Routine isotropic computed tomography scanning of chest: value of coronal and sagittal reformations

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the usefulness of coronal and sagittal reformations from isotropic chest computed tomography (CT) examinations. METHODS: A total of 30 chest CT examinations were reconstructed into 2 sets of axial source images: 0.9-mm slice width with 0.45-mm reconstruction interval (isotropic) and 4-mm slices with 3-mm reconstruction interval. The isotropic dataset was reformatted into coronal and sagittal stacks with 4-mm slices. Three readers reviewed the image sets with 4-mm slice widths. Coronal and sagittal reformations were compared at the same sitting to axial images for depiction of anatomy and disease in the aorta, pulmonary arteries, hilar regions, mediastinum, lung parenchyma, pleura, diaphragm, thoracic spine, ribs, and trachea. A 5-point scale was used to determine whether nonaxial reformations showed anatomy and disease significantly better, somewhat better, same, somewhat worse or significantly worse than equivalent thickness axial source images. A 3-point scale was used to score if nonaxial image sets showed no, some, or significant additional information compared with the axial plane regarding the main diagnosis. RESULTS: There was better visualization of the hilar regions, diaphragm, spine, and trachea on the coronal reformations compared with source axial images (P < 0.05). Sagittal reformations scored better than axial source images for aorta, pleura, diaphragm, spine, and ribs (P < 0.05). The coronal and sagittal series showed significant additional information in 11% and 9% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Radiologists should consider the use of one or both of coronal and sagittal planes in addition to the axial series in routine interpretation of chest CT.     

Petrosal bone: coronal reconstructions from axial spiral CT data obtained with 0.5-mm collimation can replace direct coronal sequential CT scans.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether coronal multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images of the petrosal bone from axial spiral computed tomographic (CT) data obtained with 0.5-mm collimation can replace direct coronal sequential CT scans obtained with 0.5- or 1.0-mm collimation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The differences in diagnostic quality between thin-section coronal sequential CT scans of 24 petrosal bones in 12 patients and matched MPR images were assessed by five observers. The matched MPR images were calculated with both trilinear and tricubic interpolation. Image resolution was determined by measuring the three-dimensional point spread function. RESULTS: All observers preferred tricubically interpolated MPR images over trilinearly interpolated images. Subjective differences in image quality between direct coronal scans and matched tricubically interpolated MPR images were small. Only the direct coronal scans with the highest image quality (0.5-mm collimation, 465 mAs) were judged to be slightly better than the matched MPR images. With regard to direct coronal scans obtained at 245 mAs and/or 1.0-mm collimation, either there was no preference or the MPR images were preferred. CONCLUSION: Coronal MPR images from axial spiral CT obtained with 0.5-mm collimation can replace direct coronal sequential CT scans.     

Die Diagnostik der Stadien T1 und T2 des Larynxkarzinoms mit dem Mehrschicht-Spiral-CT

The purpose of the study was to preoperatively investigate small laryngeal carcinomas using multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) and subsequent multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) and to compare the results to the detailed spread found at surgery and histology. Nine patients with small (T1, T2) laryngeal cancer were investigated on a MSCT scanner (Siemens plus 4 Volume Zoom, Siemens). A 4 x 1 mm collimation, 120 kV, 200 mAs and a 0.5 seconds rotation time were used, allowing a coverage of the entire larynx in approximately 10 seconds within a single breathhold. Multiplanar reconstruction's (MPR) in sagittal and coronal plane were reconstructed in all patients and rated in consensus reading. In 8 of nine patients, the glottic spread was detected by MSCT, in one cause of a supraglottic tumor a glottic invasion was excluded. The infiltration of the anterior commissure, the infiltration into the subglottic space and the extension into the hypopharynx was correctly assessed in all patients. MSCT was not able to predict infiltration of the arythnoids in two patients. The use of multi-slice spiral CT for the preoperative assessment of small laryngeal tumors shows great promise. The detection or exclusion of subtle spread of these tumors into the supra- or subglottic space and along the glottic level was possible with high accuracy. As the examination time is short, artifacts are rare and multiplanar reconstructions gain in clinical importance.     

Detection of pulmonary embolism using 16-slice multidetector-row computed tomography: evaluation of different image reconstruction parameters

OBJECTIVE: To compare different image reconstruction parameters for detecting emboli of the pulmonary arteries according to anatomic levels using 16-slice multidetector-row computed tomography in patients suspected of having an acute pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS: Sixty-two patients (33 male and 29 female) with a clinically suspected acute PE were included in the present study. Multidetector-row computed tomography scans were performed using 16-mmx0.75-mm collimation. Based on the computed tomography data set, different image reconstruction parameters were used for each patient: axial slice thicknesses (STs) of 0.75, 2, 4, and 6 mm; axial maximum intensity projection (MIP) STs of 4 mm; and coronal STs of 2 and 4 mm. In joint reading fashion, 2 experienced radiologists reviewed examination findings regarding the presence and/or absence of a PE. The reference standard for visualization and detection of PEs was defined using the axial images with a 0.75-mm ST. RESULTS: In 23 of 62 patients, a PE was diagnosed. For main and lobar pulmonary arteries, the sensitivities and specificities were as follows: axial 2-mm images, 1.0/1.0; axial 4-mm images, 1.0/1.0; axial 6-mm images, 0.97/0.99; MIP 4-mm images, 0.95/0.99; coronal 2-mm images, 1.0/1.0; and coronal 4-mm images, 1.0/1.0. Regarding segmental and subsegmental pulmonary arteries, sensitivity and specificity varied: axial 2-mm images, 0.97/1.0; axial 4-mm images, 0.81/0.99; axial 6-mm images, 0.65/0.99; axial MIP 4-mm images, 0.63/0.99; coronal 2-mm images, 0.91/0.99; and coronal 4-mm images, 0.74/0.99. CONCLUSIONS: In detecting segmental and subsegmental PEs, only the axial images with an ST of 2 mm proved to have results comparable with the axial 0.75-mm images. Therefore, thin-slice collimation and ST are mandatory for visualization of segmental and subsegmental PEs in patients suspected of having an acute PE.     

Value of axial and coronal maximum intensity projection (MIP) images in the detection of pulmonary nodules by multislice spiral CT: comparison with axial 1-mm and 5-mm slices

The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of non-overlapping 10-mm axial and coronal maximum intensity projections (MIP) in comparison with standard axial 1-mm and 5-mm slices in the detection of pulmonary nodules. Sixty patients with suspected nodules who underwent multislice spiral CT of the chest were evaluated. Axial 1-mm and 5-mm slices as well as non-overlapping 10-mm axial/coronal MIPs were interpreted independently by three blinded radiologists. After initial review, a retrospective consensus session was performed for agreement on final nodule counts using the axial 1-mm slices as gold standard. Small nodules of less than 5 mm in size were most accurately detected by the axial MIPs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of these small nodules showed that 5-mm slices were not capable of a statistically significant differentiation of nodules from other focal lesions in two observers (p=0.034 and p=0.012, respectively) whereas 1-mm slices and coronal/axial MIPs did allow a statistically significant differentiation in all observers (p<0.001). Nodules larger than 5 mm were equally well depicted with all modalities. Non-overlapping 10-mm axial MIPs improve the accuracy in the detection of small pulmonary nodules.     

Breast mass assessment on chest CT: Axial,sagittal, coronal or maximal intensity projection?

ObjectivesThe goal of this work is to determine the optimal projection to detect breast masses on Chest CT.MethodsInstitutional Review Board (HIPPA compliant) approval was obtained with a waiver of consent. 10 image pairs of Chest CT images containing breast masses were selected for review by 10 chest radiologists: the pairs consisted of axial, sagittal, coronal and axial MIP images (MIP images) with each projection compared to a MIP and with one another. For each pair, the image where the mass was most conspicuous was recorded.ResultsMIPs were preferred to any cross sectional projection 82% of the time; sagittal (63%) or coronal (63%) images were preferred to the axial projection. When sagittal and coronal images were compared there was no preference.ConclusionsMIP images should be obtained and reviewed for breast pathology; sagittal or coronal projections may provide additional information.     

多层螺旋CT对椎体后缘软骨结节的诊断

目的:探讨椎体后缘软骨结节在多层螺旋CT(MSCT)的表现及特点,提高对该病变的显示及诊断率。方法:25例椎体后缘软骨结节进行螺旋CT扫描、薄层重建后再进行轴位、矢状及冠状面重建,分析比较几种重建方法对椎体后缘软骨结节的显示效果。结果:轴位重建清晰显示腰椎体后缘骨质缺损、游离骨块及合并相应水平椎间盘突出情况;矢状位重建是对轴位重建的良好补充,并可以较好显示相应水平硬膜囊受压情况;冠状位重建对显示椎体后缘骨缺损及游离骨块也有一定帮助。结论:多层螺旋CT及多平面重建(MPR)在椎体后缘软骨结节的影像学诊断中具有重要意义。     

Role of coronal oblique reconstruction as a complement to CT study of the temporal bone: normal anatomy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the usefulness of coronal oblique multiplanar reconstruction computed tomography (MPR CT) reformation parallel to the basal turn of the cochlea in the evaluation of the retrotympanum and hypotympanum to complete the standard CT examination of the temporal bone obtained with axial and coronal images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 30 patients aged 18-79 years for a total of 60 normal petrous pyramids. All examinations were performed on a multislice CT (MSCT) scanner (Sensation 16, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) with axial volumetric acquisition and completed with reformations of coronal and coronal-oblique images. MSCT scan parameters for axial acquisition were set as follows: 0.75-mm scan collimation, FOV 300 mm, 170 mAs. Axial images were reconstructed at 0.7-mm thickness and with a reconstruction increment of 0.5 mm using a high-resolution bone algorithm. RESULTS: Coronal oblique MPR CT reformations provided additional information with respect to standard CT images in all cases. In particular, they enabled measurement of the craniocaudal and laterolateral diameters of the sinus tympani. In all cases, there was optimal visualisation of the ponticulus and subiculum. Analysis of the pyramidal eminence was improved thanks to its visualisation in profile. Moreover, we obtained an optimal representation of the hypotympanum, which was always exhaustively explored with only one reconstruction. Finally, in all cases, it was possible to identify the facial nerve canal and main vascular structures and to measure the distance between these and the sinus tympani, pyramidal eminence and hypotympanum. The coronal oblique CT reformation was of no advantage in the evaluation of the fossa of the oval window and the niche of the round window. CONCLUSIONS: Coronal oblique MPR CT reformation should not be considered an alternative to the standard CT examination, but it can represent a valid integration to provide additional information on particularly crucial districts characterised by frequent involvement of inflammatory and/or expansile disease and because of their difficult endoscopic approach. Moreover, it can represent a meaningful aid to optimise surgical planning thanks to its different perspectives of observation.     

Direct visualization of perforation sites in patients with a non-traumatic free pneumoperitoneum: added diagnostic value of thin transverse slices and coronal and sagittal reformations for multi-detector CT

The incremental diagnostic value of adding 1.25-mm slices and coronal and sagittal reformatting to 5-mm axial reconstructions for direct visualization of the perforation site in patients with non-traumatic free pneumoperitoneum was assessed. Forty patients with non-traumatic bowel perforation and free pneumoperitoneum underwent computed tomography (CT). The perforation was gastroduodenal in 18 patients and involved the small or large bowel in 22 patients. Transverse scans were reconstructed with 5-mm thick sections at 5-mm intervals and 1.25-mm-thick sections at 1.25-mm intervals. The second data set was reformatted coronally and sagittaly with 3-mm-thick sections at 3-mm intervals. Three independent blinded readers interpreted 5-mm transverse scans, then combined 1.25-mm and 5-mm-transverse scans, and then combined transverse, coronal and sagittal scans. The rate of identification of the perforation site ranged from 43% to 53% with the combined axial, sagittal and coronal scans, from 28% to 48% with the 1.25- and 5-mm transverse scans, and from 5% to 20% only with the 5-mm thick transverse scans. The agreement between readers was significantly higher with thin slices and reformatting. The use of 1.25-mm axial slices and reformations intrinsically contained more useful diagnostic information than 5-mm axial slices alone for diagnosis of the perforation site in patients with pneumoperitoneum.     

Comparison of quality of multiplanar reconstructions and direct coronal multidetector CT scans of the lung

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of coronal multiplanar reconstructions with the quality of direct coronal thin-section multidetector CT (MDCT) scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Axial multidetector CT (MDCT) scans were obtained through the entire lung in 10 normal autopsy lung specimens using an MDCT scanner. Four protocols were used: 0.5-mm collimation with a 0.5-mm reconstruction interval; 0.5-mm collimation with a 0.3-mm reconstruction interval; 1-mm collimation with a 0.5-mm reconstruction interval; and 2-mm collimation with a 1-mm reconstruction interval. Multiplanar reconstruction images with 0.5-mm slice thickness were obtained from the four types of data sets. Direct coronal thin-section CT of the same 10 autopsy lung specimens was performed using 0.5-mm scan collimation, a 0.3-mm reconstruction interval, a 25.6-cm field of view, and a 512 x 512 matrix. Two independent observers compared the image quality of each of the four coronal multiplanar reconstruction sets with that of direct coronal thin-section CT scans. The observers analyzed visualization of anatomic features and artifacts. RESULTS: The total image quality of the multiplanar reconstructions obtained from 0.5-mm collimation data with or without 0.3-mm overlapping reconstruction was equal to that of direct coronal thin-section CT scans in all 20 interpretations. The image quality of multiplanar reconstruction images from 0.5-mm collimation data either with or without overlapping reconstruction was superior to multiplanar reconstruction images obtained from 1- or 2-mm collimation scans (p < 0.01, Fisher's exact test). Stairstep artifacts in multiplanar reconstructions using 0.5-mm collimation without overlapping reconstruction were equal to those with overlapping reconstruction and were fewer than those on 1- or 2-mm collimation (p < 0.01, Mann-Whitney U test). CONCLUSION: The image quality of coronal multiplanar reconstructions from isotropic voxel data obtained using 0.5-mm collimation, with or without overlapping reconstruction, is similar to that of direct coronal thin-section CT scans.     

Multi slice computed tomography in the study of pulmonary metastases

Purpose

This study was undertaken to assess the performance of 16-slice computed tomography (MSCT) using Multi-Planar Reformatting (MPR), Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP) and Volume Rendering (VR) reconstructions to study pulmonary metastases.

Materials and methods

CT studies of 32 patients with pulmonary metastases were retrospectively reviewed. Images were assessed for the following parameters: number, size, location, distribution of the nodules and the presence of the “mass-vessel sign”. These parameters were evaluated by two observers on axial-source images and on MPR, MIP and VR reconstructions. Sensitivity of each reconstruction and interobserver agreement were calculated.

Results

Two-dimensional (2D) axial images and MIP and VR reconstructions exhibited 100% sensitivity for lesions >10 mm. For nodules 6–10 mm, sensitivity was 49%–55% for the 2D images, 90% for MIP and 80%–85% for VR reconstructions. For metastasis ≤5 mm, sensitivity was 22% for 2D images, 87%–89% for MIP and 55%–58% for VR reconstructions. Coronal and sagittal MPR, MIP and VR did not improve the detection rate compared with the corresponding axial images. MIP and VR provided overlapping results in detecting the “mass-vessel sign”.

Conclusions

MIP are the most sensitive reconstructions for detecting small pulmonary nodules.     

多层螺旋CT在颌骨牙齿显示中的临床价值初步探讨

目的：探讨多层螺旋CT（16层）三维（3D）重建技术在显示颌骨牙齿中的临床应用价值。方法：23例患者行多层螺旋CT轴位扫描，层厚2．5mm。采用最大密度投影法（MIP），表面遮盖显示（SSD）和多平面重建法（加艰）3种方式重建图像。将横轴位图像与不同方法重建的图像进行对比。结果：17例不易定位的埋伏阻生牙及多生牙在上颌骨中的位置、数目、牙轴的方向、牙体形态等，均被清晰、准确地显示出来。23例中17例见牙体长轴排列不整齐，倾斜、旋转、重叠，牙齿长轴间距离不等，其中15例共有23颗埋伏牙。横轴位图像能包括全部信息。SSD可以显示牙齿与颌骨的外部轮廓、整体形态以及牙齿排列与颌骨之间的关系。MIP能清楚显示牙齿全貌、牙齿纵向排列关系；MPR则对根尖骨质、根尖与牙槽骨的局部关系显示更清晰。结论：多层螺旋Cr3D重建技术是一种能展示牙齿立体形态影像的新技术。轴位图像、MIP、SSD及MPR联合应用能明确病变性质，立体、直观、多方位提供信息。3D重建技术对埋伏阻生牙及多生牙的定位精确，能清晰显示其形态、唇颊侧或舌侧位置、萌出方向及邻牙关系，3D重建技术可作为颌面外科处理和正畸治疗前的重要检查手段。     

多层螺旋CT在胃癌诊断中的应用

目的:评价多层螺旋CT检查及后处理技术在胃癌诊断中的应用.方法:40例经手术病理证实的胃癌患者行多层螺旋CT(MSCT)平扫、三期增强扫描和图像后处理,包括多平面重组(MPR)、最大密度投影(MIP)、表面遮盖显示(SSD)、透明法(Raysum)和仿真内镜(CTVE)检查,结合轴面图像和所有重组图像由两位有经验的CT诊断医师进行CT诊断及胃癌的术前评估分期,同时与手术病理结果进行对照.结果:40例胃癌患者MSCT诊断结果与胃镜诊断结果完全一致,与手术病理诊断符合率为100%.结论:MSCT对胃癌的诊断有其独特的优越性,很有必要广泛应用于临床.在MSCT的诊断分析中,应当把原始轴面图像、三维重组图像及CTVE图像充分结合,提高早期胃癌的检出率.     

Flat-panel-detector-based volumetric CT: performance evaluation of imaging for skeletal structures of small animals in comparison to multislice CT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the image performance of silicon-based flat-panel-detector-based volumetric computed tomography (fpVCT) to multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) for the visualization and detail detectability of skeletal structures in rodents of different development stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rodents of different development stages were imaged with fpVCT (GE prototype with circular gantry with two 1024 x 1024, 200-microm pixel size, amorphous silicon/Cesium lodid (Csl) flat-panel detector) and eight-slice MSCT (LightSpeed Ultra). Imaging parameters (80 kVp, 100 mA) and the position of the rodents were identical in both techniques. Image quality, detail detectability, and contour of skeletal structures were judged by two observers in consensus using a 4-point scale (1 = unsatisfactory...4 = good). Findings were displayed and evaluated in axial slices, multiplanar reconstructions (MPR), maximum intensity projections (MIP) and volume rendering technique (VRT) in both modalities. Mean and standard of error of mean were calculated. RESULTS: In axial slices, visualization and detail detectability of very subtle skeletal structures, e.g., the basis of the skull was better in fpVCT than in MSCT (4 vs. 2 points). The MPRs of fpVCT showed less artifacts and more details than those of the MSCT. The MIPs and VRTs of the fpVCT demonstrated best image quality in all rodents of different development stages, whereas MSCT showed significant artifacts. CONCLUSION: fpVCT outperformed MSCT in imaging of small rodents. Due to the truly isotropic volume data set with high spatial resolution, fpVCT is a powerful tool in evaluating detailed skeletal structures.     

Coronal thick CT reconstruction: an alternative for initial chest radiography in trauma patients

It has been proposed that the imaging workup of trauma patients be accelerated by omitting the initial chest radiography (CR) and directly performing a computed tomography (CT); however, the baseline CR is then lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess if coronal thick reconstructions generated from chest CT could present an adequate alternative for CR. Sixty trauma patients underwent bedside CR and multidetector row chest CT in the emergency room. The image quality of thoracic anatomical structures, the diagnostic accuracy for chest pathology, and the depiction of indwelling devices were assessed on both modalities. Main pulmonary arteries and perihilar bronchi were equally visualized with both modalities. Central bronchi, retrocardial lung parenchyma, diaphragm, descending aorta, and vertebral pedicles were better visualized on thick CT reconstructions, whereas peripheral lung vessels were better depicted on CR (p<0.05). The accuracy to delineate various pathological findings did not differ between both modalities, except for a higher sensitivity to diagnose bronchial cuffing on CR (p<0.05). The location of indwelling devices was similarly and correctly depicted with both modalities. Coronal thick CT reconstructions provide a similar image quality and diagnostic accuracy compared with CR. These reconstructions may serve as an equivalent baseline image in trauma patients in whom emergency radiological evaluation has to be accelerated.     

Multislice computed tomography of the sternum: which image reconstruction do we need?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic value and to optimize image reconstruction for multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) of the sternum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients underwent MSCT of the sternum using a standardized examination protocol (4x1 mm or 4x2.5 mm collimation; 120 kV, 120 mAseff). Axial images with an effective slice thickness of 1.25 mm or 3 mm and an increment of 0.8 mm or 1 mm were reconstructed. Coronal and sagittal reformations with a slice thickness between 2 mm or 3 mm and 5 mm and a slice distance ranging from 1 mm to 4 mm (overlap 1 mm) were calculated. In all patients, additional plain film radiographs (n=9) or clinical follow-up data were available. Image quality was assessed visually using a five-point grading scale. RESULTS: In all patients, the correct diagnosis was established using multiplanar reformats (MPR) exclusively. Best image quality for MPR was achieved using a slice thickness of 3 mm and a slice distance of 2 mm. Images acquired with a 4x1 mm collimation proved superior to images reconstructed from data obtained with a 4x2.5 mm collimation. CONCLUSION: MPR from MSCT data are a valuable tool for the diagnosis of sternal pathologies. For best image quality the thinnest possible collimation should be chosen.     

Coronal multiplanar reconstruction view from isotropic voxel data sets obtained with multidetector-row CT: assessment of detection and size of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes

OBJECTIVE: To assess the detection and size of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes by multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) view from isotropic voxel data sets obtained with multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thin-section CT of 27 patients with mediastinal or hilar lymph node swelling was obtained with a 25.6-cm FOV, 512 x 512 matrix, and two protocols: A) 0.5-mm collimation, 0.3-mm interval, and B) 2-mm collimation, 1-mm interval. MPR views with a 0.5-mm slice thickness were obtained from these two data sets. Postcontrast axial CT used 5-mm collimation (set C). Two observers evaluated the presence and cranio-caudal length of swollen lymph nodes. Two other board-certified chest radiologists evaluated all three sets and established a gold standard by consensus. RESULTS: The accuracy of detection was 76%, 73%, and 68% for sets A, B, and C, respectively. There was a significant difference between sets A and C (McNemar's test: p<0.05) but not between sets A and B or B and C (p>0.05). The cranio-caudal length of lymph nodes was significantly correlated with the gold standard only in set A (Pearson's correlation coefficient: r=0.53, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Non-contrast enhanced coronal MPR views constructed from isotropic voxel data sets may be substituted for axial enhanced CT for the evaluation of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes.     

颞骨平行枕眶线多层螺旋CT扫描法及其价值

目的:探讨以平行枕眶线扫描图像为基础的常规轴位和冠状位MPR图像是否能够取代直接轴位和冠状位图像。方法:三位医师分别观察50例颞骨CT扫描图像,分析直接常规轴位(25例)、冠状位(25例)CT扫描图像和其相应的常规轴位、冠状位MPR图像显示颞骨结构的差异。结果:所有观察者均认为直接常规轴位、冠状位CT扫描图像略优于相应的轴位、冠状位MPR图像。直接轴位、冠状位CT扫描图像和相应的轴位、冠状位MPR图像的质量差异较小。结论:以平行枕眶线扫描图像为基础的常规轴位和冠状位MPR图像可取代直接轴位和冠状位扫描图像。     

Assessment of vascular invasion in pancreatic head cancer with multislice spiral CT: value of multiplanar reconstructions

The use of multiplanar reconstructions (MPRs) generated from multislice spiral CT (MSCT) data sets in the preoperative assessment of vascular invasion in pancreatic cancer was evaluated. Forty patients underwent biphasic high-resolution MSCT prior to surgery for pancreatic head cancer. Image reconstruction included thin-slice axial, sagittal and coronal MPRs as well as an MPR perpendicular to the course of a major peripancreatic vessel in proximity to the tumor. CT criteria for vascular invasion were: (1) circumferential involvement >180° and (2) vessel narrowing. Imaging findings of 52 vessels were correlated with surgical and histopathological reports. Regarding the CT criterion circumferential involvement, vascular invasion was demonstrated on axial MPRs with a sensitivity and specificity of 58 and 97%. For the assessment with coronal and sagittal MPRs sensitivity was only 47%. Vascular invasion was recognized best on perpendicular MPRs with a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 74, 97 and 88%, respectively. Vessel narrowing was a less reliable CT criterion for vascular invasion, mainly due to the lower specificity of 91% obtained with each available MPR. Thin-slice MPRs oriented perpendicularly to a possibly invaded vessel exactly depict the grade of circumferential involvement and thus have the capability to improve the assessment of vascular invasion in pancreatic cancer.     

MRI of the inner ear: comparison of axial T2-weighted, three-dimensional turbo spin-echo images, maximum-intensity projections, and volume rendering

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the ability of axial T2-weighted, three-dimensional, turbo spin-echo (3D TSE) images, targeted maximum-intensity projections (MIPs), and 3D volume reconstructions to depict anatomic details of the labyrinth. METHODS: In 24 volunteers, 3D TSE images were obtained. MIPs and 3D volume reconstructions were performed from the acquired data. All images were evaluated by three radiologists independently regarding the visualization of the different anatomic structures. RESULTS: In the axial slices, most anatomic details were visible in comparison with observations by the other modalities. The 2.5 windings of the cochlea were best depicted on the MIPs. Volume reconstructions rendered excellent spatial information regarding the vestibule and semicircular canals and were the only technique that demonstrated all three ampullae in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Axial TSE images, MIPs, and 3D volume reconstructions are complementary modalities that provide different information. Our results suggest that improved diagnostic information can be obtained by applying these volume visualization reconstruction techniques.