CT扫描/重建参数对三维治疗计划系统影像的影响

[目的]研究CT模拟定位中,CT扫描/重建参数对三维治疗计划重建的三维假体的几何精确度的影响.[方法]在西门子CT模拟机（Somatom plus 4）上扫描自制模体,扫描所得图像登记到ADAC三维治疗计划系统重建成三维假体,测量假体的相关坐标数据并与模体的实际数据相比较;对Catphan 412模体扫描并测量各组图像的实际层厚,讨论实际层厚的变化对计划系统中登记影像的几何精度影响.[结果]（1）CT扫描所采用的不同扫描/重建参数对三维计划系统中重建的三维假体的左右及上下方向的几何精度影响不大,但对重建假体的前后方向（即模体扫描的步进方向）的几何精度有一定的影响.（2）CT扫描所采用的螺距及重建模式会对层厚敏感度曲线（SSP）半高宽值产生影响,该变化对重建假体的前后方向几何精度同样有一定的影响.[结论]重建CT图像的前后方向的几何误差是随着扫描层厚增加而增加,主要是由于CT扫描的部分容积效应影响.单纯增加螺距或使用360度线性内插（Wide）重建模式,都会引起CT图像实际层厚的增加,引起更大的容积效应影响.同时部分容积效应也会导致三维治疗计划系统中数字重建影像（DRR）分辨率的降低.     

图像配准条件对头颈部CBCT引导放疗精度影响

目的：明确头颈部CBCT引导放疗图像层厚与配准范围对自动配准精度的影响,为IGRT摆位修正提供参考依据。方法以1、3 mm层厚获取头颈部仿真模体的计划CT图像,并在加速器上模拟x、y、z方向摆位偏差,进行CBCT扫描和1、3 mm层厚重建图像。分别设置不同配准框范围（范围1：眼眶上缘至第七颈椎中间;范围2：颅顶至第七颈椎中间）对上述两种层厚CBCT与计划CT图像进行自动配准,评估配准精度。结果配准范围1在1、3 mm层厚图像配准误差为x方向（0．5±0．2）、（－0．7±0．2） mm （P＝0．00）,y方向（0．5±0．3）、（1．0±0．3） mm （P＝0．00）,z方向（－0．1±0．5）、（1．5±0．5） mm （P＝0．00）。配准范围2在3 mm层厚图像配准误差为x方向（－0．4±0．2） mm,y方向（0．5±0．2） mm,z方向（0．7±0．4） mm。结论在头颈部CBCT或CT图像配准中将颅顶包含进配准范围内能显著提高配准的精度。采用1 mm层厚图像配准的误差可以控制在1 mm内。     

自由呼吸零回波技术在磁共振肺部扫描的可行性分析及基于图像质量的扫描参数最优设置研究初探

目的 探讨自由呼吸状态下磁共振3.0 T零回波(MRI-ZTE)技术应用于肺部成像的可行性,评价不同空间分辨率与层厚参数设置对肺部磁共振图像质量的影响,优化适用于自由呼吸零回波(ZTE)肺部成像的最佳扫描协议.方法 选取2018年10月至2019年3月间中国医学科学院肿瘤医院行MRI-ZTE技术扫描的受检者96例.MR...     

Compensators for IMRT--an investigation in quality assurance

Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) allows dose distributions which adequately consider organs at risk (OAR) and dose homogeneity to the target volume. This is practically reached by conforming the beam profiles to the shape of the planning target volume (PTV), by shaping the fluence with multileaf collimators (MLC) or compensators. Though compensator production is time consuming and seems less convenient than the use of MLC, compensators offer much easier quality assurance. In this study the effects of certain simplifications of compensator production were studied. Compensators were produced and ionization chamber measurements in a water phantom and film measurements in a solid phantom were performed to verify the compensators. The results of the measurements were compared to the fluence distributions given by the planning system. The measurements were meant to show how realistic the investigated simplifications were, and to reveal a suitable and reliable testing method for compensators. Monte-Carlo calculations employing the EGS 4 Code were further performed to support the measurements.     

Bolus与皮肤间空腔对浅层组织剂量沉积影响研究

目的 研究Bolus与皮肤间空腔厚度和面积对浅层组织剂量的影响。方法 运用Geant4构建出射6 MV X线的加速器模型,模拟10 cm×10 cm射野下出束情况并记录出射粒子相空间文件。在源轴距水平构建30 cm×30 cm×30 cm水模体,分别在其靠近加速器一侧构建紧贴模体表面及含有不同空腔的30 cm×30 cm×1 cm水膜,以相空间文件作入射粒子源,模拟粒子输运过程,获取水模体中心轴深度剂量分布和射野中心区域不同深度处侧向剂量profile。将含有不同空腔时的模拟数据与水膜和水模体紧密贴合时的数据进行对比。结果 空腔厚度≤5 mm时,影响较小,之后随厚度增加,最大剂量深度(Dmax)增加,对应处百分深度剂量减小,侧向剂量profile受影响深度增加,中心区域剂量减小;随空腔面积增加,Dmax先增大后减小,对应处百分深度剂量先减小后增加,侧向剂量profile受影响深度先增加后减小,中心区域剂量先减小后增加;在远离空腔及深度≥15 mm时侧向剂量profile基本不受影响。结论 使用Bolus时其下空腔厚度应在5 mm以内,面积尽量小。     

铜补偿器IMRT技术的初步临床研究——中国学者SCI收录期刊论文二次中文发表的意义

目的 初步评价铜补偿器IMRT技术的可行性和临床价值。方法 选取IMRT计划系统中10例肿瘤患者,其中鼻咽癌3例、食管癌4例、直肠癌3例。首先通过电离室测量6 MV射线在一组不同厚度铜板的衰减系数,拟合出厚度计算公式;然后将计划系统导出的计划文件转换为补偿器厚度矩阵,将其导入数控机床完成补偿器切割制作,最后在均匀体模上实施基于补偿器的IMRT计划。采用胶片测量平面剂量,与计划系统计算的平面剂量做3%/3 mm标准下的γ分析。配对t检验MLC计划和铜补偿器计划的机器跳数差异。结果 根据实际测量拟合出的公式准确计算出切割深度,利用计划的RTPLAN文件成功转换出数控机床所需切割文件。计划验证结果显示10例患者γ通过率最低为90.2%,最高为98.2%,均满足临床计划要求。铜补偿器IMRT计划的机器跳数低于MLC的IMRT计划(873.9∶975.1,P=0.005)。结论 基于铜补偿器的IMRT技术可以满足临床治疗的要求。     

Variation of relative transit dose profiles with patient-detector distance.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In view of using portal images for exit dosimetry, an experimental study is performed of relative transit dose profiles at different distances behind patients (and phantoms) and of their relation to the exit dose profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Irregular, homogeneous polystyrene phantoms with a variable thickness to simulate head and neck (H&N) treatments (6-MV photon beam) are investigated by ionization chamber measurements performed close to the exit surface and at various distances behind the phantom (10, 20 and 30 cm). Similar measurements are performed for a rectangular phantom with large inhomogeneities (A1 and air). For one irregular homogeneous phantom and an irregular phantom containing an A1 inhomogeneity, ionization chamber measurements are performed at the exit surface, and a portal film image is taken at 30 cm behind the phantom. Portal films of a patient treated for a head and neck malignancy are evaluated for different air gaps behind the patient. RESULTS: For the irregular phantoms, deviations up to 15% and more are observed between the exit dose profile (along the shaped surface of the phantom) and the transit profile close to the phantom (perpendicular to the beam axis). There is, however, a good agreement--within 3%--between the exit profile and the transit profile at 30 cm. For the rectangular, inhomogeneous phantom, the deviation between the exit profile and the transit dose profile at 30 cm does not exceed 5%; transit dose profiles overestimate the exit dose for the air cavity and underestimate the dose for the A1 inhomogeneity. Measurements on portal films of a H&N patient for different air gaps confirm the order of magnitude of the difference observed between transit dose profiles close to the patient and transit dose profiles at some distance behind the patient. CONCLUSIONS: For 6-MV photon beam treatments with significant thickness variations (H&N), large variations (> 10%) are observed in transit dose profiles as a function of the air gap between the patient and the portal film. For this energy, a good agreement is found between the exit profile and the transit profile at about 30 cm behind the patient.     

Merkel细胞癌电子线放疗中3D打印补偿物的模拟应用

目的 探讨Merkel细胞癌电子线放疗中3D打印补偿物的设计制作过程,验证其在电子线放疗中的可行性。方法 CT采集仿真头模图像,在计划系统中模拟Merkel细胞癌的靶区勾画并添加补偿物制定放疗计划。用3D打印机打印补偿物后固定在头模上,再一次CT扫描设计出新治疗计划。对这2个计划选择若干与射束平行的层面,计算对应层面通量图的γ通过率。用免洗胶片测量实际剂量分布,计算胶片与计划系统两者剂量通量图的γ通过率。打印补偿物的计划与传统的等厚度的补偿物对比,分析靶区的剂量CI、HI值。对两种计划比较行配对t检验。结果 3D打印补偿物计划与虚拟补偿物计划的对应层面剂量分布γ通过率为(94.7±2.3)%。3D打印补偿物计划中的剂量与扫描胶片的γ通过率为96.6%。与传统的补偿物相比靶区CI值明显提高(0.85∶0.69,P=0.004),HI值有所改善(1.30∶1.26,P=0.011)。结论 3D打印电子线补偿物对不同深度肿瘤提供的适形剂量分布可以满足临床需要。     

MRI definition of target volumes using fuzzy logic method for three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy

PURPOSE: Three-dimensional (3D) volume determination is one of the most important problems in conformal radiation therapy. Techniques of volume determination from tomographic medical imaging are usually based on two-dimensional (2D) contour definition with the result dependent on the segmentation method used, as well as on the user's manual procedure. The goal of this work is to describe and evaluate a new method that reduces the inaccuracies generally observed in the 2D contour definition and 3D volume reconstruction process. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This new method has been developed by integrating the fuzziness in the 3D volume definition. It first defines semiautomatically a minimal 2D contour on each slice that definitely contains the volume and a maximal 2D contour that definitely does not contain the volume. The fuzziness region in between is processed using possibility functions in possibility theory. A volume of voxels, including the membership degree to the target volume, is then created on each slice axis, taking into account the slice position and slice profile. A resulting fuzzy volume is obtained after data fusion between multiorientation slices. Different studies have been designed to evaluate and compare this new method of target volume reconstruction and a classical reconstruction method. First, target definition accuracy and robustness were studied on phantom targets. Second, intra- and interobserver variations were studied on radiosurgery clinical cases. RESULTS: The absolute volume errors are less than or equal to 1.5% for phantom volumes calculated by the fuzzy logic method, whereas the values obtained with the classical method are much larger than the actual volumes (absolute volume errors up to 72%). With increasing MRI slice thickness (1 mm to 8 mm), the phantom volumes calculated by the classical method are increasing exponentially with a maximum absolute error up to 300%. In contrast, the absolute volume errors are less than 12% for phantom volumes calculated by the fuzzy logic method. On radiosurgery clinical cases, target volumes defined by the fuzzy logic method are about half of the size of volumes defined by the classical method. Also, intra- and interobserver variations slightly decrease with the fuzzy logic method, resulting in the definition of a better common volume fraction. CONCLUSION: Our fuzzy logic method shows accurate, robust, and reproducible results on phantoms and clinical targets imaged on MRI.     

X线立体定向治疗的质量保证和质量控制

目的 :分析立体定向治疗过程及误差来源 ,建立立体定向治疗的QA内容及检查频数。材料与方法 :检查CT(MRI)定位框架的平行度、间距偏差和对中度 ;摆位框架的刻度误差及可读精度 ;激光定位灯对摆位精度的影响 ;靶点位置精度测量 ;小野剂量数据的测量等。结果 :对 1mm和 3mm层厚CT扫描 ,靶区位置的最大总不确定度对单次和分次照射分别为 2 .4mm ,2 .6mm及 3 .7mm ,3 .8mm。结论 :QA是保证X线立体定向治疗的治疗精度的极重要措施     

Phantom investigations on CT seed imaging for interstitial brachytherapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Braphyqs group (BRAchytherapy PHYsics Quality System, the brachytherapy physicist's task group of GEC-ESTRO) investigated the quality of CT- and X-ray based seed reconstruction procedures using the Kiel-phantom. In this study systematic phantom investigations on CT post-planning and the results of a mailed multi-centre inter-comparison are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The phantom was equipped with a test configuration composed of 17 non-radioactive seeds. To investigate the quality of seed reconstruction CT measurements with varying CT parameters and different seed models were carried out. In a mailed multi-centre approach the phantom was sent to six European seed centres. The centres performed a typical CT- or X-ray based post-planning. The coordinates of the reconstructed sources were compared with the known positions in the phantom. RESULTS: In the systematic study it was found for the used CT scanner and seed models that when the slice thickness or the table index (respectively, an appropriate pitch for helical scans) reaches 4 or 5mm the accuracy of the CT seed reconstruction decreases in longitudinal direction. No influences of scanned field of view, tube current, kV(p), or scan type (axial or spiral) on seed reconstruction accuracy were detected. This finding was confirmed by the multi-centre evaluation. It was demonstrated that the Kiel-phantom is a suitable quality assurance (QA) tool for the assessment of the seed reconstruction accuracy in post-implant procedures and that it is a feasible QA test tool for a mailed multi-centre approach. CONCLUSIONS: QA of seed post-planning is necessary. A trend was observed that when the slice thickness and table index is 4 or 5mm the standard deviation of the reconstructed seeds increases for CT-based post-planning. Individual optimizations can be performed with dedicated phantoms.     

Untersuchung von Strömungsverhältnissen an künstlichen Modellen mittelgroßer stenotischer Gefäße mit der 3D-Phasenkontrast-Magnetresonanztomographie

Phase contrast MRI allows access to tri-directional encoded velocity information and therefore, measurement of flow in the human hemodynamic system. The aim of this work was to investigate whether this technology could be applied to support the grading of stenosis in mid-size arteries. Using a specially constructed flow phantom and a stenosis model with tube diameter of 5 mm and 8 mm and a stenosis of 50%, experiments at different flow rates (180–640 ml/min), slice thickness (1–4 mm), field strength (1.5 and 3.0 T), and multi-slice as well as 3D volume acquisition were performed. The observations were assessed visually and evaluated by signal-to-noise (SNR) ratios in regions before and after the stenosis. The obtained results show that examinations should be performed at high field (3.0 T) and at flow rates up to 500 ml/min without hampering the measurements by areas of signal loss. In comparison, no detectable differences in the flow patterns of the two acquisition schemes could be observed. However, the SNR was higher using the 3D volume acquisition and thick slices. In summary, 3D PC-MRI of mid-size vessels with stenosis is feasible for certain flow rates. The presented results could be seen as guidance for in vivo situations to assess if an examination of a patient is reasonable in terms of outcome.     

Performance evaluation of an 85-cm-bore X-ray computed tomography scanner designed for radiation oncology and comparison with current diagnostic CT scanners

INTRODUCTION: The demand for computed tomography (CT) virtual simulation is constantly increasing with the wider adoption of three-dimensional conformal and intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Virtual simulation CT studies are typically acquired on conventional diagnostic scanners equipped with an external patient positioning laser system and specialized planning and visualization software. Virtual simulation technology has matured to a point where conventional simulators may be replaced with CT scanners. However, diagnostic CT scanner gantry bores (typically 65-70 cm) can present an obstacle to the CT simulation process by limiting patient positions, compared to those that can be attained in a conventional simulator. For example, breast cancer patients cannot always be scanned in the treatment position without compromising reproducibility and appropriateness of setup. Extremely large patients or patients requiring special immobilization or large setup devices are often unable to enter the limited-bore gantry. A dedicated 85-cm-bore radiation oncology CT scanner has the potential to eliminate these problems. The scanner should provide diagnostic-quality images at diagnostic-comparable dose levels. The purpose of this study was to independently evaluate the performance of a novel 85-cm-bore CT X-ray scanner designed specifically for radiation oncology and compare it against diagnostic-type, 70-cm-bore scanners that may be used in the same setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed image quality and dosimetric measurements on an 85-cm-bore CT scanner (AcQSim CT, Marconi Medical Systems, Inc., Cleveland, OH) and a 70-cm-bore, diagnostic-type scanner (UltraZ CT, Marconi Medical Systems, Inc.). Image quality measurements were performed using a manufacturer-supplied phantom (Performance Phantom, Marconi Medical Systems, Inc.), following the manufacturer's suggested testing procedures, and an independent image quality phantom (CATPHAN 500, The Phantom Laboratory, New York, NY). The standard image quality parameters evaluated for the purpose of comparison were as follows: slice thickness accuracy, high-contrast resolution (limiting spatial resolution), low-contrast resolution, uniformity and noise, and CT number accuracy and linearity. Standard head and body protocols were employed throughout most of our measurements and were kept equal between the two scanners. The computed tomography dose index was measured for standard head and body imaging protocols using accepted methods and procedures. For comparison purposes, data for a diagnostic-type, 70-cm-bore scanner (GE HighSpeed CT/i) were extracted from the literature. The results obtained for the 85-cm-bore scanner are compared with the following: (1) manufacturer-provided autoperformance phantom test results (validating its use for routine quality assurance), (2) a similar set of measurements performed on a conventional 70-cm-bore, diagnostic-type CT scanner (UltraZ CT, Marconi Medical Systems, Inc.), and (3) current available data on other diagnostic-type CT scanners (GE HighSpeed CT/i). RESULTS: Head and body doses seem on average to be slightly (1-2 cGy) higher for the 85-cm-bore unit than for conventional 70-cm units. Measured slice thickness was within acceptable criteria, +/-0.5 mm. There does not seem to be any significant difference in high-contrast resolution. Both units render a limiting value of approximately 7-8 lp/cm for slice thickness 8-10 mm. Both units exhibit comparable CT number uniformity, accuracy, and linearity. Noise levels seem to be slightly increased (by approximately 0.05-0.2%) for the large-bore geometry. Low-contrast resolution for both units was comparable (4.5-5.5 mm @ 0.35%). All image quality parameters are well within diagnostic acceptable levels. CONCLUSION: The overall imaging performance and mechanical integrity of the 85-cm-bore scanner are comparable to those of conventional diagnostic scanners that may be employed in a radiation oncology setting.     

Accuracy of seed reconstruction in prostate postplanning studied with a CT- and MRI-compatible phantom.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Postimplant dosimetry of prostate seed implants is usually performed by seed localisation on transversal CT or MR images. In order to obtain reliable dosimetric evaluation data, it is important that seeds are reconstructed accurately. Currently, there is no comparative data available on seed localisation accuracy of CT-and MRI-based reconstructions, mainly due to the lack of a suitable QA tool. In this study, we developed a CT-and MRI compatible prostate phantom to investigate the intrinsic accuracy of seed detection for both imaging modalities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 60 seed geometry was created according to a clinically meaningful plan, including rotated and shifted seeds. After implantation of the seeds in the phantom, CT and MRI scans with 3, 4 and 5mm slice thickness were performed. The seed locations were reconstructed in the treatment planning system and compared with the known reference positions. RESULTS: Due to the comparable density and relaxation times of the phantom material to prostate tissue, the seeds are visualised similarly as on real patient images. The observed mean reconstruction uncertainties were in general smaller for CT (0.9+/-0.6, 0.9+/-0.6, 2.1+/-0.8 mm on 3, 4 and 5mm scans, respectively), than for MRI (Philips 1.5 T: 2.1+/-1.4, 1.6+/-1.2, 1.9+/-0.9 mm on 3, 4 and 5 mm scans, respectively, and Siemens 1.5 T: 2.3+/-0.8, 2.0+/-1.6, 1.6+/-0.8 mm on 3, 4 and 5mm scans, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: For our clinical sequences of both CT and MRI, the mean deviation of the reconstructed seed positions were all within acceptable limits for clinical use (<2.3 mm). The phantom was found to be a suitable quality assurance tool to assess the reliability and accuracy of the seed reconstruction procedure. Moreover, as the phantom material has the same imaging characteristics as real prostate tissue, it is a useful device to define proper MRI sequences.     

脑瘤灌注CT不同层厚CBV与rCBV测量的可重复性研究

Objective： To assess inter-and intraobserver reproducibility for measuring perfusion CT derived cerebral blood volume （CBV） and relative cerebral blood volume （rCBV） with different slice thickness in patients with brain neoplasms. Methods： Three independent observers who were blinded to the histopathologic diagnosis performed perfusion derived CBV and rCBV measurements with 5 mm and 10 mm slice thickness in 52 patients with various cerebral neoplasms. The results of the measurements with different slice thickness were compared. Calculation of coefficient of variation （CV）, and relative paired difference of the measurements were used to determine the levels of inter-and intraobserver reproducibility. Results： The differences of CBV and rCBV measurements between different slice thickness groups were statistically significant （P 〈 0.05） respectively in observer 2, and were not significant in the other two observers （P 〉 0.05）. For the same slice thickness, both the difference of CBV and rCBV measurements among the three observers were not statistically significant. Interobserver CV and relative paired difference of the measurements with 10 mm slice thickness group were slightly lower than those of 5 mm slice thickness group. Interobserver CV and relative paired difference of CBV group were slightly lower than those of rCBV group. The intraobserver differences of CBV and rCBV in 10 mm slice thickness group were statistically significant for observer 2 respectively. No other intraobserver differences of measurements were statistically significant. CV and relative paired difference of intraobserver CBV and rCBV measurements for observer 2 were significantly higher than for the other two observers. Conclusion： High reproducibility of CBV and rCBV measurements was acquired with the two different slice thickness. Suitable training may be helpful to maintain a high level of consistency for measurements.     

Effect of slice thickness on liver lesion detection and characterisation by multidetector CT

The purpose of our study was to compare the effectiveness of 3.2 mm, 5 mm and 7.5 mm slice thicknesses in the detection and characterisation of liver lesions found on CT in patients with known or suspected malignant disease. 110 patients underwent portal phase imaging using four-slice MDCT. Two blinded observers independently read hard copy images at each slice thickness. The size and location of each lesion detected was recorded by each observer on a diagram of liver segmental anatomy. Each lesion was characterised as benign, malignant or indeterminate in nature. A diagnostic confidence score was allocated for each lesion on a scale of 1–4. The pathology or behaviour of lesions was assessed using surgery with intra-operative ultrasound (IOUS) and histology, or interval imaging with MRI, CT, or sonography. 294 lesions were detected, 64 (22%) of which were malignant. Both observers detected significantly more lesions on the 3.2 mm versus 7.5 mm slice thickness (p < 0.0001). Both observers detected more malignant lesions on 3.2 mm and 5 mm slice thicknesses versus 7.5 mm. As slice thickness decreased there was a significant increase in the sensitivity of malignant lesion detection for observer 1 (p < 0.001) and borderline significance for observer 2 (p = 0.07). As slice thickness decreased the proportion of lesions characterised as indeterminate by both observers fell. With thinner slices, both detection and characterisation of liver lesions were improved. A slice thickness no greater than 5 mm should be used to maximise both detection and correct characterisation of liver lesions.     

保乳术后放疗四维CT呼气末术腔勾画影响因素分析

目的 基于四维CT (4DCT)探讨CT层厚、术腔可见度评分(CVS)及金属夹个数对保乳术后术腔(LC)勾画的影响。方法 术腔放置金属夹数目≥5个的35例保乳术后患者入组行4DCT扫描,全部患者均于T₅₀时相图像上勾画LC。分别依据CT层厚、CVS及金属夹个数对患者进行分组,评价不同组间勾画者间及勾画者自身LC差异(Δ_inter和Δ_intra)及LC间相似度(DSC)。     

Respiratory-gated helical computed tomography of lung: reproducibility of small volumes in an ex vivo model

PURPOSE: Motion-adapted radiotherapy with gated irradiation or tracking of tumor positions requires dedicated imaging techniques such as four-dimensional (4D) helical computed tomography (CT) for patient selection and treatment planning. The objective was to evaluate the reproducibility of spatial information for small objects on respiratory-gated 4D helical CT using computer-assisted volumetry of lung nodules in a ventilated ex vivo system. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Five porcine lungs were inflated inside a chest phantom and prepared with 55 artificial nodules (mean diameter, 8.4 mm +/- 1.8). The lungs were respirated by a flexible diaphragm and scanned with 40-row detector CT (collimation, 24 x 1.2 mm; pitch, 0.1; rotation time, 1 s; slice thickness, 1.5 mm; increment, 0.8 mm). The 4D-CT scans acquired during respiration (eight per minute) and reconstructed at 0-100% inspiration and equivalent static scans were scored for motion-related artifacts (0 or absent to 3 or relevant). The reproducibility of nodule volumetry (three readers) was assessed using the variation coefficient (VC). RESULTS: The mean volumes from the static and dynamic inspiratory scans were equal (364.9 and 360.8 mm3, respectively, p = 0.24). The static and dynamic end-expiratory volumes were slightly greater (371.9 and 369.7 mm3, respectively, p = 0.019). The VC for volumetry (static) was 3.1%, with no significant difference between 20 apical and 20 caudal nodules (2.6% and 3.5%, p = 0.25). In dynamic scans, the VC was greater (3.9%, p = 0.004; apical and caudal, 2.6% and 4.9%; p = 0.004), with a significant difference between static and dynamic in the 20 caudal nodules (3.5% and 4.9%, p = 0.015). This was consistent with greater motion-related artifacts and image noise at the diaphragm (p <0.05). The VC for interobserver variability was 0.6%. CONCLUSION: Residual motion-related artifacts had only minimal influence on volumetry of small solid lesions. This indicates a high reproducibility of spatial information for small objects in low pitch helical 4D-CT reconstructions.     

Quality assurance of a virtual simulation software: application to IMAgo and SIMAgo (ISOgray)]

PURPOSE: Virtual simulation process is often used to prepare three dimensional conformal radiation therapy treatments. As the quality of the treatment is widely dependent on this step, it is mandatory to perform extensive controls on this software before clinical use. The tests presented in this work have been carried out on the treatment planning system ISOgray (DOSIsoft), including the delineation module IMAgo and the virtual simulation module SIMAgo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: According to our experience, the most relevant controls of international protocols have been selected. These tests mainly focused on measuring and delineation tools, virtual simulation functionalities, and have been performed with three phantoms: the Quasar Multi-Purpose Body Phantom, the Quasar MLC Beam Geometry Phantom (Modus Medical Devices Inc.) and a phantom developed at Hospital Tenon. RESULTS: No major issues have been identified while performing the tests. These controls have emphasized the necessity for the user to consider with a critical eye the results displayed by a virtual simulation software. The contrast of visualisation, the slice thickness, the calculation and display mode of 3D structures used by the software are many factors of uncertainties. CONCLUSION: A virtual simulation software quality assurance procedure has been written and applied on a set of CT images. Similar tests have to be performed periodically and at minimum at each change of major version.     

Accuracy of volume and DVH parameters determined with different brachytherapy treatment planning systems.

PURPOSE: To determine the uncertainties in dose volume histogram (DVH) analysis used in modern brachytherapy treatment planning systems (TPSs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phantom with three different volumes was scanned with CT and MRI. An inter-observer analysis was based on contouring performed by 5 persons. The volume of a standard contour set was calculated using seven different TPSs. For five systems a typical brachytherapy dose distribution was used to compare DVH determination. RESULTS: The inter-observer variability (1SD) was 13% for a small cylindrical volume, 5% for a large cylinder and 3% for a conical shape. A standardized volume for a 4mm CT scan contoured on seven different TPS varied by 7%, 2%, and 5% (1SD). Use of smaller slice thickness reduced the variations. A treatment plan with the sources between the large cylindrical shape and the cone showed variations for D(2cc) of 1% and 5% (1SD), respectively. Deviations larger than 10% were observed for a smaller source to cylinder surface distance of 5mm. CONCLUSIONS: Modern TPSs minimize the volumetric and dosimetric calculation uncertainties. These are comparable to inter-observer contouring variations. However, differences in volume result from the methods of calculation in the first and last slice of a contoured structure. For this situation and in case of high dose gradients inside analyzed volumes, high uncertainties were observed. The use of DVH parameters in clinical practice should take into account the method of calculation and the possible uncertainties.