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Klempka A, Neumayer P, Schröder A, Ackermann E, Hetjens S, Clausen S, Groden C. Establishing a Foundation for the In Vivo Visualization of Intravascular Blood with Photon-Counting Technology in Spectral Imaging in Cranial CT. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1561. [PMID: 39061698 PMCID: PMC11276049 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14141561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in computed tomography (CT) technology, particularly photon-counting CT (PCCT), are reshaping the possibilities for medical imaging. PCCT in spectral imaging enables the high-resolution visualization of tissues with material-specific accuracy. This study aims to establish a foundational approach for the in vivo visualization of intracranial blood using PCCT, focusing on non-enhanced imaging techniques and spectral imaging capabilities. METHODS We employed photon-counting detector within a spectral CT framework to differentiate between venous and arterial intracranial blood. Our analysis included not only monoenergetic +67 keV reconstructions, but also images from virtual non-contrast and iodine phases, enabling detailed assessments of blood's characteristics without the use of contrast agents. RESULTS Our findings demonstrate the ability of PCCT to provide clear and distinct visualizations of intracranial vascular structures. We quantified the signal-to-noise ratio across different imaging phases and found consistent enhancements in image clarity, particularly in the detection and differentiation of arterial and venous blood. CONCLUSION PCCT offers a robust platform for the non-invasive and detailed visualization of intravascular intracranial blood. With its superior resolution and specific imaging capabilities, PCCT lays the groundwork for advancing clinical applications and research, notably in the diagnosis and management of intracranial disorders. This technology promises to improve diagnostic accuracy by enabling more precise imaging assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Klempka
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Philipp Neumayer
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alexander Schröder
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Eduardo Ackermann
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Svetlana Hetjens
- Department of Medical Statistics and Biomathematics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sven Clausen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christoph Groden
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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Klempka A, Schröder A, Neumayer P, Groden C, Clausen S, Hetjens S. Cranial Computer Tomography with Photon Counting and Energy-Integrated Detectors: Objective Comparison in the Same Patients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1019. [PMID: 38786317 PMCID: PMC11119038 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14101019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study provides an objective comparison of cranial computed tomography (CT) imaging quality and radiation dose between photon counting detectors (PCCTs) and energy-integrated detectors (EIDs). We retrospectively analyzed 158 CT scans from 76 patients, employing both detector types on the same individuals to ensure a consistent comparison. Our analysis focused on the Computed Tomography Dose Index and the Dose-Length Product together with the contrast-to-noise ratio and the signal-to-noise ratio for brain gray and white matter. We utilized standardized imaging protocols and consistent patient positioning to minimize variables. PCCT showed a potential for higher image quality and lower radiation doses, as highlighted by this study, thus achieving diagnostic clarity with reduced radiation exposure, underlining its significance in patient care, particularly for patients requiring multiple scans. The results demonstrated that while both systems were effective, PCCT offered enhanced imaging and patient safety in neuroradiological evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Klempka
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alexander Schröder
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Philipp Neumayer
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christoph Groden
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sven Clausen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Svetlana Hetjens
- Department of Medical Statistics and Biomathematics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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Lin SN, Wu YM, Siow TY, Yeh CH, Toh CH, Tseng TY, Wong HF. Sclerotherapy with intralesional bleomycin injection under guidance of multi-slice CT for retrobulbar orbital low-flow vascular lesions-single-center experience. Br J Radiol 2024; 97:186-194. [PMID: 38263834 PMCID: PMC11027304 DOI: 10.1093/bjr/tqad008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the safety and efficacy of sclerotherapy with intralesional bleomycin injection (IBI) for retrobulbar orbital low-flow vascular lesions under multi-slice computed tomography (CT) guidance. METHODS Between January 2010 and September 2021, consecutive patients with retrobulbar orbital low-flow vascular lesions who underwent CT-guided IBI at a tertiary centre in Taiwan were enrolled. Their medical records and imaging data were retrospectively collected. RESULTS This study enrolled 13 patients (7 male and 6 female patients; age range: 1-57 years; mean age: 25.9 years) with lymphatic malformation (LM, n = 4), venolymphatic malformation (n = 1), and venous malformation (VM, n = 8). The overall radiological response rate was 76.9% (10 of 13); the radiological response rate was 75.0% in the VM group (6 of 8) and 75.0% in the LM group (3 of 4). Moreover, 3 patients (23.1%) had minor complications and 1 (7.7%) had a major complication. The mean clinical and radiological follow-up was 8.3 months and no recurrence or progression was reported. CONCLUSION CT-guided IBI is an effective and relatively safe minimally invasive treatment for retrobulbar orbital low-flow vascular lesions, with an overall radiological response rate of 76.9% in a mean of 1.5 sessions and a low complication rate. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE CT-guided sclerotherapy with IBI is a relatively safe, effective, and feasible alternative treatment option for retrobulbar orbital low-flow vascular lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Nan Lin
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ming Wu
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Tiing-Yee Siow
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hua Yeh
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hong Toh
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Ti-Yung Tseng
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Ho-Fai Wong
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
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Prabsattroo T, Wachirasirikul K, Tansangworn P, Punikhom P, Sudchai W. The Dose Optimization and Evaluation of Image Quality in the Adult Brain Protocols of Multi-Slice Computed Tomography: A Phantom Study. J Imaging 2023; 9:264. [PMID: 38132682 PMCID: PMC10743697 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging9120264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Computed tomography examinations have caused high radiation doses for patients, especially for CT scans of the brain. This study aimed to optimize the radiation dose and image quality in adult brain CT protocols. Images were acquired using a Catphan 700 phantom. Radiation doses were recorded as CTDIvol and dose length product (DLP). CT brain protocols were optimized by varying parameters such as kVp, mAs, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) level, and Clearview iterative reconstruction (IR). The image quality was also evaluated using AutoQA Plus v.1.8.7.0 software. CT number accuracy and linearity had a robust positive correlation with the linear attenuation coefficient (µ) and showed more inaccurate CT numbers when using 80 kVp. The modulation transfer function (MTF) showed a higher value in 100 and 120 kVp protocols (p < 0.001), while high-contrast spatial resolution showed a higher value in 80 and 100 kVp protocols (p < 0.001). Low-contrast detectability and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) tended to increase when using high mAs, SNR, and the Clearview IR protocol. Noise decreased when using a high radiation dose and a high percentage of Clearview IR. CTDIvol and DLP were increased with increasing kVp, mAs, and SNR levels, while the increasing percentage of Clearview did not affect the radiation dose. Optimized protocols, including radiation dose and image quality, should be evaluated to preserve diagnostic capability. The recommended parameter settings include kVp set between 100 and 120 kVp, mAs ranging from 200 to 300 mAs, SNR level within the range of 0.7-1.0, and an iterative reconstruction value of 30% Clearview to 60% or higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thawatchai Prabsattroo
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (K.W.); (P.T.); (P.P.)
| | - Kanokpat Wachirasirikul
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (K.W.); (P.T.); (P.P.)
| | - Prasit Tansangworn
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (K.W.); (P.T.); (P.P.)
| | - Puengjai Punikhom
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (K.W.); (P.T.); (P.P.)
| | - Waraporn Sudchai
- Nuclear Technology Service Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology, Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand;
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Abay B, Sankeshwar JC, Kamel H. Decreasing Lens Irradiation on Brain Imaging: A Multi-CT Scanner Quality Improvement Project. Cureus 2023; 15:e47357. [PMID: 38022074 PMCID: PMC10657156 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cataracts, a leading global cause of blindness, are associated with ionising radiation exposure. This audit aimed to enhance lens exclusion during non-contrast head computed tomography (CT) scans at Newham University Hospital (NUH) using two CT scanners. METHODS A retrospective audit of non-contrast head CT scans at NUH excluded scans for trauma and imaging of orbital structures. A one-week audit in April 2023 assessed lens exclusion, compared to the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) standards. A total of 101 consecutive scans were analysed and 63 (62%) scans were included in the final study. Thirty-eight percent of the scans were excluded according to the exclusion criteria of head, neck and facial traumas, orbital infections and papilledema. Results were presented, followed by a three-month radiographer re-education period, emphasizing gantry tilt and patient positioning. A reaudit in August 2023 evaluated outcomes. For the reaudit, 183 consecutive scans were analysed, with 131 (72%) scans included in the final study and 52 (28%) scans excluded according to the same exclusion criteria as the first audit. RESULTS Lens exclusion in non-contrast head CT scans improved significantly from 0/63 (0%) compliance to 19/131 (14.50%) (p=0005) compliance with the standards. Variability in radiographer practices, 'near misses' and time constraints were identified as challenges. Staff turnover impacted compliance. CONCLUSION This audit has shed light on a critical aspect of patient care in the field of radiology. This research underscores the importance of rigorous and standardised protocols in radiological procedures, particularly when it comes to protecting the lens of the eye. By enhancing lens exclusion during non-contrast head CT scans, we have taken a significant step in mitigating the risk associated with ionising radiation exposure. Although substantial improvements were made, achieving the RCR audit standard remained elusive. Ongoing re-education, reaudits and a multidisciplinary approach are necessary to optimise radiographer adherence and reduce ionising radiation exposure to the lens during head CT scans. This quality improvement project proves that continued emphasis on gantry tilt and patient positioning in radiographer education and training can make a significant difference in patient safety. As we move forward, let us remember that even small improvements can make a big difference in safeguarding the health and well-being of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berk Abay
- General Surgery, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, GBR
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