Segmental and subsegmental pulmonary arteries: evaluation with electron-beam versus spiral CT

PURPOSE: To compare contrast agent-enhanced spiral and electron-beam computed tomography (CT) for the analysis of segmental and subsegmental pulmonary arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT angiography of the pulmonary arteries was performed in 56 patients to rule out pulmonary embolism. Electron-beam CT was performed in 28 patients. The other 28 patients underwent spiral CT with comparable scanning protocols. The depiction of segmental and subsegmental arteries was analyzed by three independent readers. The contrast enhancement in the main pulmonary artery was measured in each patient. RESULTS: Analysis was performed in 1,120 segmental and 2, 240 subsegmental arteries. One segmental (RA7, P =.010) and two subsegmental (LA7b, P =.029; RA6a+b, P =.038) arteries in paracardiac and basal segments of the lung were depicted significantly better with electron-beam CT. There was no statistically significant difference between electron-beam and spiral CT in the total number of analyzable peripheral arteries depicted. The mean contrast enhancement in the main pulmonary artery was 362 HU in electron-beam CT studies versus 248 HU in spiral CT studies. CONCLUSION: Detailed visualization of peripheral pulmonary arteries is well within the scope of advanced CT techniques. Electron-beam CT has minor advantages in analyzing paracardiac arteries, probably because of reduction of motion artifacts and higher contrast enhancement. Further studies are needed to establish whether electron-beam CT allows a more confident diagnosis of emboli in these vessels.     

多层螺旋CT膝关节低剂量扫描对影像质量的影响

目的:探讨多层螺旋CT低剂量膝关节扫描的可行性及其对图像质量的影响。方法:收集2009年5月~10月,100例行膝关节CT扫描者根据扫描的管电压高低分为2组(其他扫描条件不变),每组50例,A组110kV和B组80kV(管电压选择110kV和80kV是依据分别观察10例在此条件下扫描的患者图像,应用80kV而不影响诊断)。测量膝关节髌骨上缘水平后方肌肉软组织固定ROI的CT值,以CT值的标准差(SD)作为图像噪声。通过CT机自动得到平均容积CT剂量指数(CTDIvol),再计算出剂量长度乘积(DLP)。获得的图像通过双盲法进行质量评分,对两组CTDIvol值、DLP值、图像噪声、及图像质量评分均值用t检验进行比较。结果:A组和B组的CTDIvol值分别为(5.29±0.23)和(2.08±0.15)mGy,DLP值分别为(61.26±11.64)和(24.21±4.64)mGy.cm,B组较A组下降约(60.68)%,两者之间差异均有统计学意义(t值分别为(82.4)和(20.91),P0.01,B组噪声均值略高于A组(分别为12.22±2.97和16.55±2.96),t=-7.299,P=0.000,但两组图像质量平均评分分别为(4.86±0.40)分和(4.82±0.44)分,差异无统计学意义(t=0.475,P0.05)。结论:16层螺旋CT应用低kV设置(80kV)扫描膝关节可大幅度降低辐射剂量且所得图像质量不影响诊断。     

Dose performance and image quality: dual source CT versus single source CT in cardiac CT angiography

Objective

To evaluate dose performance and image quality of 64-slice dual source CT (DSCT) in comparison to 64-slice single source CT (SSCT) in cardiac CT angiography (CTA).

Methods

100 patients examined by DSCT and 60 patients scanned by SSCT were included in this study. Objective indices such as image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio and signal-to-noise ratio were analyzed. Subjective image quality was assessed by two cardiovascular radiologists in consensus using a four-point scale (1 = excellent to 4 = not acceptable). Estimation of effective dose was performed on the basis of dose length product (DLP).

Results

At low heart rates (<70 bpm), image quality of SSCT was equivalent to that of DSCT (P > 0.05), but, at high heart rates (>70 bpm), DSCT provided robust image quality (P < 0.05). The average effective dose of SSCT was 9.3 ± 0.9 mSv at low heart rates (<70 bpm) while, the average estimated effective doses of DSCT were 9.1 ± 1.3 mSv, 8.3 ± 1.1 mSv, 7.9 ± 1.1 mSv, 6.9 ± 0.7 mSv, and 5.9 ± 1.3 mSv, corresponding to heart rates of 50-59 bpm, 60-69 bpm, 70-79 bpm, 80-89 bpm, and 90-100 bpm.

Conclusion

For cardiac CTA, both DSCT and SSCT can get good image quality at low heart rates (<70 bpm) with a similar radiation dose, but, at high heart rates (>70 bpm), DSCT is able to provide robust diagnostic image quality at doses far below that of SSCT.     

Dose performance and image quality: Dual source CT versus single source CT in cardiac CT angiography

ObjectiveTo evaluate dose performance and image quality of 64-slice dual source CT (DSCT) in comparison to 64-slice single source CT (SSCT) in cardiac CT angiography (CTA).Methods100 patients examined by DSCT and 60 patients scanned by SSCT were included in this study. Objective indices such as image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio and signal-to-noise ratio were analyzed. Subjective image quality was assessed by two cardiovascular radiologists in consensus using a four-point scale (1 = excellent to 4 = not acceptable). Estimation of effective dose was performed on the basis of dose length product (DLP).ResultsAt low heart rates (<70 bpm), image quality of SSCT was equivalent to that of DSCT (P > 0.05), but, at high heart rates (>70 bpm), DSCT provided robust image quality (P < 0.05). The average effective dose of SSCT was 9.3 ± 0.9 mSv at low heart rates (<70 bpm) while, the average estimated effective doses of DSCT were 9.1 ± 1.3 mSv, 8.3 ± 1.1 mSv, 7.9 ± 1.1 mSv, 6.9 ± 0.7 mSv, and 5.9 ± 1.3 mSv, corresponding to heart rates of 50–59 bpm, 60–69 bpm, 70–79 bpm, 80–89 bpm, and 90–100 bpm.ConclusionFor cardiac CTA, both DSCT and SSCT can get good image quality at low heart rates (<70 bpm) with a similar radiation dose, but, at high heart rates (>70 bpm), DSCT is able to provide robust diagnostic image quality at doses far below that of SSCT.     

螺旋CT对塑料球并突起模型的成像观察

目的比较螺旋ＣＴ（ＳＣＴ）不同层厚及床速对塑料球及突起模型成像的还原准确性及多平面成像（ＭＰＲ）的影响。材料与方法自制塑料球（直径１５ｍｍ）上置２４根突起（长１、３、５ｍｍ，直径２ｍｍ），长短相间排列，并在其旁置不同走行方向的１ｍｍ和２．７ｍｍ导管若干根，模拟结节旁肺血管。层厚（ｍｍ）、每秒进床速度（ｍｍ／ｓ）、重建间隔（ｍｍ）分别以１０、１０、１ｍｍ，１０、１０、１ｍｍ，５、５、１ｍｍ，３、６、１ｍｍ，２、２、１ｍｍ，和高分辨率ＣＴ（ＨＲＣＴ）扫描，比较横断面及ＭＰＲ图像质量。结果各组扫描横断成像均能显示突起存在和数目，只是≤３、３、１ｍｍ时显示突起的位置和方向性及清晰度更优。床速≥５ｍｍ／ｓ时ＭＰＲ的球及突起明显拉长、模糊，不宜评价。螺距为０．５时采用１８０内插法（ｓｌｉｍ）对于提高ＭＰＲ质量是必要的。床速≥１０ｍｍ／ｓ时，横断面图像上紧邻突起、球或相互交叉的斜行导管可能被误解为有侵蚀。结论若要ＭＰＲ评价球灶、突起及周围导管更为精确，ＳＣＴ扫描参数应≤３、６、１ｍｍ，螺距＜１时重建内插算法务必采用１８０°内插算法。进床速为１０～２０ｍｍ／ｓ的ＳＣＴ可作为筛选病灶及初步定性的方法。     

螺旋CT图像噪声的评价

目的 :评价螺旋CT中内插方式、螺距以及重建间隔对噪声的影响。方法 :采用SomatomPlus 4螺旋CT机。在相同条件下扫描直径为 2 0cm的水模 ,测得水模图像中心 40cm2 兴趣区的CT值标准差作为评价噪声水平的指标。结果 :3 60°线性内插的噪声减少 (t =3 4.87,P <0 .0 0 1) ,180°线性内插的噪声增加 (t =18.78,P <0 .0 0 1)。螺距大于 1.0或小于 1.0与螺距为 1.0时噪声水平的差异无显著性意义 (P >0 .0 5 )。随着重建间隔改变 ,相应噪声水平的差异无显著性意义 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论 :与常规扫描相比 ,螺旋CT内插方式对噪声有一定影响 ,而螺距与重建间隔对噪声水平影响不明显。     

Effects of scanning and reconstruction parameters on image quality in electron-beam CT angiography: coronary artery phantom study

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: This study compared the image quality obtained with different scanning and reconstruction parameters for electron-beam computed tomographic (CT) angiography and sought optimal methods for visualizing the coronary artery lumen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electron-beam CT angiography with contrast material enhancement was used to image 35 branches of fresh postmortem swine coronary arteries. Different collimation widths, fields of view (FOVs), reconstruction kernels, and algorithms were employed to reconstruct the acquired raw data into CT angiographic images. Image quality was compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The contrast-to-noise ratios (C/Ns) for 1.5-, 2-, and 3-mm section thickness were 28.4 +/- 15.2, 31.9 +/- 9.3, and 33.8 +/- 14.5, respectively (P < .05). The lengths of visualized coronary artery lumina were significantly longer for 1.5-mm scanning (71.6 mm +/- 4.3) than for 2-mm (58.3 mm +/- 5.5) and 3-mm scanning (59.0 mm +/- 8.0) (P < .01). The C/Ns for 12.7-, 18.0-, and 26.0-cm FOV reconstruction were 32.8 +/- 9.9, 28.9 +/- 8.2, and 27.1 +/- 8.2, respectively (not significant), and the visualized luminal lengths were 76.1 mm +/- 12.5, 71.7 mm +/- 14.6, and 65.4 mm +/- 13.1, respectively (not significant). The highest C/N (48.2 +/- 13.3) was achieved with smooth kernels and a cone-beam algorithm, and the lowest (14.7 +/- 3.4) with very sharp kernels and a normal algorithm. Cone-beam algorithm images had significantly higher C/Ns than did normal algorithm images (P < .001), and they demonstrated longer coronary artery lumina (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Collimation width, FOV, reconstruction kernels, and algorithms are important in the processing of high-quality electron-beam coronary angiograms. A 1.5-mm collimation width, 12.7-cm FOV, cone-beam reconstruction algorithm, and very sharp kernels should help in obtaining the best image quality and depicting the longest segments of coronary artery lumen.     

CT angiography of the coronary arteries with a 16-row spiral tomograph. Effect of spatial resolution on image quality

PURPOSE: To evaluate image quality of coronary CT angiography with retrospectively ECG-gated 16 multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT), reconstructed with 0.75 mm slice thickness for optimal spatial resolution and with 1.3 mm slice thickness, to produce spatial resolution comparable to a 4-MSCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients underwent coronary CT angiography with a 16-MSCT (Siemens Sensation 16, Forchheim, Germany) with 0.75 mm detector collimation. Raw helical CT data were retrospectively reconstructed using two different settings. Setting A: B20f smooth kernel, axial MPR with 1.3 mm slice thickness and 0.7 mm increment. Setting B: B35f "HeartView" medium-smooth kernel, 0.75 mm slice thickness, 0.5 mm increment. In the axial slices two regions of interest (ROIs) were placed in the area of the aortic root (AR) and more caudal in the area of the left ventricle (LV). Image noise was determined by the standard deviation of the CT numbers.Two readers determined visibility of coronary arteries by standardized maximum intensity projections (MIP) post-processing in left, right anterior and left anterior oblique projection plane from setting A and B. Each projection was rated on a five point rating scale concerning plaque delineation. Points determined for each data set were summed up and used for comparison. RESULTS: No significant difference between the CT-numbers was found for setting A and B (A: 283.0 in AR/295.9 in LV and B: 282,9 in AR/297.2 in LV; p >0.2). However, the image noise was significantly different for setting A and B (A: 4.46 in AR/1.67 in LV and B: 8.16 in AR/7.38 in LV; p <0.01). Better delineation of the coronary arteries and atherosclerotic lesions could be achieved from MIP projections in setting B compared to setting A. CONCLUSION: Higher image noise is present in coronary 16-MSCT with thin-slice reconstruction compared to simulated 4-MSCT. However the MIP-reconstructions benefit most from the higher spatial resolution.     

Evaluation of section sensitivity profiles and image noise in spiral CT.

Spiral computed tomography (CT) offers continuous volume scanning of complete organs or body sections within a single breath hold. Almost all image quality characteristics of spiral CT are identical to those of conventional section-by-section CT; however, there is a change in pixel noise values and degradation in the shape of the section sensitivity profiles (SSPs). Computer simulations, phantom measurements, and clinical studies were used in evaluating the SSP and noise characteristics of two new section-interpolation algorithms. The results were compared with standard CT and spiral CT data processed with the commonly employed linear section-interpolation algorithm. Degradation of SSP quality was insignificant for a table feed distance per 360 degrees revolution equal to the section thickness when the new algorithms were applied; noise values, however, increased. SSP width increased for table feed distances greater than the section width, the effect being less pronounced with the new algorithms. The value of these algorithms is primarily seen in the improved quality of multiplanar reformations and cine and three-dimensional displays.     

Coronary artery disease and electron-beam CT.

Because its precision allows early detection of atherosclerotic processes in patients exhibiting no or few symptoms, electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) will play an increasingly important role in the assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD). This article provides an introduction to CAD, traditional imaging approaches for its assessment, and the rationale and methods used in CAD-related EBCT imaging. The article also discusses the promise and limitations of using EBCT to detect, assess and monitor CAD, particularly in asymptomatic patients.     

锥形束CT和多层螺旋CT对寰枢椎成像的辐射剂量和图像质量差异研究

目的比较锥形束CT(CBCT)和多层螺旋CT(MSCT)应用于寰枢椎成像的检查剂量和成像质量的差异。方法使用普兰梅卡CBCT扫描仪的30种曝光条件和东芝320排MSCT的15种曝光条件对头颈部体模进行扫描。基于蒙特卡罗算法剂量评价软件PCXMC计算CBCT的有效剂量(E);以剂量长度乘积(DLP)乘以成人颈部特异性转换系数得到MSCT的E值。两独立样本的t检验或Wilcoxon秩和检验用于比较两种成像方式的辐射剂量和主、客观图像质量。采用双盲法对图像的边缘清晰度、对比度、软组织层次、伪影进行5分制主观评分,测量感兴趣区(ROI)的信号与噪声,计算对比信噪比(CNR)。结果 CBCT容积剂量指数、E值分别为2.9 mGy、27.61 μSv,均低于MSCT的8.8 mGy、433.16 μSv,差异有统计学意义(z=-3.05、-5.25,P<0.05);CBCT组的噪声和CNR分别为27.74 HU和3.69,MSCT组为7.84 HU和27.1,差异有统计学意义(z=-5.39、-5.42,P<0.05);CBCT组的总体图像质量、对比度、伪影评分分别为3.5、3.0、5分,均高于MSCT组2.0、2.0、4.0分,差异有统计学意义(z=-2.32、-2.46、-3.31,P<0.05)。结论寰枢椎CBCT和MSCT扫描均可获得满足诊断要求的图像质量,与MSCT相比,CBCT寰枢椎扫描有效地降低了辐射剂量,符合辐射防护最优化原则。     

Dose and image quality comparison between prospectively gated axial and retrospectively gated helical coronary CT angiography

Objective

Our aim was to compare image quality, coronary segment assessability and radiation dose in prospectively gated axial (PGA) coronary CT angiography (CTA) and conventional retrospectively gated helical (RGH) coronary CTA.

Methods

Institutional review committee approval and informed consent were obtained. RGH CTA was performed in 41 consecutive patients (33 males, 8 females; mean age 52.6 years), then the PGA CTA technique was evaluated in 41 additional patients (24 males, 17 females; mean age 57.3 years) all with a pre-scan heart rate of ≤70 beats per minute (bpm). Two radiologists, blinded to clinical information, independently scored subjective image quality on a five-point ordinal scale.

Results

The mean effective dose in the PGA group was 4.7±0.9 mSv, representing a 69% dose reduction compared with the RGH CTA group (15.1±1.9 mSv, p<0.001). The mean segmental image quality score was significantly higher in the PGA group (3.4 vs 3.2) than in the RGH CTA group (p<0.005). The percentage of assessable segments was 98.1% in the PGA group and 97.3% in the RGH group (p = 0.610).

Conclusion

PGA CTA offers a significant reduction in radiation dose compared with RGH CTA, with comparable image quality for patients with heart rates below 70 bpm.Rapid advances in multidetector CT (MDCT) technology have enabled non-invasive coronary angiography with high diagnostic accuracy [1–4]. However, the potential radiation risks associated with standard retrospectively gated helical (RGH) techniques for MDCT-based coronary CT angiography (CTA) have become a concern [5, 6]. Reported radiation doses from coronary CTA have ranged from 11 to 27 mSv [1, 7–10]: nearly 2–4 times the radiation dose attributed to typical invasive diagnostic angiography [11, 12]. Consequently, reducing cardiac CT doses to levels as low as reasonably achievable has become a major issue. A new prospectively gated axial (PGA) acquisition protocol has recently been introduced [13] to reduce the radiation dose by scanning only the mid-diastolic phase [8–10] of the cardiac cycle. The acquisition is based on a prospective electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered sequential axial acquisition mode in opposition to the standard retrospectively gated continuous helical acquisition. Our aim was to compare image quality and radiation dose of PGA-based coronary CTA with the standard helical mode on a 64-channel CT.     

多层螺旋CT颈动脉成像中智能触发监测点的合理选择

目的比较4处不同智能触发监测位置对多层螺旋CT（MSCT）颈动脉成像的影响，以期获得颈动脉多层螺旋CT血管成像（MSCTA）合理的智能触发监测点。方法通过排列区分组法随机将120例分入颈总动脉、主动脉弓升部、主动脉弓降部、肺动脉主干4个监测组内，根据120条颈动脉、颈静脉的3段感兴趣区（ROI）强化情况综合评价，由2位有经验的放射科医生盲法评价，对比4组不同智能触发监测点对成像的影响。结果30例颈总动脉智能触发组中，11例触发失败，19例成功；30例主动脉弓升部智能触发组中，触发失败7例，23例成功；30例主动脉弓降部智能触发和30例肺动脉主干智能触发组全部触发成功。颈总动脉、主动脉弓升部、主动脉弓降部和肺动脉主干各组触发成功时分叉水平颈动脉强化值分别为318．1、275．8、301．2、293．9HU，邻近颈静脉的强化值分别为88．7、147．4、257．5、91．7HU；触发失败时，颈总动脉、主动脉弓升部强化值分别为279．6、247．4HU；邻近颈静脉的强化值分别为285．4、74．1HU。结论4组比较，肺动脉主干智能触发不仅成功率高，且静脉回流程度最轻，是颈动脉MSCTA的理想触发点。     

心率及重建相位窗对多层螺旋CT冠状动脉造影图像质量的影响

目的 探讨心率及重建相位窗对多层螺旋CT冠状动脉造影图像质量的影响。方法 80例健康体检者行16层螺旋CT回顾性心电门控条件下冠状动脉造影。结果 每位患者的4条冠状动脉分支(左冠状动脉主干、左前降支、左回旋支、右冠状动脉)分别用于图像质量分析。心率≤60次／min者，有82．1％(46／56支)的图像可用于诊断；心率61～70次／min者，有63．4％(104／164支)的图像可用于诊断；心率71～80次/min者，有41．20h，(28／68支)的图像可用于诊断；心率80次／min以上者有31．2％(10／32支)的图像可用于诊断。左冠状动脉前降支在60％～70％的重建相位窗时图像质量最佳，左冠状动脉回旋支在50％～60％时最佳，右冠状动脉重建相位窗为50％～70％较满意。结论心率及重建相位窗对多层螺旋CT冠状动脉造影图像质量有重要影响作用。