Precision and Accuracy of Measurements on CT Scout View

ObjectivesThe purposes of this study were to (1) investigate the limits of measurements on scout view in three computed tomography axes, x, y and z and (2) develop a model to provide better understanding of measurement accuracy.MethodsFor the first objective, anteroposterior and lateral scout views of a Catphan phantom 200 mm in diameter and length were acquired with a GE scanner at 21 different table heights. Phantom measurements on scout view were performed by two experienced readers. The comparison of their measures provided estimation of precision. The accuracy was assessed by determining the bias, calculated as the difference between the values measured on scout view and the real phantom size. Second, a model was developed investigating the relationship between the dimensions of the object, its image, and the table height. This relationship was tested on our data.ResultsScout view measurements were precise, with less than 0.53% difference between readers. In addition, small biases of about 1 mm were detected in the z-axis, whatever the table height. In the other axes, serious biases from −13 to +73 mm were measured. Furthermore, at isocentre, overestimations up to 7 mm were shown. The results also indicated that biases in scout view measurements are because of the geometrical projection related to the object-detector distance.ConclusionsMeasurements in the table movement axis are precise and accurate, conferring to scout views an added value for preoperative planning in orthopedic surgery.     

Pediatric cardiac computed tomography angiography: Expert consensus from the Filiale de Cardiologie Pédiatrique et Congénitale (FCPC) and the Société Française d’Imagerie Cardiaque et Vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV)

This article was designed to provide a pediatric cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) expert panel consensus based on opinions of experts of the Société Française d’Imagerie Cardiaque et Vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV) and of the Filiale de Cardiologie Pédiatrique Congénitale (FCPC). This expert panel consensus includes recommendations for indications, patient preparation, CTA radiation dose reduction techniques, and post-processing techniques. The consensus was based on data from available literature (original papers, reviews and guidelines) and on opinions of a group of specialists with extensive experience in the use of CT imaging in congenital heart disease. In order to reach high potential and avoid pitfalls, CCTA in children with congenital heart disease requires training and experience. Moreover, pediatric cardiac CCTA protocols should be standardized to acquire optimal images in this population with the lowest radiation dose possible to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure. We also provided a suggested structured report and a list of acquisition protocols and technical parameters in relation to specific vendors.     

Bone Mineral Density Determinations by Dual-Energy x-ray Absorptiometry in the Management of Patients with Marfan Syndrome—Some Factors Which Affect the Measurement

Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) was sporadically reported in patients with Marfan syndrome. This may or may not place the Marfan patient at increased risk for bone fracture. In comparing the BMDs of our patients with those reported in the literature, it seemed that agreement between values, and hence the degree of osteoporosis or osteopenia reported, was dependent on the instrumentation used. The objective of this study was to statistically assess this impression. Bone mineral density measurements from our previously published study of 30 adults with Marfan syndrome performed on a Lunar DPXL machine were compared with studies published between 1993–2000 measured using either Lunar or Hologic bone densitometry instruments. The differences of our measurements compared with those made on other Lunar machines were not statistically significant, but did differ significantly with published results from Hologic machines (P < 0.001). Before progress can be made in the assessment of BMD and fracture risk in Marfan patients and in the evidence-based orthopedic management of these patients, standardization of instrumental bone density determinations will be required along with considerations of height, obesity, age, and sex.     

冠状CT扫描对颅脑疾患的诊断意义

作者通过对30例颅脑疾患冠状CT扫描资料进行研究,提出在一定情况下,在横断CT扫描的基础上,加用冠状CT扫描或冠矢重建图象,对病变的精确定位、病变的起源和发展方向以及病变与周围结构的关系等很有裨益。     

轴突分叉点位置计算法适用性的分析

某些中枢神经元通过分叉轴突向两个以上核团投射。轴突分叉点的位置通常由计算轴突主干传导时间予以估测。但是,本工作用该法的4个公式计算细胞内或细胞外记录到的数据未能得到一致和可信的数值。结果提示,计算法的原理是不合理的,并至少对在细胞内或细胞外记录条件下估测轴突分叉点是不适用的。     

Relationship Among MRTA, DXA, and QUS

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative ultrasound (QUS) are the accepted modalities for the evaluation of fracture risk in the clinical setting. However, neither method provides a direct measurement of bone mechanics. In this study, we investigated a prototype device, known as a mechanical response tissue analyzer (MRTA), which provides direct mechanical measurements of mechanical properties of bone. A total of 56 healthy volunteers (20 men and 36 women) between the ages of 18 and 83 were recruited. The MRTA was used to measure the cross-sectional bending stiffness (EI) of the ulna bone. Axial speed of sound (SOS) at the ulna bone was determined by QUS; bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were determined by DXA. Correlations, regression analysis, and analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to compare the three modalities. These analyses revealed that although there are strong linear relationships among the data collected by the various technologies, the bone properties reflected by MRTA are not fully explained by DXA and QUS. We conclude that the total information conveyed by MRTA measurements is unique. Further research is needed to delineate the different qualities of bone strength that are captured by MRTA, but not by DXA or QUS.     

胸部螺旋CT最大密度投影重建的参数优化

目的探讨胸部螺旋CT最大密度投影(MIP)重建合理的扫描和重建参数。方法6例煤工的尸检离体肺脏制成充气固定肺标本,分别行不同参数组合的螺旋CT扫描,包括层厚1.5mm,2mm,4mm及8mm,重建间隔1mm,3mm,5mm;曝光量150mA,100mA;螺距1.5;滤过算法包括标准、锐利和平滑3种。每组图像均行MIP重建,重建厚度为12.5mm～13mm,比较不同参数MIP重建图像对支气管血管束的显示。结果a)曝光量对MIP重建图像的影响甚微,150mA、100mA两组剂量MIP无显著性差异(P>0.05);b)重建算法对MIP重建无显著影响。c)扫描层厚影响MIP图像,以薄层(1.5mm)扫描重建为最佳,1.5mm、2mm、4mm层厚MIP图像之间无显著性差异(P>0.05),8mm层厚与前4者MIP图像有显著性差异(P<0.01)。d)重建间隔影响MIP重建效果,8mm层厚扫描,1mm和5mm重建间隔重建图像MIP之间有显著性差异(P<0.05)。结论影响MIP重建的参数主要为扫描层厚和重建间隔,薄层扫描可获得理想的MIP图像,随层厚的增加,减小重建间隔有利于获得理想的MIP图像。建议以中等层厚(4mm)扫描,小重建间隔(1.5mm,2mm)行MIP重建。     

Estimating neuron dendritic length in 3D from total vertical projections and from vertical slices

The recently developed method of total vertical projections is illustrated to estimate the total dendritic length of a human Substantia Nigra neuron. Next, the length of the different orders of dendritic branches, and the mean segment length for each order - commonly regarded as important parameters in neuron physiology - are also estimated. Finally, it is shown how to estimate the mean dendritic length in a population of neurons from vertical slices of arbitrary and unknown thickness. Being unbiased and highly efficient, the proposed methods offer interesting alternatives to current procedures used for the metric analysis of neuron arborizations.