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Lai Q, Chen W, Ding X, Huang X, Jiang W, Zhang L, Chen J, Guo D, Zhou Z, Chen TW. Quality control of elbow joint radiography using a YOLOv8-based artificial intelligence technology. Eur Radiol Exp 2024; 8:107. [PMID: 39302546 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-024-00504-7] [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: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore an artificial intelligence (AI) technology employing YOLOv8 for quality control (QC) on elbow joint radiographs. METHODS From January 2022 to August 2023, 2643 consecutive elbow radiographs were collected and randomly assigned to the training, validation, and test sets in a 6:2:2 ratio. We proposed the anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) models to identify target detection boxes and key points on elbow radiographs using YOLOv8. These identifications were transformed into five quality standards: (1) AP elbow positioning coordinates (XA and YA); (2) olecranon fossa positioning distance parameters (S17 and S27); (3) key points of joint space (Y3, Y4, Y5 and Y6); (4) LAT elbow positioning coordinates (X2 and Y2); and (5) flexion angle. Models were trained and validated using 2,120 radiographs. A test set of 523 radiographs was used for assessing the agreement between AI and physician and to evaluate clinical efficiency of models. RESULTS The AP and LAT models demonstrated high precision, recall, and mean average precision for identifying boxes and points. AI and physicians showed high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) in evaluating: AP coordinates XA (0.987) and YA (0.991); olecranon fossa parameters S17 (0.964) and S27 (0.951); key points Y3 (0.998), Y4 (0.997), Y5 (0.998) and Y6 (0.959); LAT coordinates X2 (0.994) and Y2 (0.986); and flexion angle (0.865). Compared to manual methods, using AI, QC time was reduced by 43% for AP images and 45% for LAT images (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION YOLOv8-based AI technology is feasible for QC of elbow radiography with high performance. RELEVANCE STATEMENT This study proposed and validated a YOLOv8-based AI model for automated quality control in elbow radiography, obtaining high efficiency in clinical settings. KEY POINTS QC of elbow joint radiography is important for detecting diseases. Models based on YOLOv8 are proposed and perform well in image QC. Models offer objective and efficient solutions for QC in elbow joint radiographs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Lai
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Weijuan Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuan Ding
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenli Jiang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingjing Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinhua Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Dajing Guo
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiming Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China.
| | - Tian-Wu Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China.
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Rajaraman S, Liang Z, Xue Z, Antani S. Noise-induced modality-specific pretext learning for pediatric chest X-ray image classification. Front Artif Intell 2024; 7:1419638. [PMID: 39301479 PMCID: PMC11410760 DOI: 10.3389/frai.2024.1419638] [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] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Deep learning (DL) has significantly advanced medical image classification. However, it often relies on transfer learning (TL) from models pretrained on large, generic non-medical image datasets like ImageNet. Conversely, medical images possess unique visual characteristics that such general models may not adequately capture. Methods This study examines the effectiveness of modality-specific pretext learning strengthened by image denoising and deblurring in enhancing the classification of pediatric chest X-ray (CXR) images into those exhibiting no findings, i.e., normal lungs, or with cardiopulmonary disease manifestations. Specifically, we use a VGG-16-Sharp-U-Net architecture and leverage its encoder in conjunction with a classification head to distinguish normal from abnormal pediatric CXR findings. We benchmark this performance against the traditional TL approach, viz., the VGG-16 model pretrained only on ImageNet. Measures used for performance evaluation are balanced accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F-score, Matthew's Correlation Coefficient (MCC), Kappa statistic, and Youden's index. Results Our findings reveal that models developed from CXR modality-specific pretext encoders substantially outperform the ImageNet-only pretrained model, viz., Baseline, and achieve significantly higher sensitivity (p < 0.05) with marked improvements in balanced accuracy, F-score, MCC, Kappa statistic, and Youden's index. A novel attention-based fuzzy ensemble of the pretext-learned models further improves performance across these metrics (Balanced accuracy: 0.6376; Sensitivity: 0.4991; F-score: 0.5102; MCC: 0.2783; Kappa: 0.2782, and Youden's index:0.2751), compared to Baseline (Balanced accuracy: 0.5654; Sensitivity: 0.1983; F-score: 0.2977; MCC: 0.1998; Kappa: 0.1599, and Youden's index:0.1327). Discussion The superior results of CXR modality-specific pretext learning and their ensemble underscore its potential as a viable alternative to conventional ImageNet pretraining for medical image classification. Results from this study promote further exploration of medical modality-specific TL techniques in the development of DL models for various medical imaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivaramakrishnan Rajaraman
- Computational Health Research Branch, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Zhaohui Liang
- Computational Health Research Branch, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Zhiyun Xue
- Computational Health Research Branch, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sameer Antani
- Computational Health Research Branch, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Bonecka J, Turek B, Jankowski K, Borowska M, Jasiński T, Skierbiszewska K, Domino M. Selection of X-ray Tube Settings for Relative Bone Density Quantification in the Knee Joint of Cats Using Computed Digital Absorptiometry. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:5774. [PMID: 39275686 PMCID: PMC11398042 DOI: 10.3390/s24175774] [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: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024]
Abstract
Bone mineral density (BMD) varies with aging and both systemic and local diseases; however, such evidence is lacking in feline medicine. This may be due to the need for general anesthesia in cats for direct BMD measurements using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or quantitative computed tomography (QCT). In this study, computed digital absorptiometry (CDA), an indirect relative BMD-measuring method, was optimized to select an X-ray tube setting for the quantitative assessment of the feline knee joint. The knee joints of nine cats were radiographically imaged and processed using the CDA method with an aluminum density standard and five X-ray tube settings (from 50 to 80 kV; between 1.2 and 12 mAs). The reference attenuation of the X-ray beam for ten steps (S1-S10) of the density standard was recorded in Hounsfield units (HU), compared between X-ray tube settings, and used to determine the ranges of relative density applied for radiograph decomposition. The relative density decreased (p < 0.0001) with an increase in kV and dispersed with an increase in mAs. Then, the percentage of color pixels (%color pixels), representing ranges of relative density, was compared among S1-S10 and used for the recognition of background artifacts. The %color pixels was the highest for low steps and the lowest for high steps (p < 0.0001), regardless of X-ray tube settings. The X-ray tube setting was considered the most beneficial when it effectively covered the lowest possible HU ranges without inducing background artifacts. In conclusion, for further clinical application of the CDA method for quantitative research on knee joint OA in cats, 60 kV and 1.2 mAs settings are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Bonecka
- Department of Small Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bernard Turek
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Jankowski
- Institute of Mechanics and Printing, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-524 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Borowska
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Białystok University of Technology, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Tomasz Jasiński
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Skierbiszewska
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Domino
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
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Stephan CN, Caple JM, D'Alonzo Jaques SS, Byrd JE. Cervicothoracic junction in disaster victim identification: Idiosyncrasies and relevance of body position for advanced chest radiograph comparisons. J Forensic Sci 2024; 69:1587-1603. [PMID: 38037703 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15436] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Standard plain film medical radiographs often form a valuable line of evidence to identify individuals in large-scale fatality events. While commonly available, chest radiographs present a challenge that their analysis is somewhat more involved and complex than radiographic records of other body regions. For example, chest radiographs concern subtler morphological varieties of smaller anatomical features across a larger number of skeletal elements in contrast to frontal sinus comparisons that concern a large, (often) single, highly variable void within one bone. This does not detract from or discount chest radiographs as useful identification aids, but it does demand additional prerequisite skills in radiographic interpretation to ensure valid conclusions are attained. When subjects deviate from standardized antemortem (AM) radiographic positions and/or the image quality decreases, the complexity of a chest radiograph comparison is elevated. Generally, the current body of forensic radiographic comparison literature infrequently addresses these more complex circumstances. In this paper, we use real-world radiographic comparison reference images from a military DVI repatriation context to illustrate these factors and outline some procedures that enable these complexities to be easily recognized and appropriately addressed at case examination. A report for an exemplar case that concurrently highlights multiple factors is presented. For novices learning radiographic comparison methods, this case review saliently demonstrates: (1) why the AM reference radiograph(s) drive(s) the radiographic comparison procedure; (2) why care should be taken for correct positioning of the cervicothoracic junction in postmortem radiography of chest elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl N Stephan
- Laboratory for Human Craniofacial and Skeletal Identification (HuCS-ID Lab), School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jodi M Caple
- SNA International Supporting the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Hickam, Hawaii, USA
| | | | - John E Byrd
- Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Hickam, Hawaii, USA
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5
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Lotter W. Acquisition parameters influence AI recognition of race in chest x-rays and mitigating these factors reduces underdiagnosis bias. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7465. [PMID: 39198519 PMCID: PMC11358468 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52003-3] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
A core motivation for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine is to reduce existing healthcare disparities. Yet, recent studies have demonstrated two distinct findings: (1) AI models can show performance biases in underserved populations, and (2) these same models can be directly trained to recognize patient demographics, such as predicting self-reported race from medical images alone. Here, we investigate how these findings may be related, with an end goal of reducing a previously identified underdiagnosis bias. Using two popular chest x-ray datasets, we first demonstrate that technical parameters related to image acquisition and processing influence AI models trained to predict patient race, where these results partly reflect underlying biases in the original clinical datasets. We then find that mitigating the observed differences through a demographics-independent calibration strategy reduces the previously identified bias. While many factors likely contribute to AI bias and demographics prediction, these results highlight the importance of carefully considering data acquisition and processing parameters in AI development and healthcare equity more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Lotter
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Simoni P, Boitsios G, Saliba T, Cesaro E, Aparisi Gómez MP. Conventional Radiography Assessment of the Pediatric Knee: Pearls and Pitfalls. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2024; 28:327-336. [PMID: 38768597 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1782206] [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: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Knee pain is one of the most common indications for radiography in the evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders in children and adolescents. According to international guidelines, knee radiographs should be obtained when there is the suspicion of an effusion, limited motion, pain to palpation, inability to bear weight, mechanical symptoms (such as "locking"), and persistent knee pain after therapy. When indicated, radiographs can provide crucial information for the clinical decision-making process. Because of the developmental changes occurring in the knee during growth, the assessment of knee radiographs can be challenging in children and adolescents. Radiologists unfamiliar with the appearance of the knee on radiographs during skeletal maturation risk overcalling or overlooking bone lesions. Image acquisition techniques and parameters should be adapted to children. This article describes the most common challenges in distinguishing pathology from the normal appearance of knee radiographs in the pediatric population, offering some pearls and pitfalls that can be useful in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Simoni
- Department of Radiology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, "Reine Fabiola" Children's University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Grammatina Boitsios
- Department of Radiology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, "Reine Fabiola" Children's University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Saliba
- Department of Radiology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, "Reine Fabiola" Children's University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Edoardo Cesaro
- Department of Radiology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, "Reine Fabiola" Children's University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria Pilar Aparisi Gómez
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland
- Department of Radiology, IMSKE, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Radiology, Te Toka Tumai Auckland (Auckland District Health Board), Auckland, New Zealand
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7
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Modlińska S, Czogalik Ł, Rojek M, Dudek P, Janik M, Mielcarska S, Kufel J. Digital Subtraction Angiography of Cerebral Arteries: Influence of Cranial Dimensions on X-ray Tube Performance. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3002. [PMID: 38792543 PMCID: PMC11122296 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13103002] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is indispensable for diagnosing cerebral aneurysms due to its superior imaging precision. However, optimizing X-ray parameters is crucial for accurate diagnosis, with X-ray tube settings significantly influencing image quality. Understanding the relationship between skull dimensions and X-ray parameters is pivotal for tailoring imaging protocols to individual patients. (2) Methods. A retrospective analysis of DSA data from a single center was conducted, involving 251 patients. Cephalometric measurements and statistical analyses were performed to assess correlations between skull dimensions and X-ray tube parameters (voltage and current). (3) Results. The study revealed significant correlations between skull dimensions and X-ray tube parameters, highlighting the importance of considering individual anatomical variations. Gender-based differences in X-ray parameters were observed, emphasizing the need for personalized imaging protocols. (4) Conclusions. Personalized approaches to DSA imaging, integrating individual anatomical variations and gender-specific differences, are essential for optimizing diagnostic outcomes. While this study provides valuable insights, further research across multiple centers and diverse imaging equipment is warranted to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Modlińska
- Department of Radiodiagnostics, Invasive Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Łukasz Czogalik
- Students’ Scientific Association of Computer Analysis and Artificial Intelligence, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Marcin Rojek
- Students’ Scientific Association of Computer Analysis and Artificial Intelligence, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Piotr Dudek
- Students’ Scientific Association of Computer Analysis and Artificial Intelligence, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Michał Janik
- Students’ Scientific Association of Computer Analysis and Artificial Intelligence, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Sylwia Mielcarska
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Jakub Kufel
- Department of Radiodiagnostics, Invasive Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
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Kim K, Cha BK, Jeong HW, Lee Y. Investigation of Deconvolution Method with Adaptive Point Spread Function Based on Scintillator Thickness in Wavelet Domain. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:330. [PMID: 38671752 PMCID: PMC11048213 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11040330] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, indirect digital radiography detectors have been actively studied to improve radiographic image performance with low radiation exposure. This study aimed to achieve low-dose radiation imaging with a thick scintillation detector while simultaneously obtaining the resolution of a thin scintillation detector. The proposed method was used to predict the optimal point spread function (PSF) between thin and thick scintillation detectors by considering image quality assessment (IQA). The process of identifying the optimal PSF was performed on each sub-band in the wavelet domain to improve restoration accuracy. In the experiments, the edge preservation index (EPI) values of the non-blind deblurred image with a blurring sigma of σ = 5.13 pixels and the image obtained with optimal parameters from the thick scintillator using the proposed method were approximately 0.62 and 0.76, respectively. The coefficient of variation (COV) values for the two images were approximately 1.02 and 0.63, respectively. The proposed method was validated through simulations and experimental results, and its viability is expected to be verified on various radiological imaging systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyuseok Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eulji University, 553, Sanseong-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 13135, Republic of Korea;
| | - Bo Kyung Cha
- Precision Medical Device Research Center, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI), 111 Hanggaul-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si 15588, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hyun-Woo Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eulji University, 553, Sanseong-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 13135, Republic of Korea;
| | - Youngjin Lee
- Department of Radiological Science, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
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Masuda T, Kiguchi M, Fujioka C, Oku T, Ishibashi T, Katsunuma Y, Yoshitake T, Abe S, Awai K. Effectiveness of low tube voltage scan in the exposure dose for lenses during paediatric thoracic CT examination: anthropomorphic phantoms study. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2024; 200:143-148. [PMID: 37987195 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncad284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
To determine whether using lower-tube voltage reduces the scattered dose for the lens during paediatric thoracic computed tomography (CT). Two paediatric anthropomorphic phantoms (ATOM Phantom, CIRS, Norfolk, Virginia, USA) representing a newborn and 5-year-old were placed on the gantry of CT scanner, and optically stimulated luminescence dosemeters were placed on the left and right lenses, in front of the left and right thyroid glands, in front of the left and right mammary glands, and in front of and behind the mammary gland level and we measured scattered dose of the optically stimulated luminescence dosemeter was compared for each phantom between 80 and 120 kVp. Significant differences were observed in the scatter doses for the lens between 80 and 120 kVp (p < 0.01). Compared with the 120 kVp scan, the scatter doses for the lens were ~15-40% lower in newborn and 5-year-olds using the 80 kVp scan during paediatric CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Masuda
- Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, 288, Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama 701-0193, Japan
| | - Masao Kiguchi
- Department of Radiology, Hiroshima University, 2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan
| | - Chikako Fujioka
- Department of Radiology, Hiroshima University, 2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan
| | - Takayuki Oku
- Department of Radiological Technologist, Tsuchiya General Hospital, Nakajima-cho 3-30, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-8655, Japan
| | - Toru Ishibashi
- Department of Radiological Technologist, Tsuchiya General Hospital, Nakajima-cho 3-30, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-8655, Japan
| | - Yasushi Katsunuma
- Department of Radiological Technology, Tokai University Oiso Hospital, 143, Shimokasuya, Iseharashi, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Takayasu Yoshitake
- TOWCAR WORKS Co., Ltd Hoashi 233-1, Kusu-machi, Kusugun, Oita 879-4403, Japan
| | - Shuji Abe
- Department of Radiological Technologist, Osaka College of High Technology, 1-2-43, Miyahara, Yogogawa-ku, Osaka 532-0003, Japan
| | - Kazuo Awai
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Hiroshima University, 2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan
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Mady OY, Dewedar O, Abdine N, Zaytoon H, Haggag Y. Bioadhesive behaviors of HPMC E5: comparative analysis of various techniques, histological and human radiological evidence. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1840. [PMID: 38246953 PMCID: PMC10800332 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52144-x] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhancing drug residence duration within the stomach offers distinct advantages for both localized and systemic effects. Numerous strategies have been proposed to extend drug residence time, with mucoadhesive polymers being a notable avenue. In this context, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E5 has been employed as both a binding agent for granulating contrast metal powder and a mucoadhesive polymer, spanning various concentrations. The in vitro bioadhesion strength of the formulated tablets was gauged against the stomach lining of rabbits, for the quantification of bioadhesive forces. The temporal aspect of bioadhesion was evaluated through two approaches: one centered on gastric fluid dynamics and another proffered by the researchers, focusing on gastric wall kinetics. The results divulged a decline in bioadhesion force concomitant with high polymer concentrations. Histological examination of stained stomach sections revealed mucosal perturbations within the rabbit stomach. These disruptions exhibited an escalating trend in conjunction with elevated polymer concentrations, culminating in extensive disturbance at a 7.5% polymer concentration. The outcomes unveiled a direct relationship between polymer concentration increments and extended contact time. Subsequent radiological tracking of contrast metal behavior within a mature human stomach indicated a residence time of 6 h due to the entrapment of displaced components at disparate locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Y Mady
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Omar Dewedar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| | - Noorelhoda Abdine
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Hossam Zaytoon
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Yusuf Haggag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Shin H, Kim T, Park J, Raj H, Jabbar MS, Abebaw ZD, Lee J, Van CC, Kim H, Shin D. Pulmonary abnormality screening on chest x-rays from different machine specifications: a generalized AI-based image manipulation pipeline. Eur Radiol Exp 2023; 7:68. [PMID: 37940797 PMCID: PMC10632317 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-023-00386-1] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chest x-ray is commonly used for pulmonary abnormality screening. However, since the image characteristics of x-rays highly depend on the machine specifications, an artificial intelligence (AI) model developed for specific equipment usually fails when clinically applied to various machines. To overcome this problem, we propose an image manipulation pipeline. METHODS A total of 15,010 chest x-rays from systems with different generators/detectors were retrospectively collected from five institutions from May 2020 to February 2021. We developed an AI model to classify pulmonary abnormalities using x-rays from a single system. Then, we externally tested its performance on chest x-rays from various machine specifications. We compared the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of AI models developed using conventional image processing pipelines (histogram equalization [HE], contrast-limited histogram equalization [CLAHE], and unsharp masking [UM] with common data augmentations) with that of the proposed manipulation pipeline (XM-pipeline). RESULTS The XM-pipeline model showed the highest performance for all the datasets of different machine specifications, such as chest x-rays acquired from a computed radiography system (n = 356, AUC 0.944 for XM-pipeline versus 0.917 for HE, 0.705 for CLAHE, 0.544 for UM, p [Formula: see text] 0.001, for all) and from a mobile x-ray generator (n = 204, AUC 0.949 for XM-pipeline versus 0.933 for HE, p = 0.042, 0.932 for CLAHE (p = 0.009), 0.925 for UM (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Applying the XM-pipeline to AI training increased the diagnostic performance of the AI model on the chest x-rays of different machine configurations. RELEVANCE STATEMENT The proposed training pipeline would successfully promote a wide application of the AI model for abnormality screening when chest x-rays are acquired using various x-ray machines. KEY POINTS • AI models developed using x-rays of a specific machine suffer from generalization. • We proposed a new image processing pipeline to address the generalization problem. • AI models were tested using multicenter external x-ray datasets of various machines. • AI with our pipeline achieved the highest diagnostic performance than conventional methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejun Shin
- Artificial Intelligence Engineering Division, RadiSen Co., Ltd, Seoul, Korea
| | - Taehee Kim
- Artificial Intelligence Engineering Division, RadiSen Co., Ltd, Seoul, Korea
| | - Juhyung Park
- Laboratory for Imaging Science and Technology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hruthvik Raj
- Artificial Intelligence Engineering Division, RadiSen Co., Ltd, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | - Jongho Lee
- Laboratory for Imaging Science and Technology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Cong Cung Van
- Department of Radiology, National Lung Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hyungjin Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dongmyung Shin
- Artificial Intelligence Engineering Division, RadiSen Co., Ltd, Seoul, Korea.
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Lang JT, Kulkarni D, Foster CW, Huang Y, Sepe MA, Shimpalee S, Parkinson DY, Zenyuk IV. X-ray Tomography Applied to Electrochemical Devices and Electrocatalysis. Chem Rev 2023; 123:9880-9914. [PMID: 37579025 PMCID: PMC10450694 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a nondestructive three-dimensional (3D) imaging technique used for studying morphological properties of porous and nonporous materials. In the field of electrocatalysis, X-ray CT is mainly used to quantify the morphology of electrodes and extract information such as porosity, tortuosity, pore-size distribution, and other relevant properties. For electrochemical systems such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, and redox flow batteries, X-ray CT gives the ability to study evolution of critical features of interest in ex situ, in situ, and operando environments. These include catalyst degradation, interface evolution under real conditions, formation of new phases (water and oxygen), and dynamics of transport processes. These studies enable more efficient device and electrode designs that will ultimately contribute to widespread decarbonization efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack T. Lang
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California 92617, United States
- National
Fuel Cell Research Center, University of
California, Irvine, California 92617, United States
| | - Devashish Kulkarni
- National
Fuel Cell Research Center, University of
California, Irvine, California 92617, United States
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, University
of California, Irvine, California 92617, United States
| | - Collin W. Foster
- Department
of Aerospace Engineering, University of
Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61820, United States
| | - Ying Huang
- National
Fuel Cell Research Center, University of
California, Irvine, California 92617, United States
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, University
of California, Irvine, California 92617, United States
| | - Mitchell A. Sepe
- Hydrogen
and Fuel Cell Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Sirivatch Shimpalee
- Hydrogen
and Fuel Cell Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Dilworth Y. Parkinson
- Advanced
Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Iryna V. Zenyuk
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California 92617, United States
- National
Fuel Cell Research Center, University of
California, Irvine, California 92617, United States
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, University
of California, Irvine, California 92617, United States
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Kim HS, Ha EG, Lee A, Choi YJ, Jeon KJ, Han SS, Lee C. Refinement of image quality in panoramic radiography using a generative adversarial network. Dentomaxillofac Radiol 2023; 52:20230007. [PMID: 37129509 PMCID: PMC10304845 DOI: 10.1259/dmfr.20230007] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to develop and assess the clinical usefulness of a generative adversarial network (GAN) model for improving image quality in panoramic radiography. METHODS Panoramic radiographs obtained at Yonsei University Dental Hospital were randomly selected for study inclusion (n = 100). Datasets with degraded image quality (n = 400) were prepared using four different processing methods: blur, noise, blur with noise, and blur in the anterior teeth region. The images were distributed to the training and test datasets in a ratio of 9:1 for each group. The Pix2Pix GAN model was trained using pairs of the original and degraded image datasets for 100 epochs. The peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index measure (SSIM) were obtained for the test dataset, and two oral and maxillofacial radiologists rated the quality of clinical images. RESULTS Among the degraded images, the GAN model enabled the greatest improvement in those with blur in the region of the anterior teeth but was least effective in improving images exhibiting blur with noise (PSNR, 36.27 > 32.74; SSIM, 0.90 > 0.82). While the mean clinical image quality score of the original radiographs was 44.6 out of 46.0, the highest and lowest predicted scores were observed in the blur (45.2) and noise (36.0) groups. CONCLUSION The GAN model developed in this study has the potential to improve panoramic radiographs with degraded image quality, both quantitatively and qualitatively. As the model performs better in refining blurred images, further research is required to identify the most effective methods for handling noisy images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hak-Sun Kim
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun-Gyu Ha
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University College of Engineering, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ari Lee
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yoon Joo Choi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kug Jin Jeon
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang-Sun Han
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea
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Leati G, Di Bartolomeo F, Maffi G, Boccalon L, Diaco D, Segalini E, Spinazzola A. Translumbar type II endoleak embolization with a new liquid iodinated polyvinyl alcohol polymer: Case series and review of current literature. FRONTIERS IN RADIOLOGY 2023; 3:1145164. [PMID: 37492376 PMCID: PMC10365270 DOI: 10.3389/fradi.2023.1145164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To describe our experience with the use of a novel iodized Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer liquid agent (Easyx) in type II endoleak treatment with translumbar approach. Methods Our case series is a retrospective review of patients with type II endoleak (T2E) treated with Easyx from December 2017 to December 2020. Indication for treatment was a persistent T2E with an increasing aneurysm sac ≥5 mm on computed tomography angiography (CTA) over a 6-month interval. Technical success was defined as the embolization of the endoleak nidus with reduction or elimination of the T2E on sequent CTA evaluation. Clinical success was defined as an unchanged or decreased aneurysm sac on follow-up CTA. Secondary endpoints included the presence of artifacts in the postprocedural cross-sectional tomographic imaging and post and intraprocedural complications. Results Ten patients were included in our retrospective analysis. All T2E were successfully embolized. Clinical success was achieved in 9 out of 10 patients (90%). The mean follow-up was 14 3-20 months. No beam hardening artifact was observed in follow-up CT providing unaltered imaging. Conclusion Easyx is a novel liquid embolic agent with lava-like characteristics and unaltered visibility on subsequent CT examinations. In our initial experience, Easyx showed to have all the efficacy requisites to be an embolization agent for type II EL management. Its efficacy, however, should be evaluated in more extensive studies and eventually compared with other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Leati
- Unit of Interventional Radiology, Ospedale Maggiore di Crema, Crema, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Maffi
- Unit of Interventional Radiology, Ospedale Maggiore di Crema, Crema, Italy
| | - Luca Boccalon
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Ospedale Maggiore di Crema, Crema, Italy
| | - Domenico Diaco
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Ospedale Maggiore di Crema, Crema, Italy
| | - Edoardo Segalini
- Department of General Surgery, Ospedale Maggiore di Crema, Crema, Italy
| | - Angelo Spinazzola
- Unit of Interventional Radiology, Ospedale Maggiore di Crema, Crema, Italy
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Kirisattayakul W, Pattum P, Munkong W, Prabsattroo T, Khottapat C, Chomkhunthod T, Pungkun V. Comparing Radiation Dose of Cerebral Angiography Using Conventional and High kV Techniques: A Retrospective Study on Intracranial Aneurysm Patients and a Phantom Study. Tomography 2023; 9:621-632. [PMID: 36961009 PMCID: PMC10037658 DOI: 10.3390/tomography9020050] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Evaluation of patient radiation dose after the implementation of a high kV technique during a cerebral angiographic procedure is an important issue. This study aimed to determine and compare the patient radiation dose of intracranial aneurysm patients undergoing cerebral angiography using the conventional and high kV techniques in a retrospective study and a phantom study. A total of 122 cases (61 cases with conventional technique and 61 cases with high kV technique) of intracranial aneurysm patients, who underwent cerebral angiographic procedure and met the inclusion criteria, were recruited. The radiation dose and the angiographic exposure parameters were reviewed retrospectively. The radiation dose in the phantom study was conducted using nanoDotTM optically stimulating luminescence (OSLD), which were placed on the scalp of the head phantom, the back of the neck, and the phantom skin at the position of the eyes. The standard cerebral angiographic procedure using the conventional and high kV techniques was performed following the standard protocol. The results showed that the high kV technique significantly reduced patient radiation dose and phantom skin dose. This study confirms that the implementation of a high kV technique in routine cerebral angiography for aneurysm diagnosis provides an effective reduction in radiation dose. Further investigation of radiation dose in other interventional neuroradiology procedures, particularly embolization procedure, should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woranan Kirisattayakul
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Panuwat Pattum
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Waranon Munkong
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Thawatchai Prabsattroo
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Chonnatcha Khottapat
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Tanyalak Chomkhunthod
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Vithit Pungkun
- Office of Atoms for Peace, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
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The impact of digital filters on the diagnosis of simulated root resorptions in digital radiographic systems. Clin Oral Investig 2022; 26:4743-4752. [PMID: 35267096 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-022-04438-5] [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: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the influence of digital filters of intraoral radiographic systems on the diagnosis of simulated internal and external root resorptions and image quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS Internal root resorption (IRR) and external root resorption (ERR) were simulated in 34 teeth. For image acquisition, two radiographic systems were used: Digora Toto and VistaScan. All filters available in these systems were applied. Three observers scored the detection of root resorptions in a 5-point scale. The noise and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. The area under ROC curve, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were obtained. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc tests compared the diagnostic values, noise, and CNR between the filters (α = 0.05). RESULTS For ERR, there were no significant differences in diagnostic values between the filters tested for both systems. For IRR, Original and Noise Reduction filters presented higher sensitivity than the Sharpen2 filter for images from Digora Toto, with no differences between the other groups. For VistaScan, there were no significant differences of diagnostic values between the groups studied. Noise values differed among the filters of both systems. The CNR of the filters differed only for the bone region for Digora Toto, while for VistaScan, both tooth and bone regions differed. CONCLUSIONS Despite promoting changes in pixel intensities and affecting the noise level of the radiographic images, the digital filters of Digora Toto and VistaScan systems do not affect the diagnosis of internal or external root resorptions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Digital filters are common tools in digital radiographic systems and may be used by the professional without impairment in root resorptions diagnosis.
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Chin SC, Chow CO, Kanesan J, Chuah JH. A Study on Distortion Estimation Based on Image Gradients. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:639. [PMID: 35062601 PMCID: PMC8779924 DOI: 10.3390/s22020639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Image noise is a variation of uneven pixel values that occurs randomly. A good estimation of image noise parameters is crucial in image noise modeling, image denoising, and image quality assessment. To the best of our knowledge, there is no single estimator that can predict all noise parameters for multiple noise types. The first contribution of our research was to design a noise data feature extractor that can effectively extract noise information from the image pair. The second contribution of our work leveraged other noise parameter estimation algorithms that can only predict one type of noise. Our proposed method, DE-G, can estimate additive noise, multiplicative noise, and impulsive noise from single-source images accurately. We also show the capability of the proposed method in estimating multiple corruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chee-Onn Chow
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (S.C.C.); (J.K.); (J.H.C.)
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De La Vega JC, Esquinas PL, Gill JK, Jessa S, Gill B, Thakur Y, Saatchi K, Häfeli UO. Comparison of Rhenium and Iodine as Contrast Agents in X-Ray Imaging. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2021; 2021:1250360. [PMID: 34803544 PMCID: PMC8575601 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1250360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The majority of X-ray contrast agents (XCA) are made with iodine, but iodine-based XCA (I-XCA) exhibit low contrast in high kVp X-rays due to iodine's low atomic number (Z = 53) and K-edge (33.1 keV). While rhenium is a transition metal with a high atomic number (Z = 75) and K-edge (71.7 keV), the utilization of rhenium-based XCA (Re-XCA) in X-ray imaging techniques has not been studied in depth. Our study had two objectives: (1) to compare both the image quality and the absorbed dose of I- and Re-XCA and (2) to prepare and image a rhenium-doped scaffold. Procedures. I- and Re-XCA were prepared and imaged from 50 to 120 kVp by Micro-computed tomography (µCT) and digital radiography and from 120 to 220 kVp by planar X-ray imaging. The scans were repeated using 0.1 to 1.6 mm thick copper filters to harden the X-ray beam. A rhenium-doped scaffold was prepared via electrospinning, used to coat catheters, and imaged at 90 kVp by µCT. Results I-XCA have a greater contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) at 50 and 80 kVp, but Re-XCA have a greater CNR at >120 kVp. The difference in CNR is increased as the thickness of the copper filters is increased. For instance, the percent CNR improvement of rhenium over iodine is 14.2% with a 0.6 mm thick copper filter, but it is 59.1% with a 1.6 mm thick copper filter, as shown at 120 kVp by µCT. Upon coating them with a rhenium-doped scaffold, the catheters became radiopaque. Conclusions Using Monte Carlo simulations, we showed that it is possible to reduce the absorbed dose of high kVp X-rays while allowing the acquisition of high-quality images. Furthermore, radiopaque catheters have the potential of enhancing the contrast during catheterizations and helping physicians to place catheters inside patients more rapidly and precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Carlos De La Vega
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Pedro Luis Esquinas
- Medical Imaging Research Group, Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jovan Kaur Gill
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Selin Jessa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bradford Gill
- Medical Physics Department, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yogesh Thakur
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Medical Imaging, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Katayoun Saatchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Urs O. Häfeli
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Mueller JA, Martini K, Eberhard M, Mueller MA, De Silvestro AA, Breiding P, Frauenfelder T. Diagnostic Performance of Dual-Energy Subtraction Radiography for the Detection of Pulmonary Emphysema: An Intra-Individual Comparison. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:1849. [PMID: 34679547 PMCID: PMC8534440 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11101849] [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: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To compare the diagnostic performance of dual-energy subtraction (DE) and conventional radiography (CR) for detecting pulmonary emphysema using computed tomography (CT) as a reference standard. METHODS AND MATERIALS Sixty-six patients (24 female, median age 73) were retrospectively included after obtaining lateral and posteroanterior chest X-rays with a dual-shot DE technique and chest CT within ±3 months. Two experienced radiologists first evaluated the standard CR images and, second, the bone-/soft tissue weighted DE images for the presence (yes/no), degree (1-4), and quadrant-based distribution of emphysema. CT was used as a reference standard. Inter-reader agreement was calculated. Sensitivity and specificity for the correct detection and localization of emphysema was calculated. Further degree of emphysema on CR and DE was correlated with results from CT. A p-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS The mean interreader agreement was substantial for CR and moderate for DE (kCR = 0.611 vs. kDE = 0.433; respectively). Sensitivity, as well as specificity for the detection of emphysema, was comparable between CR and DE (sensitivityCR 96% and specificityCR 75% vs. sensitivityDE 91% and specificityDE 83%; p = 0.157). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the sensitivity or specificity for emphysema localization between CR and DE (sensitivityCR 50% and specificityCR 100% vs. sensitivityDE 57% and specificityDE 100%; p = 0.157). There was a slightly better correlation with CT of emphysema grading in DE compared to CR (rDE = 0.75 vs. rCR = 0.68; p = 0.108); these differences were not statistically significant, however. CONCLUSION Diagnostic accuracy for the detection, quantification, and localization of emphysema between CR and DE is comparable. Interreader agreement, however, is better with CR compared to DE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Mueller
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland; (J.A.M.); (M.E.); (A.A.D.S.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Katharina Martini
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland; (J.A.M.); (M.E.); (A.A.D.S.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Matthias Eberhard
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland; (J.A.M.); (M.E.); (A.A.D.S.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Mathias A. Mueller
- Institute of Radiology, Cantonal Hospital of Frauenfeld, 8501 Frauenfeld, Switzerland;
| | - Alessandra A. De Silvestro
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland; (J.A.M.); (M.E.); (A.A.D.S.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Philipp Breiding
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland; (J.A.M.); (M.E.); (A.A.D.S.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Thomas Frauenfelder
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland; (J.A.M.); (M.E.); (A.A.D.S.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
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20
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Mathematical Models for Blood Flow Quantification in Dialysis Access Using Angiography: A Comparative Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11101771. [PMID: 34679469 PMCID: PMC8534972 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11101771] [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] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood flow rate in dialysis (vascular) access is the key parameter to examine patency and to evaluate the outcomes of various endovascular interve7ntions. While angiography is extensively used for dialysis access–salvage procedures, to date, there is no image-based blood flow measurement application commercially available in the angiography suite. We aim to calculate the blood flow rate in the dialysis access based on cine-angiographic and fluoroscopic image sequences. In this study, we discuss image-based methods to quantify access blood flow in a flow phantom model. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and fluoroscopy were used to acquire images at various sampling rates (DSA—3 and 6 frames/s, fluoroscopy—4 and 10 pulses/s). Flow rates were computed based on two bolus tracking algorithms, peak-to-peak and cross-correlation, and modeled with three curve-fitting functions, gamma variate, lagged normal, and polynomial, to correct errors with transit time measurement. Dye propagation distance and the cross-sectional area were calculated by analyzing the contrast enhancement in the vessel. The calculated flow rates were correlated versus an in-line flow sensor measurement. The cross-correlation algorithm with gamma-variate curve fitting had the best accuracy and least variability in both imaging modes. The absolute percent error (mean ± SEM) of flow quantification in the DSA mode at 6 frames/s was 21.4 ± 1.9%, and in the fluoroscopic mode at 10 pulses/s was 37.4 ± 3.6%. The radiation dose varied linearly with the sampling rate in both imaging modes and was substantially low to invoke any tissue reactions or stochastic effects. The cross-correlation algorithm and gamma-variate curve fitting for DSA acquisition at 6 frames/s had the best correlation with the flow sensor measurements. These findings will be helpful to develop a software-based vascular access flow measurement tool for the angiography suite and to optimize the imaging protocol amenable for computational flow applications.
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Formulation & assessment of combined antibiotics in a floating oblong tablet for treatment of H. pylori: (A) Radiological imaging to prove the floating of a high-weight oblong tablet. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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22
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Optimizing Identification of Power Injectable Ports on the Scout Images for Multidetector Computed Tomography Procedures. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2021; 45:421-426. [PMID: 33797440 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000001147] [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 objective of this study was to assess the impact of tube voltage and image display on the identification of power ports features on anterior-posterior scout images to inform optimal workflow for multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four ports, representing variable material composition (titanium/silicone), shapes, and computed tomography (CT) markings, were imaged on an adult anthropomorphic chest phantom using a dual-source MDCT at variable peak tube voltages (80, 100, 120, 150, and Sn150 kVp). Images were reviewed at variable image display setting by 5 blinded readers to assess port features of material composition, shape, and text markings as well as overall preferred image quality. RESULTS Material composition was correctly identified for all ports by all readers across all kilovoltage-peak settings. The identification by shape was more reliable than CT markers for all but one of the ports. CT marker identification was up to 80% for titanium ports at window level settings optimized for metal (window width, 200; window center, -150) and at a soft tissue setting (window width, 400; window center, 40) for silicone ports. Interreader agreement for best image quality per kilovoltage-peak setting was moderate to substantial for 3 ports (k = 0.5-0.62) but only fair for 1 port (k = 0.27). The highest overall rank for image quality was given unanimously to Sn150 kVp for imaging titanium ports and 100 kVp for silicone ports. CONCLUSIONS Power port identification on MDCT scout images can be optimized with modification of MDCT scout acquisition and display settings based on the main port material.
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Wan S, Arhatari BD, Nesterets YI, Mayo SC, Thompson D, Fox J, Kumar B, Prodanovic Z, Hausermann D, Maksimenko A, Hall C, Dimmock M, Pavlov KM, Lockie D, Rickard M, Gadomkar Z, Aminzadeh A, Vafa E, Peele A, Quiney HM, Lewis S, Gureyev TE, Brennan PC, Taba ST. Effect of x-ray energy on the radiological image quality in propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography of the breast. J Med Imaging (Bellingham) 2021; 8:052108. [PMID: 34268442 DOI: 10.1117/1.jmi.8.5.052108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in developing and developed countries and is responsible for 15% of women's cancer deaths worldwide. Conventional absorption-based breast imaging techniques lack sufficient contrast for comprehensive diagnosis. Propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (PB-CT) is a developing technique that exploits a more contrast-sensitive property of x-rays: x-ray refraction. X-ray absorption, refraction, and contrast-to-noise in the corresponding images depend on the x-ray energy used, for the same/fixed radiation dose. The aim of this paper is to explore the relationship between x-ray energy and radiological image quality in PB-CT imaging. Approach: Thirty-nine mastectomy samples were scanned at the imaging and medical beamline at the Australian Synchrotron. Samples were scanned at various x-ray energies of 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 60 keV using a Hamamatsu Flat Panel detector at the same object-to-detector distance of 6 m and mean glandular dose of 4 mGy. A total of 132 image sets were produced for analysis. Seven observers rated PB-CT images against absorption-based CT (AB-CT) images of the same samples on a five-point scale. A visual grading characteristics (VGC) study was used to determine the difference in image quality. Results: PB-CT images produced at 28, 30, 32, and 34 keV x-ray energies demonstrated statistically significant higher image quality than reference AB-CT images. The optimum x-ray energy, 30 keV, displayed the largest area under the curve ( AUC VGC ) of 0.754 ( p = 0.009 ). This was followed by 32 keV ( AUC VGC = 0.731 , p ≤ 0.001 ), 34 keV ( AUC VGC = 0.723 , p ≤ 0.001 ), and 28 keV ( AUC VGC = 0.654 , p = 0.015 ). Conclusions: An optimum energy range (around 30 keV) in the PB-CT technique allows for higher image quality at a dose comparable to conventional mammographic techniques. This results in improved radiological image quality compared with conventional techniques, which may ultimately lead to higher diagnostic efficacy and a reduction in breast cancer mortalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarina Wan
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Benedicta D Arhatari
- Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO, Clayton, Australia.,University of Melbourne, School of Physics, Parkville, Australia
| | - Yakov I Nesterets
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, Australia.,University of New England, School of Science and Technology, Armidale, Australia
| | - Sheridan C Mayo
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, Australia
| | - Darren Thompson
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, Australia.,University of New England, School of Science and Technology, Armidale, Australia
| | - Jane Fox
- Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Clayton, Australia.,Monash Health, Department of Pathology, Clayton, Australia
| | - Beena Kumar
- Monash Health, Department of Pathology, Clayton, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Matthew Dimmock
- Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Clayton, Australia
| | - Konstantin M Pavlov
- University of New England, School of Science and Technology, Armidale, Australia.,University of Canterbury, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Monash University, School of Physics and Astronomy, Clayton, Australia
| | - Darren Lockie
- Maroondah BreastScreen, Eastern Health, Ringwood, Australia
| | - Mary Rickard
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Ziba Gadomkar
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Alaleh Aminzadeh
- University of Melbourne, School of Physics, Parkville, Australia
| | - Elham Vafa
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Andrew Peele
- Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO, Clayton, Australia
| | - Harry M Quiney
- University of Melbourne, School of Physics, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sarah Lewis
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Timur E Gureyev
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lidcombe, Australia.,University of Melbourne, School of Physics, Parkville, Australia.,University of New England, School of Science and Technology, Armidale, Australia.,Monash University, School of Physics and Astronomy, Clayton, Australia
| | - Patrick C Brennan
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Seyedamir Tavakoli Taba
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lidcombe, Australia
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Supawat B, Wattanapongpitak S, Tima S, Kothan S, Tungjai M. Effect of fluoroscopic X-rays combined with iodinated radiographic contrast media on human hematological parameters. TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13530-021-00093-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Herman B, Sirichokchatchawan W, Pongpanich S, Nantasenamat C. Development and performance of CUHAS-ROBUST application for pulmonary rifampicin-resistance tuberculosis screening in Indonesia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249243. [PMID: 33765092 PMCID: PMC7993842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Diagnosis of Pulmonary Rifampicin Resistant Tuberculosis (RR-TB) with the Drug-Susceptibility Test (DST) is costly and time-consuming. Furthermore, GeneXpert for rapid diagnosis is not widely available in Indonesia. This study aims to develop and evaluate the CUHAS-ROBUST model performance, an artificial-intelligence-based RR-TB screening tool. METHODS A cross-sectional study involved suspected all type of RR-TB patients with complete sputum Lowenstein Jensen DST (reference) and 19 clinical, laboratory, and radiology parameter results, retrieved from medical records in hospitals under the Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University Indonesia, from January 2015-December 2019. The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models were built along with other classifiers. The model was tested on participants recruited from January 2020-October 2020 and deployed into CUHAS-ROBUST (index test) application. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were obtained for assessment. RESULTS A total of 487 participants (32 Multidrug-Resistant/MDR 57 RR-TB, 398 drug-sensitive) were recruited for model building and 157 participants (23 MDR and 21 RR) in prospective testing. The ANN full model yields the highest values of accuracy (88% (95% CI 85-91)), and sensitivity (84% (95% CI 76-89)) compare to other models that show sensitivity below 80% (Logistic Regression 32%, Decision Tree 44%, Random Forest 25%, Extreme Gradient Boost 25%). However, this ANN has lower specificity among other models (90% (95% CI 86-93)) where Logistic Regression demonstrates the highest (99% (95% CI 97-99)). This ANN model was selected for the CUHAS-ROBUST application, although still lower than the sensitivity of global GeneXpert results (87.5%). CONCLUSION The ANN-CUHAS ROBUST outperforms other AI classifiers model in detecting all type of RR-TB, and by deploying into the application, the health staff can utilize the tool for screening purposes particularly at the primary care level where the GeneXpert examination is not available. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04208789.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bumi Herman
- College of Public Health Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: (SP); , (BH)
| | | | - Sathirakorn Pongpanich
- College of Public Health Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: (SP); , (BH)
| | - Chanin Nantasenamat
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Damulira E, Yusoff MNS, Omar AF, Mohd Taib NH. Development and characterization of an LED-based detector for dosimetry in diagnostic radiology. Phys Med Biol 2021; 66. [PMID: 33725685 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/abef44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) could be a potential dosimetry candidate because they are radiation hard, spectrally selective, direct band gap, and low-cost devices. Thus, an LED-based detector prototype was designed and characterized for dosimetry. A 20 × 20 cm2 array of surface mount device LED chips was sandwiched in photovoltaic mode between two intensifying screens to form a dosimetric system. The system was enclosed in a light-tight air cavity using black vinyl tape. The screens converted diagnostic X-ray beams into fluorescent blue light. LEDs, applied in detector mode, converted the fluorescent light into radiation-induced currents. A digital multimeter converted the analog currents into digital voltage signals. Prototype characterization was executed using (a) IEC 61267's RQR 7 (90 kVp) and RQR 8 (100 kVp) beam qualities, and (b) low (25 mAs) and high (80 mAs) beam quantities. A standard dosimeter probe was simultaneously exposed with the prototype to measure the prototype's absorbed dose. In all exposures, the X-ray beams were perpendicularly incident on both the dosimeter and prototype, at a fixed source to detector distance-60 cm. The LED array prototype's minimum detectable dose was 0.139 mGy, and the maximum dose implemented herein was ~ 13 mGy. The prototype was 99.18 % and 98.64 % linearly sensitive to absorbed dose and tube current-time product (mAs), respectively. The system was ± 4.69 % energy, ± 6.8 % dose, and ± 7.7 % dose rate dependent. Two prototype data sets were 89.93 % repeatable. We fabricated an ultrathin (5 mm), lightweight (130 g), and a relatively low-cost LED-based dosimetric prototype. The prototype executed a simple, efficient, and accurate real-time dosimetric mechanism. It could thus be an alternative to the current passive dosimetric systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edrine Damulira
- Medical Radiation, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Kota Bharu, 16150, MALAYSIA
| | | | - Ahmad Fairuz Omar
- School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang, MALAYSIA
| | - Nur Hartini Mohd Taib
- Department of Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bahru, Kelantan, MALAYSIA
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Stankovic U, Ploeger LS, Sonke JJ. Improving linac integrated cone beam computed tomography image quality using tube current modulation. Med Phys 2021; 48:1739-1749. [PMID: 33525051 DOI: 10.1002/mp.14746] [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: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Linac integrated cone beam CT (CBCT) scanners have become widespread tool for image guidance in radiotherapy. The current implementation uses constant imaging fluence across all the projection angles, which leads to anisotropic noise properties and suboptimal image quality for noncircular symmetric objects. Tube current modulation (TCM) is widely used in conventional CT. The purpose of this work was to implement TCM on a linac integrated CBCT scanner and evaluate its impact on image quality under varying scatter conditions and scatter correction strategies. METHODS We have implemented TCM on a nonclinical Elekta Versa HD linear accelerator with enhanced x-ray generator functionality including pulse width modulation. The pulse width was modulated using two Arduino programmable microcontrollers: one placed on the kV arm to measure the projection angle and the other connected to the kV generator control board to vary x-ray pulse width as function of gantry angle and precalculated transmission. An in-house developed phantom with a ratio of the left-right to anterior-posterior path length of 1.85:1 was scanned. Image quality was determined using the anisotropicity of the 2D noise power spectra (NPS) in the transverse plane and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). In addition, to determine the impact of scatter on the applicability of the TCM method we have modified the generated scatter using three different collimators in the cranio-caudal direction as well as with and without an antiscatter grid (ASG). RESULTS Application of the TCM led to 30-78% reduction of the angular anisotropicity of the NPS in the transverse plane. The amount of reduction depended on the scatter conditions, with lower values corresponding to higher scatter conditions. The same was true for the CNR: when scatter contribution was low (presence of an ASG or very aggressive collimation) the CNR was improved by about 30%, while in high scatter conditions the CNR was improved by about 12%. CONCLUSIONS TCM has the potential to improve CBCT image quality, but this depends on the amount of detected x-ray scatter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uros Stankovic
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, 1066CX, The Netherlands
| | - Lennert S Ploeger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, 1066CX, The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Jakob Sonke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, 1066CX, The Netherlands
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Rai A, MacGregor K, Hunt B, Gontar A, Ditkofsky N, Deva D, Mathur S. Proof of Concept: Phantom Study to Ensure Quality and Safety of Portable Chest Radiography Through Glass During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Invest Radiol 2021; 56:135-140. [PMID: 32773486 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chest radiography is often used to detect lung involvement in patients with suspected pneumonia. Chest radiography through glass walls of an isolation room is a technique that could be immensely useful in the current COVID-19 pandemic. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to ensure quality and radiation safety while acquiring portable chest radiographs through the glass doors of isolation rooms using an adult anthropomorphic thorax phantom. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixteen chest radiographs were acquired utilizing different exposure factors without glass, through the smart glass, and through regular glass. Images were scored independently by 2 radiologists for quantum mottle and sharpness of anatomical structures using a 5-point Likert scale. Statistically significant differences in Likert scale scores and entrance surface dose (ESD) between images acquired without glass and through the smart and regular glass were tested. Interreader reliability was also evaluated. RESULTS Compared with conventional radiography, equal or higher mean image quality scores (mottle and anatomical structures) were observed with the smart glass using 100 kVp at 12 mAs and 20 mAs and 125 kVp at 6.3 mAs (100 kVp at 2 mAs and 125 kVp at 3.2 mAs were used for conventional radiography observations). There was no statistically significant difference in the Likert scale scores for image quality and the entrance surface dose for radiographs acquired without glass, through the smart glass, and through regular glass. Backscatter from the smart glass was minimal at a distance of 3 m and was recorded as zero at a distance of 4 m from the x-ray tube outside an isolation room. CONCLUSIONS Good-quality portable chest radiographs can be obtained safely through the smart glass doors of the isolation room. However, this technique does result in minor backscatter radiation. Modifications in the exposure factors (such as increasing milliampere seconds) may be required to optimize image quality while using this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alex Gontar
- Michener Institute of Education at UHN, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Damulira E, Yusoff MNS, Omar AF, Mohd Taib NH, Ahmed NM. Application of Bpw34 photodiode and cold white LED as diagnostic X-ray detectors: A comparative analysis. Appl Radiat Isot 2021; 170:109622. [PMID: 33592486 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.109622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study compares the real-time dosimetric performance of a bpw34 photodiode (PD) and cold white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on diagnostic X-ray-induced signals. Signals were extracted when both the transducers were under identical exposure settings, including source-to-detector distance (SDD), tube voltage (kVp), and current-time product (mAs). The transducers were in a photovoltaic configuration, and black vinyl tape was applied on transducer active areas as a form of optical shielding. X-ray beam spectra and energies were simulated using Matlab-based Spektr functions. Transducer performance analysis was based on signal linearity to mAs and air kerma, and sensitivity dependence on absorbed dose, energy, and dose rate. Bpw34 PD and cold white LED output signals were 84.8% and 85.5% precise, respectively. PD signals were 94.7% linear to mAs, whereas LED signals were 91.9%. PD and LED signal linearity to dose coefficients were 0.9397 and 0.9128, respectively. Both transducers exhibited similar dose and energy dependence. However, cold white LEDs were 0.73% less dose rate dependent than the bpw34 PD. Cold white LEDs demonstrated potential in detecting diagnostic X-rays because their performance was similar to that of the bpw34 PD. Moreover, the cold white LED array's dosimetric response was independent of the heel effect. Although cold white LED signals were lower than bpw34 PD signals, they were quantifiable and electronically amplifiable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edrine Damulira
- Medical Radiation Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, 16150, Malaysia.
| | - Muhammad Nur Salihin Yusoff
- Medical Radiation Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, 16150, Malaysia.
| | - Ahmad Fairuz Omar
- Engineering Physics Laboratory, School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, 11800, Malaysia
| | - Nur Hartini Mohd Taib
- Department of Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, 16150, Malaysia
| | - Naser M Ahmed
- School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, 11800, Malaysia
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A Fast Method of Visually Lossless Compression of Dental Images. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app11010135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A noniterative approach to the problem of visually lossless compression of dental images is proposed for an image coder based on the discrete cosine transform (DCT) and partition scheme optimization. This approach considers the following peculiarities of the problem. It is necessary to carry out lossy compression of dental images to achieve large compression ratios (CRs). Since dental images are viewed and analyzed by specialists, it is important to preserve useful diagnostic information preventing appearance of any visible artifacts due to lossy compression. At last, dental images may contain noise having complex statistical and spectral properties. In this paper, we have analyzed and utilized dependences of three quality metrics (Peak signal-to-noise ratio, PSNR; eak Signal-to-Noise Ratio using Human Visual System and Masking (PSNR-HVS-M); and feature similarity, FSIM) on the quantization step (QS), which controls a compression ratio for the so-called advanced DCT coder (ADCTC). The threshold values of distortion visibility for these metrics have been considered. Finally, the recent results on detectable changes in noise intensity have been incorporated in the QS setting. A visual comparison of original and compressed images allows to conclude that the introduced distortions are practically undetectable for the proposed approach; meanwhile, the provided CR lies within the interval.
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Abdelrahman M, Lombardo P, Camp A, Duch MA, Phillips C, Seret A, Vanhavere F. A parametric study of occupational radiation dose in interventional radiology by Monte-Carlo simulations. Phys Med 2020; 78:58-70. [PMID: 32947085 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2020.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a parametric study on the occupational exposure in interventional radiology to explore the influence of various variables on the staff doses. These variables include the angiography beam settings: x-ray peak voltage (kVp), added copper filtration, field diameter, beam projection and source to detector distance. The study was performed using Monte-Carlo simulations with MCNPX for more than 5600 combinations of parameters that account for different clinical situations. Additionally, the analysis of the results was performed using both multiple and random forest regression to build a predictive model and to quantify the importance of each variable when the variables simultaneously change. Primary and secondary projections were found to have the most effect on the scatter fraction that reaches the operator followed by the effect of changing the x-ray beam quality. The effect of changing the source to image intensifier distance had the lowest effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Abdelrahman
- SCKCEN: the Belgian Nuclear Research Center, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium; ULiège: Cyclotron Research Centre, B30, 8 Allée du Six Août, Liège 4000, Belgium.
| | - Pasquale Lombardo
- SCKCEN: the Belgian Nuclear Research Center, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium
| | - Anna Camp
- Institut de Tècniques Energètiques, Research Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria A Duch
- Institut de Tècniques Energètiques, Research Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christophe Phillips
- ULiège: Cyclotron Research Centre, B30, 8 Allée du Six Août, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Alain Seret
- ULiège: Cyclotron Research Centre, B30, 8 Allée du Six Août, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Filip Vanhavere
- SCKCEN: the Belgian Nuclear Research Center, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium
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Rai A, Ditkofsky N, Hunt B, Dubrawski M, Deva D, Mathur S. Portable Chest Radiography Through Glass During COVID-19 Pandemic—Initial Experience in a Tertiary Care Center. Can Assoc Radiol J 2020; 72:175-179. [DOI: 10.1177/0846537120942885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Portable chest radiograph for COVID-19 positive patients and persons under investigation can be acquired through glass doors or walls of isolation rooms to limit exposure to the pathogen and conserve resources. Purpose: To report our initial experience with acquiring portable chest radiographs through glass doors of isolation rooms. Methods: Only 1 of 2 radiology technologist team members donned personal protective equipment and stayed inside the isolation room, while the second technologist and the radiography unit remained outside during the procedure. First hundred radiographs acquired through glass at the emergency department of our institute formed the “through glass radiograph” group. Hundred consecutive portable chest radiographs performed in a conventional manner formed the “conventional radiograph” group for comparison. Imaging database and feedback from operations leader were used to identify occurrences of a failed procedure. Suggestion of repeating the study and comments related to quality of the study were recorded from the reports of the staff radiologist. Results: There was no instance of failed acquisition, nondiagnostic examination, or suggestion of repetition in both groups. No significant difference in the number of reports with quality related remarks ( P > .05) was found between the 2 groups. Radiography through glass doors was associated with increased suboptimal positioning related remarks in radiology reports ( P < .05). No significant association was identified among other comments about image quality. Conclusion: Our initial clinical experience suggests that the acquisition of portable chest radiographs through the glass doors of isolation rooms is technically feasible and results in diagnostic quality studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Rai
- St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Bryce Hunt
- St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Djeven Deva
- St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Bielecka M, Bielecki A, Obuchowicz R, Piórkowski A. Universal Measure for Medical Image Quality Evaluation Based on Gradient Approach. LECTURE NOTES IN COMPUTER SCIENCE 2020. [PMCID: PMC7303719 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-50423-6_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, a new universal measure of medical images quality is proposed. The measure is based on the analysis of the image by using gradient methods. The number of isolated peaks in the examined image, as a function of the threshold value, is the basis of the assessment of the image quality. It turns out that for higher quality images the curvature of the graph of the said function has a higher value for lower threshold values. On the basis of the observed property, a new method of no-reference image quality assessment has been created. The experimental verification confirmed the method efficiency. The correlation between the arrangement depending on the image quality done by an expert and by using the proposed method is equal to 0.74. This means that the proposed method gives a correlation of higher than the best methods described in the literature. The proposed measure is useful to maximize the image quality while minimizing the time of medical examination.
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Matyagin YV, McRobbie DW. Muscle and bone dose in paediatric limb digital radiography: a Monte Carlo evaluation. AUSTRALASIAN PHYSICAL & ENGINEERING SCIENCES IN MEDICINE 2019; 43:10.1007/s13246-019-00820-y. [PMID: 31748969 DOI: 10.1007/s13246-019-00820-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The proliferation of digital radiography (DR) has led to a re-evaluation of exposure parameters and image quality. Currently, there is a move towards reducing X-ray tube voltage (kVp) in paediatric exposures down to 40 kVp to achieve better images. However, the effect on patient dose of these modifications is uncertain. The main aims of this phantom study were to evaluate the effect of reducing the kVp in paediatric limb DR exposures on contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and patient dose. For this purpose, Monte Carlo simulations of radiographic exposures on a paediatric limb phantom were performed. The phantom included muscle tissue and bone segments of five different densities in the range of 1.12 to 1.48 g/cm3. The overall thickness of the phantom varied between 1 and 12 cm. Dependence of the CNR at constant limb phantom muscle and bone doses and dependence of the CNR per unit of muscle and bone dose at constant detector dose on radiographic exposure factors and limb thickness were calculated. X-ray tube current-time product (mAs) values required to achieve equal detector dose versus limb thickness for different kVp were calculated, as well as muscle and bone doses for the limb phantom of varying thickness. Present work has shown that reducing the kVp in paediatric radiography of the extremities can result in a significant increase in radiation dose, particularly for thicker limbs. Low kVp radiography requires justification for use on the extremities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri V Matyagin
- South Australia Medical Imaging, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Port Road, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Donald W McRobbie
- South Australia Medical Imaging, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders Drive, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
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Steffensen C, Trypis G, Mander GTW, Munn Z. Effectiveness of adjusting radiographic technique parameters on image quality in direct digital radiography: a systematic review protocol. JBI DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS AND IMPLEMENTATION REPORTS 2019; 17:2165-2173. [PMID: 31305289 DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-2017-003888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review is to investigate the effectiveness of adjusting radiographic technique parameters on image quality of projectional radiographs acquired on a direct digital radiography system. INTRODUCTION Projectional radiography performed with direct digital detectors is now commonplace in many medical imaging departments across the world. While the acquisition technology has advanced, it appears that many sites have not optimized their radiographic technique factors for this new technology. The aim of this review is to uncover evidence to support the continued use of these traditional technique parameters or to suggest changes in clinical practice that would produce optimized results. INCLUSION CRITERIA The review will consider studies that include projectional radiographs acquired on a direct digital radiography system of the axial and appendicular skeleton. Only studies that investigate a human subject (living or post-mortem), or an anthropomorphic phantom will be included. Studies that directly investigate the effect of changing a technique parameter on the resultant image quality and the effect on patient dose will be included. METHODS A comprehensive search of both published and unpublished literature will be performed to uncover studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Studies will be screened for inclusion by two reviewers and disagreements resolved through discussion or with a third reviewer. Studies included in final analysis will be critically appraised for methodological quality. Data will be extracted by a single reviewer and checked by the author team for accuracy. Statistical meta-analysis and subgroup analyses will be performed as appropriate, and a Summary of Findings created. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO CRD42019137806.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Steffensen
- Philips Australia and New Zealand, Murrarie, Australia
- Joanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gregory Trypis
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, Australia
| | - Gordon T W Mander
- Joanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Medical Imaging, Toowoomba Hospital, Toowoomba, Australia
| | - Zachary Munn
- Joanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Dose reduction and image quality improvement of chest radiography by using bone-suppression technique and low tube voltage: a phantom study. Eur Radiol 2019; 30:571-580. [PMID: 31385049 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-019-06375-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To clarify the relationship between entrance surface dose (ESD) and physical image quality of original and bone-suppressed chest radiographs acquired using high and low tube voltages. METHODS An anthropomorphic chest phantom and a 12-mm diameter spherical simulated nodule with a CT value of approximately + 100 HU were used. The lung field in the chest radiograph was divided into seven areas, and the nodule was set in a total of 66 positions. A total of 264 chest radiographs were acquired using four ESD conditions: approximately 0.3 mGy at 140 and 70 kVp and approximately 0.2 and 0.1 mGy at 70 kVp. The radiographs were processed to produce bone-suppressed images. Differences in contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) values of the nodule between each condition and between the original and bone-suppressed images were analyzed by a two-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS In the areas not overlapping with the ribs, both contrast and CNR values were significantly increased with the bone-suppression technique (p < 0.01). In the bone-suppressed images, these values of the three conditions at 70 kVp were equal to or significantly higher than those of the condition at 140 kVp. There was no apparent decrease in these values between the ESD of approximately 0.3 and 0.1 mGy at 70 kVp. CONCLUSION By using the shortest exposure time and the lowest tube voltage possible not to increase in blurring artifact and image noise, it is possible to improve the image quality of bone-suppressed images and reduce the patient dose. KEY POINTS • The effectiveness of bone-suppression techniques differs in areas of lung field. • Image quality of bone-suppressed chest radiographs is improved by lower tube voltage. • Applying lower tube voltage to bone-suppressed chest radiographs leads to dose reduction.
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Koirala N, Chauhan N, Thompson D, Karimloo Z, Wunderle K, McLennan G. Quantification of Blood Flow in Dialysis Access Using Custom-Acquisition Protocol and Imaging Methods: A Clinical Validation Study. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2019; 30:1062-1068.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2018.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Takagi S, Yaegashi T, Ishikawa M. Relationship Between Tube Voltage and Physical Image Quality of Pulmonary Nodules on Chest Radiographs Obtained Using the Bone-Suppression Technique. Acad Radiol 2019; 26:e174-e179. [PMID: 30269955 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2018.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Image quality of chest radiographs is affected by tube voltage. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between tube voltage and physical image quality of pulmonary nodules on bone-suppressed chest radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS An anthropomorphic chest phantom and a spherical simulated nodule, with a 12-mm diameter and approximately +100 Hounsfield units were used. The lung field of the phantom was divided into three areas, based on the overlap with the ribs in the chest radiograph. Ten positions of the simulated nodule were defined in each area. One hundred and twenty chest radiographs were acquired using four tube voltages (70 kVp, 90 kVp, 110 kVp, and 130 kVp) for a total of 30 nodule positions and were processed to create bone-suppressed images. Differences in contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were analyzed for all pairs of the four tube voltages using a two-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS In the area not overlapping with ribs, a statistically significant difference was observed only in contrast between tube voltage of 70 kVp and 90 kVp (p = 0.01). In the area overlapping with one or two ribs, the contrast and CNR tended to be higher at a lower tube voltage. In particular, the p values between the contrast at 70 kVp and that at the other three tube voltage settings were less than 0.01. CONCLUSION For a relatively dense nodule, the contrast and CNR in the bone-suppressed chest radiograph were significantly improved with lower tube voltage in the lung field overlapping with the ribs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Takagi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Yaegashi
- Department of Radiology, Hokkaido Memorial Hospital of Urology, 1-25, Kita 41, Higashi 1, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 007-0841, Japan
| | - Masayori Ishikawa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan
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Ludes C, Labani A, Severac F, Jeung MY, Leyendecker P, Roy C, Ohana M. Ultra-low-dose unenhanced chest CT: Prospective comparison of high kV/low mA versus low kV/high mA protocols. Diagn Interv Imaging 2018; 100:85-93. [PMID: 30559037 DOI: 10.1016/j.diii.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To qualitatively and quantitatively compare unenhanced ultra-low-dose chest computed tomography (ULD-CT) acquired at 80kVp and 135kVp. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-one patients referred for unenhanced chest CT were prospectively included. There were 29 men and 22 women, with a mean age of 64.7±11.6 (SD) years (range: 35-91 years) and a mean body mass index of 26.2±6.3 (SD) (range: 17-54.9). All patients underwent two different ULD-CT protocols (80kVp-40mA and 135kVp-10mA). Image quality of both ULD-CT examinations using a 5-level scale as well as assessability of 6 predetermined lung parenchyma lesions were blindly evaluated by three radiologists and compared using a logistic regression model. Image noise of the two protocols was compared with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS The mean dose-length product at 80kVp and at 135kVp were 14.7±1.8 (SD) mGy.cm and 15.6±1.9 (SD) mGy.cm, respectively (P<0.001). Image noise was significantly lower at 135kVp (58.9±12.4) than at 80kVp (74.7±14.5) (P<0.001). For all readers and for all examinations, the 135kVp protocol yielded better image quality than 80kVp protocol, with a mean qualitative score of 4.5±0.7 versus 3.9±0.8 (P<0.001). The 135kVp protocol was significantly more often of diagnostic quality than the 80kvp protocol (92.3% versus 77.8%, respectively) (P<0.001) and was less prone to image quality deterioration in obese patients. Parenchymal lesions were never better depicted on the 80kVp protocol than with the 135kVp protocol. CONCLUSION Unenhanced chest ULD-CT should be acquired at a high kilovoltage and low current, such as 135kVp-10mA, over a low kilovoltage and high current protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ludes
- Department of Radiology B, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - A Labani
- Department of Radiology B, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - F Severac
- Department of Public Health, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; iCube Laboratory, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, UMR 7357, 67400 Illkirch, France
| | - M Y Jeung
- Department of Radiology B, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - P Leyendecker
- Department of Radiology B, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - C Roy
- Department of Radiology B, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - M Ohana
- Department of Radiology B, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; iCube Laboratory, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, UMR 7357, 67400 Illkirch, France.
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Body size and tube voltage-dependent guiding equations for optimal selection of image acquisition parameters in clinical X-ray imaging. Radiol Phys Technol 2018; 11:212-218. [PMID: 29667102 DOI: 10.1007/s12194-018-0457-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to present body size and tube voltage-dependent equations for optimal selection of image acquisition parameters in guiding clinical X-ray imaging. The dose output of X-ray tubes was expressed as a function of the image acquisition parameters of tube voltage (kVp), tube current-exposure time product (mAs), and body size (d). Dose power (n) to kVp was determined to be a linear function of body size in an earlier phantom study. Tube voltage-dependent attenuation coefficients of water were used to determine the kVp effect on the depth dose of X-rays from the body's entrance surface. The new expression for the dose output of X-ray tubes in patients was then employed for image quality and radiation dose optimization, assuming that image quality is a logistic function of the radiation dose to patients. For constant kVp, the percentage of mAs increase for a 1-cm increase in body size d is dependent on the kVp applied. For constant mAs, the percentage of kVp increase for a 1-cm increase in body size is dependent on both body size d and the kVp applied. For constant body size, the percentage of kVp increase should be a fraction of the percentage of decrease in the mAs, where the fraction is dependent on the body size. The improved body size and tube voltage-dependent governing equations for variations in X-ray imaging parameters should be more accurate in guiding optimal selection of the kVp and mAs image acquisition parameters in medical X-ray imaging.
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Energy-Specific Optimization of Attenuation Thresholds for Low-Energy Virtual Monoenergetic Images in Renal Lesion Evaluation. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2018; 210:W205-W217. [PMID: 29547057 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.17.18641] [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: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine in vitro and in vivo the optimal threshold for renal lesion vascularity at low-energy (40-60 keV) virtual monoenergetic imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS A rod simulating unenhanced renal parenchymal attenuation (35 HU) was fitted with a syringe containing water. Three iodinated solutions (0.38, 0.57, and 0.76 mg I/mL) were inserted into another rod that simulated enhanced renal parenchyma (180 HU). Rods were inserted into cylindric phantoms of three different body sizes and scanned with single- and dual-energy MDCT. In addition, 102 patients (32 men, 70 women; mean age, 66.8 ± 12.9 [SD] years) with 112 renal lesions (67 nonvascular, 45 vascular) measuring 1.1-8.9 cm underwent single-energy unenhanced and contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT. Optimal threshold attenuation values that differentiated vascular from nonvascular lesions at 40-60 keV were determined. RESULTS Mean optimal threshold values were 30.2 ± 3.6 (standard error), 20.9 ± 1.3, and 16.1 ± 1.0 HU in the phantom, and 35.9 ± 3.6, 25.4 ± 1.8, and 17.8 ± 1.8 HU in the patients at 40, 50, and 60 keV. Sensitivity and specificity for the thresholds did not change significantly between low-energy and 70-keV virtual monoenergetic imaging (sensitivity, 87-98%; specificity, 90-91%). The AUC from 40 to 70 keV was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.93-0.99) to 0.98 (95% CI, 0.95-1.00). CONCLUSION Low-energy virtual monoenergetic imaging at energy-specific optimized attenuation thresholds can be used for reliable characterization of renal lesions.
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