CT图像重建视野大小对放射治疗计划剂量计算及体积评估的影响

目的 探讨CT图像重建视野(FOV)大小对放射治疗计划剂量计算及体积评估可能存在的影响.方法 对16例鼻咽癌患者的CT原始扫描数据分别行45 cm常规FOV和65 cm扩展视野(EFOV)重建并传输至放射治疗计划系统,所有病例均在常规FOV重建的CT图像上勾画肿瘤体积(GTV)、临床靶区(CTV)及脑干、晶体、腮腺、脊髓等危及器官,并制定7野等角动态调强放射治疗计划(GTV处方剂量70 Gy).两种重建方法图像按照医学数字影像通信3.0标准(DICOM 3.0)坐标方式融合后,拷贝常规FOV图像上的靶区及危及器官至EFOV图像,并将治疗计划移植至EFOV图像,治疗计划中心为两种重建方法图像的同一DICOM坐标,利用剂量体积直方图(DVH)工具计算两种重建方法图像上GTV、CTV和脑干、晶体、腮腺、脊髓的体积、最大剂量(Dmax)、平均剂量(Dmean)及最小剂量(Dmin).将入组病例的每个治疗计划7野分别导入常规45 cm FOV和65 cmEFOV重建的二维通量图验证设备Mapchek 1175的模体,距离通过协议(DTA)分析5 cm深度平面绝对剂量的计算和实测结果通过率.结果 两种重建方法图像上的靶区和危及器官的体积差异具有统计学意义,所有入组病例靶区和危及器官在常规FOV图像上的体积均大于EFOV图像上的体积.较小体积的晶体最大剂量Dmax常规FOV与EFOV图像之间差异有统计学意义(t=-3.14,P<0.007),其余靶区及危及器官的最大剂量Dmax差异无统计学意义.CTV和GTV平均剂量Dmean在EFOV图像上大于FOV图像,差异有统计学意义(t=-6.45、-5.65,P<0.001),危及器官的平均剂量Dmean和靶区及危及器官最小剂量Dmin差异均无统计学意义.两种重建方法图像上治疗计划的7野通过率之间差异无统计学意义.结论 在放射治疗CT模拟定位过程中图像重建FOV的大小对于靶区及部分危及器官的体积及剂量计算结果和治疗计划的评价存在影响;观察和验证二维通 量图通过率,两者之间的差异并不显著.     

CT图像重建视野大小对放射治疗计划剂量计算及体积评估的影响

目的 探讨CT图像重建视野(FOV)大小对放射治疗计划剂量计算及体积评估可能存在的影响.方法 对16例鼻咽癌患者的CT原始扫描数据分别行45 cm常规FOV和65 cm扩展视野(EFOV)重建并传输至放射治疗计划系统,所有病例均在常规FOV重建的CT图像上勾画肿瘤体积(GTV)、临床靶区(CTV)及脑干、晶体、腮腺、脊髓等危及器官,并制定7野等角动态调强放射治疗计划(GTV处方剂量70 Gy).两种重建方法图像按照医学数字影像通信3.0标准(DICOM 3.0)坐标方式融合后,拷贝常规FOV图像上的靶区及危及器官至EFOV图像,并将治疗计划移植至EFOV图像,治疗计划中心为两种重建方法图像的同一DICOM坐标,利用剂量体积直方图(DVH)工具计算两种重建方法图像上GTV、CTV和脑干、晶体、腮腺、脊髓的体积、最大剂量(Dmax)、平均剂量(Dmean)及最小剂量(Dmin).将入组病例的每个治疗计划7野分别导入常规45 cm FOV和65 cmEFOV重建的二维通量图验证设备Mapchek 1175的模体,距离通过协议(DTA)分析5 cm深度平面绝对剂量的计算和实测结果通过率.结果 两种重建方法图像上的靶区和危及器官的体积差异具有统计学意义,所有入组病例靶区和危及器官在常规FOV图像上的体积均大于EFOV图像上的体积.较小体积的晶体最大剂量Dmax常规FOV与EFOV图像之间差异有统计学意义(t=-3.14,P<0.007),其余靶区及危及器官的最大剂量Dmax差异无统计学意义.CTV和GTV平均剂量Dmean在EFOV图像上大于FOV图像,差异有统计学意义(t=-6.45、-5.65,P<0.001),危及器官的平均剂量Dmean和靶区及危及器官最小剂量Dmin差异均无统计学意义.两种重建方法图像上治疗计划的7野通过率之间差异无统计学意义.结论 在放射治疗CT模拟定位过程中图像重建FOV的大小对于靶区及部分危及器官的体积及剂量计算结果和治疗计划的评价存在影响;观察和验证二维通 量图通过率,两者之间的差异并不显著.     

调强放射治疗计划的剂量验证

调强放射治疗(intensity—modulated radiation therapy，IMRT)以其较好的剂量分布和保护正常组织等特点已在国内多家医疗单位开展。但是由于此项治疗技术受到诸如影像、逆向计划设计、精确定位及治疗设备等因素的影响，对于治疗方案的剂量验证显得尤为重要。     

鼻咽癌CT类型和放射治疗剂量与鼻咽癌预后的初步研究

探讨鼻咽癌ＣＴ类型和放射剂量与鼻咽癌预后的关系，为设置合理的放疗剂量提供依据，方法５６例疗前ＮＰＣ，均有完整的放疗后３年追踪资料，鼻咽癌复发者１７例，鼻咽正常３９例；根据疗前ＣＴ表现，５６例ＮＰＣ分为Ⅰ型１３例，Ⅱ型２８例，Ⅲ型１５例；鼻咽癌     

初级光阑对立体定向放射治疗剂量的影响

目前多叶准直器 (MLC)在体部分次立体定向放射治疗中成为一种不可缺少的设备 ,该器械具有方便、灵活、实用、省时等特点。长期以来 ,多叶准直器的结构设计一直在改进、完善中 ,但主要是围绕着提高适形度 ,减少透射及漏射等方面。由于其结构特点 ,通常它还需与可调的初级光阑配合使用。为此 ,有必要定量了解两者配合在实际情况下对靶区吸收剂量的影响 ,笔者用实测的方法对其进行了研究。一、材料和方法1 设备 :使用中国科学院大恒医疗设备有限公司生产手动多叶光阑 (叶片对数 34对 ,叶片高度 8cm ,叶片宽度0 2 5cm ,最大开口 7cm× 7cm ,…     

基于剂量预测的个性化放射治疗计划质量的定量评价方法

目的:提出一种基于剂量预测的放射治疗计划质量定量评价方法,并验证该方法的临床可行性和临床价值。方法:基于45例5年以上从业经验的物理师制定的直肠癌病例,训练3D U-Net网络。利用3D U-Net网络预测得到三维剂量分布后,基于剂量预测的剂量-体积直方图(DVH)指标,建立调强放射治疗(IMRT)直肠癌计划质量评估标...     

鼻咽癌调强放疗中实施同一计划对剂量的影响

目的 探讨鼻咽癌调强放疗过程中实施同一治疗计划的可行性。方法 选10例采用调强放射治疗的鼻咽癌患者,用Pinnacle³制定IMRT计划。在患者放疗中期重新行CT定位扫描,把基于初次定位CT图像所做的IMRT计划复制到重新定位CT图像上,使得照射野参数保持一致,测得基于两套图像计划中的肿瘤靶区、脊髓、脑干和腮腺的受量。统计在整个放疗过程中如果实施同一计划,患者靶区及各器官的剂量变化率。结果 两组计划相比,等中心层面外轮廓左右和前后长度平均缩小8%、3%。靶区PTV₁(D₉₅)减少0.6%~5.3%;放疗中期和放疗前相比右侧和左侧腮腺体积分别缩小13.1%~41.4%、12.0%~49.0%;右侧和左侧腮腺平均剂量增加5.6%~45.1%、3.3%~32.2%;脊髓最大剂量变化为-4.1%~13.9%;脑干剂量变化为-3.9%~9.3%。结论 对于采用鼻咽癌调强放射治疗的患者,在不考虑摆位误差的影响因素下,由于靶区及正常组织显著变化等因素影响有重新定位修改计划的必要性。     

兆伏级锥形束CT图像引导放疗所致鼻咽癌患者剂量的探讨

目的 评价和估算兆伏级锥形束CT(MV CBCT)成像系统在图像引导放疗中所致鼻咽癌患者的辐射剂量。方法 选择MV CBCT系统头颈部8 MU扫描预案,利用0.65 cm³指型电离室和CT头部剂量体模测量出体模不同位置的吸收剂量。并利用XiO治疗计划系统模拟MV CBCT扫描过程,计算体模电离室测量点的吸收剂量和鼻咽癌患者肿瘤靶区及危及器官的吸收剂量。结果 体模不同位置吸收剂量的测量值和计算值具有很好的一致性,相对误差均小于3.5%。MV CBCT图像引导放疗所致鼻咽癌患者肿瘤靶区平均剂量为6.43 cGy,脑干、脊髓和视交叉的平均剂量分别为6.36 、6.83和6.90 cGy,左、右视神经平均剂量分别为7.70和7.53 cGy,左、右腮腺平均剂量分别为6.86和6.43 cGy。结论 使用治疗计划系统模拟MV CBCT图像采集过程估算剂量准确、可靠。在设计患者治疗计划时,要充分考虑MV CBCT图像采集过程所致患者剂量。     

简单调强高剂量或常规剂量放射治疗伴淋巴结转移的食管癌疗效分析

目的 探讨简单调强放疗技术(sIMRT)并同期化疗治疗颈段及胸上段食管癌,并予转移淋巴结高剂量放疗的可行性.方法 44例患者随机分为2组,高剂量组20例,常规剂量组24例.对颈及胸上段食管癌的原发灶和预防照射区进行sIMRT计划设计.定义3个靶区:PGTVnd为转移淋巴结靶区,高剂量组患者给予68.1 Gy,每次2.27 Gy,共30次;常规剂量组患者给予60 Gy,每次2.0 Gy,共30次.PTV1为需要加量照射的原发灶靶区,高剂量组给予63.9 Gy,每次2.13 Gy,共30次;常规剂量组60 Gy,每次2.0 Gy,共30次.PTV2为预防照射区,高剂量组和常规剂量组均给予54 Gy,每次1.8 Gy,共30次.放疗中顺铂(DDP)+5-氟尿嘧啶(5-FU)方案第1～5天和第29～33天同期化疗2个周期,放疗结束后28 d原方案重复2个疗程.结果 所有患者均完成了治疗计划,治疗中仅1例发生Ⅲ级放射性气管炎.高剂量组与常规剂量组淋巴结病灶达完全缓解(CR)者分别为75%(15/20)与45.8%(11/24),差异有统计学意义(x2=3.84,P＜0.05);1、2、3年无进展生存率分别为60%、40%、25%和41.7%、25%、8.3%(x2=4.11,P＜0.05);原发病灶近期疗效和1、2、3年生存率差异无统计学意义;不良反应主要为Ⅰ～Ⅱ级白细胞下降.结论 sIMRT计划治疗颈及胸上段食管癌,急性放射反应可耐受,给予转移淋巴结高剂量放疗可以提高患者的无复发生存率.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the feasibility of simplified intensity-modulated radiotherapy (sIMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy against neck and upper thoracic esophageal carcinoma with lymph node metastasis.Methods sIMRT plans were designed for 44 patients of neck and upper thoracic esophageal carcinoma with lymph node metastasis, 20 of which underwent high dose sIMRT (hsIMRT group) and 24 underwent conventional dose sIM RT (csIMRT group).Three target volumes were defined:PGTVnd, target volume of lymph node lesion, irradiated to 68.1 Gy ( 2.27 Gy × 30 fractions ) for the hsIMRT group, and 60 Gy (2.0 Gy ×30 fractions) the csIMRT group; PTV1, the target volume of primary lesion, to be irradiate to 63.9 Gy (2.13 Gy × 30 fractions) for the hsIMRT group and 60 Gy (2.0 Gy × 30fractions) for the csIMRT group; PTV2 , the prophylacticly irradiated volume, to be irradiated to 54 Gy (1.8 Gy ×30) for both groups.The sIMRT plan included 5 equiangular coplanar beams.All patients received DDP + 5-FU regimen concurrently with radiotherapy at 1 -5 d and 29- 33 d, respectively.Chemotherapy was repeated for two cycles 28 days after the radiotherapy was finished.Results The treatment was completed for all patients within 6 weeks.During the treatment only one patient with grade 3 acute bronchitis was observed in the hsIMRT group.The complete response (CR) rate for the lymph node lesion of the hsIMRT group was 75% ( 15/20 ), significantly higher than that of the csIMRT group [45.8% ( 11/24), x2 = 3.84, P ＜ 0.05].The 1-, 2-, and 3-year progression-free survival rates of the hsIMRT group were 60%, 40%, and 25% , respectively,all significantly higher than those of the csIMRT group (41.7%, 25%, and 8.3% respectively, x2 = 4.11,P ＜ 0.05).However, there were not significant differences in the total survival rate, and the CR and PR of the esophageal lesion between these 2 groups.The major toxicity observed was grade Ⅰ -Ⅱ leukoctyopenia.Conclusions sIMRT generates desirable dose distribution for neck and upper thoracic esophageal carcinoma.hsIMRT has a better short-term efficacy than csIMRT.High dose radiotherapy toward metastatic lymph nodes helps increase progression-free survival.     

鼻咽癌放射治疗定位的CT/MRI图像配准辅助装置的研究

目的 研制用于鼻咽癌放射治疗定位的CT/MRI图像配准辅助装置,并且通过组织勾画差异分析使用该装置后所得配准融合图像在临床中的应用意义。方法 在普通的磁共振头颈线圈中设计特定形状的头枕,保持患者在扫描时与CT定位扫描时相同的体位。采用配对t检验分析CT图像与融合图像中腮腺、下颌骨的勾画差异。结果 患者的头颈部CT、MRI图像的配准精度较未使用该装置的图像具有明显的提高,使用该配准图像得到的融合图像、组织结构位置、细节显示准确清晰。左右腮腺体积在CT图像中较CT/MRI融合图像中偏小,左腮腺体积融合和CT图像中的体积分别为（17.78±6.89）cm³和（17.17±7.02）cm³（t=-2.715,P<0.05）;右腮腺体积融合和CT图像中的体积分别为（19.23±8.91）cm³和（17.47±7.42）cm³（t=-2.552,P<0.05）;下颌骨在CT图像中勾画体积较CT/MRI融合图像偏大,左下颌骨体积融合和CT图像中的体积分别为（33.7±5.59）cm³和（34.8±6.27）cm³（t=3.548,P<0.05）;右下颌骨体积融合和CT图像中的体积分别为（34.46±6.08）cm³和（35.38±6.72）cm³（t=3.14,P<0.05）。结论 使用该辅助装置,可以得到头颈部配准融合准确的CT/ MRI的图像,此融合图像对临床医师的组织和病灶勾画具有积极的参考价值。     

基于3D-CT与4D-CT定义的非小细胞肺癌计划靶区比较

目的 探讨基于3D-CT轴位扫描所定义的计划靶区(PTVvector)与基于4D-CT定义的计划靶区(PTV4D)的位置和体积差异.方法 适合三维适形放疗(3D-CRT)的非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)患者共28例,其中,16例肿瘤位于肺上叶为肺上叶组,12例肿瘤位于肺中下叶为肺中下叶组,均于同次CT模拟定位时序贯完成胸部常规3D-CT轴位扫描和4D-CT扫描.基于3D-CT图像GTV及其运动矢量定义PTVvector:GTV外扩7 mm形成CTV,在CTV基础上依据4D-CT测得的肿瘤三维运动矢量均匀外扩形成ITVvector,然后再外扩3 mm,形成PTVvector;基于4D-CT图像各时相GTV融合定义PTV4D:10个时相的GTV分别外扩7 mm形成各时相的CTV,10个时相的CTV融合形成ITV4D,ITV4D外扩3 mm形成PTV4D.对比PTVvector和PTV4D靶区位置、体积及包含度差异,分析三维运动矢量和相关参数的相关性.结果 肺上叶和肺中下叶两组肿瘤中心三维运动矢量中位数分别为2.8和7,0 mm,差异有统计学意义(z=-3.485,P<0.05).肺上叶组PTVvector和PTV4D中心点坐标仅在x轴上差异有统计学意义(z=-2.010,P<0.05),肺中下叶组两靶区中心点坐标仅在;轴上差异有统计学意义(z=-2.136,P<0.05).肺上叶组PTV4D与PTVvector比值的中位数为0.75,肺中下叶组为0.52,两比值与肿瘤三维运动矢量的相关性差异均有统计学意义(r=-0.638、-0.850,P<0.05).PTVvector与PTV4D彼此间包含度的中位数分别为66.39%和99.55%,两者与肿瘤的三维运动矢量相关性差异有统计学意义(r=-0.814、0.613,P<0.05).结论 基于4D-CT定义的PTV4D明显小于基于3D-CT定义的PTVvector,两者的比值及相互包含度均与肿瘤三维运动矢量显著相关.     

基于3D-CT与4D-CT定义的非小细胞肺癌计划靶区比较

目的 探讨基于3D-CT轴位扫描所定义的计划靶区(PTVvector)与基于4D-CT定义的计划靶区(PTV4D)的位置和体积差异.方法 适合三维适形放疗(3D-CRT)的非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)患者共28例,其中,16例肿瘤位于肺上叶为肺上叶组,12例肿瘤位于肺中下叶为肺中下叶组,均于同次CT模拟定位时序贯完成胸部常规3D-CT轴位扫描和4D-CT扫描.基于3D-CT图像GTV及其运动矢量定义PTVvector:GTV外扩7 mm形成CTV,在CTV基础上依据4D-CT测得的肿瘤三维运动矢量均匀外扩形成ITVvector,然后再外扩3 mm,形成PTVvector;基于4D-CT图像各时相GTV融合定义PTV4D:10个时相的GTV分别外扩7 mm形成各时相的CTV,10个时相的CTV融合形成ITV4D,ITV4D外扩3 mm形成PTV4D.对比PTVvector和PTV4D靶区位置、体积及包含度差异,分析三维运动矢量和相关参数的相关性.结果 肺上叶和肺中下叶两组肿瘤中心三维运动矢量中位数分别为2.8和7,0 mm,差异有统计学意义(z=-3.485,P<0.05).肺上叶组PTVvector和PTV4D中心点坐标仅在x轴上差异有统计学意义(z=-2.010,P<0.05),肺中下叶组两靶区中心点坐标仅在;轴上差异有统计学意义(z=-2.136,P<0.05).肺上叶组PTV4D与PTVvector比值的中位数为0.75,肺中下叶组为0.52,两比值与肿瘤三维运动矢量的相关性差异均有统计学意义(r=-0.638、-0.850,P<0.05).PTVvector与PTV4D彼此间包含度的中位数分别为66.39%和99.55%,两者与肿瘤的三维运动矢量相关性差异有统计学意义(r=-0.814、0.613,P<0.05).结论 基于4D-CT定义的PTV4D明显小于基于3D-CT定义的PTVvector,两者的比值及相互包含度均与肿瘤三维运动矢量显著相关.

Abstract：

Objecttve To compare the positional and volumetric differences of planning target volumes(PTVs)based on axial three-dimensional CT(3D-CT)and four-dimensional CT(4D-CT)for the primary tumor of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods Sixteen NSCLC patients with lesions located in the upper lobe and 12 patients with lesions in middle and lower lobes,totally 28 patients, initially underwent three-dimensional CT scans followed by 4D-CT scans of the thorax under normal free breathing.PTVvector was defined on gross tumor volume (GTV) contoured on 3D-CT and its motion vector. The clinical target volumes(CTVs)were created by adding 7 mm to GTVs,then, internal target volume (ITVs)were produced by enlarging CTVs isotropically based on the individually measured amount of motion in the 4D-CT,lastly,PTVs were created by adding 3 mm setup margin to ITVs. PTV4D was defined on the fusion of CTVs on all phases of the 4D data.The CTV wag generated by adding7 mm to the GTV on each phase.then,PIVs were produced by fusing CTVs on 10 phases and adding 3 mm setup margin.The position of the target center,the volume of target and the degree of inclusion(DI)were compared reciprocally between the PTVvector and the PTV 4D The difference of the position,volume and degree of inclusion of the targets between PTVvecter and PTV4D were compared,and the relevance between the relative characters of the targets and the three-dimensional vector was analyzed based on the groups of the patients. Results The median of the 3 D motion vector for the lesions in the upper lobe was 2.8 mm, significantly lower than that for the lesions in the middle and lower lobe ( 7.0 mm, z = - 3. 485, P < 0. 05 ). In the upper lobe group there was only significant spatial difference between the PTVvector and PTV4D targets in the center coordinate at the x axe (z = -2. 010, P < 0. 05 ), while in the middle and lower lobes there was only significant spatial difference between the PTVvector and PTV4D targets in the center coordinates at the z axe (z = -2. 136,P <0.05). The median of ratio of PTV4D and PTVvector, of the upper lobe group was 0. 75, significantly higher than that of the middle and lower lobes group (0. 52, z = - 2. 949, P < 0. 05 ).A significant correlation was found for the motion vector and the ratio of PTV and PTV4D in both groups ( r = - 0. 638, - 0. 850, P < 0. 05 ). For all patients, the median of D[ of PTV4D in PTVvector was 66. 39% ,while the median of DI of PTVvector, in PTV4D was 99. 55% , both showed a positive significant correlation with the motion vector (r = -0. 814,0. 613 ,P < 0. 05). Conclusions PTV4D defined based on 4D-CT simulation images is obviously less than PTV defined based on 3D-CT simulation images. The ratio and DI of both targets are related with the three-dimensional motion vector of the tumor.     

The print-out of CT images and radiation treatment planning data on a laser printer]

We introduce a program for the digital output of CT images with overlaid isodose maps to a laser printer. The high quality prints permit the additional output of treatment planning data on the same sheet.     

Volumetric quantification of brain volume in children using sequential CT scans

Summary We devised a three dimensional method for the accurate measurement of brain volume and applied it to 32 neurologically normal children, 7 children with only mental retardation and 15 children with both mental retardation and motor disturbance. In the group of neurologically normal children, the total brain volume increased from 723 cm³ to 1407 cm³ in order of age. The correlation ratio between the total brain volume and age was significant (P<0.0001). The values of the total brain volume and the developmental curve were similar to those of the total brain weight of normal children previously reported. The combined volume of the cerebellum, the midbrain, the pons and the medulla also increased from 76 cm³ to 200 cm³ in a manner similar to that of the total brain. The correlation between total brain volume and head circumference was significant (P<0.0001). In the group of children with mental retardation, the total brain volume was relatively smaller than that of neurologically normal children. In the group of the children with mental retardation and motor disturbance, 10 out of 15 cases showed values below — 2 SD of those of neurologically normal children. The values of the total brain volume were each less than — 3 SD in 3 cases whose head circumferences were each more than — 3 SD. Our method for the direct measurement of brain volume based on serial CT scans may be useful for the accurate examination of brain development.     

Hybrid segmentation and virtual bronchoscopy based on CT images

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Introduction of combination of the segmentation tool SegoMeTex and the virtual endoscopy system VIVENDI to perform virtual endoscopic inspections of the human lung. This virtual bronchoscopy system enables visualization of the tracheobronchial tree down to seventh generation. Furthermore, the modified virtual system visualizes hidden structures such as segmented vascular system or tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The segmentation is based on image data acquired by a multislice computed tomography scanner. SegoMeTex is used to segment the tracheobronchial tree by a hybrid system with minimal user action. Similarly, the complementary pulmonary arterial can be segmented, whereas additional structures such as tumors are marked manually. On this dataset, subsequently, data structures of the inner surface for virtual endoscopy are generated. Finally, the dataset can be explored by a virtual bronchoscopy procedure using the VIVENDI system. RESULTS: The segmentation method was successfully tested on 22 patients. The hybrid segmentation system identified bronchi up to the sixth generation with a sensitivity of more than 58%, and a positive predictive value of more than 90%. After the segmentation, the datasets are explored interactively (>30 fps on a standard personal computer platform in real-time rendering) using the virtual endoscopy software. The exploration exposed a high-quality reconstruction, even of small structures throughout the dataset. CONCLUSION: Virtual bronchoscopy in combining with a highly sensitive segmentation is a valuable tool for the localization and measurement of stenosis for resection planning.     

The impact of CT CORRELATE ScoutView images on radiation therapy planning

CORRELATE is a new computer software program for CT that enables a radiologist to mark tumor margins on traditional CT cross-sectional images and then display the outline of that same tumor on CT ScoutView images. This function is particularly useful for radiation therapy planning because CORRELATE ScoutView images are in the same longitudinal plane as simulation radiographs used for tumor localization in radiation therapy. The impact of CORRELATE on the radiation therapy planning process was measured in 83 patients with various tumors. Therapy planning was performed before and after CORRELATE information was made available to the radiation therapist. CORRELATE information caused a change in the therapy plan in 77% of the cases and increased confidence in the therapy plan in an additional 22%. CORRELATE provides a useful and accurate tool for tumor localization.     

CT angiography for planning transcatheter aortic valve replacement using automated tube voltage selection: Image quality and radiation exposure

PurposeTo assess image quality and accuracy of CT angiography (CTA) for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) planning performed with 3rd generation dual-source CT (DSCT).Material and methodsWe evaluated 125 patients who underwent TAVR-planning CTA on 3rd generation DSCT. A two-part protocol was performed including retrospectively ECG-gated coronary CTA (CCTA) and prospectively ECG-triggered aortoiliac CTA using 60 mL of contrast medium. Automated tube voltage selection and advanced iterative reconstruction were applied. Effective dose (ED), signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were calculated. Five-point scales were used for subjective image quality analysis. In patients who underwent TAVR, sizing parameters were obtained.ResultsImage quality was rated good to excellent in 97.6% of CCTA and 100% of aortoiliac CTAs. CTA studies at >100 kV showed decreased objective image quality compared to 70–100 kV (SNR, all p ≤ 0.0459; CNR, all p ≤ 0.0462). Mean ED increased continuously from 70 to >100 kV (CCTA: 4.5 ± 1.7 mSv–13.6 ± 2.9 mSv, all p ≤ 0.0233; aortoiliac CTA: 2.4 ± 0.9 mSv–6.8 ± 2.7 mSv, all p ≤ 0.0414). In 39 patients TAVR was performed and annulus diameter was within the recommended range in all patients. No severe cardiac or vascular complications were noted.Conclusion3rd generation DSCT provides diagnostic image quality in TAVR-planning CTA and facilitates reliable assessment of TAVR device and delivery option while reducing radiation dose.     

influence and improvement of metal artifacts in dental structures by CT for radiation treatment planning: reconstruction of transverse images using oblique images by gantry tilt scanning

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) radiation treatment planning (RTP) requires accuracy. Metal artifacts are one of the factors that influence RTP. The metal artifacts from dental structures are problems at the level of the oropharynx, since these artifacts impair visualization of tumors or lymph nodes and change CT (computed tomography) values. We simulated RTP at the level of the oropharynx using CT images with and without artifacts from dental structures. Gantry tilt scanning was performed to avoid artifacts from dental structures and transverse images reconstructed from oblique images by gantry tilt scanning using a technique of multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) . The reconstructed transverse images were used for the RTP. The reconstructed transverse images were useful to obtain accurate target volumes and the RTP of two opposed equally weighted beams by correct CT values. As dose distribution was changed slightly by the metal artifacts, the use of CT images without artifact is recommended in RTP.