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D'Angelo T, Mastrodicasa D, Lanzafame LRM, Yel I, Koch V, Gruenewald LD, Sharma SP, Ascenti V, Micari A, Blandino A, Vogl TJ, Mazziotti S, Budde RPJ, Booz C. Optimization of window settings for coronary arteries assessment using spectral CT-derived virtual monoenergetic imaging. LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2024; 129:999-1007. [PMID: 38935247 PMCID: PMC11252218 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-024-01835-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the optimal window setting for virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) reconstructed from dual-layer spectral coronary computed tomography angiography (DE-CCTA) datasets. MATERIAL AND METHODS 50 patients (30 males; mean age 61.1 ± 12.4 years who underwent DE-CCTA from May 2021 to June 2022 for suspected coronary artery disease, were retrospectively included. Image quality assessment was performed on conventional images and VMI reconstructions at 70 and 40 keV. Objective image quality was assessed using contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Two independent observers manually identified the best window settings (B-W/L) for VMI 70 and VMI 40 visualization. B-W/L were then normalized with aortic attenuation using linear regression analysis to obtain the optimized W/L (O-W/L) settings. Additionally, subjective image quality was evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale, and vessel diameters were measured to examine any potential impact of different W/L settings. RESULTS VMI 40 demonstrated higher CNR values compared to conventional and VMI 70. B-W/L settings identified were 1180/280 HU for VMI 70 and 3290/900 HU for VMI 40. Subsequent linear regression analysis yielded O-W/L settings of 1155/270 HU for VMI 70 and 3230/880 HU for VMI 40. VMI 40 O-W/L received the highest scores for each parameter compared to conventional (all p < 0.0027). Using O-W/L settings for VMI 70 and VMI 40 did not result in significant differences in vessel measurements compared to conventional images. CONCLUSION Optimization of VMI requires adjustments in W/L settings. Our results recommend W/L settings of 1155/270 HU for VMI 70 and 3230/880 HU for VMI 40.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso D'Angelo
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, BIOMORF Department, University Hospital "Policlinico G. Martino", Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy.
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Domenico Mastrodicasa
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 453 Quarry Rd, MC 5659, Palo Alto, CA 94304-5659, USA
| | - Ludovica R M Lanzafame
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, BIOMORF Department, University Hospital "Policlinico G. Martino", Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
| | - Ibrahim Yel
- Division of Experimental Imaging, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Vitali Koch
- Division of Experimental Imaging, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Leon D Gruenewald
- Division of Experimental Imaging, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simran P Sharma
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Velio Ascenti
- Department of Radiology, Policlinico Universitario Ospedale Maggiore, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonino Micari
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, BIOMORF Department, University Hospital "Policlinico G. Martino", Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
| | - Alfredo Blandino
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, BIOMORF Department, University Hospital "Policlinico G. Martino", Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
| | - Thomas J Vogl
- Division of Experimental Imaging, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Silvio Mazziotti
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, BIOMORF Department, University Hospital "Policlinico G. Martino", Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
| | - Ricardo P J Budde
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Booz
- Division of Experimental Imaging, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
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Nevo A, Goldberg SN, Dar G, Daud M, Levy S, Sosna J, Lev-Cohain N. Dual-energy CT in acute cholecystitis- features predicting culture-positive bile and outcome. Eur J Radiol 2024; 176:111498. [PMID: 38728876 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2024.111498] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Low mono-energetic CT has been shown to improve visualization of acute abdominal inflammatory processes. We aimed to determine its utility in patients with acute cholecystitis and potential added value in clinical decision making. METHODS Sixty-seven consecutive patients with radiological signs of cholecystitis on contrast-enhanced dual-layer CT imaging were retrospectively identified over a four-year period (2/17-8/21). A ranked Likert scale was created for imaging findings present in acute cholecystitis, including gallbladder mucosal integrity and enhancement and pericholecystic liver parenchymal enhancement. These rankings were correlated with laboratory data, followed by sensitivity, specificity, and odds-ratios calculations. RESULTS Mucosal integrity and pericholecystic liver enhancement were better seen on low-energetic images by unanimous consensus. Presence of pericholecystic liver enhancement and poorer mucosal wall integrity correlated with positive bile cultures (sensitivity: 93.8 % and 96.9 %, specificity: 37.5 and 50.0 %; odds-ratio: 9.0[1.1-68.1 95 %CI] and 31.0 [2.7-350.7 95 %CI], p = 0.017 and p ≤ 0.001) in patients undergoing cholecystostomy (n = 40/67). Moreover, binary regression modeling showed that the strongest predictor variable for bile culture positivity was the score for pericholecystic liver enhancement (Exp(B) = 0.6, P = 0.022). By contrast, other laboratory markers and other imaging findings (such as GB wall thickness) showed lower sensitivities (76-82 %), specificities (16-21 %) and odds ratios (0.2-4.4) for the prediction of infected bile. CONCLUSIONS Pericholecystic liver enhancement and gallbladder wall integrity are better visualized on low-DECT images. These findings also potentially predict bile culture positivity in patients with cholecystitis, which may influence clinical management including the need for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Nevo
- Department of Radiology, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - S Nahum Goldberg
- Department of Radiology, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Gili Dar
- Department of Radiology, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Marron Daud
- Department of Radiology, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Shiran Levy
- Department of Radiology, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Jacob Sosna
- Department of Radiology, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Naama Lev-Cohain
- Department of Radiology, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
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3
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Donuru A, Torigian DA, Nachiappan AC. Grayscale Inversion to aid Diagnosis of Acute Occlusive and Chronic Pulmonary Embolism on CT. Int J Angiol 2024; 33:132-133. [PMID: 38846995 PMCID: PMC11152633 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Achala Donuru
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Drew A. Torigian
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Arun C. Nachiappan
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Wollek A, Hyska S, Sabel B, Ingrisch M, Lasser T. WindowNet: Learnable Windows for Chest X-ray Classification. J Imaging 2023; 9:270. [PMID: 38132688 PMCID: PMC10743662 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging9120270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Public chest X-ray (CXR) data sets are commonly compressed to a lower bit depth to reduce their size, potentially hiding subtle diagnostic features. In contrast, radiologists apply a windowing operation to the uncompressed image to enhance such subtle features. While it has been shown that windowing improves classification performance on computed tomography (CT) images, the impact of such an operation on CXR classification performance remains unclear. In this study, we show that windowing strongly improves the CXR classification performance of machine learning models and propose WindowNet, a model that learns multiple optimal window settings. Our model achieved an average AUC score of 0.812 compared with the 0.759 score of a commonly used architecture without windowing capabilities on the MIMIC data set.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Wollek
- Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, TUM School of Computation, Information, and Technology, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany;
| | - Sardi Hyska
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (S.H.); (M.I.)
| | - Bastian Sabel
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (S.H.); (M.I.)
| | - Michael Ingrisch
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (S.H.); (M.I.)
| | - Tobias Lasser
- Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, TUM School of Computation, Information, and Technology, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany;
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Kahraman AT, Fröding T, Toumpanakis D, Sladoje N, Sjöblom T. Automated detection, segmentation and measurement of major vessels and the trachea in CT pulmonary angiography. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18407. [PMID: 37891213 PMCID: PMC10611811 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45509-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mediastinal structure measurements are important for the radiologist's review of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) examinations. In the reporting process, radiologists make measurements of diameters, volumes, and organ densities for image quality assessment and risk stratification. However, manual measurement of these features is time consuming. Here, we sought to develop a time-saving automated algorithm that can accurately detect, segment and measure mediastinal structures in routine clinical CTPA examinations. In this study, 700 CTPA examinations collected and annotated. Of these, a training set of 180 examinations were used to develop a fully automated deterministic algorithm. On the test set of 520 examinations, two radiologists validated the detection and segmentation performance quantitatively, and ground truth was annotated to validate the measurement performance. External validation was performed in 47 CTPAs from two independent datasets. The system had 86-100% detection and segmentation accuracy in the different tasks. The automatic measurements correlated well to those of the radiologist (Pearson's r 0.68-0.99). Taken together, the fully automated algorithm accurately detected, segmented, and measured mediastinal structures in routine CTPA examinations having an adequate representation of common artifacts and medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali T Kahraman
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tomas Fröding
- Department of Radiology, Nyköping Hospital, 611 39, Nyköping, Sweden
| | - Dimitrios Toumpanakis
- Department of Radiology, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nataša Sladoje
- Centre for Image Analysis, Department of Information Technology, Uppsala University, 751 05, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tobias Sjöblom
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
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6
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Xu H, Li H, Xu Q, Zhang Z, Wang P, Li D, Guo L. Automatic detection of pulmonary embolism in computed tomography pulmonary angiography using Scaled-YOLOv4. Med Phys 2023. [PMID: 36633186 DOI: 10.1002/mp.16218] [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: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common but fatal clinical condition and the gold standard of diagnosis is computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Prompt diagnosis and rapid treatment can dramatically reduce mortality in patients. However, the diagnosis of PE is often delayed and missed. METHODS In this study, we identified a deep learning model Scaled-YOLOv4 that enables end-to-end automated detection of PE to help solve these problems. A total of 307 CTPA data (Tianjin 142 cases, Linyi 133 cases, and FUMPE 32 cases) were included in this study. The Tianjin dataset was divided 10 times in the ratio of training set: validation set: test set = 7:2:1 for model tuning, and both the Linyi and FUMPE datasets were used as independent external test sets to evaluate the generalization of the model. RESULTS Scaled-YOLOv4 was able to process one patient in average 3.55 s [95% CI: 3.51-3.59 s]. It also achieved an average precision (AP) of 83.04 [95% CI: 79.36-86.72] for PE detection on the Tianjin test set, and 75.86 [95% CI: 75.48-76.24] and 72.74 [95% CI: 72.10-73.38] on Linyi and FUMPE, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This deep learning algorithm helps detect PE in real time, providing radiologists with aided diagnostic evidence without increasing their workload, and can effectively reduce the probability of delayed patient diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Xu
- School of Medical Imaging, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huiyao Li
- Department of MR, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qifei Xu
- Department of Radiology, Linyi people's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong, China
| | - Zewei Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Wang
- School of Medical Imaging, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Guo
- School of Medical Imaging, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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7
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Ak M, Gumus S, Aghayev A, Chang CH, Fu B, Roberts MS, Woodard PK, Bae KT. The Resolution Rate of Pulmonary Embolism on CT Pulmonary Angiography: a Prospective Study. Eur J Radiol 2022; 155:110466. [PMID: 35986988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To prospectively assess the rate of clot resolution from CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective cohort study included 290 patients (136 men, 154 women; mean age, 51.9 years) with acute PE. All patients had a CTPA at the presentation and had at least one follow-up within 6 months (mean 72.7 days). Sixty-four percent of patients had follow-up scans for research purposes within a pre-determined period (between 28 and 184 days; mean, 78.27 days) and 36 % had (between 2 and 184 days; mean, 62.78 days) for a clinical indication. The volume of each clot was measured using a semi-automated quantification program. The resolution rate was evaluated by interval-censored analysis. RESULTS The overall estimated probability of complete resolution was 42 % at 7 days, 56 % at 10 days, and 71 % at 45 days. Achieving complete resolution was significantly faster in patients with peripheral clots (HR: 1.78; CI: 1.05-3.03, p = 0.032) but slower in patients with consolidation and history of venous thromboembolism (VTE), (HR: 0.37; CI: 0.18-0.79, p = 0.01 and HR: 0.57; CI: 0.35-0.91, p = 0.019, respectively). Although the patients with cancer showed a faster resolution rate (HR: 1.67; CI: 1.05-2.68, p = 0.032), the mortality rate was significantly higher than non-cancer patients. CONCLUSION The resolution rate of clot burden in acute PE was associated with patients' clinical presentation variables and CTPA imaging biomarkers. This information may be incorporated into designing a prediction rule and determining the appropriate duration of anticoagulation therapy in patients with acute PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ak
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - S Gumus
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
| | - A Aghayev
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - C H Chang
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - B Fu
- Data and Statistical Sciences, Abbvie, Inc., Lake Bluff, IL, United States
| | - M S Roberts
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - P K Woodard
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - K T Bae
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Ahuja J, Palacio D, Jo N, Strange CD, Shroff GS, Truong MT, Wu CC. Pitfalls in the imaging of pulmonary embolism. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2022; 43:221-229. [PMID: 35688533 DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary embolism (PE) can present with a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms that can overlap considerably with other cardiovascular diseases. To avoid PE related morbidity and mortality, it is vital to identify this disease accurately and in a timely fashion. Several clinical criteria have been developed to standardize the diagnostic approach for patients with suspected PE. Computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram has significantly improved the detection of pulmonary embolism and is considered the imaging modality of choice to diagnose this disease. However, there are several potential pitfalls associated with this modality which can make diagnosis of PE challenging. In this review, we will discuss various pitfalls routinely encountered in the diagnostic work up of patients with suspected PE, approaches to mitigate these pitfalls and incidental pulmonary embolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitesh Ahuja
- Department of Thoracic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
| | - Diana Palacio
- Department of Radiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, UTMB. Galveston TX
| | - Nahyun Jo
- Department of Radiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, UTMB. Galveston TX
| | - Chad D Strange
- Department of Thoracic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Girish S Shroff
- Department of Thoracic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Mylene T Truong
- Department of Thoracic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Carol C Wu
- Department of Thoracic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Yoon SA, Park SJ, Choi JH. Effects of kernel and window setting combinations on assessments of small and complicated vasculature in computed tomography angiographic images of dogs with and without tumors. Am J Vet Res 2020; 81:940-949. [PMID: 33251842 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.81.12.940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of kernel and window settings on the assessment of small and complicated vasculature in CT angiographic (CTA) images of kidneys, jejunum with mesentery, and tumors in dogs. ANIMALS 20 healthy dogs and 20 dogs with tumors. PROCEDURES Images from CTA performed previously in dogs were reconstructed with 3 different combinations of kernel and window settings (soft kernel with soft tissue window, soft kernel with bone window, and sharp kernel with bone window), and reconstructed images of the left kidney and the jejunum with the mesentery in healthy dogs and tumors in affected dogs were evaluated by reviewers blinded to the settings. RESULTS For images of kidney and jejunum with mesentery, reviewers' scores for the conspicuity of vascularity in the arterial phase and the differentiation of the organs from the adjacent structures were significantly higher when viewed in bone window (vs soft tissue window) regardless of kernel setting. For images of head and gastrointestinal tumors, reviewers' scores for differentiation of intratumoral vasculature were higher when viewed in sharp kernel with bone window versus other setting combinations. However, the conspicuity of gastrointestinal, hepatic, or splenic tumoral vessels from the adjacent structures had higher reviewer scores for images in soft kernel with soft tissue window, compared with other setting combinations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that reconstruction of CTA images with sharp kernel combined with bone window settings might have clinical utility in evaluating and planning treatments for dogs with various tumors; however, additional research is warranted to further identify effects of various kernel and window setting combinations on assessments of small and complicated vasculature in larger and more diverse populations of dogs with and without tumors.
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D'Angelo T, Lenga L, Arendt CT, Bucher AM, Peterke JL, Caruso D, Mazziotti S, Ascenti G, Blandino A, Othman AE, Martin SS, Albrecht MH, Bodelle B, Vogl TJ, Wichmann JL. Carotid and cerebrovascular dual-energy computed tomography angiography: Optimization of window settings for virtual monoenergetic imaging reconstruction. Eur J Radiol 2020; 130:109166. [PMID: 32693314 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2020.109166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dedicated post-processing of dual-energy computed tomography angiography (DE-CTA) datasets has been shown to allow for increased vascular contrast. The goal of our study was to define optimal window settings for displaying virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) reconstructed from dual-energy carotid and cerebrovascular DE-CTA. METHODS Fifty-seven patients who underwent clinically-indicated carotid and cerebrovascular third-generation dual-source DE-CTA were retrospectively evaluated. Standard linearly-blended (M_0.6), 70-keV traditional VMI (M70), and 40-keV noise-optimized VMI (M40+) reconstructions were analyzed. For M70 and M40+ datasets, the subjectively best window setting (width and level, B-W/L) was independently determined by two observers and subsequently related with aortic arch attenuation to calculate optimized values (O-W/L) using linear regression. Subjective evaluation of image quality (IQ) between W/L settings were assessed by two additional readers. Repeated measures analysis of variance were performed to compare W/L settings and IQ indices between M_0.6, M70, and M40 + . RESULTS B-W/L and O-W/L for M70 were 580/210 and 560/200, and for M40+ were 1630/570 and 1560/550, respectively, higher than standard DE-CTA W/L settings (450/100). Highest subjective scores were observed for M40+ regarding overall IQ (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Application of O-W/L settings is mandatory to optimize subjective IQ of VMI reconstructions of DE-CTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso D'Angelo
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, "G. Martino" University Hospital Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
| | - Lukas Lenga
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christophe T Arendt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas M Bucher
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia L Peterke
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Damiano Caruso
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "La Sapienza'' University Hospital, Latina, Italy
| | - Silvio Mazziotti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, "G. Martino" University Hospital Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
| | - Giorgio Ascenti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, "G. Martino" University Hospital Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
| | - Alfredo Blandino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, "G. Martino" University Hospital Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
| | - Ahmed E Othman
- Department for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simon S Martin
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Moritz H Albrecht
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Boris Bodelle
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas J Vogl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julian L Wichmann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
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12
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Spectral Detector Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography: Improved Diagnostic Assessment and Automated Estimation of Window Settings Angiography of Pulmonary Arteries From Novel Spectral Detector Computed Tomography Provides Improved Image Quality if Settings are Adjusted. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2018; 42:850-857. [PMID: 29659429 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000000743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate image quality (IQ) of virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) from novel spectral detector computed tomography angiography of the pulmonary arteries and to identify appropriate window settings for each kiloelectron volt level. MATERIALS Forty consecutive patients were included in this institutional review board-approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study.Signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios were calculated within the pulmonary trunk, and pulmonary/lobar/segmental arteries were calculated. The IQ and diagnostic certainty were rated by 2 radiologists on 5-point scales. In addition, they recorded appropriate window settings (center/width) that were linearly modeled against attenuation within the pulmonary trunk to generate generable results. RESULTS Signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios, IQ, and diagnostic certainty are significantly increased in low-kiloelectron volt VMIs (≤60 keV). Interrater agreement was excellent (ĸ = 0.89). We developed 2 linear models (R: 0.91-0.97 and R: 0.43-0.91, respectively, P ≤ 0.01), that suggest appropriate window settings. CONCLUSIONS The VMIs from spectral detector computed tomography improve objective and subjective IQ in angiography of the pulmonary arteries, if window settings are adjusted; they can be automatically estimated using reported linear models.
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Virtual Monoenergetic Images for Diagnostic Assessment of Hypodense Lesions Within the Liver: Semiautomatic Estimation of Window Settings Using Linear Models. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2018; 42:925-931. [PMID: 30371610 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000000794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to establish the reference window settings for display of virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) from spectral detector computed tomography when assessing hypodense liver lesions. METHODS In patients with cysts (n = 24) or metastases (n = 26), objective (HU, signal-to-noise ratio [SNR]) and subjective (overall image quality, lesion conspicuity and noise) were assessed. Furthermore, 2 readers determined optimal window center/width (C/W) for conventional images (CIs) and VMIs of 40 to 120 keV. Center/width were modeled against HUliv with and without respect to the keV level (models A and B). RESULTS Attenuation and SNR were significantly higher in low-keV VMIs and improved overall image quality and lesion conspicuity (P ≤ 0.05). Model B provided valid estimations of C/W, whereas model A was slightly less accurate. CONCLUSIONS The increase in attenuation and SNR on low-keV VMIs requires adjustment of C/W, and they can be estimated in dependency of HUliv using linear models. Reference values for standard display of VMIs of 40 to 120 keV are reported.
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Poly-energetic and virtual mono-energetic images from a novel dual-layer spectral detector CT: optimization of window settings is crucial to improve subjective image quality in abdominal CT angiographies. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2018; 43:742-750. [PMID: 28677003 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-017-1241-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to determine optimal window settings for poly-energetic (PolyE) and virtual mono-energetic images (MonoE) derived from abdominal angiographic studies on a novel dual-layer spectral detector CT (SDCT) system. METHODS From 50 patients, SDCT datasets PolyE and MonoE at 70 and 40 keV levels were reconstructed and best individual window width and level (BI-W/L) manually assessed. Through regression analysis, the so-called optimized individual (OI-W/L) values were obtained. Subjective image quality parameters and vessel diameters were measured to determine influences of different W/L settings. RESULTS Image noise was lower and attenuation and contrast-to-noise ratio were higher in MonoE compared to PolyE (all p ≤ 0.002). Mean BI-W/L values for PolyE, 70, and 40 keV were 637/284, 647/291, and 1568/691, respectively. Mean OI-W/L values were 631/276, 628/286, and 1516/667, respectively. Compared to standard settings, all adjusted W/L settings varied significantly and yielded higher subjective scoring. No between-group differences were found between manually adjusted and mathematically calculated W/L settings. CONCLUSION PolyE and MonoE from abdominal angiographic SDCT studies require appropriate W/L settings especially at low energy reconstruction levels. Individual adjustment reaches the best image quality but is time consuming. From our data, predefined W/L settings of 640/280 (PolyE/MonoE 70 keV) and 1570/690 (MonoE 40 keV) as a non-individualized starting point for abdominal angiographic studies from the novel SDCT system are suggested.
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D’Angelo T, Bucher AM, Lenga L, Arendt CT, Peterke JL, Caruso D, Mazziotti S, Blandino A, Ascenti G, Othman AE, Martin SS, Leithner D, Vogl TJ, Wichmann JL. Optimisation of window settings for traditional and noise-optimised virtual monoenergetic imaging in dual-energy computed tomography pulmonary angiography. Eur Radiol 2017; 28:1393-1401. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-017-5059-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Gao F, Li M, Sun Y, Xiao L, Hua Y. Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced CT scans in identifying lung adenocarcinomas manifesting as GGNs (ground glass nodules). Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e7742. [PMID: 29068976 PMCID: PMC5671809 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000007742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the value of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans in the differential diagnosis of atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, adenocarcinoma in situ, minimal invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), and invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC), which manifested as ground glass nodules (GGNs) or mixed GGNs.Unenhanced and contrast-enhanced presurgical CT images of 136 cases of GGNs were compared. The nodules were diagnosed based on their solid portions and maximum dimensions, and the findings obtained using both contrast-enhanced and unenhanced CT images were analyzed in corroboration with the pathological diagnosis.Most (53/56) preinvasive nodules showed increased mean CT values after contrast administration. In the MIA group, after contrast administration, enlargements of the solid portions were seen in 48 nodules (48/60), and the elevation of the mean CT value was observed in 12 nodules (12/60). The vast majority of IAC nodules (29/30) showed enlargement of the solid portions after contrast administration. Moreover, for group differences, findings obtained using this approach statistically match the pathological findings.Contrast-enhanced CT scans are more useful than unenhanced CT scans for the diagnosis of GGNs, especially for pure GGNs, before surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Radiology
- Diagnostic and Treatment Center of Lung Small Nodules
| | | | - Li Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Huadong Hospital affiliated with Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Caruso D, Parinella AH, Schoepf UJ, Stroebel MH, Mangold S, Wichmann JL, Varga-Szemes A, Ball BD, De Santis D, Laghi A, De Cecco CN. Optimization of window settings for standard and advanced virtual monoenergetic imaging in abdominal dual-energy CT angiography. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2017; 42:772-780. [PMID: 27878637 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-016-0963-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the optimal window setting for displaying virtual monoenergetic reconstructions of third generation dual-source, dual-energy CT (DECT) angiography of the abdomen. METHODS Forty-five patients were evaluated with DECT angiography (90/150 kV, 180/90 ref. mAs). Three datasets were reconstructed: standard linear blending (M_0.6), 70 keV traditional virtual monoenergetic (M70), and 40 keV advanced noise-optimized virtual monoenergetic (M40+). The best window setting (width and level, W/L) was assessed by two blinded observers and was correlated with aortic attenuation to obtain the Optimized W/L setting (O-W/L). Subjective image quality was assessed, and vessel diameters were measured to determine any possible influences between different W/L settings. Repeated measures of variance were used to evaluate comparison of W/L values, image quality, and vessel sizing between M_0.6, M70, and M40+. RESULTS The Best W/L (B-W/L) for M70 and M40+ was 880/280 and 1410/450, respectively. Results from regression analysis inferred an O-W/L of 850/270 for M70 and 1350/430 for M40+. Significant differences for W and L were found between the Best and the Optimized W/L for M40+, and between M70 and M40+ for both the Best and Optimized W/L. No significant differences for vessel measurements were found using the O-W/L for M40+ compared to the standard M_0.6 (p ≥ 0.16), and significant differences were observed when using the B-W/L with M40+ compared to M_0.6 (p ≤ 0.04). CONCLUSION In order to optimize virtual monoenergetic imaging with both traditional M70 and advanced M40+, adjusting the W/L settings is necessary. Our results suggest a W/L setting of 850/270 for M70 and 1350/430 for M40+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Caruso
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River Tower, MSC 226, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, University of Rome "Sapienza", Latina, Italy
| | - Ashley H Parinella
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River Tower, MSC 226, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - U Joseph Schoepf
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River Tower, MSC 226, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
- Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineMedical, University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Maxwell H Stroebel
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River Tower, MSC 226, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Stefanie Mangold
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River Tower, MSC 226, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard-Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Julian L Wichmann
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River Tower, MSC 226, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Akos Varga-Szemes
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River Tower, MSC 226, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - B Devon Ball
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River Tower, MSC 226, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Domenico De Santis
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River Tower, MSC 226, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, University of Rome "Sapienza", Latina, Italy
| | - Andrea Laghi
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, University of Rome "Sapienza", Latina, Italy
| | - Carlo N De Cecco
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River Tower, MSC 226, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
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Morgan B, Stephenson JA, Griffin Y. Minimising the impact of errors in the interpretation of CT images for surveillance and evaluation of therapy in cancer. Clin Radiol 2016; 71:1083-94. [PMID: 27522436 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Radiological error is inevitable and usually multifactorial. Error can be secondary to radiologist-specific causes, including cognitive and perceptive errors or ambiguity of report, or system-related causes, including inadequate, misleading, or incorrect clinical information, poor imaging technique, excessive workload, and poor working conditions. In this paper, we discuss a systematic approach to reduce errors in oncological radiology reporting, thus reducing risk to the patient. Rather than attempt to discuss all types of error, we concentrate on the most important and commonly occurring errors that we have encountered over 20 years of practice, based on weekly discrepancy reviews of our practice and independent reviews of clinical and research imaging from other institutions. This review focuses on computed tomography (CT) reporting for staging, surveillance, and response assessment of cancer patients, but the messages apply to all imaging methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Morgan
- University of Leicester Imaging Department, Department of Radiology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK.
| | - J A Stephenson
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Square, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK
| | - Y Griffin
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Square, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK
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Palacio D, Benveniste MF, Betancourt-Cuellar SL, Gladish GW. Multidetector computed tomography pulmonary angiography pitfalls in the evaluation of pulmonary embolism with emphasis in technique. Semin Roentgenol 2015; 50:217-25. [PMID: 26002242 DOI: 10.1053/j.ro.2015.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Palacio
- Department of Medical Imaging, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona USA; Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
| | - Marcelo F Benveniste
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Gregory W Gladish
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Anayama T, Nakajima T, Dunne M, Zheng J, Allen C, Driscoll B, Vines D, Keshavjee S, Jaffray D, Yasufuku K. A novel minimally invasive technique to create a rabbit VX2 lung tumor model for nano-sized image contrast and interventional studies. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67355. [PMID: 23840673 PMCID: PMC3696117 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rabbit VX2 lung cancer model is a large animal model useful for preclinical lung cancer imaging and interventional studies. However, previously reported models had issues in terms of invasiveness of tumor inoculation, control of tumor aggressiveness and incidence of complications. PURPOSE We aimed to develop a minimally invasive rabbit VX2 lung cancer model suitable for imaging and transbronchial interventional studies. METHODS New Zealand white rabbits and VX2 tumors were used in the study. An ultra-thin bronchoscope was inserted through a miniature laryngeal mask airway into the bronchus. Different numbers of VX2 tumor cells were selectively inoculated into the lung parenchyma or subcarinal mediastinum to create a uniform tumor with low incidence of complications. The model was characterized by CT, FDG-PET, and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS). Liposomal dual-modality contrast agent was used to evaluate liposome drug delivery system in this model. RESULTS Both peripheral and mediastinal lung tumor models were created. The tumor making success rate was 75.8% (25/33) in the peripheral lung tumor model and 60% (3/5) in the mediastinal tumor model. The group of 1.0×10(6) of VX2 tumor cells inoculation showed a linear growth curve with less incidence of complications. Radial probe EBUS visualized the internal structure of the tumor and the size measurement correlated well with CT measurements (r(2) = 0.98). Over 7 days of continuous enhancement of the lung tumor by liposomal contrast in the lung tumor was confirmed both CT and fluorescence imaging. CONCLUSION Our minimally invasive bronchoscopic rabbit VX2 lung cancer model is an ideal platform for lung cancer imaging and preclinical bronchoscopic interventional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Anayama
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Takahiro Nakajima
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Dunne
- Department of Radiation Physics, Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jinzi Zheng
- Department of Radiation Physics, Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christine Allen
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Brandon Driscoll
- Department of Radiation Physics, Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Douglass Vines
- Department of Radiation Physics, Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Shaf Keshavjee
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - David Jaffray
- Department of Radiation Physics, Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kazuhiro Yasufuku
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- * E-mail:
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The rate of resolution of clot burden measured by pulmonary CT angiography in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2013; 200:791-7. [PMID: 23521450 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.12.8624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to quantitatively assess the rate of resolution of clot burden detected on pulmonary CT angiography (CTA) in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated 111 consecutive patients (55 men and 56 women) in a retrospective cohort who were diagnosed with PE by pulmonary CTA and had at least one follow-up pulmonary CTA within 1 year. Two radiologists in consensus measured the volume of each clot using a semiautomated quantification program. Semiquantitative measures of clot burden were also computed. The resolution rates of the total clot volume, as well as clot volumes of the central (main and lobar) and peripheral vessels (segmental and subsegmental), were analyzed. RESULTS The mean (± SD) clot volume per study was 3403.3 ± 6505.6 mm(3) at baseline and 531.6 ± 2383.5 mm(3) at the follow-up pulmonary CTA. Overall, 85 patients (77% ) showed complete resolution at the follow-up pulmonary CTA. Complete resolution was seen in 17 of 30 patients (56.7%) at a follow-up interval of 1-14 days, in 24 of 31 patients (77.4%) at 29-90 days, and in 32 of 34 patients (94.1%) after 90 days. The total clot volume measurements summed for all patients decreased by 78% (central clot, 69.4%; peripheral clot, 86.0%) at 14 days, by 96.6% (central clot, 93.4%; peripheral clot, 100%) at 90 days, and by 97.7% (central clot, 95.9%; peripheral clot, 100%) after 90 days. CONCLUSION Clot burden resolved completely in 77% of patients during the follow-up period. Our analysis showed that clots resolved faster in the peripheral arteries than in the central pulmonary arteries.
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Furlan A, Aghayev A, Chang CCH, Patil A, Jeon KN, Park B, Fetzer DT, Saul M, Roberts MS, Bae KT. Short-term mortality in acute pulmonary embolism: clot burden and signs of right heart dysfunction at CT pulmonary angiography. Radiology 2012; 265:283-93. [PMID: 22993221 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.12110802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the correlation between volumetric measurements of clot, semiquantitative clot burden indexes, and signs of right heart dysfunction at computed tomographic (CT) pulmonary angiography in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and to determine whether clot burden and signs of right heart dysfunction are associated with short-term mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study was institutional review board approved and HIPAA compliant. CT pulmonary angiographic studies (January 2007 through December 2007) with findings positive for PE were retrieved. Two readers evaluated signs of right heart dysfunction at CT pulmonary angiography, measured clot volume using a dedicated software program, and assessed clot burden using semiquantitative scores (Qanadli and Mastora). Spearman rank coefficient was used to investigate correlation between clot burden measures and signs of right heart dysfunction. Uni- and multivariate analyses were used to test association between CT pulmonary angiographic findings and short-term mortality. RESULTS A total of 635 CT pulmonary angiographic studies from 635 patients (304 men, 331 women; mean age, 59 years) were included; 39 (6%) patients died within 30 days. Clot volume was strongly correlated with Qanadli score (ρ=0.841, P<.01) and Mastora score (ρ=0.863, P<.01) and moderately correlated (ρ=0.378, P<.01) with the ratio of right ventricle diameter to left ventricle diameter (RV/LV ratio). Among the pulmonary angiographic signs, only increase in RV/LV ratio (cut-off value, 1.0) was independently associated with short-term mortality in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION Clot volume strongly correlated with semiquantitative CT scores of clot burden, and greater clot volume was associated with higher incidence of right heart dilatation. Increase in RV/LV ratio was associated with short-term mortality; however, measures of clot burden were not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Furlan
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Nyman U, Björkdahl P, Olsson ML, Gunnarsson M, Goldman B. Low-dose radiation with 80-kVp computed tomography to diagnose pulmonary embolism: a feasibility study. Acta Radiol 2012; 53:1004-13. [PMID: 22940858 DOI: 10.1258/ar.2012.120327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mounting collective radiation doses from computed tomography (CT) implies an increased risk of radiation-induced cancer in exposed populations, especially in the young. PURPOSE To evaluate radiation dose and image quality at 80-kVp CT to diagnose acute pulmonary embolism (PE) compared with a previous study at 100 and 120 kVp with all other scanning parameters unchanged. MATERIAL AND METHODS A custom-made chest phantom with a 12 mg I/mL-syringe was scanned at 80/100/120 kVp to evaluate relative changes in computed tomographic dose index (CTDI(vol)), attenuation, image noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Fifty patients underwent 80 kVp 16-row detector CT at 100 "Quality reference" mAs. A total of 350 mg I/kg were injected to compensate for increased CNR at 80 kVp, while 300 mg I/kg had been used at 100/120 kVp. CTDI(vol), dose-length product (DLP), and estimated effective dose were evaluated including Monte Carlo simulations. Pulmonary artery attenuation and noise were measured and CNR calculated. Two radiologists evaluated subjective image quality using a four-grade scale. RESULTS Switching from 120 to 80 kVp in the phantom study decreased radiation dose by 67% while attenuation and noise increased 1.6 and 2.0 times, respectively, and CNR decreased by 16%. Switching from 120 to 80 kVp in the patient studies decreased estimated effective dose from 4.0 to 1.2 mSv (70% decrease) in median while pulmonary artery attenuation and noise roughly doubled from 332 to 653 HU and from 22 to 49 HU, respectively, resulting in similar CNR (13 vs. 12). At 80 kVp all examinations were regarded as adequate (8%) or excellent (92%). CONCLUSION Switching from 120 to 80 kVp CT without increased mAs but slightly increased iodine dose may be of special benefit to diagnose PE in younger individuals with preserved renal function where the primary aim is to minimize radiation dose and reaching levels below that of scintigraphy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Nyman
- Department of Radiology, University of Lund, Lasarettet Trelleborg, Trelleborg
| | | | - Marie-Louise Olsson
- Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Lund, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö
| | - Mikael Gunnarsson
- Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Lund, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö
| | - Bitte Goldman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lasarettet Trelleborg, Trelleborg, Sweden
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Cardiothoracic CT angiography: current contrast medium delivery strategies. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2011; 196:W260-72. [PMID: 21343473 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.10.5814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Over the last decade, rapid technologic evolution in CT has resulted in improved spatial and temporal resolution and acquisition speed, enabling cardiothoracic CT angiography to become a viable and effective noninvasive alternative in the diagnostic algorithm. These new technologic advances have imposed new challenges for the optimization of contrast medium delivery and image acquisition strategies. CONCLUSION Thorough understanding of contrast medium dynamics is essential for the design of effective acquisition and injection protocols. This article provides an overview of the fundamentals affecting contrast enhancement, emphasizing the modifications to contrast material delivery protocols required to optimize cardiothoracic CT angiography.
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Accuracy and reproducibility of blood clot burden quantification with pulmonary CT angiography. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2011; 196:516-23. [PMID: 21343492 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.10.4603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of clot burden quantification with pulmonary CT angiography (CTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS A semiautomated program was developed for segmentation and volumetric quantification of pulmonary embolus with pulmonary CTA. The accuracy of this measurement method was assessed using two pulmonary embolus phantoms. Reproducibility of the measurement method was assessed using clinical pulmonary CTA in 30 patients (16 women, 14 men; mean age, 62 years) with pulmonary embolism (PE). Two observers segmented and measured the volume of blood clot from pulmonary CTA images twice at two separate sessions. Accuracy was evaluated by the relative volume measurement error. Intra- and interobserver reliability were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC); agreement between measurements within and between the two observers was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS Mean relative measurement error from the two phantoms was less than 1% for both observers. A total of 60 emboli were measured from the 30 patients. The intraobserver ICC was 0.990 for observer 1 and 0.999 for observer 2; interobserver ICC was 0.994 for session 1 and 0.989 for session 2. ICC for all four clot measurements was 0.988. Mean volume measurement difference for intraobserver agreement was 0.9% for observer 1 and 0.3% for observer 2, and interobserver agreement was -5.1% for session 1 and -5.8% for session 2. CONCLUSION Blood clot burden can be quantified with a high degree of accuracy and reproducibility from pulmonary CTA images using a semiautomated segmentation method.
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CT Mucosal Window Settings: A Novel Approach to Evaluating Early T-Stage Head and Neck Carcinoma. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2010; 195:1002-6. [DOI: 10.2214/ajr.09.4149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Iodine contrast iso-attenuating with diagnostic gadolinium doses in CTA and angiography results in ultra-low iodine doses. A way to avoid both CIN and NSF in azotemic patients? Eur Radiol 2010; 21:326-36. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-010-1924-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2010] [Revised: 07/15/2010] [Accepted: 07/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hartmann IJ, Wittenberg R, Schaefer-Prokop C. Imaging of acute pulmonary embolism using multi-detector CT angiography: An update on imaging technique and interpretation. Eur J Radiol 2010; 74:40-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2010.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Ultralow contrast medium doses at CT to diagnose pulmonary embolism in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment: a feasibility study. Eur Radiol 2009; 20:1321-30. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-009-1691-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2009] [Revised: 10/21/2009] [Accepted: 10/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Langenberger H, Friedrich K, Plank C, Matzek W, Wolf F, Storto ML, Schaefer-Prokop C, Herold C. MDCT angiography for detection of pulmonary emboli: Comparison between equi-iodine doses of iomeprol 400mgI/mL and iodixanol 320mgI/mL. Eur J Radiol 2009; 70:579-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2008.01.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2007] [Revised: 01/08/2008] [Accepted: 01/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to describe the techniques to improve motion artifacts, vascular enhancement, flow artifacts, body habitus image noise, vascular opacification in parenchymal lung disease, streak artifacts, and the indeterminate CT pulmonary angiogram. In addition, this article will illustrate the diagnostic criteria of acute and chronic pulmonary emboli. CONCLUSION Pulmonary embolism is the third most common acute cardiovascular disease, after myocardial infarction and stroke, and it leads to thousands of deaths each year because it often goes undetected. For the more than 25 years that the direct signs of pulmonary embolism have been available to the radiologist on CT, this noninvasive technique has produced a paradigm shift that has raised the standard of care for patients with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrad Wittram
- Department of Thoracic Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Founders 202, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Holmquist F, Nyman U. Eighty-peak kilovoltage 16-channel multidetector computed tomography and reduced contrast-medium doses tailored to body weight to diagnose pulmonary embolism in azotaemic patients. Eur Radiol 2006; 16:1165-76. [PMID: 16447047 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-005-0117-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2005] [Revised: 11/07/2005] [Accepted: 11/24/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of minimising contrast-medium (CM) doses using 80-peak kilovoltage (kVp) 16-channel multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with CM dose tailored to body weight, when diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) in azotaemic patients. Twenty-nine patients (68-93 years; 38-79 kg) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 12-49 ml/min underwent 80 kVp MDCT at a median dose of 200 mg iodine (I)/kg and 15 s injection time. Pulmonary artery (PA) enhancement where compared with our own reference material using 320 mg I/kg at 120 kVp and with reported figures in the literature at 120-140 kVp and a 42 g iodine CM dose. Median (1st and 3rd quartiles) values regarding CM dose were 12.2 (9.9-12.8) g iodine; density of left main and lower lobe segmental PA 339 (275-395) Hounsfield units (HU) and 354 (321-442) HU, respectively. Those enhancement values were similar to those obtained from the reference population at 120 kVp and those reported in the literature at 120-140 kVp. One patient had a transient increase in plasma creatinine. Three months' follow-up revealed deep venous thrombosis among 1/18 patients with negative results from computed tomography (CT). We conclude that 80 kVp 16-channel MDCT to diagnose PE in azotaemic patients may be performed with markedly reduced CM doses, implying a lesser risk for CM-induced nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Holmquist
- Department of Radiology, Malmö University Hospital, Lund University, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden.
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