Impact of ROI Size on the Accuracy of Noise Measurement in CT on Computational and ACR Phantoms

BACKGROUND

The effect of region of interest (ROI) size variation on producing accurate noise levels is not yet studied.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of ROI sizes on the accuracy of noise measurement in computed tomography (CT) by using images of a computational and American College of Radiology (ACR) phantoms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this experimental study, two phantoms were used, including computational and ACR phantoms. A computational phantom was developed by using Matlab R215a software (Mathworks Inc., Natick, MA Natick, MA) with a homogeneously +100 Hounsfield Unit (HU) value and an added-Gaussian noise with various levels of 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 HU. The ACR phantom was scanned with a Philips MX-16 slice CT scanner in different slice thicknesses of 1.5, 3, 5, and 7 mm to obtain noise variation. Noise measurement was conducted at the center of the phantom images and four locations close to the edge of the phantom images using different ROI sizes from 3 × 3 to 41 × 41 pixels, with an increased size of 2 × 2 pixels.

RESULTS

The use of a minimum ROI size of 21 × 21 pixels shows noise in the range of ± 5% ground truth noise. The measured noise increases above the ± 5% range if the used ROI is smaller than 21 × 21 pixels.

CONCLUSION

A minimum acceptable ROI size is required to maintain the accuracy of noise measurement with a size of 21 × 21 pixels.

Computational Fluid Dynamic Technique for Assessment of How Changing Character of Blood Flow and Different Value of Hct Influence Blood Hemodynamic in Dissected Aorta

Using computer tomography angiography (CTA) and computational structural analysis, we present a non-invasive method of mass flow rate/velocity and wall stress analysis in type B aortic dissection. Three-dimensional (3D) computer models of the aorta were calculated using pre-operative (baseline) and post-operative CT data from 12 male patients (aged from 51 to 64 years) who were treated for acute type B dissection. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique was used to quantify the displacement forces acting on the aortic wall in the areas of endografts placement. The mass flow rate and wall stress were measured and quantified using the CFD technique. The CFD model indicated the places with a lower value of blood velocity and shear rate, which corelated with higher blood viscosity and a probability of thrombus appearance. Moreover, with the increase in Hct, blood viscosity also increased, while the intensity of blood flow provoked changing viscosity values in these areas. Furthermore, the velocity gradient near the tear surface caused high wall WSS; this could lead to a decreased resistance in the aorta’s wall with further implications to a patient.

Spatial Configuration of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Analysis as a Useful Tool for the Estimation of Stent-Graft Migration

The aim of this study was to prepare a self-made mathematical algorithm for the estimation of risk of stent-graft migration with the use of data on abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) size and geometry of blood flow through aneurysm sac before or after stent-graft implantation. AngioCT data from 20 patients aged 50–60 years, before and after stent-graft placement in the AAA was analyzed. In order to estimate the risk of stent-graft migration for each patient we prepared an opposite spatial configuration of virtually reconstructed stent-graft with long body or short body. Thus, three groups of 3D geometries were analyzed: 20 geometries representing 3D models of aneurysm, 20 geometries representing 3D models of long body stent-grafts, and 20 geometries representing 3D models of short body stent-graft. The proposed self-made algorithm demonstrated its efficiency and usefulness in estimating wall shear stress (WSS) values. Comparison of the long or short type of stent-graft with AAA geometries allowed to analyze the implants’ spatial configuration. Our study indicated that short stent-graft, after placement in the AAA sac, generated lower drug forces compare to the long stent-graft. Each time shape factor was higher for short stent-graft compare to long stent-graft.

Shape and Enhancement Analysis as a Useful Tool for the Presentation of Blood Hemodynamic Properties in the Area of Aortic Dissection

The aim of this study was to create a mathematical approach for blood hemodynamic description with the use of brightness analysis. Medical data was collected from three male patients aged from 45 to 65 years with acute type IIIb aortic dissection that started proximal to the left subclavian artery and involved the renal arteries. For the recognition of wall dissection areas Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data were applied. The distance from descending aorta to the diaphragm was analyzed. Each time Feret (D_F) and Hydraulic (D_Hy) diameter were calculated. Moreover, an average brightness (B_AV) was analyzed. Finally, to describe blood hemodynamic in the area of aortic wall dissection, mathematical function combining difference in brightness value and diameter for each computed tomography (CT) scan was calculated. The results indicated that D_F described common duct more accurately compare to D_Hy. While, D_Hy described more accurately true and false ducts. Each time when connection of true and false duct appeared, true duct had lower brightness compare to common duct and false duct. Moreover, false duct characterized with higher brightness compare to common duct. In summary, the proposed algorithm mimics changes in brightness value for patients with acute type IIIb aortic dissection.