双源CT大螺距联合智能调制及迭代重建技术在主动脉夹层成像中的应用

目的 探讨第2代双源CT大螺距扫描联合智能调制技术及迭代重建技术在急诊主动脉夹层成像中的临床应用价值。方法 连续纳入临床怀疑主动脉夹层成像的急诊患者40例,按随机数表法分为对照组和试验组,每组各20例。对照组行常规扫描,试验组行大螺距联合智能调制技术及迭代重建技术扫描。对主动脉平均CT值、平均噪声、信噪比（SNR）、对比噪声比（CNR）、有效剂量,图像整体质量和主动脉根部图像质量进行评价和分析。结果 40例患者均成功完成CT主动脉夹层成像。对照组与试验组的图像整体质量无差异（P>0.05）;但试验组主动脉根部图像质量比对照组好,差异有统计学意义（χ²=22.556,P<0.05）。对照组主动脉平均CT值、平均噪声略高于试验组,但试验组的SNR、CNR高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（t=-21.042、-15.924、8.530、11.495,P<0.05）。对照组有效剂量（10.59±3.89）mSv明显高于试验组的（6.39±0.81）mSv,差异有统计学意义（t=-12.327,P<0.05）。结论 双源CT大螺距扫描联合智能调制技术及迭代重建技术能保证图像整体质量,降低有效剂量,可作为急诊CT主动脉夹层的对照成像方法。     

器官剂量调制技术在女性胸部CT成像中对乳腺的保护作用

目的 探讨器官剂量调制（organ dose modulation,ODM）技术在女性胸部CT扫描中对乳腺区辐射剂量和图像质量的影响。方法 前瞻性收集临床需要行胸部CT检查的女性患者112例,按照检查的先后顺序将患者分为两组：对照组56例,采用常规平扫;试验组56例,平扫采用ODM技术。分析两组患者乳腺区域前、左、后、右4个方向的管电流分布情况,评价ODM对乳腺区域图像质量和辐射剂量的影响。结果 对照组患者前、后方向上管电流均为（128±43）mA,而试验组患者前方向上管电流较后方向管电流低（t=-18.701,P < 0.01）。试验组4个方向管电流均较对照组降低（t=11.71~20.22,P < 0.01）。试验组患者的容积CT剂量指数和有效剂量均较对照组降低（t=3.58、3.55,P < 0.05）。两组患者间图像质量的客观和主观评价指标差异均无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。结论 在女性胸部CT扫描时应用ODM技术,可以在不改变图像质量的前提下,降低乳腺区辐射剂量,保护敏感器官。     

双定位像结合Care Dose 4D和Care kV技术在降低肺部CT辐射剂量的临床应用价值

目的 探讨双定位像结合Care Dose 4D和Care kV技术在肺部CT检查中的可行性及其临床应用价值。方法 连续纳入临床确诊为肺部肿瘤行肺部CT扫描的患者60例,按随机数表法分为对照组和试验组,每组各30例,对照组行单定位像（AP）结合Care Dose 4D和Care kV技术扫描,试验组行双定位像（AP和lat）结合Care Dose 4D和Care kV技术扫描。由2位高年资医师采用双盲法对两组图像和病变组织的信噪比（SNR）、对比噪声比（CNR）,及整体图像质量进行综合分析和评价,同时计算有效辐射剂量。结果 60例患者均成功完成肺部CT检查,试验组整体图像质量评分为4.57±0.45,与对照组的4.73±0.45相比差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。对照组图像SNR、CNR、病变组织SNR、CNR与试验组相比差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。试验组和对照组的容积CT剂量指数CTDI_vol、剂量长度乘积（DLP）、有效剂量（E）,差异有统计学意义（t=8.514、8.464、8.464,P<0.001）。与对照组相比,试验组有效剂量降低了33.3%。结论 较单定位像（AP）肺部CT检查,双定位像（AP和lat）结合Care Dose 4D和Care kV技术肺部CT检查可获得满足诊断及临床需求图像,同时明显降低辐射剂量,可成为肺部CT常规检查方式。     

基于离线自适应放疗的宫颈癌病例靶区外扩边界及其剂量评估

目的 分析行容积旋转调强放射治疗宫颈癌病例在离线自适应放疗（off-line ART）中靶区的外扩边界及其剂量学参数。方法 选取50例宫颈癌病例,采用随机配对法均分成试验组与对照组,每例患者每周行2次锥形束CT （CBCT）扫描,记录整个治疗过程中,患者在左右（LR）、前后（AP）与头脚（CC）方向上的摆位误差值,利用靶区外放边界公式计算新的临床靶区体积（CTV）-计划靶区体积（PTV）的外扩边界。同时,将摆位误差值归一至等中心点（ISO）,回归治疗计划系统,对照组在原有PTV的基础上移动ISO后重新计算剂量,试验组在得到新的外扩边界后移动ISO重新计算剂量,比较评估两组计划在重新计算剂量后的CTV与危及器官剂量学参数。结果 根据靶区外放边界公式,CTV外扩边界在LR、AP和CC方向上分别为0.45、0.46和0.82 cm。治疗计划系统（TPS）剂量再计算结果显示,试验组在CTV的D_100%与D_95%上优于对照组（t=-8.16、-6.73,P<0.05）,在股骨头的V₄₀、V₃₀以及D_mean上均优于对照组（t=3.14、-9.52、-7.48,P<0.05）,在骨盆的V₃₄与D_mean上均优于对照组（t=10.14、-9.38,P<0.05）。结论 在宫颈癌的容积旋转调强放射治疗中,off-line ART技术可以有效地减少CTV-PTV的外扩边界,并且可以提高靶区的照射覆盖范围,减少相应危及器官的照射剂量。     

呼吸运动状态对动态调强放疗剂量分布影响的研究

目的 探讨不同幅度、周期、方向的呼吸运动对动态调强放疗（IMRT）计划中靶区剂量分布的影响。方法 选取30例肺癌病例,按靶区体积大小分为A（72.0~200.2 cm³）、B（271.7~380.0 cm³）、C（498.9~684.9 cm³）3组,每组10例,平均体积分别为151.5、327.1和583.3 cm³。使用呼吸运动模拟平台带动含二维电离室矩阵的模体沿枪靶方向运动。分别转动准直器至0°和90°,在不同呼吸运动幅度（0、4、8、12和15 mm）与周期（3、4和5 s）下,采集模体等中心层面剂量。其中周期为4 s测量5次,以绝对剂量及γ通过率（3 mm/3%）为指标,分析采集剂量与治疗计划系统（TPS）输出的剂量分布差异。结果 在两个方向上,呼吸运动降低了靶区边缘内侧剂量,提高了靶区边缘外侧剂量。呼吸运动周期之间的γ通过率差异最大达3.54%（t=2.301,P<0.05）。当呼吸运动幅度超过8 mm时,γ通过率<90%,且随幅度增大而减小。静态与呼吸运动之间γ通过率的差值和靶区体积呈负相关,A、B、C 3组的平均γ通过率依次增大。5次叠加剂量的γ通过率高于单次剂量平均γ通过率,且差异有统计学意义（t=-9.36~-5.95,P<0.05）。结论 动态IMRT靶区剂量分布主要受呼吸运动幅度及自身体积影响,部分幅度下呼吸运动周期对剂量分布有影响。多次剂量实施后,可消除部分单次剂量实施误差。医师需要根据呼吸运动幅度对靶区进行合理外扩,同时优化呼吸运动方向上靶区边缘组织受量。对于靶区体积过小以及呼吸运动幅度过大的患者,应采取呼吸管理技术提高靶区剂量实施的精准性。     

基于体型特异性剂量估算值推算冠状动脉CT血管成像中患者器官剂量和个体有效剂量的可行性研究

目的 探讨将体型特异性剂量估算值（SSDE）用于估算冠状动脉CT血管成像（CTA）中患者器官剂量和个体有效剂量的可行性。方法 回顾性连续纳入冠状动脉CTA患者421例,均于第3代双源Force型CT采用前瞻性心电门控触发轴扫协议检查。通过Radimetrics计算患者水当量直径以计算每位患者的SSDE;使用Monte Carlo模拟估算患者扫描范围内器官的吸收剂量包括心脏、肺、肝和乳腺。使用国际放射防护委员会（ICRP）103报告的器官敏感加权系数,将患者主要敏感器官的剂量加权求和计算个体有效剂量。使用线性相关分析验证SSDE与器官剂量及个体有效剂量的相关性,并推导基于SSDE估算器官剂量和个体有效剂量的转换系数。使用平均差值比评价该估算方法的准确性。结果 容积CT剂量指数（CTDI_vol）为（16.8±8.7） mGy,SSDE为（20.8±8.8） mGy,个体有效剂量为（4.4±2.9） mSv。基于SSDE估算器官剂量的线性拟合公式为：心脏Y=1.2X-6.4（R²=0.91,P<0.05,平均误差0.1%）;乳腺Y=1.4X-7.4（R²=0.91,P<0.05,平均误差7.9%）;肺脏Y=0.89X-4.6（R²=0.86,P<0.05,平均误差8.3%）;肝脏Y=0.36X-1.8（R²=0.64,P<0.05,平均误差-17.9%）。基于SSDE估算个体有效剂量的线性拟合公式为：男Y=0.21X-1.2（R²=0.92,P<0.05,平均误差0.2%）;女Y=0.39X-2.2（R²=0.93,P<0.05,平均误差1.7%）。结论 在冠状动脉CTA检查中通过SSDE和相应的转换系数可估算被照射器官吸收剂量和个体有效剂量,将有助于在临床工作中实现患者辐射剂量及风险的个性化评估和精准管理。     

前置体型特异性剂量估算值优化CT冠状动脉成像的可行性

目的 探讨前置体型特异性剂量估算值（SSDE）优化CT冠状动脉成像（CCTA）的可行性。方法 回顾性分析2018年3月至2018年5月衢州市人民医院90例行CCTA扫描的患者资料,建立水等效直径（d_w）与体质量指数（BMI）的回归方程,并计算容积CT剂量指数（CTDI_vol）上四分位数。前瞻性收集2018年12月至2019年1月衢州市人民医院行CCTA扫描患者67例,按随机数表法分为对照组（32例）和试验组（35例）。对照组使用固定CTDI_vol设定扫描方案,试验组使用固定SSDE设定扫描方案。两组的目标剂量为90例患者CTDI_vol的上四分位数。评估并比较两组图像质量及辐射剂量。结果 90例患者BMI与d_w正相关（r=0.823,P<0.05）,回归方程为d_w=9.241+0.644×BMI;CTDI_vol的上四分位数为7.92 mGy。对照组和试验组冠状动脉血管段图像质量的优良率分别为94.10%（367/390）和93.93%（402/428）,差异无统计学意义（P> 0.05）;对照组和试验组SNR和CNR的中位数分别为21.08、24.39和17.24、19.94,差异无统计学意义（P> 0.05）。试验组的CTDI_vol、SSDE和女性乳腺辐射剂量（D_bre）分别较对照组降低37.04%、35.77%和37.37%,差异均具有统计学意义（z=-7.041,t=18.479,15.079,P<0.05）。结论 基于前置SSDE设定CCTA方案具有可行性,保证图像质量的同时,可有效降低辐射剂量。     

宫颈癌后装治疗中图形优化与逆向模拟退火优化剂量学分析

目的 比较宫颈癌三维后装计划中图形优化（GO）和模拟退火逆向优化（IPSA）剂量分布的差异,为宫颈癌后装治疗计划优化方法的选择提供依据。方法 利用Excel 2007产生的随机数,从已完成治疗的根治性宫颈癌患者中选取21例,原后装治疗计划采用图形优化,基于原图像信息,制定IPSA计划,统计临床靶区（CTV）剂量体积参数V_100%、V_150%,以及均匀性指数（HI）、适形指数（CI）、膀胱和直肠的D_{1 cm³}、D_{2 cm³},对比两种优化方法的剂量特点。结果 两个计划的靶区剂量均能满足处方要求,所有靶区剂量参数的均值接近,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。与GO计划相比,IPSA计划中膀胱D_{1 cm³}、D_{2 cm³}的剂量明显降低（t=3.596、3.490,P<0.05）;直肠剂量参数的差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 在宫颈癌三管后装治疗中,采用GO和IPSA对靶区无影响,但IPSA可以减小膀胱的最大受量。     

一种确定立体定向放疗VMAT计划处方等剂量线的方法

目的 建立一种确定立体定向放疗（SRT）容积调强弧形治疗（VMAT）计划处方等剂量线（IDL）的方法。方法 选取8例SRT脑转移瘤患者,靶区体积范围3.5~11.7 cm³（中位数6.1 cm³）。采用VMAT技术,首先对每一个靶区设计相同处方剂量的参考计划。然后,采用原靶区内收一定几何边界生成的新靶区来进行优化计算,从而得到不同IDL的计划。研究不同靶区达到最优IDL范围所需内收的最小几何边界。结果 所有靶区达到最优IDL范围所需内收的最小边界均为4或5 mm,其得到的平均IDL为（66.05±0.02）%。最优IDL计划同参考计划相比,平均梯度指数（GI）从4.05±0.39下降到3.37±0.24,下降了20%（Z=-2.521,P<0.05）。正常脑组织中V₄₀、V₃₀、V₅以及平均剂量分别下降了11.5%（Z=-1.973,P<0.05）、7.2%（Z=-2.105,P<0.05）、12.8%（Z=-2.521,P<0.05）以及8.1%（Z=-2.382,P<0.05）,V₂₀、V₁₀以及适形度指数无明显差异（P>0.05）。结论 采用靶区内收生成新的靶区进行计划设计的方法可以用于SRT-VMAT计划IDL的优化。靶区内收4或5 mm进行计划设计可以使IDL达到最优范围,从而可以降低GI值以及更好地保护正常脑组织。     

PET-CT检查致前列腺癌患者辐射剂量研究

目的 评估¹⁸F-Choline、¹¹C-Choline和⁶⁸Ga-PSMA PET-CT检查致前列腺癌患者的有效剂量和器官剂量。方法 回顾性研究2017年5月至2018年6月广西医科大学附属肿瘤医院接受PET-CT检查的150例前列腺癌患者,按照注射正电子放射性药物类型分为3组,每组50例。CT定位扫描电压和电流分别为120 kV和35 mA,全身CT扫描电和电流分别为120 kV和（135.6±9.4） mA。PET部分的剂量利用基于医学内照射剂量（MIRD）计算方法的OLINDA/EXM （version 1.1）软件行计算。利用有效剂量转换因子和ImPACT （version 1.0.4） CT剂量计算器计算CT部分剂量,CT剂量指数（CTDI）利用标准体模测量和ImPACT CT计算,组织权重因子取自国际放射防护委员会（ICRP）103号报告,PET和CT剂量之和为患者总有效剂量。结果 注射¹⁸F-Choline、¹¹C-Choline和⁶⁸Ga-PSMA的活度分别为（279.2±13.2）、（350.2±39.9）和（186.8±19.4） MBq,有效剂量分别为（5.0±0.2）、（1.6±0.2）和（3.0±0.3） mSv,差异有统计学意义（F=837.0,P<0.001）。CT有效剂量为（11.4±0.2） mSv。3组总有效剂量分别为（16.4±0.3）、（13.0±0.3）和（14.4±0.4） mSv。PET检查3组器官当量剂量平均值比较,差异有统计学意义（F=381.2~1 637.7,P<0.001）。¹⁸F-Choline和⁶⁸Ga-PSMA PET-CT检查器官当量剂量最高为肾脏,而¹¹C-Choline PET-CT检查最高为甲状腺。结论 PET-CT检查致前列腺癌患者的有效剂量为13.0~16.4 mSv,其中绝大部分的剂量来自CT扫描。¹¹C-Choline PET-CT检查致患者的辐射剂量最低,有望成为潜在的前列腺癌PET显像药物。     

Differentiation of gray matter and white matter perfusion in patients with unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion

In this study, we investigated differences between gray matter and white matter perfusion in patients with a unilateral occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) with dynamic susceptibility contrast. Seventeen patients and 17 control subjects were studied, using T2*-weighted gradient echo acquisition. Gray and white matter regions were obtained by segmentation of inversion recovery MRI. Lesions were excluded by segmentation of T2-weighted MRI. In the symptomatic hemisphere, cerebral blood volume was increased in white matter (P < .05) but not in gray matter. No cerebral blood flow changes were found. All timing parameters (mean transit time [MTT], time of appearance, and time to peak) showed a significant delay for both white and gray matter (P < .05), but the MTT increase of white matter was significantly larger than for gray matter (P < .05). These findings indicate that differentiation between gray and white matter is essential to determine the hemodynamic effects of an ICA occlusion.     

全脑CT灌注成像在侧枝循环评估中的辐射剂量和临床应用价值

目的 探究一站式全脑CT灌注成像 (CTP) 在急性缺血性脑卒中 (AIS) 患者侧枝循环评估中的辐射剂量和临床应用价值。方法 回顾性收集32例AIS患者的全脑CTP图像和数字减影血管造影 (DSA) 图像。通过固定管电压 (100 kVp)、分段设置管电流的方式优化CTP采集同时获得的CT血管成像 (CTA) 的图像质量。记录容积剂量指数(CTDI_vol)、剂量长度乘积 (DLP),计算有效剂量(E),与文献进行比较。患者核心梗死区域和对侧半脑健康区域脑灌注参数比较采用配对t检验。一名放射科医师分别基于CTP、多时相CTA联合CTP两种模式,采用5分法评估患者侧枝循环状态。由另外一名放射科医师基于DSA图像采用同样的5分法进行评分。以DSA结果作为参照,计算其余方法评估结果的准确率。评分结果的相关性采用Pearson 相关系数分析,一致性采用Kappa分析。结果 平均CTDI_vol为184.18 mGy,和文献报道相当 (184.19 mGy)。 相较于文献报道的CTP和CTA联合扫查,一站式全脑CTP检查的平均有效辐射剂量降低了39% (6.1 vs. 10 mSv)。核心梗死区域和对侧半脑健康区域脑血容量 (CBV)、脑血流量 (CBF)、平均通过时间 (MTT)、达峰时间 (TTP) 和残余函数达峰时间 (T_max) 的差异均有统计学意义 (t=-6.11、-7.47、8.58、12.34、10.05,P<0.01)。CTP和DSA的评分相关系数为0.95 (95%CI:0.89~0.97,P<0.01),多时相CTA联合CTP和DSA的评分相关系数为0.98 (95%CI:0.96~0.99,P<0.01)。DSA CTP评估结果的Kappa值为0.64 (t=7.53,P<0.01),与多时相CTA联合CTP评估的Kappa值为0.88 (t=9.99,P<0.01)。CTP评估侧枝循环的准确率为71.9%,多时相CTA联合CTP评估的准确率则为90.6%。结论 固定管电压、分段设置管电流的一站式全脑CTP能够同时提供可靠的CTP和多时相CTA,合理降低患者辐射剂量。借助多时相CTA联合全脑CTP能够准确判断颅内血管有无侧枝循环及脑组织状态,有助于临床中AIS患者诊断和治疗方案的制定。     

亚临床期肝性脑病MRI及脑血流灌注成像的研究

目的 研究亚临床期肝性脑病（SHE）患者的MRI特征、基底节区的脑血流灌注模式及锥体外系损伤的表现。资料与方法 12例经神经心理测试诊断为SHE的患者和10名年龄、性别和受教育程度相匹配的健康志愿者,行MRI平扫及磁敏感对比增强灌注扫描,重建出脑血流量（CBF）、脑血容量（CBV）、平均通过时间（MTT）参数图。分别以双侧尾状核头、苍白球、壳核、丘脑作为感兴趣区（ROI）,以额叶白质为参照,计算上述ROI与额叶白质的比例,两组进行比较。以国际通用的UPDRS量表评价患者的帕金森样表现。结果 所有患者双侧苍白球都可见对称的高信号,10例有帕金森样表现,主要表现为肌强直、运动迟缓和姿势性震颇。与对照组相比,基底节区的CBF明显升高、MTT明显缩短,CBV无明显变化。结论 SHE患者帕金森样表现与基底节高信号有关,基底节区灌注增加是血流从皮质到基底节区的再分布,与皮质-基底节-丘脑-皮质环路有关。     

Multi-delay arterial spin labeling perfusion MRI in moyamoya disease–comparison with CT perfusion imaging

Objectives

To present a multi-delay pseudo-continuous ASL (pCASL) protocol that offers simultaneous measurements of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and arterial transit time (ATT), and to study correlations between multi-delay pCASL and CT perfusion in moyamoya disease.

Methods

A 4 post-labeling delay (PLD) pCASL protocol was applied on 17 patients with moyamoya disease who also underwent CT perfusion imaging. ATT was estimated using the multi-delay protocol and included in the calculation of CBF. ASL and CT perfusion images were rated for lesion severity/conspicuity. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated across voxels between the two modalities in grey and white matter of each subject respectively and between normalized mean values of ASL and CT perfusion measures in major vascular territories.

Results

Significant associations between ASL and CT perfusion were detected using subjective ratings, voxel-wise analysis in grey and white matter and region of interest (ROI)-based analysis of normalized mean perfusion. The correlation between ASL CBF and CT perfusion was improved using the multi-delay pCASL protocol compared to CBF acquired at a single PLD of 2 s (P?<?0.05).

Conclusions

There is a correlation between perfusion data from ASL and CT perfusion imaging in patients with moyamoya disease. Multi-delay ASL can improve CBF quantification, which could be a prognostic imaging biomarker in patients with moyamoya disease.

Key Points

? Simultaneous measurements of CBF and ATT can be achieved using multi-delay pCASL. ? Multi-delay ASL was compared with CT perfusion in patients with moyamoya disease. ? Statistical analyses showed significant associations between multi-delay ASL and CT perfusion. ? Multi-delay ASL can improve CBF quantification in moyamoya disease.     

White matter and deep gray matter hemodynamic changes in multiple sclerosis patients with clinically isolated syndrome

The dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging perfusion technique was used to investigate possible hemodynamic changes in normal appearing white matter and deep gray matter (DGM) of 30 patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and 30 patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Thirty normal volunteers were studied as controls. Cerebral blood volume, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and mean transit time values were estimated. Normalization was achieved for each subject with respect to average values of CBF and mean transit time of the hippocampi's dentate gyrus. Measurements concerned three regions of normal white matter of normal volunteers, normal appearing white matter of CIS and patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis, and DGM regions, bilaterally. All measured normal appearing white matter and DGM regions of the patients with CIS had significantly higher cerebral blood volume and mean transit time values, while averaged DGM regions had significantly lower CBF values, compared to those of normal volunteers (P < 0.001). Regarding patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis, all measured normal appearing white matter and DGM regions showed lower CBF values than those of normal volunteers and lower cerebral blood volume and CBF values compared to patients with CIS (P < 0.001). These data provide strong evidence that hemodynamic changes—affecting both white and DGM—may occur even at the earliest stage of multiple sclerosis, with CIS patients being significantly different than relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Improvement of image quality and radiation dose of CT perfusion of the brain by means of low-tube voltage (70 KV)

Objectives

To investigate the feasibility of 70 kV cerebral CT perfusion by comparing image quality and radiation exposure to 80 kV.

Methods

Thirty patients with suspected cerebral ischemia who underwent dual-source CT perfusion were divided into group A (80 kV, 150 mAs) and group B (70 kV, 150 mAs). Quantitative comparisons were used for maximum enhancement, signal-to-noise index (SNI), and values of cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood flow (CBV), mean transit time (MTT) on CBF, CBV, and MTT images, and radiation dose from these two groups. Qualitative perfusion images were assessed by two readers.

Results

Maximum enhancement for group B was higher than group A (P?<?0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups for SNI on CBF and CBV maps (P?=?0.06 – 0.576), but significant differences for MTT when SNI was measured on frontal white matter and temporo-occipital white matter (P?<?0.05). There were no differences among values of CBF, CBV, and MTT for both groups (P?=?0.251–0.917). Mean image quality score in group B was higher than group A for CBF (P?<?0.05), but no differences for CBV (P?=?0.542) and MTT (P?=?0.962). Radiation dose for group B decreased compared with group A.

Conclusions

70 kV cerebral CT perfusion reduces radiation dose without compromising image quality.

Key Points

? Radiation dose is a key concern with the increased using cerebral CT perfusion. Cerebral CT perfusion of 70 kV reduces radiation dose without compromising image quality. ? A 70-kV protocol could be used for cerebral CT perfusion.     

70kV管电压低剂量扫描在兔脑CT灌注成像中的可行性研究

目的 评价70 kV管电压低剂量扫描在兔脑CT灌注成像的可行性。方法 健康新西兰大白兔20只,每只兔分别使用70、80 kV管电压行兔脑CT灌注检查,两次检查间隔时间为24 h。比较两组方案有效剂量（E）、脑血流量（CBF）、脑血容量（CBV）、平均通过时间（MTT）及图像质量指标信噪比（SNR）。结果 70与80 kV组兔脑CT灌注的有效剂量分别为1.91和2.93 mSv,70 kV组较80 kV组减少约34.8%。两组扫描所测量脑灌注参数CBF、CBV、MTT间的差异无统计学意义。两组测量的SNR分别为（23.15±5.98）和（21.23±9.18）,差异无统计学意义。结论 使用70 kV管电压行兔脑CT灌注成像可降低有效剂量,而对灌注参数结果及图像质量无明显影响。     

Vascular dementia of Binswanger's type: clinical,neuroradiological and99mTc-HMPAO SPET study

In 24 patients with vascular dementia of Binswanger's type (VDBT) and 14 age-matched neurologically normal volunteers, we investigated the relationship between clinical features, white matter lesions (leucoaraiosis) and cerebral atrophy on computed tomography (CT) scan, and regional cerebral blood flow. All subjects underwent the Mini-Mental State Examination of Taiwan, version 1 (MMSE-T1), for assessing the severity of cognitive impairment. The patients were subdivided into two groups, one with mild to moderate (group I, MMSE-T1 scores: 11–24,n=ll), and the other with severe dementia (group II, MMSE-T1 scores: below 10,n=13). White matter degeneration was evaluated with densitometric methods. Loss of brain parenchyma was estimated with seven linear measurements (Evan's ratio, third ventricle ratio, width of temporal horn tip, anterior-posterior length of temporal horn, anterior-posterior length of Sylvian fissure and width of frontal interhemispheric fissure) by CT scans. Regional cerebral blood flow was determined with technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (HMPAO) single-photon emission tomography (SPET). In neuroimaging studies, subcortical leuco-araiosis was localized at the frontal region in group I patients and scattered diffusely in group II patients.^99mTc-HMPAO SPET analysis revealed reduction of regional cerebral blood flow in the frontal lobe in group I patients and widespread reduction of regional cerebral blood flow in group II patients. A correlation between frontal leuco-araiosis and perfusion defect of the frontal pole was demonstrated in group I patients, showing findings typical of subcortical dementia. There was no difference in frontal atrophic measurements between group I patients and controls. Ratios of volumes of lost brain parenchyma and leuco-araiosis were significantly higher in group II patients than in the age-matched controls, corresponding to a diffuse cerebral perfusion defect. These results suggest that patients with VDBT have early frontal lobe involvement with posterior progression. Patients with mild VDBT are more likely to show reduction of frontal cerebral blood flow and leuco-araiosis, while those with severe VDBT are more likely to have diffuse leuco-araiosis, cerebral hypoperfusion and brain atrophy.     

Optimization of the scanning technique and diagnosis of pulmonary nodules with first-pass 64-detector-row perfusion VCT

ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to optimize the scanning technique of first-pass 64-detector-row perfusion volume computed tomography imaging, to evaluate the effectiveness and stability of this scan protocol, and lastly to evaluate the differential diagnosis ability of perfusion imaging in solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs).MethodsA total of 144 patients with SPNs underwent perfusion scan with 64-slice spiral CT scanner. The CT perfusion imaging was analyzed for time–density curve, perfusion parametric maps, and the respective perfusion parameters. We then analyzed the main factors concerning the imaging quality and evaluated the effectiveness of scan protocol by determining the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, diagnostic efficacy, and odds ratio as well as the stability of scan protocol by consistency analysis. Immunohistochemical findings of microvessel density measurement and vascular endothelial growth factor expression were evaluated.ResultsThe total sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, likelihood ratio, and the area under ROC curve during 5–45-s scan period were 78.95%, 82.4%, 80.6%, 83.3%, 77.8%, 4.620, 0.280, and 0.840, respectively, and Kappa value was 0.894. The diagnostic efficacy of CT pulmonary perfusion was significantly higher than during 0–40-s scan period. The parameter values in different nodules were different.ConclusionThe optimized 5–45-s scan period of CT pulmonary perfusion imaging is effective in pathologic diagnosis and has good stability, worthy of being popularized. Lung perfusion CT could be a promising and feasible method for differentiation of SPNs.     

Diagnostic utility of arterial spin labeling in identifying changes in brain perfusion in patients with carbon monoxide poisoning

ObjectiveCarbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is one of the most common poisonings worldwide. The affinity of hemoglobin for CO is significantly higher than that for oxygen, and the formation of carboxy-hemoglobin leads to a decrease in the capacity of blood to transport oxygen to tissues, tissue hypoxia, and early perfusion changes in the affected tissue. This study aimed to investigate the utility of arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging (ASL-PI) in revealing cerebral vascular hemodynamic changes in patients presenting to the emergency room with CO poisoning and to compare findings with those from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).MethodThis study was conducted between November 2016 and May 2019 and was approved by the local ethics committee. DWI and ASL-PI examinations were performed in 83 patients who presented to the emergency room with CO poisoning. Four regions—the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, cerebral white matter, and cerebellum—were evaluated for alterations in perfusion and diffusion, and findings from DWI and ASL-PI were compared.ResultsThe study group included 39 (50.6%) females and 38 (49.4%) males, with a mean (±SD) age of 40.08 ± 20.41 years (range, 7–86 years). DWI revealed restricted diffusion in 10 regions in 6 (7.8%) patients, including the basal ganglia (n = 2), cerebral white matter (n = 2), cerebral cortex (n = 3), and the cerebellum (n = 3). ASL-PI revealed hypo-perfusion in 64 regions in 36 (46.8%) patients, including the basal ganglia (n = 21), cerebral white matter (n = 12), cerebral cortex (n = 23), and cerebellum (n = 7).ConclusionASL-PI provided additional information when used to identify perfusion changes in the brains of individuals who experienced CO poisoning and was superior to DWI as it revealed early changes in the brain. Considering its limitations, ASL-PI can be routinely used with DWI in cases of CO poisoning.