低浓度低剂量对比剂宝石能谱CT肺动脉成像的初步研究

目的:探讨应用低浓度、低剂量对比剂宝石能谱CT肺动脉成像的可行性.方法:60例临床拟诊为肺动脉栓塞(PE)的患者随机分成两组,每组30例,行CT肺动脉血管成像(CTPA)检查.A组为常规组,使用浓度为370 mg I/mL的对比剂碘帕醇,用量为60 mL,扫描管电压为120 kVp.B组为能谱组,使用浓度为300 mg I/mL的对比剂碘帕醇,用量为20 mL,扫描方式为能谱模式(GSI).比较常规组和能谱最佳单能量组肺动脉CT值、图像背景噪声、信噪比(SNR)、对比噪声比(CNR)、CT剂量指数(CTDIvol)、剂量长度乘积(DLP)、有效辐射剂量(ED)及图像质量主观评分的差异.结果:B组肺动脉最佳单能量图像能量水平集中在63～68 keV.能谱组(7.5g)较常规组(24.0g)所用的碘总量明显下降,两组差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).能谱最佳单能量组图像质量与常规组CTPA相比,两者肺动脉CT值、图像噪声、SNR、CNR、DLP、ED以及主观评分之间差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论:宝石能谱CT低浓度、低剂量对比剂CTPA检查,在降低人体碘摄入量的同时,能达到与常规120 kVp结合高浓度、常规剂量对比剂相当的图像质量,且辐射剂量未增加.     

血透通路CT血管成像:80 kV联合低对比剂剂量的可行性

目的 探讨低管电压联合低对比剂剂量扫描技术在上肢血透通路CT血管成像中的可行性.方法 40例体重指数(BMI)≤25 kg/m2的维持性血透患者纳入研究,按检查时间顺序分2组,前20例为A组,80 kVp方案扫描,碘对比剂用量为0.42 gI/kg,后20例为B组,120 kVp方案扫描,对比剂用量为0.525 gI/kg.测量肱骨中段、肘关节以及尺桡骨中段处目标血管和周围肌肉的感兴趣区(ROI) CT值,计算图像的信噪比(SNR)和对比噪声比(CNR),同时记录容积CT剂量指数(CTDIvol)与剂量长度乘积(DLP).2位放射科医师对原始图像和重建图像进行主观质量评分.结果 A组血管区平均CT值(444.65±75.76)HU,显著高于B组的(278.20±42.95)HU(t =7.70,P ＜0.05);A组肌肉区CT值(57.05±7.71)HU,显著高于B组的(51.55±5.81)HU(t=2.325,P ＜0.05);2组间SNR和CNR未见统计学差异.A组的CTDIvol和DLP [(2.87±0.37)mGy,(196.44±28.83) mGy· cm]均显著小于B组(7.86 ±1.61)mGy,(521.14±101.73) mGy· cm(t=-12.380、-12.636,P＜0.05).2位医师主观评分具有较好的一致性(K =0.76,P＜0.05).结论 对于BMI≤25 kg/m2患者,80 kV联合低对比剂剂量成像方案可以获得良好上肢血透通路CTA成像.     

低浓度对比剂联合低电压和迭代重建算法在320排CT冠状动脉成像中的应用

目的 探讨低浓度对比剂联合低电压和迭代重建算法行320排CT冠状动脉成像的可行性.方法 选取心率≤70次/min、心律规则的60例患者,随机分为A、B2组,各30例,A组管电压120 kVp,370 mg I/mL对比剂,滤波反投影算法(FBP)重建;B组管电压100 kVp,270 mg I/mL对比剂,自适应迭代剂量减低算法(AIDR 3D)重建.采用双盲法评价2组间冠状动脉各节段图像质量的差异,比较2组兴趣区增强CT值、噪声(SD)、信噪比(SNR)、对比噪声比(CNR)、剂量长度乘积(DLP)和有效辐射剂量(ED)的差异.结果 60例检查成功率为100％.注射对比剂时患者有明显热感者B组(4/30)明显低于A组(25/30).主观评价2组间可诊断的节段差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).2组兴趣区增强CT值差异无统计学意义,但SD、SNR以及CNR均有显著差异(P＜0.05).2组间DLP和ED差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),B组较A组降低约50％.结论 采用低浓度对比剂(270 mg I/mL)联合低电压(100 kVp)和迭代重建算法(AIDR 3D)在320排CT冠状动脉血管成像中能获得满意的诊断图像,且患者舒适度好,并能有效降低辐射剂量.     

双能量CT低剂量成像结合迭代重建技术在超重者冠状动脉成像中的研究

目的 探讨低剂量双能量CT结合迭代重建技术在超重者冠状动脉血管成像中的价值.方法 对60例受检者行双能量CT低剂量成像,因重建方法分为A组(FBP法),B组(SAFIRE法),同时将单能谱keV分为6个水平(65、70、75、80、85、90 keV).采用随机区组设计的方差分析比较不同单能谱keV水平各指标,选择最佳keY;比较最佳keV水平的A、B组间CT值、噪声(SD)、信噪比(SNR)、对比噪声比(CNR)及图像评分等.结果 60例受检者不同keV水平主动脉(左冠状动脉开口处)CT值、SD、SNR、CNR的差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);B组SNR值及CNR值显著高于A组,SD值显著低于A组,差异有统计学意(P＜0.05);B组中节段评分为优的血管节段比例高,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).辐射剂量指标剂量长度乘积(DLP)为(238.7±30.82) mGy· cm,有效剂量(ED)为(3.3±0.43) mSv.结论 在低剂量冠状动脉CT血管成像(CTA)的双能量扫描中,使用迭代重建算法结合最佳单能量谱成像能够提高图像质量,其中75 keV为最佳纯化单能谱图像.     

能谱单能量结合低剂量对比剂与常规CT增强扫描在门静脉成像中的对比研究

目的:探讨能谱单能量(60 keV)结合低剂量对比剂方案在门静脉成像中的应用价值.方法:将50例行腹部CT增强的患者随机分为A、B两组(每组各25例),均采用非离子型对比剂优维显370(370 mg I/mL).A组行宝石能谱成像(GSI)扫描(60 keV),对比剂用量为0.9 mL/kg;B组行常规CT增强扫描(120 kVp),对比剂用量1.3 mL/kg.采用独立样本t检验对A、B两组的门静脉CT值、噪声、肝内、外门静脉对比噪声比(CNR)、主观质量评分、容积CT剂量指数(CTDIvol)及有效辐射量(ED)进行统计学分析.结果:A组的门静脉主干、左支及右支的CT值均高于B组(P均＜0.05);A组的门静脉主干、左支及右支的噪声均低于B组(P均＜0.05);A组的肝内门静脉CNR高于B组(P＝0.03＜0.05);A、B组肝外门静脉CNR无统计学差异(P＝0.90＞0.05).A组的主观评分(4.49±0.64)稍高于B组(4.35±0.65),但两组间差异无统计学意义(P＝0.41).A、B组的CTDIvol及ED均无统计学差异(P＝0.12,P=0.58),A组的对比剂碘摄入量[(23.06±3.18)g]较B组[(30.49±4.99) g]约较少25％ (P＜0.001).结论:在辐射量相当的条件下,单能量GSI结合低剂量对比剂在门静脉成像中优于常规CT增强扫描,且对比剂碘摄入量减少约25％.     

能谱 CT 冠状动脉成像中双低技术的应用研究

目的：探讨能谱 CT 低辐射剂量结合低浓度对比剂在冠状动脉血管成像中的应用。方法60例疑诊冠心病患者随机分为 A、B 2组,每组30例。A 组使用350 mg I/mL 对比剂、行常规 CT 扫描,B 组使用300 mg I/mL 对比剂、行宝石能谱低剂量 CT扫描。均采用前瞻性心电门控扫描模式。扫描后 A 组常规重建40%ASiR 序列,B 组重建单能量65 keV、40%ASiR 序列轴面图像,传入 AW4.6工作站重建分析。由2名有经验的医师进行双盲法主观评分;测量主动脉窦部(AS)、左主干(LMA)、左前降支近端(LAD-p)、左回旋支近端(LCX-p)、右冠状动脉近端(RCA-p)CT 值,AS 的噪声(SD)、心包内脂肪 CT 值及 SD,计算信噪比(SNR)、对比噪声比(CNR)。记录 CTDI、DLP,计算有效辐射剂量(ED)。记录碘摄入量。采用两独立样本 t 检验比较2组患者的ED、碘摄入量、平均 CT 值、SD、SNR、CNR。结果2组间图像质量主观评分差异和冠状动脉测量段 CT 值差异均无统计学意义。B 组的 ED 较 A 组降低约29%,差异有统计学意义。碘摄入量 B 组较 A 组减少了约16%。结论冠状动脉 CT 血管成像时,应用能谱低辐射剂量扫描,重建最佳单能量图像,能有效降低辐射剂量和碘摄入量,可获得与常规扫描相当的图像质量。     

128MSCT应用三低技术结合iDose~4在肺动脉成像的研究

目的探讨128MSCT应用三低技术结合iDose~4在肺动脉成像的可行性。方法对体质量指数正常疑似肺动脉栓塞60例患者行CT肺动脉血管成像(CTPA)检查,随机分两组,各30例,其中常规剂量组(A组)采用120kV、200mAs,370mgI/ml对比剂60ml,重建图像采用滤波反投影(FBP)技术;实验组(B组)采用80kVp、80mAs,300mgI/ml对比剂35ml,重建图像分别采用iDose~4(B1组)及FBP技术(B2组);记录各组的CT容积剂量指数(CTDIvol)、剂量长度乘积(DLP)、有效剂量(ED)、背景噪声(BN)、肺动脉强化CT平均值(SIvessel)、肺动脉噪声比(SNR)和对比信噪比(CNR)。各组结果采用ANOVA单因素方差分析,组内两两比较采用LSD法,主观图像质量评分比较采用秩和检验。结果 A及B1组图像均满足诊断要求,且两组图像噪声、SNR、CNR、图像总体质量比较差异,无统计学意义(P 0. 05)。B组较A组的ED值、对比剂总碘量分别下降了76. 2%及52. 7%。结论 128MSCT应用三低技术结合iDose~4行肺动脉CTPA检查是可行和有效的,同时降低了患者的辐射剂量及对比剂量的碘摄入量,具有较高的临床应用价值。     

低管电压结合 ASIR 重建对腹部 CT 图像质量的影响：体模研究

目的：探讨低管电压结合自适应统计性迭代重建(ASIR)对仿真模体腹部CT图像质量的影响。方法对仿真模体从噪声指数(NI)=6到 NI=15间隔为1的10个 NI 进行80 kVp 扫描,50% ASIR,测量每次扫描的肝脏标准差(SD),做出 SD 与 NI 的关系图,并在图中找出 SD=10 HU 时所对应的 NI 值。然后利用此 NI 值、50% ASIR 进行20组80 kVp 扫描,利用 NI=10、滤波反投影重建(FBP)进行20组120 kVp 扫描,以此分为 A 组、B 组。比较 A 组和 B 组的 CTDIVOL 、DLP、对比噪声比(CNR)、信噪比(SNR)、质量因数(FOM);对比2组的图像质量评分。结果① A 组的 CTDIVOL 、DLP 分别为(3.96±0.04)mGy、(57.89±0.57)mGy/cm,B 组的 CTDIVOL 、DLP 分别为(6.85±0.66)mGy、(100.12±0.96)mGy/cm,A 组与 B 组差异具有显著统计学意义(P <0.01);②A 组的图像质量评分为4.15±0.59,B 组的图像质量评分为3.85±0.59,A 组与 B 组差异没有统计学意义(P >0.05);③A 组肝脏 CNR、SNR、FOM 分别为11.70±1.42、8.03±0.93、35.04±8.88,B 组肝脏 CNR、SNR、FOM 分别为6.70±0.66、6.87±0.66、6.62±1.32;A 组脾脏 CNR、SNR、FOM 分别为11.39±1.38、7.72±0.91、33.22±8.47,B 组脾脏 CNR、SNR、FOM 分别为6.84±6.53、7.00±0.67、6.89±1.34;A 组胰腺 CNR、SNR、FOM 分别为7.61±0.98、3.95±0.51、14.89±4.03,B 组胰腺 CNR、SNR、FOM 分别为3.31±0.31、3.56±0.30、2.41±5.33;A 组与 B 组 CNR、FOM 差异均具有显著统计学意义(P <0.01),A 组与 B 组间 SNR 差异均具有统计学意义(P <0.05)。结论低管电压结合 ASIR 仿真模体腹部 CT 成像不但可以降低辐射剂量,而且提高了图像质量。     

TrueFidelity深度学习图像重组技术在儿童副鼻窦超低剂量CT检查中的初步应用研究

目的 探讨TrueFidelity深度学习重组(DLIR)技术在儿童副鼻窦超低剂量CT检查中的价值。方法 回顾性分析因鼻窦炎或鼻部外伤行CT扫描患儿50例的资料,实验组(A组)25例采用100 kVp扫描,Smart mA 60～250 mA,前置多模型自适应统计迭代重组(ASIR-V)权重70%,DLIR图像重组,重组强度分别为高级、中级和低级;对照组(B组)25例采用100 kVp扫描,Smart mA 60～250 mA,前置ASIR-V权重30%,后置ASIR-V重组,重组权重选择70%。比较两组的辐射剂量常、图像噪声、信噪比(SNR)、对比噪声比(CNR)及主观评分。辐射剂量记录剂量长度乘积(DLP)值,并计算有效辐射剂量(ED)值。结果 A、B两组ED差异有统计学意义,A组辐射剂量较B组明显降低(t_DLP=-34.56,t_ED=-23.00,P<0.05),A组DLP和ED分别比B组降低了83.92%[(36.65±2.44)mGy·cm vs.(227.92±27.58) mGy·cm]和83.17%[(0.17±0.03...     

双源CT大螺距、70kV管电压结合迭代算法低辐射低对比剂CCTA研究

目的探讨双源CT前瞻性心电门控大螺距扫描模式下70kV管电压结合迭代算法在CCTA检查中降低辐射剂量及对比剂用量的可行性,并探讨图像最佳迭代重建等级。方法收集本院90例行CCTA检查的患者,体质量指数(BMI)≤25kg/m~2,分为2组,每组45例。A组扫描方案:前瞻性心电门控大螺距螺旋扫描模式,固定管电压70kV,自动管电流调制,参考管电流500mAs;对比剂注射流率及容量分别为4.0ml/s、0.8ml/kg;B组扫描方案:自适应前瞻性心电门控触发序列,自动管电压及管电流调制,参考管电压120kV,参考管电流320mAs,对比剂注射流率及容量分别为5.0ml/s、1.0ml/kg。A组图像采用FBP及SAFIRE1～5等级重建,B组采用SAFIRE3级重建。比较A组各迭代等级及FBP重建间的图像质量,得出最佳迭代等级图像后与B组图像比较图像质量、图像噪声、SNR、CNR及辐射剂量等;并比较两组患者的一般资料。结果 A组SAFIRE 3图像质量评分最高;两组患者一般资料、图像噪声、图像质量评分无统计学差异(P0.05)。部分节段血管SNR、CNR具有统计学差异,但A组高于B组。A组CTDIvol(0.70±0.12)mGy、DLP(12.56±2.37)mGy·cm、ED(0.18±0.33)mSv均明显低于B组CTDIvol(12.24±6.82)mGy、DLP(158.80±81.57)mGy·cm、ED(2.22±1.14)mSv。结论对于BMI≤25kg/m~2的患者,双源CT大螺距扫描模式下70kV管电压结合迭代算法CCTA检查,能够在得到满足临床诊断要求的图像质量的同时,明显降低有效辐射剂量(ED0.3mSv)及对比剂用量。     

CT demonstration of "ectopic" thymoma

Computed tomography of a large pedunculated "ectopic" thymoma clearly demonstrated an elongated pedicle, thus establishing the mediastinal origin of the mass.     

CT findings in "pseudoalveolar" sarcoidosis.

To determine the specific high resolution CT (HRCT) features for "pseudoalveolar" sarcoidosis, we reviewed HRCT of 10 patients with pathologically proven sarcoidosis. On HRCT the lesions of pseudoalveolar sarcoidosis were shown as homogeneous or inhomogeneous opacities 1-4 cm in diameter located either along the bronchovascular bundles or in the lung periphery adjacent to the pleural surface. The margin was irregular, and numerous nodules 1-2 mm in diameter were observed in the surrounding lung. Air bronchograms were observed in 6 patients. In addition to these lesions, other CT abnormalities such as nodules, groundglass opacities, thickened bronchovascular bundles, and interlobular septa were found in all 10 cases. Good response of pseudoalveolar sarcoid lesions to administration of corticosteroid was observed in all three cases in which follow-up CT was available.     

CT "halo sign" in pulmonary tuberculoma.

The CT halo sign has been described as the CT finding of a low-attenuation zone surrounding a pulmonary nodule. It is an early clue to the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. We describe a case of CT halo sign associated with a pulmonary tuberculoma. Therefore, we think that a diagnosis other than invasive pulmonary aspergillosis should be considered in the presence of the CT halo sign in immunocompetent patients.     

Three-dimensional CT imaging in postsurgical "failed back" syndrome

One hundred consecutive patients with postsurgical "failed back" syndrome (PSFBS) without fusion and 100 patients with PSFBS with fusion were evaluated with direct CT, two-dimensional (2D) multiplanar, and three-dimensional (3D) imaging. In the patients with and without fusion, 3D images were found to best display the following: the surgical procedure and its extent, lateral neural foraminal narrowing, and fractures of the posterior elements. The 3D images enabled optimal demonstration of fusion: solidity, pseudarthrosis, incorporation of transverse processes and facet joints, and transitional syndrome. In the patients without fusion, 3D images provided improved appraisal of surgical results in 31%; it showed additional fracture(s) in 9%, better displayed lateral neural foraminal narrowing in 42%, and showed additional posterior element fractures in 11% as compared to axial and 2D multiplanar reconstructed (MPR) scans. Three-dimensional imaging uncovered incomplete fusion in 17%, transitional syndrome in 13%, and pseudarthrosis in 6%. Thus, the 3D imaging provided additional information over the direct axial and MPR images (2D images) in 56 of 100 patients without fusion and 76 of 100 patients with fusion. At our institution, this imaging modality is now routinely performed in this patient population.     

CT "angiogram sign" in primary pulmonary lymphoma.

A 55-year-old woman with primary pulmonary lymphoma is presented. Contrast enhanced CT through the right lower lobe mass demonstrated the "CT angiogram sign" previously reported to be highly specific for bronchioloalveolar carcinoma.     

"Puffed-cheek" CT improves evaluation of the oral cavity

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Maneuvers that distend a lumen facilitate radiographic examinations. In evaluation of the upper aerodigestive tract, Valsalva and phonation maneuvers complement barium fluoroscopy. The current work investigates "puffed-cheek" CT to improve visualization of oral cavity tumors. METHODS: Seven patients (ages 17 to 86 years) underwent conventional and puffed-cheek CT. Five had squamous cell carcinoma, one had benign verrucous hyperplasia of the buccal mucosa, one had "cheek swelling," and one had a pulsatile cheek mass. Conventional contrast-enhanced axial CT scans (3-mm thick, no interslice gap) were obtained through the oral cavity and neck. Each patient then pursed the lips and puffed out the cheeks, and axial images were obtained through the oral cavity (puffed-cheek scans). RESULTS: Three patients had normal conventional CT scans whereas puffed-cheek scans clearly showed the mass. Conventional CT in three patients showed a mass inseparable from two mucosal surfaces whereas puffed-cheek images clearly showed which surface the tumor involved. Two patients had normal conventional and puffed-cheek CT studies; in one, the physical examination was also normal. The other patient was a teenager with orthodontic appliances that created artifacts on both conventional and puffed-cheek images. Conventional angiography in this patient revealed a facial artery aneurysm. CONCLUSION: The puffed-cheek CT maneuver is easily taught, and patients comply readily. Puffed-cheek CT scans provide a clearer and more detailed evaluation of mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity than do conventional scans. In selected patients, the puffed-cheek technique can supplement conventional CT studies.     

"Faceless kidney": CT sign of renal duplicity

A CT sign of renal duplicity is described. In kidneys with either bifid renal pelvis or complete duplication of the collecting system, a transverse CT section obtained at the mid pole or junction of the fused upper and lower pole cortical moieties may reveal a "faceless" renal appearance lacking vascular or collecting system elements. Recognition of this finding allows a correct diagnosis of partial or complete duplication of the renal collecting system and prevents a false impression of an intrarenal mass lesion.     

Orbital "blow-in" fractures: clinical and CT features

During a 16 month period, seven patients were admitted to our trauma center with "blow-in" fractures of the orbital roof. This injury results from a significant direct blunt force applied to the supraorbital region of the frontal bone with transmission of energy to the thin orbital plate of this bone and displacement of bone fragments downward into the superior orbit. High resolution CT with multiplanar reformation and three-dimensional display proved very useful in identifying and characterizing the bone and soft tissue abnormalities found in our patients. Our experience suggests that CT demonstration of supraorbital frontal bone fractures and/or frontal lobe cerebral contusions is an indication for thin section CT of the entire orbit, even when there is no evidence of a superior orbital rim fracture. Demonstration of an orbital blow-in fracture should prompt careful clinical assessment of the globe, optic nerve, and extraocular muscles to identify and appropriately manage underlying injuries to these structures.