Precision and Accuracy of Measurements on CT Scout View

ObjectivesThe purposes of this study were to (1) investigate the limits of measurements on scout view in three computed tomography axes, x, y and z and (2) develop a model to provide better understanding of measurement accuracy.MethodsFor the first objective, anteroposterior and lateral scout views of a Catphan phantom 200 mm in diameter and length were acquired with a GE scanner at 21 different table heights. Phantom measurements on scout view were performed by two experienced readers. The comparison of their measures provided estimation of precision. The accuracy was assessed by determining the bias, calculated as the difference between the values measured on scout view and the real phantom size. Second, a model was developed investigating the relationship between the dimensions of the object, its image, and the table height. This relationship was tested on our data.ResultsScout view measurements were precise, with less than 0.53% difference between readers. In addition, small biases of about 1 mm were detected in the z-axis, whatever the table height. In the other axes, serious biases from −13 to +73 mm were measured. Furthermore, at isocentre, overestimations up to 7 mm were shown. The results also indicated that biases in scout view measurements are because of the geometrical projection related to the object-detector distance.ConclusionsMeasurements in the table movement axis are precise and accurate, conferring to scout views an added value for preoperative planning in orthopedic surgery.     

Pediatric cardiac computed tomography angiography: Expert consensus from the Filiale de Cardiologie Pédiatrique et Congénitale (FCPC) and the Société Française d’Imagerie Cardiaque et Vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV)

This article was designed to provide a pediatric cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) expert panel consensus based on opinions of experts of the Société Française d’Imagerie Cardiaque et Vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV) and of the Filiale de Cardiologie Pédiatrique Congénitale (FCPC). This expert panel consensus includes recommendations for indications, patient preparation, CTA radiation dose reduction techniques, and post-processing techniques. The consensus was based on data from available literature (original papers, reviews and guidelines) and on opinions of a group of specialists with extensive experience in the use of CT imaging in congenital heart disease. In order to reach high potential and avoid pitfalls, CCTA in children with congenital heart disease requires training and experience. Moreover, pediatric cardiac CCTA protocols should be standardized to acquire optimal images in this population with the lowest radiation dose possible to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure. We also provided a suggested structured report and a list of acquisition protocols and technical parameters in relation to specific vendors.     

肾小球微血管构型的扫描电子显微镜观察

应用微血管铸型扫描电镜技术研究8例成人肾脏的肾小球微血管构筑,结果发现:1.输入小动脉在肾小球血管极处分为2～5支小球内小叶微动脉。输入小动脉血管铸型的直径为126.35±20.5μm。2.肾小球是由小球内小叶微动脉、毛细血管、毛细血管网小叶间交通支和毛细血管输出根所构成的近似于球状体,小球内每个毛细血管网小叶均是一个独立的机能解剖学单位;3.299个肾小球均有一支输出小动脉,只有一个肾小球有两支输出小动脉。输出小动脉的血管铸型直径为91.35±11.7μm。4.输出小动脉起始处具有毛细血管前括约肌装置,此结构在调控肾小球内的微循环血流有着重要意义。     

Morphology of corticotectal cells in the primary visual cortex of hooded rats

In primary visual cortex of hooded rats, pyramidal cells in layer V may be classified as long, medium, or short, on the basis of the layer in which the apical dendrite terminates. The present study determines which of these types of pyramidal cells project to the superior colliculus. Two different strategies were used to label corticotectal cells with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). In the first set of experiments, a large number of corticotectal cells were labeled by retrograde transport following injection of HRP into the superior colliculus. In the second set of experiments, single unit recording was used to identify corticotectal cells physiologically by antidromic activation from the superior colliculus. These cells were then impaled and labeled by intracellular iontophoresis of HRP. The results from both techniques suggest that only long pyramidal cells send an axon to the superior colliculus. These cells are distinguished by an apical dendrite that extends into layer I. We conclude that in hooded rats corticotectal cells in primary visual cortex are the long pyramids in layer V.     

冠状CT扫描对颅脑疾患的诊断意义

作者通过对30例颅脑疾患冠状CT扫描资料进行研究,提出在一定情况下,在横断CT扫描的基础上,加用冠状CT扫描或冠矢重建图象,对病变的精确定位、病变的起源和发展方向以及病变与周围结构的关系等很有裨益。     

轴突分叉点位置计算法适用性的分析

某些中枢神经元通过分叉轴突向两个以上核团投射。轴突分叉点的位置通常由计算轴突主干传导时间予以估测。但是,本工作用该法的4个公式计算细胞内或细胞外记录到的数据未能得到一致和可信的数值。结果提示,计算法的原理是不合理的,并至少对在细胞内或细胞外记录条件下估测轴突分叉点是不适用的。     

胸部螺旋CT最大密度投影重建的参数优化

目的探讨胸部螺旋CT最大密度投影(MIP)重建合理的扫描和重建参数。方法6例煤工的尸检离体肺脏制成充气固定肺标本,分别行不同参数组合的螺旋CT扫描,包括层厚1.5mm,2mm,4mm及8mm,重建间隔1mm,3mm,5mm;曝光量150mA,100mA;螺距1.5;滤过算法包括标准、锐利和平滑3种。每组图像均行MIP重建,重建厚度为12.5mm～13mm,比较不同参数MIP重建图像对支气管血管束的显示。结果a)曝光量对MIP重建图像的影响甚微,150mA、100mA两组剂量MIP无显著性差异(P>0.05);b)重建算法对MIP重建无显著影响。c)扫描层厚影响MIP图像,以薄层(1.5mm)扫描重建为最佳,1.5mm、2mm、4mm层厚MIP图像之间无显著性差异(P>0.05),8mm层厚与前4者MIP图像有显著性差异(P<0.01)。d)重建间隔影响MIP重建效果,8mm层厚扫描,1mm和5mm重建间隔重建图像MIP之间有显著性差异(P<0.05)。结论影响MIP重建的参数主要为扫描层厚和重建间隔,薄层扫描可获得理想的MIP图像,随层厚的增加,减小重建间隔有利于获得理想的MIP图像。建议以中等层厚(4mm)扫描,小重建间隔(1.5mm,2mm)行MIP重建。     

大鼠下丘脑室旁核及其邻近区域至室管膜的传出联系

用20只Wistar大鼠以PHA—L免疫组织化学顺行追踪技术研究了下丘脑室旁核及其邻近区域对脑室系统室管膜的传出联系。在脑室系统某些部位的室管膜层或其下方见有丰富的标记纤维并见许多膨结和终末膨突。这些纤维似乎参与形成室管膜上、下丛,构成脑—脑脊液神经体液回路的重要环节。     

Estimating neuron dendritic length in 3D from total vertical projections and from vertical slices

The recently developed method of total vertical projections is illustrated to estimate the total dendritic length of a human Substantia Nigra neuron. Next, the length of the different orders of dendritic branches, and the mean segment length for each order - commonly regarded as important parameters in neuron physiology - are also estimated. Finally, it is shown how to estimate the mean dendritic length in a population of neurons from vertical slices of arbitrary and unknown thickness. Being unbiased and highly efficient, the proposed methods offer interesting alternatives to current procedures used for the metric analysis of neuron arborizations.     

Glutamic acid decarboxylase-like immunoreactivity in brainstem auditory nuclei of the rat

The distribution of GABA-producing neurons in the brainstem auditory nuclei of the rat was investigated immunohistochemically by using an antibody to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). In the cochlear nuclei, GAD immunoreactive neurons are present only in the superficial granular and molecular layers, whereas terminals are found in all subdivisions of the nuclei and are particularly dense surrounding large spherical cells and one type of stellate cell. In the superior olivary complex, GAD immunoreactive neurons are located in the lateral olivary nucleus and throughout the periolivary region. Immunoreactive terminals are distributed along dendrites of principal cells of the medial and lateral olivary nuclei and are clustered around somata of globular neurons of the nucleus of the trapezoid body. An extremely dense band of immunoreactive somata and terminals is present along the ventral edge of the olivary complex. The ventral, intermediate, and dorsal nuclei of the lateral lemniscus contain small fusiform GAD-immunoreactive neurons and a moderately dense plexus of immunoreactive terminals. The inferior colliculus contains a large population of GAD-immunoreactive perikarya and an extremely dense accumulation of immunoreactive terminals in the central, dorsomedial, and external nuclei. These observations indicate that GABA systems are involved in function at all levels of the brainstem auditory pathway.