual monochromatic images and iodine-based material decomposition images derived from DEsCT imaging were interpreted for lymph nodes (LNs) measurement. The short axis diameter and the normalized iodine concentration (nIC) of metastatic and non-metastatic LNs were measured. The two-sample t test was used to compare the short axis diameters and nIC values of metastatic and non-metastatic LNs. ROC analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic performance. RESULTS One hundred and fifty two LNs including 92 non-metastatic LNs and 60 metastatic LNs were matched using the radiological-pathological correlation. The mean short axis diameter of metastatic LNs was significantly larger than that of the non-metastatic LNs (7.28±2.28mm vs. 4.90±1.64mm, P<0.001). The mean nIC value for metastatic LNs was significantly lower than that of non-metastatic LNs (0.24±0.08 vs. 0.34±0.21, P=0.001 in AP; 0.47±0.18 vs. 0.64±0.17, P<0.001 in PP). Combining nIC (PP) with the short axis diameter, the overall accuracy could be improved to 82.9%. CONCLUSIONS With the combination of nIC value in PP and conventional size criterion, dual energy spectral imaging may be used to differentiate metastatic from non-metastatic lymph nodes in rectal cancer.
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