Role of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in diagnosis of subhepatic appendicitis

Background

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical condition that is usually managed with early surgery, and is associated with low morbidity and mortality. However, some patients may have atypical symptoms and physical findings that may lead to a delay in diagnosis and increased complications.Ascending subhepatic appendicitis presenting with right upper abdominal pain may be clinically indistinguishable from acute pathology in the gallbladder, liver, biliary tree, right kidney and right urinary tract.

Aim of the work

To study the role of multidetector computed tomography in diagnosis of subhepatic appendicitis.

Subjects & methods

In the current study, we included fifteen patients diagnosed radiologically and confirmed surgically as subhepatic appendicitis.Ultrasonography followed by multidetector computed tomographic examination were performed to all patients before surgery.

Results

The clinical diagnosis of the patients included in this study at presentation was acute cholecystitis in four patients, pyelonephritis in three, and ureteric colic in three. Five patients were referred with uncertain diagnosis.The presence of subhepatic appendicitis was confirmed sonographically only in two patients. Computed tomography (CT) identified correctly subhepatic appendicitis in all cases.

Conclusion

Our study indicates the usefulness of multidetector CT in diagnosing atypical ascending subhepatic appendicitis.     

Improved pelvicalyceal visualization with multidetector computed tomography urography; comparison with helical computed tomography

Our aim was to compare the quality of pelvicalyceal visualization on computed tomography (CT) urography using a small intravenous contrast material dose, hydration, and high-resolution multidetector CT (MDCT) with that of conventional helical CT. The test (MDCT) group (49 consecutive patients, 98 kidneys) was scanned 5 min following an intravenous bolus of 30 ml of iodinated contrast material. The control (helical CT) group (50 consecutive patients, 95 kidneys) was scanned 5 min following injection of 120–150 ml of intravenous contrast material. Enhancement and quality of calyceal detail were measured using a five-scale grading system (1 for no detail, 5 for cupped calyces). Calyceal attenuation was substantial in both groups (more than 220 Hounsfield units, HU) but less in the test group compared with the control group (mean 475 and 920 HU, respectively), p<0.0001. In the test group, the calyceal attenuation was less than 500 HU in the majority of cases (65/98 kidneys), while the opposite was true for the control group, where calyceal attenuation was more than 750 HU in 50/95 kidneys (p<0.001). The quality of calyceal detail was 3.4/5 in the test group compared with 1.8/5 in the control group (p<0.0001). The combination of hydration, low-contrast dose, and the high image resolution achieved with MDCT significantly improves calyceal visualization in CT urography.     

Role of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in diagnosis and staging of gall bladder carcinoma

Background

Carcinoma of the gall bladder is the fifth most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract after colorectal, pancreatic, gastric and esophageal carcinomas.

Aim of the work

To study the role of multidetector computed tomography in the diagnosis and staging of gall bladder carcinoma.

Subjects and methods

This study included twenty-five patients presented to us during the period from June 2011 till May 2012 and were diagnosed radiologically by multidetector computed tomography as carcinoma of the gall bladder and the diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically. All the patients were subjected to ultrasonography followed by multidetector computed tomographic imaging using triphasic examination technique.

Results

Among the twenty-five patients included in this study there were fifteen females and ten males. Their ages ranged from 50 to 70 years old (average 60 years). All the patients were radiologically diagnosed as gall bladder carcinoma based on the multidetector computed tomographic findings. Infiltrating masses were detected in fifteen patients (60%), Intraluminal polypoidal masses were detected in nine patients (36%) while one patient (4%) presented with mural thickening of the gall bladder wall.

Conclusion

We conclude that multidetector CT is the diagnostic tool of choice in the detection and staging of gall bladder carcinoma.     

Study on motion artifacts in coronary arteries with an anthropomorphic moving heart phantom on an ECG-gated multidetector computed tomography unit

Acquisition time plays a key role in the quality of cardiac multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and is directly related to the rotation time of the scanner. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of heart rate and a multisector reconstruction algorithm on the image quality of coronary arteries of an anthropomorphic adjustable moving heart phantom on an ECG-gated MDCT unit. The heart phantom and a coronary artery phantom were used on a MDCT unit with a rotation time of 500 ms. The movement of the heart was determined by analysis of the images taken at different phases. The results indicate that the movement of the coronary arteries on the heart phantom is comparable to that in a clinical setting. The influence of the heart rate on image quality and artifacts was determined by analysis of several heart rates between 40 and 80 bpm where the movement of the heart was synchronized using a retrospective ECG-gated acquisition protocol. The resulting reformatted volume rendering images of the moving heart and the coronary arteries were qualitatively compared as a result of the heart rate. The evaluation was performed on three independent series by two independent radiologists for the image quality of the coronary arteries and the presence of artifacts. The evaluation shows that at heart rates above 50 bpm the influence of motion artifacts in the coronary arteries becomes apparent. In addition the influence of a dedicated multisector reconstruction technique on image quality was determined. The results show that the image quality of the coronary arteries is not only related to the heart rate and that the influence of the multisector reconstruction technique becomes significant above 70 bpm. Therefore, this study proves that from the actual acquisition time per heart cycle one cannot determine an actual acquisition time, but only a mathematical acquisition time.     

Comparison of different iodine concentrations for multidetector row computed tomography angiography of segmental renal arteries

The aims of this study were (1) to assess the diagnostic performance of multidetector row computed tomography angiography (CTA) on imaging of renal artery branches and (2) to investigate the effect of different iodine concentrations at constant total iodine load and either constant injection rates or constant iodine administration rates. A number of 120 consecutive patients (71±6 years of age) underwent CTA of renal arteries (collimation 4×1 mm) using the nonionic contrast medium iopromide, and were divided into six equal groups: 1: 150 ml, 240 mg/ml at 4 ml/s; 2: 120 ml, 300 mg/ml at 4 ml/s; 3: 97.3 ml, 370 mg/ml at 4 ml/s; 4: 150 ml, 240 mg/ml at 5 ml/s; 5: 120 ml, 300 mg/ml, 60 ml at 6 ml/s, 60 ml at 3 ml/s; 6: 97.3 ml, 370 mg/ml at 3.3 ml/s. The image quality of the main renal arteries (n=240) and their first-order to fourth-order branches was scored as 0 for no visualization, 1 for only visualization, and 2 for diagnostic. All main renal arteries were diagnostic. First-order branches had score 2 in 38/40, 40/40, 37/40, 38/40, 39/40, and 40/40 patients for groups 1–6, respectively (p=0.34). Second-order branches were imaged best in group 2 (p<0.002)). Third-order branches had score 2 in only 1/40, 5/40, 1/40, 2/40, 0/40, and 2/40 renal arteries. Fourth-order branches were not imaged diagnostically. At a constant total iodine load, the main renal arteries and their first-order branches achieved diagnostic image quality at all iodine concentrations in four-channel multidetector row CTA for the protocols tested. Second-order renal artery branches were imaged best at 120 ml contrast medium with an iodine concentration of 300 mg/ml at 4 ml/s.     

The utility of multidetector computed tomography for detection of parathyroid disease in the setting of primary hyperparathyroidism

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the detection of parathyroid adenoma and hyperplasia in the setting of primary hyperparathyroidism.

Methods

Records of 48 patients with biochemically confirmed primary hyperparathyroidism, who underwent preoperative imaging with 16- or 64-slice contrast-enhanced MDCT and subsequent successful parathyroidectomy over a 3-year period, were reviewed. Two radiologists, blinded to the operative and histologic findings, independently evaluated multiplanar computed tomographic images for all patients.

Results

On pathologic examination, 63 abnormal glands were confirmed in 41 female and 7 male patients (mean age, 63 years). Of the 63 abnormal glands, 40 were adenomatous and 23 were hyperplastic. MDCT demonstrated an 88% (95% confidence interval [CI], 77%–99%) positive predictive value for localizing abnormal hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands. The sensitivity of MDCT in detecting single-gland disease was 80% (95% CI, 68%–92%); whereas the specificity for ruling out hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue, either adenomatous or hyperplastic, was 75% (95% CI, 51%–99%). The sensitivity for exclusively localizing parathyroid hyperplasia was 17% (95% CI, 2%–33%). The parathyroid adenomas were substantially larger and heavier than their hyperplastic counterparts, with an average weight of 1.51 g (range, 0.08–6.00 g) and 0.42 g (range, 0.02–2.0 g) for adenoma and hyperplasia, respectively.

Conclusions

Contrast-enhanced MDCT demonstrated an 88% positive predictive value for localizing adenomatous and hyperplastic parathyroid glands. The poor sensitivity for detection of multigland disease was likely a result of the smaller size and weight of the abnormal hyperplastic glands.     

Right top pulmonary vein: evaluation with 64 section multidetector computed tomography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence and anatomic features of the rare variant of the pulmonary veins named "right top pulmonary vein" as depicted with 64 section multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: MDCT of 610 patients obtained over 12 months period for diagnosis of suspected thoracic or cardiac pathology were routinely reviewed in transverse and 3D images. The frequency of right top pulmonary vein (RTPV) was determined and anatomic features were also documented. RESULTS: Right top pulmonary vein (RTPV) is a supernumerary vein arising from the roof of the right part of the left atrium separately from the orifice of the right superior pulmonary vein. It crosses behind the intermediate bronchus and drains mainly posterior segment of the right upper lobe but also receives few subsegmental branches of superior segment of the right lower lobe. It was detected in 2.2% of patients (14/610). The mean diameter of RTPV was 5.1 mm. CONCLUSION: The RTPV is a rare venous drainage variation of pulmonary veins. It is important to be aware of this anatomic pattern for avoiding misinterpretation of pulmonary venographic findings, inadvertent ablation of pulmonary vein and perioperative bleeding during video assisted thorocoscopic lobectomy.     

Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) imaging of cardiovascular effects of pulmonary embolism: What the radiologists need to know

Background

Patients with pulmonary embolism have high mortality and morbidity rate due to right heart failure and circulatory collapse leading to sudden death. Multi-detector computed tomography MDCT can efficiently evaluate the cardiovascular factors related to pulmonary embolism.

Role of multidetector computed tomography in diagnostic evaluation of different renal sinus lesions

Abstract aim

To assess role of MDCT in diagnostic evaluation of different renal sinus lesions.

Advances of multidetector computed tomography in the characterization and staging of renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 90%-95% of kidney tumors. With the widespread use of cross-sectional imaging modalities, more than half of RCCs are detected incidentally, often diagnosed at an early stage. This may allow the planning of more conservative treatment strategies. Computed tomography (CT) is considered the examination of choice for the detection and staging of RCC. Multidetector CT (MDCT) with the improvement of spatial resolution and the ability to obtain multiphase imaging, multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstructions in any desired plane brought about further improvement in the evaluation of RCC. Differentiation of RCC from benign renal tumors based on MDCT features is improved. Tumor enhancement characteristics on MDCT have been found closely to correlate with the histologic subtype of RCC, the nuclear grade and the cytogenetic characteristics of clear cell RCC. Important information, including tumor size, localization, and organ involvement, presence and extent of venous thrombus, possible invasion of adjacent organs or lymph nodes, and presence of distant metastases are provided by MDCT examination. The preoperative evaluation of patients with RCC was improved by depicting the presence or absence of renal pseudocapsule and by assessing the possible neoplastic infiltration of the perirenal fat tissue and/or renal sinus fat compartment.     

A model for temporal resolution of multidetector computed tomography of coronary arteries in relation to rotation time, heart rate and reconstruction algorithm

A model is presented that describes the image quality of coronary arteries with multidetector computer tomography. The results are discussed in the context of rotation time of the scanner, heart rate, and number of sectors used in the acquisition process. The blurring of the coronary arteries was calculated for heart rates between 50 and 100 bpm for rotation times of 420, 370, and 330 ms, and one-, two-, three-, and four-sector acquisition modes and irregular coronary artery movement is included. The model predicts optimal timing within the RR cycle of 45±3% (RCA), 44±4% and 74±6% (LCX), and 35±4% and 76±5% (LAD). The optimal timing shows a negative linear dependency on heart rate and increases with the number of sectors used. The RCA blurring decreases from 0.98 cm for 420 ms, one-sector mode to 0.27 cm for 330 ms, four-sector mode. The corresponding values are 0.81 cm and 0.29 cm for LCX and 0.42 cm and 0.17 cm for LAD. The number of sectors used in a multisector reconstruction and the timing within the cardiac cycle should be adjusted to the specific coronary artery that has to be imaged. Irregular coronary artery movement of 1.5 mm justifies the statement that no more than two sectors should be used in multisector acquisition processes in order to improve temporal resolution in cardiac MDCT.     

Quantitative assessment of left ventricular systolic wall thickening using multidetector computed tomography

Background

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) of the heart provides both anatomical and functional information. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of quantitative assessment of left ventricular contractile function in relation to two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).

Materials and methods

Sixty-four patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease underwent ECG-gated 64-slice MDCT and TTE. Regional left ventricular contractile function was measured by percent systolic wall thickening (SWT) in 16 myocardial segments using MDCT, and compared with visual evaluation of wall motion score (WMS) by TTE. Global SWT by MDCT was calculated as the mean SWT of all myocardial segments and compared with wall motion index (WMI) by TTE.

Results

Eight hundred and eleven segments (81%) were classified as normokinetic, 142 (14%) as hypokinetic, 41 (4%) as akinetic and 5 (0.5%) as dyskinetic by TTE. A significant inverse linear trend was found between regional SWT by MDCT and WMS by TTE (p < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity for the identification of regional abnormalities of contractile function were 76% and 78%, respectively. A linear correlation between global SWT by MDCT and WMI by TTE was found (r = −0.8, p < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity for the identification of WMI > 1.5 using global SWT was 91% and 94%, respectively.

Conclusion

Quantification of systolic wall thickening by MDCT provides functional information, which is well correlated to visual assessment of global left ventricular contractile function by TTE.     

Visualisation of non-invasive coronary bypass imaging: 4-row vs. 16-row multidetector computed tomography

The purpose of this study was to investigate the image quality of coronary artery bypass graft visualization in 4- and 16-row multidetector CT using multiple imaging reformations. Material and Methods: One hundred sixteen patients underwent CT examination of the heart after receiving CABG. Group A (n=58) received 4-row MDCT; group B (n=58) received 16-row MDCT. Various bypass types such as LITA to LAD and venous grafts to the RCA and RCX were included in the study. A five-point Likert scale was used to grade image quality. Each bypass was reviewed under different imaging reformations: thin slap maximum intensity projection (MIP thin), multiplanar reformation (MPR) and volume rendering technique (VRT). Special attention was paid to the delineation of the distal anastomosis. Interobserver correlation was determined. Results: From 289 bypass grafts examined, 279 (96.54%) were classified as patent and 10 (3.46%) as not patent. Except for the distal anastomosis, 16-row MDCT showed significantly better results for all segments of bypasses. Comparison of reformations within group A and B showed that MIP thin (P<0.05) and VRT (P<0.05) displayed better visualization as compared to MPR. Conclusion: Significantly better imaging of all bypass types is possible using 16-row MDCT as compared to 4-row MDCT. Assessment of the distal anastomosis yields no difference between 4- and 16-row technology.This revised version was published online in October 2004 with a correction to the article title.     

Calcium score of small coronary calcifications on multidetector computed tomography: Results from a static phantom study

Introduction

Multi detector computed tomography (MDCT) underestimates the coronary calcium score as compared to electron beam tomography (EBT). Therefore clinical risk stratification based on MDCT calcium scoring may be inaccurate. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a new phantom which enables establishment of a calcium scoring protocol for MDCT that yields a calcium score comparable to the EBT values and to the physical mass.

Materials and methods

A phantom containing 100 small calcifications ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 mm was scanned on EBT using a standard coronary calcium protocol. In addition, the phantom was scanned on a 320-row MDCT scanner using different scanning, reconstruction and scoring parameters (tube voltage 80–135 kV, slice thickness 0.5–3.0 mm, reconstruction kernel FC11–FC15 and threshold 110–150 HU). The Agatston and mass score of both modalities was compared and the influence of the parameters was assessed.

Results

On EBT the Agatston and mass scores were between 0 and 20, and 0 and 3 mg, respectively. On MDCT the Agatston and mass scores were between 0 and 20, and 0 and 4 mg, respectively. All parameters showed an influence on the calcium score. The Agatston score on MDCT differed 52% between the 80 and 135 kV, 65% between 0.5 and 3.0 mm and 48% between FC11 and FC15. More calcifications were detected with a lower tube voltage, a smaller slice thickness, a sharper kernel and a lower threshold. Based on these observations an acquisition protocol with a tube voltage of 100 kV and two reconstructions protocols were defined with a FC12 reconstruction kernel; one with a slice thickness of 3.0 mm and a one with a slice thickness of 0.5 mm. This protocol yielded an Agatston score as close to the EBT as possible, but also a mass score as close to the physical phantom value as possible, respectively.

Conclusion

With the new phantom one acquisition protocol and two reconstruction protocols can be defined which produces Agatston scores comparable to EBT values and to the physical mass.     

New multidetector computed tomography quantitative technique in evaluation of shoulder instability

Aim

This study aimed to assess the role of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in detection and evaluation of severity of glenoid and humeral head bone loss in cases of recurrent anterior shoulder joint dislocation.

The evaluation of ventriculography as a supplement to computed tomography

Summary The diagnostic value of ventriculography (VGR) as a supplement to computed tomography (CT) is evaluated in 42 patients. CT was slightly superior for diagnosing expanding lesions and could tell more about the size and nature of the processes in this selected material which includes only lesions adjacent to the ventricular system. VGR yielded more information about the attachment of a tumor to the wall, floor, or roof of the ventricles. Stenosis or occlusion of the Sylvian aqueduct, communicating hydrocephalus, and basal adhesive arachnoiditis were diagnosed by VGR, while the correct diagnosis could be suggested only by CT in these cases.     

Accuracy of multidetector row computed tomography for the diagnosis of acute bowel ischemia in a non-selected study population

The diagnostic accuracy of multidetector row computed tomography for the prospective diagnosis of acute bowel ischemia in the daily clinical routine was analyzed. Two hundred ninety-one consecutive patients with an acute or subacute abdomen, examined by MDCT over a time period of 5 months, were included in the study. All original CT diagnoses made during the daily routine by radiological generalists were compared to the final diagnoses made by using all available medical information from endoscopies, surgical interventions, autopsies and follow-up. Finally, all CT examinations of patients with an initial CT diagnosis or a final diagnosis of bowel ischemia were reread by a radiologist specialized in abdominal imaging in order to analyze the CT findings and the reasons for initially false negative or false positive CT readings. Twenty-four patients out of 291 (8.2%) had acute bowel ischemia. The age of affected patients ranged from 50 to 94 years (mean age: 75.7 years). Eleven patients were male, and 13 female. Reasons for acute bowel ischemia were: arterio-occlusive (n=11), non-occlusive (n=5), strangulation (n=2), over-distension (n=3) and radiation (n=3). The prospective sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of MDCT for the diagnosis of acute bowel ischemia in the daily routine were 79.17, 98.51, 90.48 and 98.15%. MDCT reaches a similarly high sensitivity in diagnosing acute bowel as angiography. Furthermore, it has the advantage of being helpful in most of its clinical differential diagnoses and of being less invasive with the consecutive possibility of being used earlier in the diagnostic process with all the resulting positive effects on the patients prognosis. Therefore, nowadays MDCT should probably be used as the first step imaging modality of choice in patients with suspected acute bowel ischemia.