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Grunz JP, Kunz AS, Paul MM, Luetkens KS, Huflage H, Conrads N, Ergün S, Weber T, Herbst M, Herold S, Bley TA, Patzer TS. Postoperative Extremity Tomosynthesis-A Superimposition-Free Alternative to Standard Radiography? Invest Radiol 2024:00004424-990000000-00215. [PMID: 38709665 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000001085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES This study investigates the performance of tomosynthesis in the presence of osteosynthetic implants, aiming to overcome superimposition-induced limitations in conventional radiograms. MATERIALS AND METHODS After surgical fracture induction and subsequent osteosynthesis, 8 cadaveric fracture models (wrist, metacarpus, ankle, metatarsus) were scanned with the prototypical tomosynthesis mode of a multiuse x-ray system. Tomosynthesis protocols at 60, 80, and 116 kV (sweep angle 10°, 13 FPS) were compared with standard radiograms. Five radiologists independently rated diagnostic assessability based on an equidistant 7-point scale focusing on fracture delineation, intra-articular screw placement, and implant positioning. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to analyze interrater agreement. RESULTS Radiation dose in radiography was 0.48 ± 0.26 dGy·cm2 versus 0.12 ± 0.01, 0.36 ± 0.02, and 1.95 ± 0.11 dGy·cm2 for tomosynthesis scans at 60, 80, and 116 kV. Delineation of fracture lines was superior for 80/116 kV tomosynthesis compared with radiograms (P ≤ 0.003). Assessability of intra-articular screw placement was deemed favorable for all tomosynthesis protocols (P ≤ 0.004), whereas superiority for evaluation of implant positioning could not be ascertained (all P's ≥ 0.599). Diagnostic confidence was higher for 80/116 kV tomosynthesis versus radiograms and 60 kV tomosynthesis (P ≤ 0.002). Interrater agreement was good for fracture delineation (ICC, 0.803; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.598-0.904), intra-articular screw placement (ICC, 0.802; 95% CI, 0.599-0.903), implant positioning (ICC, 0.855; 95% CI, 0.729-0.926), and diagnostic confidence (ICC, 0.842; 95% CI, 0.556-0.934). CONCLUSIONS In the postoperative workup of extremity fractures, tomosynthesis allows for superior assessment of fracture lines and intra-articular screw positioning with greater diagnostic confidence at radiation doses comparable to conventional radiograms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Peter Grunz
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (J.-P.G., A.S.K., K.S.L., H.H., N.C., T.A.B., T.S.P.); Department of Orthopedic Trauma, Hand, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (M.M.P.); Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (S.E.); and X-ray Products-Research and Development, Siemens Healthineers AG, Forchheim, Germany (T.W., M.H., S.H.)
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Feldle P, Grunz JP, Huflage H, Kunz AS, Ergün S, Afat S, Gruschwitz P, Görtz L, Pennig L, Bley TA, Conrads N. Influence of helical pitch and gantry rotation time on image quality and file size in ultrahigh-resolution photon-counting detector CT. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9358. [PMID: 38653758 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59729-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The goal of this experimental study was to quantify the influence of helical pitch and gantry rotation time on image quality and file size in ultrahigh-resolution photon-counting CT (UHR-PCCT). Cervical and lumbar spine, pelvis, and upper legs of two fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were subjected to nine dose-matched UHR-PCCT scan protocols employing a collimation of 120 × 0.2 mm with varying pitch (0.3/1.0/1.2) and rotation time (0.25/0.5/1.0 s). Image quality was analyzed independently by five radiologists and further substantiated by placing normed regions of interest to record mean signal attenuation and noise. Effective mAs, CT dose index (CTDIvol), size-specific dose estimate (SSDE), scan duration, and raw data file size were compared. Regardless of anatomical region, no significant difference was ascertained for CTDIvol (p ≥ 0.204) and SSDE (p ≥ 0.240) among protocols. While exam duration differed substantially (all p ≤ 0.016), the lowest scan time was recorded for high-pitch protocols (4.3 ± 1.0 s) and the highest for low-pitch protocols (43.6 ± 15.4 s). The combination of high helical pitch and short gantry rotation times produced the lowest perceived image quality (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.866; 95% confidence interval 0.807-0.910; p < 0.001) and highest noise. Raw data size increased with acquisition time (15.4 ± 5.0 to 235.0 ± 83.5 GByte; p ≤ 0.013). Rotation time and pitch factor have considerable influence on image quality in UHR-PCCT and must therefore be chosen deliberately for different musculoskeletal imaging tasks. In examinations with long acquisition times, raw data size increases considerably, consequently limiting clinical applicability for larger scan volumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Feldle
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Wuerzburg, Koellikerstraße 6, 97070, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Saif Afat
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Gruschwitz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Görtz
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lenhard Pennig
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Nora Conrads
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany.
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Huflage H, Hendel R, Kunz AS, Ergün S, Afat S, Petri N, Hartung V, Gruschwitz P, Bley TA, Grunz JP. Investigating the Small Pixel Effect in Ultra-High Resolution Photon-Counting CT of the Lung. Invest Radiol 2024; 59:293-297. [PMID: 37552040 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000001013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate potential benefits of ultra-high resolution (UHR) over standard resolution scan mode in ultra-low dose photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) of the lung. MATERIALS AND METHODS Six cadaveric specimens were examined with 5 dose settings using tin prefiltration, each in UHR (120 × 0.2 mm) and standard mode (144 × 0.4 mm), on a first-generation PCD-CT scanner. Image quality was evaluated quantitatively by noise comparisons in the trachea and both main bronchi. In addition, 16 readers (14 radiologists and 2 internal medicine physicians) independently completed a browser-based pairwise forced-choice comparison task for assessment of subjective image quality. The Kendall rank coefficient ( W ) was calculated to assess interrater agreement, and Pearson's correlation coefficient ( r ) was used to analyze the relationship between noise measurements and image quality rankings. RESULTS Across all dose levels, image noise in UHR mode was lower than in standard mode for scan protocols matched by CTDI vol ( P < 0.001). UHR examinations exhibited noise levels comparable to the next higher dose setting in standard mode ( P ≥ 0.275). Subjective ranking of protocols based on 5760 pairwise tests showed high interrater agreement ( W = 0.99; P ≤ 0.001) with UHR images being preferred by readers in the majority of comparisons. Irrespective of scan mode, a substantial indirect correlation was observed between image noise and subjective image quality ranking ( r = -0.97; P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In PCD-CT of the lung, UHR scan mode reduces image noise considerably over standard resolution acquisition. Originating from the smaller detector element size in fan direction, the small pixel effect allows for superior image quality in ultra-low dose examinations with considerable potential for radiation dose reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henner Huflage
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (H.H., R.H., A.S., V.H., P.G., T.A., J.-P.G.); Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (S.E.); Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany (S.A.); and Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (N.P.)
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Conrads N, Kunz AS, Huflage H, Patzer TS, Luetkens KS, Ergün S, Herbst M, Herold S, Weber T, Bley TA, Grunz JP. Upright Tomosynthesis of the Lumbar Spine. Acad Radiol 2024; 31:1472-1479. [PMID: 37730493 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2023.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES This experimental study investigates the potential of lumbar spine tomosynthesis to offset the traditional limitations of radiographic and computed tomography imaging, that is, superimposition of anatomy and disregard of physiological load-bearing. MATERIALS AND METHODS A gantry-free twin robotic scanner was used to obtain lateral radiographs and tomosyntheses of the lumbar spine under weight-bearing conditions in eight body donors. Tomosynthesis protocols varied in terms of sweep angle (20 versus 40°), scan time (2.4 versus 4.8 seconds), and framerate (16 versus 30 fps). Image quality and vertebral endplate assessability were evaluated by five radiologists with 4-8 years of skeletal imaging experience. Aiming to identify potential diagnostic deterioration near the scan volume margins, readers additionally determined the craniocaudal extent of clinically acceptable image quality. RESULTS Tomosynthesis scans effectuated a substantial dose reduction compared to standard radiographs (3.8 ± 0.2 to 15.4 ± 0.8 dGy*cm2 versus 77.7 ± 34.8 dGy*cm2; p ≤ 0.021). Diagnostic image quality and endplate assessability were deemed highest for the 30 fps wide-angle tomosynthesis protocol with good to excellent interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.846 and 0.946). Accordingly, the craniocaudal extent of acceptable image quality was substantially larger compared to radiography (26.9 versus 18.9 cm; p < 0.001), whereas no significant difference was ascertained for the tomosynthesis protocols with 16 fps (15.3-22.1 cm; all p ≥ 0.058). CONCLUSION Combining minimal radiation dose with superimposition-free visualization, 30 fps wide-angle tomosynthesis superseded radiography in all evaluated aspects. With superior diagnostic assessability despite significant dose reduction, load-bearing tomosynthesis appears promising as an alternative for first-line lumbar spine imaging in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Conrads
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany (N.C., A.S.K., H.H., T.S.P., K.S.L., T.A.B., J.-P.G.)
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany (N.C., A.S.K., H.H., T.S.P., K.S.L., T.A.B., J.-P.G.)
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany (N.C., A.S.K., H.H., T.S.P., K.S.L., T.A.B., J.-P.G.)
| | - Theresa Sophie Patzer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany (N.C., A.S.K., H.H., T.S.P., K.S.L., T.A.B., J.-P.G.)
| | - Karsten Sebastian Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany (N.C., A.S.K., H.H., T.S.P., K.S.L., T.A.B., J.-P.G.)
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (S.E.)
| | - Magdalena Herbst
- X-ray Products - Research & Development, Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Germany (M.H., S.H., T.W.)
| | - Sophia Herold
- X-ray Products - Research & Development, Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Germany (M.H., S.H., T.W.)
| | - Thomas Weber
- X-ray Products - Research & Development, Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Germany (M.H., S.H., T.W.)
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany (N.C., A.S.K., H.H., T.S.P., K.S.L., T.A.B., J.-P.G.)
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany (N.C., A.S.K., H.H., T.S.P., K.S.L., T.A.B., J.-P.G.).
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Christner SA, Grunz JP, Schlaiß T, Curtaz C, Kunz AS, Huflage H, Patzer TS, Bley TA, Sauer ST. Breast lesion morphology assessment with high and standard b values in diffusion-weighted imaging at 3 Tesla. Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 107:100-110. [PMID: 38246517 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With increasing spatial resolution, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) may be suitable for morphologic lesion characterization in breast MRI - an area that has traditionally been occupied by dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging (DCE). This investigation compared DWI with b values of 800 and 1600 s/mm2 to DCE for lesion morphology assessment in high-resolution breast MRI at 3 Tesla. MATERIAL AND METHODS Multiparametric breast MRI was performed in 91 patients with 93 histopathologically proven lesions (31 benign, 62 malignant). Two radiologists independently evaluated three datasets per patient (DWIb800; DWIb1600; DCE) and assessed lesion visibility and BIRADS morphology criteria. Diagnostic accuracy was compared among readers and datasets using Cochran's Q test and pairwise post-hoc McNemar tests. Bland-Altman analyses were conducted for lesion size comparisons. RESULTS Discrimination of carcinomas was superior compared to benign findings in both DWIb800 and DWIb1600 (p < 0.001) with no b value-dependent difference. Similarly, assessability of mass lesions was better than of non-mass lesions, irrespective of b value (p < 0.001). Intra-reader reliability for the analysis of morphologic BIRADS criteria among DCE and DWI datasets was at least moderate (Fleiss κ≥0.557), while at least substantial inter-reader agreement was ascertained over all assessed categories (κ≥0.776). In pairwise Bland-Altman analyses, the measurement bias between DCE and DWIb800 was 0.7 mm, whereas the difference between DCE and DWIb1600 was 2.8 mm. DWIb1600 allowed for higher specificity than DCE (p = 0.007/0.062). CONCLUSIONS DWI can be employed for reliable morphologic lesion characterization in high-resolution breast MRI. High b values increase diagnostic specificity, while lesion size assessment is more precise with standard 800 s/mm2 images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Aniki Christner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Tanja Schlaiß
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 4, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Carolin Curtaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 4, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Theresa Sophie Patzer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Stephanie Tina Sauer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
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Patzer TS, Kunz AS, Huflage H, Conrads N, Luetkens KS, Pannenbecker P, Ergün S, Herbst M, Herold S, Weber T, Bley TA, Grunz JP. Tomosynthesis of the Appendicular Skeleton on a Twin Robotic X-ray System: A Cadaveric Fracture Study. Acad Radiol 2024:S1076-6332(24)00090-4. [PMID: 38448327 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2024.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Aiming to offset image quality limitations in radiographs due to superimposition, this study investigates the diagnostic potential of appendicular skeleton tomosynthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight cadaveric extremities (four hands and feet) were examined employing the prototypical tomosynthesis mode of a twin robotic X-ray scanner. 12 protocols with varying sweep angles (10, 20 vs. 40°), frame rates (13 vs. 26 fps), and tube voltages (60 vs. 80 kV) were compared to radiographs. Four radiologists separately evaluated cortical and trabecular bone visualization and fracture patterns. Interreader reliability was assessed based on the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS Radiation dose in radiography was 0.59 ± 0.20 dGy * cm2 versus 0.11 ± 0.00 to 2.46 ± 0.17 dGy * cm2 for tomosynthesis. Cortical bone display was inferior for radiographs compared to 40° and 20° tomosynthesis. Best results were ascertained for the 80 kV/40°/26 fps protocol. Trabecular bone depiction was also superior in tomosynthesis (p ≤ 0.009) and best with the 80 kV/10°/26 fps setting. Interreader reliability was moderate for cortical bone display (ICC 0.521, 95% confidence interval 0.356-0.641) and good for trabecular bone (0.759, 0.697-0.810). Diagnostic accuracy for articular involvement and multifragment situations was higher in tomosynthesis (93.8-100%/92.2-100%) vs. radiography (85.9%/82.8%.). Diagnostic confidence was also better in tomosynthesis (p ≤ 0.003). CONCLUSION Compared to radiography, tomosynthesis allows for superior assessability of cortical and trabecular bone and fracture morphology, especially at high framerates. Operating on a multipurpose X-ray system, tomosynthesis of the appendicular skeleton can be performed without additional scanner hardware.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Sophie Patzer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nora Conrads
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Karsten Sebastian Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pauline Pannenbecker
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstraße 6, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Herbst
- X-ray Products - Research & Development, Siemens Healthineers AG, Siemensstraße 3, 91301 Forchheim, Germany
| | - Sophia Herold
- X-ray Products - Research & Development, Siemens Healthineers AG, Siemensstraße 3, 91301 Forchheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Weber
- X-ray Products - Research & Development, Siemens Healthineers AG, Siemensstraße 3, 91301 Forchheim, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Feldle P, Grunz JP, Kunz AS, Pannenbecker P, Patzer TS, Pichlmeier S, Sauer ST, Hendel R, Ergün S, Bley TA, Huflage H. Influence of spectral shaping and tube voltage modulation in ultralow-dose computed tomography of the abdomen. BMC Med Imaging 2024; 24:49. [PMID: 38395772 PMCID: PMC10893640 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-024-01228-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Unenhanced abdominal CT constitutes the diagnostic standard of care in suspected urolithiasis. Aiming to identify potential for radiation dose reduction in this frequent imaging task, this experimental study compares the effect of spectral shaping and tube voltage modulation on image quality. METHODS Using a third-generation dual-source CT, eight cadaveric specimens were scanned with varying tube voltage settings with and without tin filter application (Sn 150, Sn 100, 120, 100, and 80 kVp) at three dose levels (3 mGy: standard; 1 mGy: low; 0.5 mGy: ultralow). Image quality was assessed quantitatively by calculation of signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) for various tissues (spleen, kidney, trabecular bone, fat) and subjectively by three independent radiologists based on a seven-point rating scale (7 = excellent; 1 = very poor). RESULTS Irrespective of dose level, Sn 100 kVp resulted in the highest SNR of all tube voltage settings. In direct comparison to Sn 150 kVp, superior SNR was ascertained for spleen (p ≤ 0.004) and kidney tissue (p ≤ 0.009). In ultralow-dose scans, subjective image quality of Sn 100 kVp (median score 3; interquartile range 3-3) was higher compared with conventional imaging at 120 kVp (2; 2-2), 100 kVp (1; 1-2), and 80 kVp (1; 1-1) (all p < 0.001). Indicated by an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.945 (95% confidence interval: 0.927-0.960), interrater reliability was excellent. CONCLUSIONS In abdominal CT with maximised dose reduction, tin prefiltration at 100 kVp allows for superior image quality over Sn 150 kVp and conventional imaging without spectral shaping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Feldle
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pauline Pannenbecker
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Theresa Sophie Patzer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Svenja Pichlmeier
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Tina Sauer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Robin Hendel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstraße 6, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
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Huflage H, Hendel R, Woznicki P, Conrads N, Feldle P, Patzer TS, Ergün S, Bley TA, Kunz AS, Grunz JP. The Small Pixel Effect in Ultra-High-Resolution Photon-Counting CT of the Lumbar Spine. Invest Radiol 2024:00004424-990000000-00197. [PMID: 38329822 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000001069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Image acquisition in ultra-high-resolution (UHR) scan mode does not impose a dose penalty in photon-counting CT (PCCT). This study aims to investigate the dose saving potential of using UHR instead of standard-resolution PCCT for lumbar spine imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight cadaveric specimens were examined with 7 dose levels (5-35 mGy) each in UHR (120 × 0.2 mm) and standard-resolution acquisition mode (144 × 0.4 mm) on a first-generation PCCT scanner. The UHR images were reconstructed with 3 dedicated bone kernels (Br68 [spatial frequency at 10% of the modulation transfer function 14.5 line pairs/cm], Br76 [21.0], and Br84 [27.9]), standard-resolution images with Br68 and Br76. Using automatic segmentation, contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were established for lumbar vertebrae and psoas muscle tissue. In addition, image quality was assessed subjectively by 19 independent readers (15 radiologists, 4 surgeons) using a browser-based forced choice comparison tool totaling 16,974 performed pairwise tests. Pearson's correlation coefficient ( r ) was used to analyze the relationship between CNR and subjective image quality rankings, and Kendall W was calculated to assess interrater agreement. RESULTS Irrespective of radiation exposure level, CNR was higher in UHR datasets than in standard-resolution images postprocessed with the same reconstruction parameters. The use of sharper convolution kernels entailed lower CNR but higher subjective image quality depending on radiation dose. Subjective assessment revealed high interrater agreement ( W = 0.86; P < 0.001) with UHR images being preferred by readers in the majority of comparisons on each dose level. Substantial correlation was ascertained between CNR and the subjective image quality ranking (all r 's ≥ 0.95; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In PCCT of the lumbar spine, UHR mode's smaller pixel size facilitates a considerable CNR increase over standard-resolution imaging, which can either be used for dose reduction or higher spatial resolution depending on the selected convolution kernel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henner Huflage
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (H.H., R.H., P.W., N.C., P.F., T.S., T.A.B., A.S.K., J.-P.G.); and Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (S.E.)
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9
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Patzer TS, Grunz JP, Huflage H, Hennes JL, Pannenbecker P, Gruschwitz P, Afat S, Herrmann J, Bley TA, Kunz AS. Ultra-high resolution photon-counting CT with tin prefiltration for bone-metal interface visualization. Eur J Radiol 2024; 170:111209. [PMID: 37992609 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2023.111209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the metal artifact suppression potential of combining tin prefiltration and virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) for osseous microarchitecture depiction in ultra-high-resolution (UHR) photon-counting CT (PCCT) of the lower extremity. METHOD Derived from tin-filtered UHR scans at 140 kVp, polychromatic datasets (T3D) and VMI reconstructions at 70, 110, 150, and 190 keV were compared in 117 patients with lower extremity metal implants (53 female; 62.1 ± 18.0 years). Three implant groups were investigated (total arthroplasty [n = 48], osteosynthetic material [n = 43], and external fixation [n = 26]). Image quality was assessed with regions of interest placed in the most pronounced artifacts and adjacent soft tissue, measuring the respective attenuation. Additionally, artifact extent, bone-metal interface interpretability and overall image quality were independently evaluated by three radiologists. RESULTS Artifact reduction was superior with increasing keV level of VMI. While T3D was superior to VMI70keV (p ≥ 0.117), artifacts were more severe in T3D than in VMI ≥ 110 keV (all p ≤ 0.036). Image noise was highest for VMI70keV (all p < 0.001) and lowest for VMI110keV with comparable results for VMI110keV - VMI190keV. Subjective image quality regarding artifacts was superior for VMI ≥ 110 keV (all p ≤ 0.042) and comparable for VMI110keV - VMI190keV. Bone-metal interface interpretability was superior for VMI110keV (all p ≤ 0.001), while T3D, VMI150keV and VMI190keV were comparable. Overall image quality was deemed best for VMI110keV and VMI150keV. Interreader reliability was good in all cases (ICC ≥ 0.833). CONCLUSIONS Tin-filtered UHR-PCCT scans of the lower extremity combined with VMI reconstructions allow for efficient artifact reduction in the vicinity of bone-metal interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Sophie Patzer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Lucca Hennes
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pauline Pannenbecker
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Gruschwitz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Saif Afat
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Judith Herrmann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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10
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Gruschwitz P, Hartung V, Ergün S, Peter D, Lichthardt S, Huflage H, Hendel R, Pannenbecker P, Augustin AM, Kunz AS, Feldle P, Bley TA, Grunz JP. Comparison of ultrahigh and standard resolution photon-counting CT angiography of the femoral arteries in a continuously perfused in vitro model. Eur Radiol Exp 2023; 7:83. [PMID: 38110729 PMCID: PMC10728414 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-023-00398-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the emergence of photon-counting CT, ultrahigh-resolution (UHR) imaging can be performed without dose penalty. This study aims to directly compare the image quality of UHR and standard resolution (SR) scan mode in femoral artery angiographies. METHODS After establishing continuous extracorporeal perfusion in four fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens, photon-counting CT angiographies were performed with a radiation dose of 5 mGy and tube voltage of 120 kV in both SR and UHR mode. Images were reconstructed with dedicated convolution kernels (soft: Body-vascular (Bv)48; sharp: Bv60; ultrasharp: Bv76). Six radiologists evaluated the image quality by means of a pairwise forced-choice comparison tool. Kendall's concordance coefficient (W) was calculated to quantify interrater agreement. Image quality was further assessed by measuring intraluminal attenuation and image noise as well as by calculating signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR). RESULTS UHR yielded lower noise than SR for identical reconstructions with kernels ≥ Bv60 (p < 0.001). UHR scans exhibited lower intraluminal attenuation compared to SR (Bv60: 406.4 ± 25.1 versus 418.1 ± 30.1 HU; p < 0.001). Irrespective of scan mode, SNR and CNR decreased while noise increased with sharper kernels but UHR scans were objectively superior to SR nonetheless (Bv60: SNR 25.9 ± 6.4 versus 20.9 ± 5.3; CNR 22.7 ± 5.8 versus 18.4 ± 4.8; p < 0.001). Notably, UHR scans were preferred in subjective assessment when images were reconstructed with the ultrasharp Bv76 kernel, whereas SR was rated superior for Bv60. Interrater agreement was high (W = 0.935). CONCLUSIONS Combinations of UHR scan mode and ultrasharp convolution kernel are able to exploit the full image quality potential in photon-counting CT angiography of the femoral arteries. RELEVANCE STATEMENT The UHR scan mode offers improved image quality and may increase diagnostic accuracy in CT angiography of the peripheral arterial runoff when optimized reconstruction parameters are chosen. KEY POINTS • UHR photon-counting CT improves image quality in combination with ultrasharp convolution kernels. • UHR datasets display lower image noise compared with identically reconstructed standard resolution scans. • Scans in UHR mode show decreased intraluminal attenuation compared with standard resolution imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Gruschwitz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Viktor Hartung
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Peter
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular, and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sven Lichthardt
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular, and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Robin Hendel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pauline Pannenbecker
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anne Marie Augustin
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Feldle
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Sauer ST, Christner SA, Lois AM, Woznicki P, Curtaz C, Kunz AS, Weiland E, Benkert T, Bley TA, Baeßler B, Grunz JP. Deep Learning k-Space-to-Image Reconstruction Facilitates High Spatial Resolution and Scan Time Reduction in Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Breast MRI. J Magn Reson Imaging 2023. [PMID: 37974498 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For time-consuming diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the breast, deep learning-based imaging acceleration appears particularly promising. PURPOSE To investigate a combined k-space-to-image reconstruction approach for scan time reduction and improved spatial resolution in breast DWI. STUDY TYPE Retrospective. POPULATION 133 women (age 49.7 ± 12.1 years) underwent multiparametric breast MRI. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3.0T/T2 turbo spin echo, T1 3D gradient echo, DWI (800 and 1600 sec/mm2 ). ASSESSMENT DWI data were retrospectively processed using deep learning-based k-space-to-image reconstruction (DL-DWI) and an additional super-resolution algorithm (SRDL-DWI). In addition to signal-to-noise ratio and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) comparisons among standard, DL- and SRDL-DWI, a range of quantitative similarity (e.g., structural similarity index [SSIM]) and error metrics (e.g., normalized root mean square error [NRMSE], symmetric mean absolute percent error [SMAPE], log accuracy error [LOGAC]) was calculated to analyze structural variations. Subjective image evaluation was performed independently by three radiologists on a seven-point rating scale. STATISTICAL TESTS Friedman's rank-based analysis of variance with Bonferroni-corrected pairwise post-hoc tests. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Both DL- and SRDL-DWI allowed for a 39% reduction in simulated scan time over standard DWI (5 vs. 3 minutes). The highest image quality ratings were assigned to SRDL-DWI with good interreader agreement (ICC 0.834; 95% confidence interval 0.818-0.848). Irrespective of b-value, both standard and DL-DWI produced superior SNR compared to SRDL-DWI. ADC values were slightly higher in SRDL-DWI (+0.5%) and DL-DWI (+3.4%) than in standard DWI. Structural similarity was excellent between DL-/SRDL-DWI and standard DWI for either b value (SSIM ≥ 0.86). Calculation of error metrics (NRMSE ≤ 0.05, SMAPE ≤ 0.02, and LOGAC ≤ 0.04) supported the assumption of low voxel-wise error. DATA CONCLUSION Deep learning-based k-space-to-image reconstruction reduces simulated scan time of breast DWI by 39% without influencing structural similarity. Additionally, super-resolution interpolation allows for substantial improvement of subjective image quality. EVIDENCE LEVEL 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Tina Sauer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sara Aniki Christner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Maria Lois
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Piotr Woznicki
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Curtaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Weiland
- MR Application Predevelopment, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Benkert
- MR Application Predevelopment, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bettina Baeßler
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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12
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Patzer TS, Kunz AS, Huflage H, Gruschwitz P, Pannenbecker P, Afat S, Herrmann J, Petritsch B, Bley TA, Grunz JP. Combining virtual monoenergetic imaging and iterative metal artifact reduction in first-generation photon-counting computed tomography of patients with dental implants. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:7818-7829. [PMID: 37284870 PMCID: PMC10598126 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09790-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES While established for energy-integrating detector computed tomography (CT), the effect of virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) and iterative metal artifact reduction (iMAR) in photon-counting detector (PCD) CT lacks thorough investigation. This study evaluates VMI, iMAR, and combinations thereof in PCD-CT of patients with dental implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS In 50 patients (25 women; mean age 62.0 ± 9.9 years), polychromatic 120 kVp imaging (T3D), VMI, T3DiMAR, and VMIiMAR were compared. VMIs were reconstructed at 40, 70, 110, 150, and 190 keV. Artifact reduction was assessed by attenuation and noise measurements in the most hyper- and hypodense artifacts, as well as in artifact-impaired soft tissue of the mouth floor. Three readers subjectively evaluated artifact extent and soft tissue interpretability. Furthermore, new artifacts through overcorrection were assessed. RESULTS iMAR reduced hyper-/hypodense artifacts (T3D 1305.0/-1418.4 versus T3DiMAR 103.2/-46.9 HU), soft tissue impairment (106.7 versus 39.7 HU), and image noise (16.9 versus 5.2 HU) compared to non-iMAR datasets (p ≤ 0.001). VMIiMAR ≥ 110 keV subjectively enhanced artifact reduction over T3DiMAR (p ≤ 0.023). Without iMAR, VMI displayed no measurable artifact reduction (p ≥ 0.186) and facilitated no significant denoising over T3D (p ≥ 0.366). However, VMI ≥ 110 keV reduced soft tissue impairment (p ≤ 0.009). VMIiMAR ≥ 110 keV resulted in less overcorrection than T3DiMAR (p ≤ 0.001). Inter-reader reliability was moderate/good for hyperdense (0.707), hypodense (0.802), and soft tissue artifacts (0.804). CONCLUSION While VMI alone holds minimal metal artifact reduction potential, iMAR post-processing enabled substantial reduction of hyperdense and hypodense artifacts. The combination of VMI ≥ 110 keV and iMAR resulted in the least extensive metal artifacts. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Combining iMAR with VMI represents a potent tool for maxillofacial PCD-CT with dental implants achieving substantial artifact reduction and high image quality. KEY POINTS • Post-processing of photon-counting CT scans with an iterative metal artifact reduction algorithm substantially reduces hyperdense and hypodense artifacts arising from dental implants. • Virtual monoenergetic images presented only minimal metal artifact reduction potential. • The combination of both provided a considerable benefit in subjective analysis compared to iterative metal artifact reduction alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Sophie Patzer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstraße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstraße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstraße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Gruschwitz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstraße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pauline Pannenbecker
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstraße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Saif Afat
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Judith Herrmann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Petritsch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstraße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstraße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstraße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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Patzer TS, Kunz AS, Huflage H, Luetkens KS, Conrads N, Pannenbecker P, Jakuscheit A, Reppenhagen S, Ergün S, Bley TA, Grunz JP. Rotational alignment of the lower extremity in the presence of total knee endoprosthesis: Reproducibility of torsion analyses using ultra-low-dose photon-counting CT. Eur J Radiol 2023; 167:111055. [PMID: 37632998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2023.111055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Leg torsion analysis can provide valuable information in symptomatic patients after total knee arthroplasty. However, extensive beam-hardening and photon-starvation artifacts limit diagnostic assessability and dose reduction potential. For this study, we investigated the reproducibility of rotational measurements in ultra-low-dose photon-counting CT with spectral shaping via tin prefiltration. MATERIAL AND METHODS Employing a first-generation photon-counting CT, eight cadaveric specimens were examined with an established three-level scan protocol (hip: Sn 140, knee: Sn 100, ankle: Sn 100 kVp). In three body donors with unilateral knee endoprostheses, additional modified settings were applied (Sn 140 kVp at knee level). Protocols were executed with three dose levels (hip-knee-ankle, high-quality: 5.0-3.0-2.0 mGy, low-dose: 0.80-0.30-0.26 mGy, ultra-low-dose: 0.25-0.06-0.06 mGy). Six radiologists performed torsion analyses, additionally reporting their diagnostic confidence. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to assess interrater reliability. RESULTS No significant differences were ascertained for femoral (p = 0.330), tibial (p = 0.177), and overall leg rotation measurements (p = 0.358) among high-quality, low-dose, and ultra-low-dose protocols. Interrater reliability was excellent for torsion of the femur (ICC 0.915, 95% confidence interval 0.871-0.947), tibia (0.960, 0.938-0.976), and overall leg (0.967, 0.945-0.981). In specimens with total knee endoprostheses, absolute rotational measurements were unaffected by dose level and tube voltage despite superior diagnostic confidence on the ipsilateral and contralateral sides with modified settings (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Combining the advantages of photon-counting CT and spectral shaping, reliable leg torsion analyses are feasible with ultra-low radiation exposure even in the presence of total knee endoprostheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Sophie Patzer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Karsten Sebastian Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nora Conrads
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pauline Pannenbecker
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Axel Jakuscheit
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Koenig-Ludwig-Haus, University of Würzburg, Brettreichstrasse 11, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Reppenhagen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Koenig-Ludwig-Haus, University of Würzburg, Brettreichstrasse 11, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstraße 6, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Weigel S, Backhaus J, Grunz JP, Kunz AS, Bley TA, König S. Tablet-based versus presentation-based seminars in radiology: Effects of student digital affinity and teacher charisma on didactic quality. GMS J Med Educ 2023; 40:Doc59. [PMID: 37881519 PMCID: PMC10594033 DOI: 10.3205/zma001641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Aims Tablets are being adopted as teaching medium in medical education more frequently. Here we compared two teaching formats in a radiology seminar using a tablet-based student-centred approach guided by teachers and traditional presentation-based, teacher-centred instruction. The aim was to investigate the effects on academic performance, estimated learning gain, didactic quality, as well as how teacher charisma and student digital affinity influence these elements. Methods Data from 366 students were collected. Student digital affinity, didactic quality of, and overall satisfaction with the seminars were rated for each teaching format over three semesters, whereby in the last semester, students additionally estimated their learning gain, took a knowledge and image interpretation test, and rated teacher charisma. Results The tablet-based seminars yielded significantly higher ratings for didactic quality and overall satisfaction. However, the presentation-based seminars proved superior with respect to academic performance as well as estimated learning gain. When employing tablets, teacher charisma correlated with estimated learning gain, and digital affinity affected didactic quality. Additionally, good seminar organization, comprehensible learning objectives, and optimal variation of learning activities were identified as important factors. Conclusion This study suggests a complex interplay of various factors concerning teachers, students, and didactics that can be assessed and improved to assure the successful curricular implementation of tablets. Of note, tablet integration and thereby active engagement of students with imaging analysis skills does not automatically result in greater declarative knowledge. Nevertheless, understanding the complexities of structuring and delivering tablet-based, teacher-guided instruction is essential to creating meaningful educational experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Weigel
- University Hospital Würzburg, Institute for Medical Teaching and Medical Educational Research, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Joy Backhaus
- University Hospital Würzburg, Institute for Medical Teaching and Medical Educational Research, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah König
- University Hospital Würzburg, Institute for Medical Teaching and Medical Educational Research, Würzburg, Germany
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Sauer ST, Christner SA, Schlaiß T, Metz C, Schmid A, Kunz AS, Pabst T, Weiland E, Benkert T, Bley TA, Grunz JP. Diffusion-weighted Breast MRI at 3 Tesla: Improved Lesion Visibility and Image Quality with a Combination of Water-excitation and Spectral Fat Saturation. Acad Radiol 2023; 30:1773-1783. [PMID: 36764882 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2023.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES In breast MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), fat suppression is essential for eliminating the dominant lipid signal. This investigation evaluates a combined water-excitation-spectral-fatsat method (WEXfs) versus standard spectral attenuated inversion recovery (SPAIR) in high-resolution 3-Tesla breast MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Multiparametric breast MRI with 2 echo-planar DWI sequences was performed in 83 patients (50.1 ± 12.6 years) employing either WEXfs or SPAIR for fat signal suppression. Three radiologists assessed overall DWI quality and delineability of 88 focal lesions (28 malignant, 60 benign) on images with b values of 800 and 1600 s/mm2, as well as apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. For each fat suppression method and b value, the longest lesion diameter was determined in addition to measuring the signal intensity in DWI and ADC value in standardized regions of interest. RESULTS Regardless of b values, image quality (all p < 0.001) and lesion delineability (all p ≤ 0.003) with WEXfs-DWI were deemed superior compared to SPAIR-DWI in benign and malignant lesions. Irrespective of lesion characterization, WEXfs-DWI provided superior signal-to-noise, contrast-to-noise and signal-intensity ratios with 1600 s/mm2 (all p ≤ 0.05). The lesion size difference between contrast-enhanced T1 subtraction images and DWI was smaller for WEXfs compared to SPAIR fat suppression (all p ≤ 0.007). The mean ADC value in malignant lesions was lower for WEXfs-DWI (p < 0.001), while no significant ADC difference was ascertained between both techniques in benign lesions (p = 0.947). CONCLUSION WEXfs-DWI provides better subjective and objective image quality than standard SPAIR-DWI, resulting in a more accurate estimation of benign and malignant lesion size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Tina Sauer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sara Aniki Christner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tanja Schlaiß
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Corona Metz
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Pediatric Radiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Schmid
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Pediatric Radiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Pabst
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Weiland
- MRI Application Predevelopment, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Benkert
- MRI Application Predevelopment, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
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Grunz JP, Kunz AS, Baumann FT, Hasenclever D, Sieren MM, Heldmann S, Bley TA, Einsele H, Knop S, Jundt F. Assessing Osteolytic Lesion Size on Sequential CT Scans Is a Reliable Study Endpoint for Bone Remineralization in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4008. [PMID: 37568823 PMCID: PMC10417114 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15154008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) frequently induces persisting osteolytic manifestations despite hematologic treatment response. This study aimed to establish a biometrically valid study endpoint for bone remineralization through quantitative and qualitative analyses in sequential CT scans. Twenty patients (seven women, 58 ± 8 years) with newly diagnosed MM received standardized induction therapy comprising the anti-SLAMF7 antibody elotuzumab, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (E-KRd). All patients underwent whole-body low-dose CT scans before and after six cycles of E-KRd. Two radiologists independently recorded osteolytic lesion sizes, as well as the presence of cortical destruction, pathologic fractures, rim and trabecular sclerosis. Bland-Altman analyses and Krippendorff's α were employed to assess inter-reader reliability, which was high for lesion size measurement (standard error 1.2 mm) and all qualitative criteria assessed (α ≥ 0.74). After six cycles of E-KRd induction, osteolytic lesion size decreased by 22% (p < 0.001). While lesion size response did not correlate with the initial lesion size at baseline imaging (Pearson's r = 0.144), logistic regression analysis revealed that the majority of responding osteolyses exhibited trabecular sclerosis (p < 0.001). The sum of osteolytic lesion sizes on sequential CT scans defines a reliable study endpoint to characterize bone remineralization. Patient level response is strongly associated with the presence of trabecular sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (A.S.K.); (T.A.B.)
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (A.S.K.); (T.A.B.)
| | - Freerk T. Baumann
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Dusseldorf, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Dirk Hasenclever
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Härtelstraße 16–18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Malte Maria Sieren
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany;
- Institute of Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Stefan Heldmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, Maria-Goeppert-Straße 3, 23562 Lübeck, Germany;
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (A.S.K.); (T.A.B.)
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (H.E.); (S.K.); (F.J.)
| | - Stefan Knop
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (H.E.); (S.K.); (F.J.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Nürnberg Nord, Prof.-Ernst-Nathan-Str. 1, 90419 Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Franziska Jundt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (H.E.); (S.K.); (F.J.)
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17
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Feldle P, Grunz JP, Kunz AS, Patzer TS, Huflage H, Hendel R, Luetkens KS, Ergün S, Bley TA, Conrads N. Weight-bearing gantry-free cone-beam CT of the lumbar spine: Image quality analysis and dose efficiency. Eur J Radiol 2023; 165:110951. [PMID: 37379623 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2023.110951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The effect of static forces under load limits the prognostic value of lumbar spine CT in a horizontal position. Using a gantry-free scanner architecture, this study was designed to assess the feasibility of weight-bearing cone-beam CT (CBCT) of the lumbar spine and to establish the most dose-effective combination of scan parameters. METHODS Eight formalin-fixated cadaveric specimens were examined with a gantry-free CBCT system in upright position with the aid of a dedicated positioning backstop. Cadavers were scanned with eight combinations of tube voltage (102 or 117 kV), detector entrance dose level (high or low), and frame rates (16 or 30 fps). Five radiologists independently analyzed datasets for overall image quality and posterior wall assessability. Additionally, image noise and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were compared based on region-of-interest (ROI) measurements in the gluteal muscles. RESULTS Radiation dose ranged from 6.8 ± 1.6 (117 kV, dose level low, 16 fps) to 24.3 ± 6.3 mGy (102 kV, dose level high, 30 fps). Both image quality and posterior wall assessability were favored with 30 over 16 fps (all p ≤ 0.008). In contrast, both tube voltage (all p > 0.999) and dose level (all p > 0.096) did not significantly impact reader assessment. Image noise decreased considerably with higher frame rates (all p ≤ 0.040), while SNR ranged from 0.56 ± 0.03 to 1.11 ± 0.30 without a significant difference between scan protocols (all p ≥ 0.060). CONCLUSIONS Employing an optimized scan protocol, weight-bearing gantry-free CBCT of the lumbar spine allows for diagnostic imaging at reasonable radiation dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Feldle
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Theresa Sophie Patzer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Robin Hendel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Karsten Sebastian Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstraße 6, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nora Conrads
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
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Gruschwitz P, Hartung V, Kleefeldt F, Ergün S, Lichthardt S, Huflage H, Hendel R, Kunz AS, Pannenbecker P, Kuhl PJ, Augustin AM, Bley TA, Petritsch B, Grunz JP. Standardized assessment of vascular reconstruction kernels in photon-counting CT angiographies of the leg using a continuous extracorporeal perfusion model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12109. [PMID: 37495759 PMCID: PMC10372012 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39063-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the influence of different vascular reconstruction kernels on the image quality of CT angiographies of the lower extremity runoff using a 1st-generation photon-counting-detector CT (PCD-CT) compared with dose-matched examinations on a 3rd-generation energy-integrating-detector CT (EID-CT). Inducing continuous extracorporeal perfusion in a human cadaveric model, we performed CT angiographies of eight upper leg arterial runoffs with radiation dose-equivalent 120 kVp acquisition protocols (CTDIvol 5 mGy). Reconstructions were executed with different vascular kernels, matching the individual modulation transfer functions between scanners. Signal-to-noise-ratios (SNR) and contrast-to-noise-ratios (CNR) were computed to assess objective image quality. Six radiologists evaluated image quality subjectively using a forced-choice pairwise comparison tool. Interrater agreement was determined by calculating Kendall's concordance coefficient (W). The intraluminal attenuation of PCD-CT images was significantly higher than of EID-CT (414.7 ± 27.3 HU vs. 329.3 ± 24.5 HU; p < 0.001). Using comparable kernels, image noise with PCD-CT was significantly lower than with EID-CT (p ≤ 0.044). Correspondingly, SNR and CNR were approximately twofold higher for PCD-CT (p < 0.001). Increasing the spatial frequency for PCD-CT reconstructions by one level resulted in similar metrics compared to EID-CT (CNRfat; EID-CT Bv49: 21.7 ± 3.7 versus PCD-CT Bv60: 21.4 ± 3.5). Overall image quality of PCD-CTA achieved ratings superior to EID-CTA irrespective of the used reconstruction kernels (best: PCD-CT Bv60; worst: EID-CT Bv40; p < 0.001). Interrater agreement was good (W = 0.78). Concluding, PCD-CT offers superior intraluminal attenuation, SNR, and CNR compared to EID-CT in angiographies of the upper leg arterial runoff. Combined with improved subjective image quality, PCD-CT facilitates the use of sharper convolution kernels and ultimately bears the potential of improved vascular structure assessability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Gruschwitz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Viktor Hartung
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Kleefeldt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sven Lichthardt
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular, and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Robin Hendel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pauline Pannenbecker
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Josef Kuhl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anne Marie Augustin
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Petritsch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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Elsner C, Kunz AS, Wagner N, Huflage H, Hübner S, Luetkens KS, Bley TA, Schmitt R, Ergün S, Grunz JP. MRI-Based Evaluation of the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Anatomy: Investigating the Prevalence and Morphometry of the "Chiasma Antebrachii". Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2406. [PMID: 37510150 PMCID: PMC10378300 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13142406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent dissection studies resulted in the introduction of the term "chiasma antebrachii", which represents an intersection of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendons for digits 2 and 3 in the distal third of the forearm. This retrospective investigation aimed to provide an MRI-based morphologic analysis of the chiasma antebrachii. In 89 patients (41 women, 39.3 ± 21.3 years), MRI examinations of the forearm (2010-2021) were reviewed by two radiologists, who evaluated all studies for the presence and length of the chiasma as well as its distance from the distal radioulnar and elbow joint. The chiasma antebrachii was identified in the distal third of the forearm in 88 patients (98.9%), while one intersection was located more proximally in the middle part. The chiasma had a median length of 28 mm (interquartile range: 24-35 mm). Its distances to the distal radioulnar and elbow joint were 16 mm (8-25 mm) and 215 mm (187-227 mm), respectively. T1-weighted post-contrast sequences were found to be superior to T2- or proton-density-weighted sequences in 71 cases (79.8%). To conclude, the chiasma antebrachii is part of the standard FDS anatomy. Knowledge of its morphology is important, e.g., in targeted injections of therapeutics or reconstructive surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Elsner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Wagner
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstr. 6, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Hübner
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstr. 6, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Karsten Sebastian Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Schmitt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemessenstraße 6, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstr. 6, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Luetkens KS, Grunz JP, Kunz AS, Huflage H, Weißenberger M, Hartung V, Patzer TS, Gruschwitz P, Ergün S, Bley TA, Feldle P. Ultra-High-Resolution Photon-Counting Detector CT Arthrography of the Ankle: A Feasibility Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2201. [PMID: 37443595 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13132201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the image quality of ultra-high-resolution ankle arthrography employing a photon-counting detector CT. Bilateral arthrograms were acquired in four cadaveric specimens with full-dose (10 mGy) and low-dose (3 mGy) scan protocols. Three convolution kernels with different spatial frequencies were utilized for image reconstruction (ρ50; Br98: 39.0, Br84: 22.6, Br76: 16.5 lp/cm). Seven radiologists subjectively assessed the image quality regarding the depiction of bone, hyaline cartilage, and ligaments. An additional quantitative assessment comprised the measurement of noise and the computation of contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR). While an optimal depiction of bone tissue was achieved with the ultra-sharp Br98 kernel (S ≤ 0.043), the visualization of cartilage improved with lower modulation transfer functions at each dose level (p ≤ 0.014). The interrater reliability ranged from good to excellent for all assessed tissues (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.805). The noise levels in subcutaneous fat decreased with reduced spatial frequency (p < 0.001). Notably, the low-dose Br76 matched the CNR of the full-dose Br84 (p > 0.999) and superseded Br98 (p < 0.001) in all tissues. Based on the reported results, a photon-counting detector CT arthrography of the ankle with an ultra-high-resolution collimation offers stellar image quality and tissue assessability, improving the evaluation of miniscule anatomical structures. While bone depiction was superior in combination with an ultra-sharp convolution kernel, soft tissue evaluation benefited from employing a lower spatial frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Sebastian Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Manuel Weißenberger
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Würzburg, König-Ludwig-Haus, Brettreichstr. 11, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Viktor Hartung
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Theresa Sophie Patzer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Gruschwitz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstraße 6, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Feldle
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Patzer TS, Kunz AS, Huflage H, Luetkens KS, Conrads N, Gruschwitz P, Pannenbecker P, Ergün S, Bley TA, Grunz JP. Quantitative and qualitative image quality assessment in shoulder examinations with a first-generation photon-counting detector CT. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8226. [PMID: 37217553 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35367-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Photon-counting detector (PCD) CT allows for ultra-high-resolution (UHR) examinations of the shoulder without requiring an additional post-patient comb filter to narrow the detector aperture. This study was designed to compare the PCD performance with a high-end energy-integrating detector (EID) CT. Sixteen cadaveric shoulders were examined with both scanners using dose-matched 120 kVp acquisition protocols (low-dose/full-dose: CTDIvol = 5.0/10.0 mGy). Specimens were scanned in UHR mode with the PCD-CT, whereas EID-CT examinations were conducted in accordance with the clinical standard as "non-UHR". Reconstruction of EID data employed the sharpest kernel available for standard-resolution scans (ρ50 = 12.3 lp/cm), while PCD data were reconstructed with both a comparable kernel (11.8 lp/cm) and a sharper dedicated bone kernel (16.5 lp/cm). Six radiologists with 2-9 years of experience in musculoskeletal imaging rated image quality subjectively. Interrater agreement was analyzed by calculation of the intraclass correlation coefficient in a two-way random effects model. Quantitative analyses comprised noise recording and calculating signal-to-noise ratios based on attenuation measurements in bone and soft tissue. Subjective image quality was higher in UHR-PCD-CT than in EID-CT and non-UHR-PCD-CT datasets (all p < 0.001). While low-dose UHR-PCD-CT was considered superior to full-dose non-UHR studies on either scanner (all p < 0.001), ratings of low-dose non-UHR-PCD-CT and full-dose EID-CT examinations did not differ (p > 0.99). Interrater reliability was moderate, indicated by a single measures intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.66 (95% confidence interval: 0.58-0.73; p < 0.001). Image noise was lowest and signal-to-noise ratios were highest in non-UHR-PCD-CT reconstructions at either dose level (p < 0.001). This investigation demonstrates that superior depiction of trabecular microstructure and considerable denoising can be realized without additional radiation dose by employing a PCD for shoulder CT imaging. Allowing for UHR scans without dose penalty, PCD-CT appears as a promising alternative to EID-CT for shoulder trauma assessment in clinical routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Sophie Patzer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Karsten Sebastian Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nora Conrads
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Gruschwitz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pauline Pannenbecker
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstr. 6, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
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Patzer TS, Kunz AS, Huflage H, Conrads N, Luetkens KS, Pannenbecker P, Paul MM, Ergün S, Bley TA, Grunz JP. Ultrahigh-Resolution Photon-Counting CT in Cadaveric Fracture Models: Spatial Frequency Is Not Everything. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13101677. [PMID: 37238160 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13101677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the impact of reconstruction sharpness on the visualization of the appendicular skeleton in ultrahigh-resolution (UHR) photon-counting detector (PCD) CT was investigated. Sixteen cadaveric extremities (eight fractured) were examined with a standardized 120 kVp scan protocol (CTDIvol 10 mGy). Images were reconstructed with the sharpest non-UHR kernel (Br76) and all available UHR kernels (Br80 to Br96). Seven radiologists evaluated image quality and fracture assessability. Interrater agreement was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient. For quantitative comparisons, signal-to-noise-ratios (SNRs) were calculated. Subjective image quality was best for Br84 (median 1, interquartile range 1-3; p ≤ 0.003). Regarding fracture assessability, no significant difference was ascertained between Br76, Br80 and Br84 (p > 0.999), with inferior ratings for all sharper kernels (p < 0.001). Interrater agreement for image quality (0.795, 0.732-0.848; p < 0.001) and fracture assessability (0.880; 0.842-0.911; p < 0.001) was good. SNR was highest for Br76 (3.4, 3.0-3.9) with no significant difference to Br80 and Br84 (p > 0.999). Br76 and Br80 produced higher SNRs than all kernels sharper than Br84 (p ≤ 0.026). In conclusion, PCD-CT reconstructions with a moderate UHR kernel offer superior image quality for visualizing the appendicular skeleton. Fracture assessability benefits from sharp non-UHR and moderate UHR kernels, while ultra-sharp reconstructions incur augmented image noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Sophie Patzer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nora Conrads
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Karsten Sebastian Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pauline Pannenbecker
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mila Marie Paul
- Department of Orthopedic Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstraße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstraße 6, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Huflage H, Kunz AS, Hendel R, Kraft J, Weick S, Razinskas G, Sauer ST, Pennig L, Bley TA, Grunz JP. Obesity-Related Pitfalls of Virtual versus True Non-Contrast Imaging-An Intraindividual Comparison in 253 Oncologic Patients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13091558. [PMID: 37174949 PMCID: PMC10177533 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13091558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dual-source dual-energy CT (DECT) facilitates reconstruction of virtual non-contrast images from contrast-enhanced scans within a limited field of view. This study evaluates the replacement of true non-contrast acquisition with virtual non-contrast reconstructions and investigates the limitations of dual-source DECT in obese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 253 oncologic patients (153 women; age 64.5 ± 16.2 years; BMI 26.6 ± 5.1 kg/m2) received both multi-phase single-energy CT (SECT) and DECT in sequential staging examinations with a third-generation dual-source scanner. Patients were allocated to one of three BMI clusters: non-obese: <25 kg/m2 (n = 110), pre-obese: 25-29.9 kg/m2 (n = 73), and obese: >30 kg/m2 (n = 70). Radiation dose and image quality were compared for each scan. DECT examinations were evaluated regarding liver coverage within the dual-energy field of view. RESULTS While arterial contrast phases in DECT were associated with a higher CTDIvol than in SECT (11.1 vs. 8.1 mGy; p < 0.001), replacement of true with virtual non-contrast imaging resulted in a considerably lower overall dose-length product (312.6 vs. 475.3 mGy·cm; p < 0.001). The proportion of DLP variance predictable from patient BMI was substantial in DECT (R2 = 0.738) and SECT (R2 = 0.620); however, DLP of SECT showed a stronger increase in obese patients (p < 0.001). Incomplete coverage of the liver within the dual-energy field of view was most common in the obese subgroup (17.1%) compared with non-obese (0%) and pre-obese patients (4.1%). CONCLUSION DECT facilitates a 30.8% dose reduction over SECT in abdominal oncologic staging examinations. Employing dual-source scanner architecture, the risk for incomplete liver coverage increases in obese patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Robin Hendel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Kraft
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Weick
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gary Razinskas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Tina Sauer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lenhard Pennig
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Sauer ST, Christner SA, Kuhl PJ, Kunz AS, Huflage H, Luetkens KS, Schlaiß T, Bley TA, Grunz JP. Artificial-intelligence-enhanced synthetic thick slabs versus standard slices in digital breast tomosynthesis. Br J Radiol 2023; 96:20220967. [PMID: 36972100 PMCID: PMC10161903 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20220967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT)can provide additional information over mammography, albeit at the cost of prolonged reading time. Thisstudy retrospectively investigated the impact of reading enhanced synthetic 6 mm slabsinstead of standard 1 mm slices on interpretation time andreadersperformance in a diagnostic assessment centre. Methods: Three radiologists (R1-3; 6/4/2 years of breast imaging experience) reviewed 111 diagnostic DBT examinations. Two datasets were interpreted independently for each patient, with one set containing artificial-intelligence-enhanced synthetic 6 mm slabs with 3 mm overlap, while the other set comprised standard 1 mm slices. Blinded to histology and follow-up, readers noted individual BIRADS categoriesand diagnostic confidence while reading time was recorded. Among the 111 examinations, 70 findings were histopathologicallycorrelated including 56 malignancies. Results: No significant difference was found between BIRADS categories assigned based on6-mm vs 1 mm datasets (p ≥ 0.317). Diagnostic accuracy was comparable for 6 mm and 1 mm readings (R1: 87.0% vs 87.0%; R2: 86.1% vs 87.0%; R3: 80.0% vs 84.4%; p ≥ 0.125) with high interrater agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.848 vs 0.865).Onereader reported higher confidence with 1 mm slices (R1: p = 0.033). Reading time was substantially shorter when interpreting 6 mm slabs compared to 1 mm slices (R1: 33.5 vs 46.2; R2: 49.1 vs 64.8; R3: 39.5 vs 67.2 sec; all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Artificial-intelligence-enhancedsynthetic 6 mm slabs allow for substantial interpretation time reduction in diagnostic DBT without a decrease inreader accuracy. Advances in knowledge: A simplified slab-only protocol instead of 1 mm slices may offset the higher reading time without a loss of diagnosis-relevant image information in first and second readings. Further evaluations are required regarding workflow implications,particularlyin screening settings.
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Kunz AS, Schmalzl J, Huflage H, Luetkens KS, Patzer TS, Kuhl PJ, Gruschwitz P, Petritsch B, Schmitt R, Bley TA, Grunz JP. Twin Robotic Gantry-Free Cone-Beam CT in Acute Elbow Trauma. Radiology 2023; 306:e221200. [PMID: 36346312 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.221200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background Posttraumatic CT imaging of the elbow can be challenging when patient mobility is limited. Gantry-free cone-beam CT (CBCT) with a twin robotic radiography system offers greater degrees of positioning freedom for three-dimensional elbow scans over gantry-based multidetector CT (MDCT), but studies analyzing their clinical value remain lacking. Purpose To investigate the diagnostic performance of gantry-free CBCT versus two-dimensional radiography in adults and children with acute elbow trauma. Materials and Methods In a retrospective study, consecutive patients with elbow trauma and positioning difficulty in a gantry-based MDCT who underwent three-dimensional elbow imaging with a gantry-free CBCT after radiography were enrolled between January 2021 and April 2022 at a tertiary care university hospital. Imaging data sets were independently analyzed for fracture presence, articular involvement, and multi-fragment injuries by three radiologists. Diagnostic performance was calculated individually with surgical reports serving as the reference standard. Differences between radiography and CBCT were compared with the McNemar test. Diagnostic confidence was estimated subjectively by each reader, and results were compared with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results Elbow examinations of 23 adults and children (mean age ± SD, 49 years ± 23; seven women) were included with individual assessment of humerus, radius, and ulna (69 bones; 36 fractured). Multi-fragmentary fracture patterns and involvement of articular surfaces were ascertained in 28 and 30 bones, respectively. CBCT allowed for similar or higher sensitivity compared with radiography in the assessment of fractures (range for three readers, 94%-100% vs 72%-81%; respectively, P ≤ .06-.008), articular surface involvement (90%-97% vs 73%-87%; P ≤ .25), and multi-fragmentary patterns (96%-96% vs 68%-75%; P ≤ .03). Readers' diagnostic confidence improved considerably with access to CBCT data sets versus radiographs (all P ≤ .001). For CBCT, the median dose-length product was 70.9 mGy · cm, and the volume CT dose index was 4.4 mGy. Conclusion In acute elbow injuries, gantry-free cone-beam CT enabled improved detection of fractures, articular involvement, and multi-fragmentary patterns compared with two-dimensional radiography. Published under a CC BY 4.0 license Online supplemental material is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Steven Kunz
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (A.S.K., H.H., K.S.L., T.S.P., P.J.K., P.G., B.P., R.S., T.A.B., J.P.G.) and Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (J.S.), University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Strasse 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; and the Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Jonas Schmalzl
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (A.S.K., H.H., K.S.L., T.S.P., P.J.K., P.G., B.P., R.S., T.A.B., J.P.G.) and Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (J.S.), University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Strasse 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; and the Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Henner Huflage
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (A.S.K., H.H., K.S.L., T.S.P., P.J.K., P.G., B.P., R.S., T.A.B., J.P.G.) and Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (J.S.), University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Strasse 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; and the Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Karsten Sebastian Luetkens
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (A.S.K., H.H., K.S.L., T.S.P., P.J.K., P.G., B.P., R.S., T.A.B., J.P.G.) and Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (J.S.), University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Strasse 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; and the Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Theresa Sophie Patzer
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (A.S.K., H.H., K.S.L., T.S.P., P.J.K., P.G., B.P., R.S., T.A.B., J.P.G.) and Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (J.S.), University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Strasse 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; and the Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Philipp Josef Kuhl
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (A.S.K., H.H., K.S.L., T.S.P., P.J.K., P.G., B.P., R.S., T.A.B., J.P.G.) and Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (J.S.), University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Strasse 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; and the Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Philipp Gruschwitz
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (A.S.K., H.H., K.S.L., T.S.P., P.J.K., P.G., B.P., R.S., T.A.B., J.P.G.) and Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (J.S.), University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Strasse 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; and the Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Bernhard Petritsch
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (A.S.K., H.H., K.S.L., T.S.P., P.J.K., P.G., B.P., R.S., T.A.B., J.P.G.) and Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (J.S.), University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Strasse 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; and the Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Rainer Schmitt
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (A.S.K., H.H., K.S.L., T.S.P., P.J.K., P.G., B.P., R.S., T.A.B., J.P.G.) and Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (J.S.), University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Strasse 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; and the Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (A.S.K., H.H., K.S.L., T.S.P., P.J.K., P.G., B.P., R.S., T.A.B., J.P.G.) and Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (J.S.), University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Strasse 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; and the Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (A.S.K., H.H., K.S.L., T.S.P., P.J.K., P.G., B.P., R.S., T.A.B., J.P.G.) and Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (J.S.), University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Strasse 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; and the Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany (R.S.)
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Conrads N, Grunz JP, Huflage H, Luetkens KS, Feldle P, Pennig L, Ergün S, Alexander Bley T, Petritsch B, Kunz AS. Ultrahigh-resolution computed tomography of the cervical spine without dose penalty employing a cadmium-telluride photon-counting detector. Eur J Radiol 2023; 160:110718. [PMID: 36731400 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2023.110718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This cadaveric study compared image quality between a third-generation dual-source CT scanner with energy-integrating detector technology (EID) and a first-generation CT system employing a photon-counting detector (PCD) for the cervical spine in ultrahigh-resolution mode. METHODS The cervical spine of eight formalin-fixed full-body cadaveric specimens was scanned with both CT systems using 140 kVp scan protocols matched for CTDIvol (full-dose; low-dose; ultralow-dose; 10 mGy; 3 mGy; 1 mGy). Images were reconstructed with 1 mm slice thickness and 0.5 mm increment. Three radiologists rated overall subjective image quality based on an equidistant five-point scale with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) calculated for assessment of interobserver reliability. Contrast-to-noise ratios were calculated individually for bone (CNRbone) and muscle tissue (CNRmuscle) to provide objective criteria of image analysis. RESULTS Subjective image quality, as well as CNRbone, and CNRmuscle were each superior for PCD-CT compared to EID-CT among dose-matched scan protocol pairs (all p < 0.05). Between full-dose EID-CT and low-dose PCD-CT, subjective image quality was equal (p = 0.903), while superior quantitative results regarding the latter were ascertained (both p < 0.001). Similarly, objective analysis determined higher CNRbone, and CNRmuscle in ultralow-dose PCD-CT compared to low-dose EID-CT (both p < 0.001), while readers considered the image quality of the respective studies comparable (p > 0.99). Interobserver reliability was good, denoted by an ICC of 0.861 (95 % confidence interval: 0.788 - 0.914; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In cervical spine examinations, both subjective and objective image quality of PCD-CT were superior to EID-CT in comparison of scan protocols with corresponding dose levels, suggesting potential for significantly reducing the radiation exposure without compromising image quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Conrads
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Karsten Sebastian Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Feldle
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lenhard Pennig
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstraße 6, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Petritsch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Huflage H, Grunz JP, Kunz AS, Patzer TS, Sauer ST, Christner SA, Petritsch B, Ergün S, Bley TA, Luetkens KS. Potential of employing a quantum iterative reconstruction algorithm for ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT of the hip. Radiography (Lond) 2023; 29:44-49. [PMID: 36274316 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study investigated the image quality of a new quantum iterative reconstruction algorithm (QIR) for high resolution photon-counting CT of the hip. METHODS Using a first-generation photon-counting CT scanner, five cadaveric specimens were examined with ultra-high-resolution protocols matched for radiation dose. Images were post-processed with a sharp convolution kernel and five different strength levels of iterative reconstruction (QIR 0 - QIR 4). Subjective image quality was rated independently by three radiologists on a five-point scale. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were computed for assessing interrater agreement. Objective image quality was evaluated by means of contrast-to-noise-ratios (CNR) in bone and muscle tissue. RESULTS For osseous tissue, subjective image quality was rated best for QIR 2 reformatting (median 5 [interquartile range 5-5]). Contrarily, for soft tissue, QIR 4 received the highest ratings among compared strength levels (3 [3-4]). Both ICCbone (0.805; 95% confidence interval 0.711-0.877; p < 0.001) and ICCmuscle (0.885; 0.824-0.929; p < 0.001) suggested good interrater agreement. CNR in bone and muscle tissue increased with ascending strength levels of iterative reconstruction with the highest results recorded for QIR 4 (CNRbone 29.43 ± 2.61; CNRmuscle 8.09 ± 0.77) and lowest results without QIR (CNRbone 3.90 ± 0.29; CNRmuscle 1.07 ± 0.07) (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Reconstructing photon-counting CT data with an intermediate QIR strength level appears optimal for assessment of osseous tissue, whereas soft tissue analysis benefitted from applying the highest strength level available. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Quantum iterative reconstruction technique can enhance image quality by significantly reducing noise and improving CNR in ultra-high resolution CT imaging of the hip.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - J-P Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - A S Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - T S Patzer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - S T Sauer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - S A Christner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - B Petritsch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - S Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstraße 6, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - T A Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - K S Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
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Grunz JP, Petritsch B, Luetkens KS, Kunz AS, Lennartz S, Ergün S, Bley TA, Huflage H. Ultra-Low-Dose Photon-Counting CT Imaging of the Paranasal Sinus With Tin Prefiltration: How Low Can We Go? Invest Radiol 2022; 57:728-733. [PMID: 35703452 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, we compared photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) and energy-integrating detector computed tomography (EID-CT) for ultra-low-dose paranasal sinus examinations with employed tin prefiltration. The goal of our investigation was to define the most dose-effective scan protocols for diagnostic assessment of midface trauma, preoperative sinonasal anatomy, and acute rhinosinusitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five cadaveric heads were examined with the standard-resolution scan mode of both CT systems using a tube potential of 100 kV and tin prefiltration for 7 dose-equivalent scan protocols (CTDI vol = 4.16-0.15 mGy) and 2 additional ultra-low-dose protocols exclusively feasible on the PCD-CT scanner (0.10 and 0.08 mGy). After applying comparable iterative reconstruction algorithms, image quality was subjectively assessed by 4 radiologists. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to estimate the agreement among readers. Image noise was quantified in standardized regions of interest to establish an additional quantitative criterion of image quality. RESULTS The most dose-effective scan protocols for diagnostic imaging of midface trauma (PCD-CT: 1.24 mGy; EID-CT: 2.05 mGy), preoperative sinonasal anatomy (PCD-CT: 0.20 mGy; EID-CT: 0.40 mGy), and acute rhinosinusitis (PCD-CT: 0.08 mGy; EID-CT: 0.15 mGy) required less radiation exposure on the PCD-CT system ( P < 0.050). Despite higher image noise, ultra-low-dose PCD-CT studies (0.08 and 0.10 mGy) were considered suitable for inflammation-focused imaging, offering lower-dose penalties than EID-CT studies. Interobserver reliability for subjective image quality was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-0.93; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In paranasal sinus imaging with tin prefiltration, the PCD-CT allowed for superior image quality compared with high-end EID-CT. Assessment of paranasal sinuses with an ultra-low radiation exposure of 0.08 mGy was deemed adequate, suggesting substantial dose reduction potential for clinical routine, for example, in the diagnostic workup of patients with rhinosinusitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Peter Grunz
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg
| | - Bernhard Petritsch
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg
| | | | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg
| | - Simon Lennartz
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg
| | - Henner Huflage
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg
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Kunz AS, Patzer TS, Grunz JP, Luetkens KS, Hartung V, Hendel R, Fieber T, Genest F, Ergün S, Bley TA, Huflage H. Metal artifact reduction in ultra-high-resolution cone-beam CT imaging with a twin robotic X-ray system. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15549. [PMID: 36114270 PMCID: PMC9481547 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19978-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been shown to be a powerful tool for 3D imaging of the appendicular skeleton, allowing for detailed visualization of bone microarchitecture. This study was designed to compare artifacts in the presence of osteosynthetic implants between CBCT and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in cadaveric wrist scans. A total of 32 scan protocols with varying tube potential and current were employed: both conventional CBCT and MDCT studies were included with tube voltage ranging from 60 to 140 kVp as well as additional MDCT protocols with dedicated spectral shaping via tin prefiltration. Irrespective of scanner type, all examinations were conducted in ultra-high-resolution (UHR) scan mode. For reconstruction of UHR-CBCT scans an additional iterative metal artifact reduction algorithm was employed, an image correction tool which cannot be used in combination with UHR-MDCT. To compare applied radiation doses between both scanners, the volume computed tomography dose index for a 16 cm phantom (CTDIvol) was evaluated. Images were assessed regarding subjective and objective image quality. Without automatic tube current modulation or tube potential control, radiation doses ranged between 1.3 mGy (with 70 kVp and 50.0 effective mAs) and 75.2 mGy (with 140 kVp and 383.0 effective mAs) in UHR-MDCT. Using the pulsed image acquisition method of the CBCT scanner, CTDIvol ranged between 2.3 mGy (with 60 kVp and 0.6 mean mAs per pulse) and 61.0 mGy (with 133 kVp and 2.5 mean mAs per pulse). In essence, all UHR-CBCT protocols employing a tube potential of 80 kVp or more were found to provide superior overall image quality and artifact reduction compared to UHR-MDCT (all p < .050). Interrater reliability of seven radiologists regarding image quality was substantial for tissue assessment and moderate for artifact assessment with Fleiss kappa of 0.652 (95% confidence interval 0.618-0.686; p < 0.001) and 0.570 (95% confidence interval 0.535-0.606; p < 0.001), respectively. Our results demonstrate that the UHR-CBCT scan mode of a twin robotic X-ray system facilitates excellent visualization of the appendicular skeleton in the presence of metal implants. Achievable image quality and artifact reduction are superior to dose-comparable UHR-MDCT and even MDCT protocols employing spectral shaping with tin prefiltration do not achieve the same level of artifact reduction in adjacent soft tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Theresa Sophie Patzer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Karsten Sebastian Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Viktor Hartung
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Robin Hendel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tabea Fieber
- Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Franca Genest
- Orthopedic Clinic König-Ludwig-Haus, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Brettreichstr. 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstr. 6, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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Luetkens KS, Grunz JP, Paul MM, Huflage H, Conrads N, Patzer TS, Gruschwitz P, Ergün S, Bley TA, Kunz AS. One-stop-shop CT arthrography of the wrist without subject repositioning by means of gantry-free cone-beam CT. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14422. [PMID: 36002544 PMCID: PMC9402709 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18395-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern cone-beam CT systems are capable of ultra-high-resolution 3D imaging in addition to conventional radiography and fluoroscopy. The combination of various imaging functions in a multi-use setup is particularly appealing for musculoskeletal interventions, such as CBCT arthrography (CBCTA). With this study, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of CBCTA of the wrist in a “one-stop-shop” approach with a gantry-free twin robotic scanner that does not require repositioning of subjects. Additionally, the image quality of CBCTA was compared to subsequent arthrograms on a high-end multidetector CT (MDCTA). Fourteen cadaveric wrists received CBCTA with four acquisition protocols. Specimens were then transferred to the CT suite for additional MDCTA. Dose indices ranged between 14.3 mGy (120 kVp/100 effective mAs; full-dose) and 1.0 mGy (70 kVp/41 effective mAs; ultra-low-dose) for MDCTA and between 17.4 mGy (80 kVp/2.5 mAs per pulse; full-dose) and 1.2 mGy (60 kVp/0.5 mAs per pulse; ultra-low-dose) for CBCTA. Subjective image quality assessment for bone, cartilage and ligamentous tissue was performed by seven radiologists. The interrater reliability was assessed by calculation of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) based on a two-way random effects model. Overall image quality of most CBCTA was deemed suitable for diagnostic use in contrast to a considerable amount of non-diagnostic MDCTA examinations (38.8%). The depiction of bone, cartilage and ligaments in MDCTA with any form of dose reduction was inferior to any CBCTA scan with at least 0.6 mAs per pulse (all p < 0.001). Full-dose MDCTA and low-dose CBCTA were of equal quality for bone tissue visualization (p = 0.326), whereas CBCTA allowed for better depiction of ligaments and cartilage (both p < 0.001), despite merely one third of radiation exposure (MDCTA–14.3 mGy vs. CBCTA–4.5 mGy). Moderate to good interrater reliability was ascertained for the assessment all tissues (ICC 0.689–0.756). Overall median examination time for CBCTA was 5.4 min (4.8–7.2 min). This work demonstrates that substantial dose reduction can be achieved in CT arthrography of the wrist while maintaining diagnostic image quality by employing the cone-beam CT mode of a twin robotic X-ray system. The ability of the multi-use X-ray system to switch between fluoroscopy mode and 3D imaging allows for “one-stop-shop” CBCTA in minimal examination time without the need for repositioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Sebastian Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mila Marie Paul
- Department of Orthopedic Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nora Conrads
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Theresa Sophie Patzer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Gruschwitz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstr. 6, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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Grunz JP, Sailer L, Lang P, Schüle S, Kunz AS, Beer M, Hackenbroch C. Dual-energy CT in sacral fragility fractures: defining a cut-off Hounsfield unit value for the presence of traumatic bone marrow edema in patients with osteoporosis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:724. [PMID: 35906573 PMCID: PMC9336065 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05690-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Demographic change entails an increasing incidence of fragility fractures. Dual-energy CT (DECT) with virtual non-calcium (VNCa) reconstructions has been introduced as a promising diagnostic method for evaluating bone microarchitecture and marrow simultaneously. This study aims to define the most accurate cut-off value in Hounsfield units (HU) for discriminating the presence and absence of bone marrow edema (BME) in sacral fragility fractures. METHODS Forty-six patients (40 women, 6 men; 79.7 ± 9.2 years) with suspected fragility fractures of the sacrum underwent both DECT (90 kVp / 150 kVp with tin prefiltration) and MRI. Nine regions-of-interest were placed in each sacrum on DECT-VNCa images. The resulting 414 HU measurements were stratified into "edema" (n = 80) and "no edema" groups (n = 334) based on reference BME detection in T2-weighted MRI sequences. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to determine the desired cut-off value and an associated conspicuity range for edema detection. RESULTS The mean density within the "edema" group of measurements (+ 3.1 ± 8.3 HU) was substantially higher compared to the "no edema" group (-51.7 ± 21.8 HU; p < 0.010). Analysis in DECT-VNCa images suggested a cut-off value of -12.9 HU that enabled sensitivity and specificity of 100% for BME detection compared to MRI. A range of HU values between -14.0 and + 20.0 is considered indicative of BME in the sacrum. CONCLUSIONS Quantitative analysis of DECT-VNCa with a cut-off of -12.9 HU allows for excellent diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of sacral fragility fractures with associated BME. A diagnostic "one-stop-shop" approach without additional MRI is feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Radiology, German Armed Forces Hospital Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 40, 89081, Ulm, Germany. .,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Lukas Sailer
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, German Armed Forces Hospital Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 40, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Patricia Lang
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, German Armed Forces Hospital Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 40, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Simone Schüle
- Department of Radiology, German Armed Forces Hospital Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 40, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Meinrad Beer
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Carsten Hackenbroch
- Department of Radiology, German Armed Forces Hospital Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 40, 89081, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Radiology, University Hospital Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081, Ulm, Germany
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Huflage H, Grunz JP, Hackenbroch C, Halt D, Luetkens KS, Alfred Schmidt AM, Patzer TS, Ergün S, Bley TA, Kunz AS. Metal artefact reduction in low-dose computed tomography: Benefits of tin prefiltration versus postprocessing of dual-energy datasets over conventional CT imaging. Radiography (Lond) 2022; 28:690-696. [PMID: 35728278 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to determine the potential for metal artefact reduction in low-dose multidetector CT as these pose a frequent challenge in clinical routine. Investigations focused on whether spectral shaping via tin prefiltration, virtual monoenergetic imaging or virtual blend imaging (VBI) offers superior image quality in comparison with conventional CT imaging. METHODS Using a third-generation dual-source CT scanner, two cadaveric specimens with different metal implants (dental, cervical spine, hip, knee) were examined with acquisition protocols matched for radiation dose with regards to tube voltage and current. In order to allow for precise comparison, and due to the relatively short scan lengths, automatic tube current modulation was disabled. Specifically, the following scan protocals were examined: conventional CT protocols (100/120 kVp), tin prefiltration (Sn 100/Sn 150 kVp), VBI and virtual monoenergetic imaging (VME 100/120/150 keV). Mean attenuation and image noise were measured in hyperdense and hypodense artefacts, in artefact-impaired and artefact-free soft tissue. Subjective image quality was rated independently by three radiologists. RESULTS Objectively, Sn 150 kVp allowed for the best reduction of hyperdense streak artefacts (p < 0.001), while VME 150 keV and Sn 150 kVp protocols facilitated equally good reduction of hypodense artefacts (p = 0.173). Artefact-impaired soft tissue attenuation was lowest in Sn 150 kVp protocols (p ≤ 0.011), whereas all VME showed significantly less image noise compared to conventional or tin-filtered protocols (p ≤ 0.001). Subjective assessment favoured Sn 150 kVp regarding hyperdense streak artefacts and delineation of cortical bone (p ≤ 0.005). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.776 (95% confidence interval: 0.712-0.831; p < 0.001) indicating good interrater reliability. CONCLUSION In the presence of metal implants in our cadaveric study, tin prefiltration with 150 kVp offers superior artefact reduction for low-dose CT imaging of osseous tissue compared with virtual monoenergetic images of dual-energy datasets. The delineation of cortical boundaries seems to benefit particularly from spectral shaping. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Low-dose CT imaging of osseous tissue in combination with tin prefiltration allows for superior metal artefact reduction when compared to virtual monoenergetic images of dual-energy datasets. Employing this technique ought to be considered in daily routine when metal implants are present within the scan volume as findings suggest it allows for radiation dose reduction and facilitates diagnosis relevant to further treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - J-P Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - C Hackenbroch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, German Armed Forces Hospital Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 40, 89081 Ulm, Germany; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - D Halt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, German Armed Forces Hospital Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 40, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - K S Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - A M Alfred Schmidt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - T S Patzer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - S Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstraße 6, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - T A Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - A S Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
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Gietzen CH, Kunz AS, Luetkens KS, Huflage H, Christopoulos G, van Schoonhoven J, Bley TA, Schmitt R, Grunz JP. Evaluation of prestyloid recess morphology and ulnar-sided contrast leakage in CT arthrography of the wrist. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:284. [PMID: 35331212 PMCID: PMC8944076 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05241-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In wrist arthrograms, aberrant contrast material is frequently seen extending into the soft tissue adjacent to the ulnar styloid process. Since the prestyloid recess can mimic contrast leakage in CT arthrography, this study aims to provide a detailed analysis of its morphologic variability, while investigating whether actual ulnar-sided leakage is associated with injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Methods Eighty-six patients with positive wrist trauma history underwent multi-compartment CT arthrography (40 women, median age 44.5 years). Studies were reviewed by two board-certified radiologists, who documented the morphology of the prestyloid recess regarding size, opening type, shape and position, as well as the presence or absence of ulnar-sided contrast leakage. Correlations between leakage and the presence of TFCC injuries were assessed using the mean square contingency coefficient (rɸ). Results The most common configuration of the prestyloid recess included a narrow opening (73.26%; width 2.26 ± 1.43 mm), saccular shape (66.28%), and palmar position compared to the styloid process (55.81%). Its mean length and anterior–posterior diameter were 6.89 ± 2.36 and 5.05 ± 1.97 mm, respectively. Ulnar-sided contrast leakage was reported in 29 patients (33.72%) with a mean extent of 12.30 ± 5.31 mm. Leakage occurred more often in patients with ulnar-sided TFCC injuries (rɸ = 0.480; p < 0.001), whereas no association was found for lesions of the central articular disc (rɸ = 0.172; p = 0.111). Conclusions Since ulnar-sided contrast leakage is more common in patients with peripheral TFCC injuries, distinction between an atypical configuration of the prestyloid recess and actual leakage is important in CT arthrography of the wrist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Herbert Gietzen
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Rhön-Klinikum Campus Bad Neustadt, Von-Guttenberg-Straße 11, 97616, Bad Neustadt an der Saale, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Karsten Sebastian Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Georgios Christopoulos
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Rhön-Klinikum Campus Bad Neustadt, Von-Guttenberg-Straße 11, 97616, Bad Neustadt an der Saale, Germany
| | - Jörg van Schoonhoven
- Department of Hand Surgery, Rhön-Klinikum Campus Bad Neustadt, Von-Guttenberg-Straße 11, 97616, Bad Neustadt an der Saale, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Schmitt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Rhön-Klinikum Campus Bad Neustadt, Von-Guttenberg-Straße 11, 97616, Bad Neustadt an der Saale, Germany.,Department of Radiology, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany. .,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Rhön-Klinikum Campus Bad Neustadt, Von-Guttenberg-Straße 11, 97616, Bad Neustadt an der Saale, Germany.
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Luetkens KS, Huflage H, Kunz AS, Ritschl L, Herbst M, Kappler S, Ergün S, Goertz L, Pennig L, Bley TA, Gassenmaier T, Grunz JP. The effect of tin prefiltration on extremity cone-beam CT imaging with a twin robotic X-ray system. Radiography (Lond) 2021; 28:433-439. [PMID: 34716089 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While tin prefiltration is established in various CT applications, its value in extremity cone-beam CT relative to optimized spectra has not been thoroughly assessed thus far. This study aims to investigate the effect of tin filters in extremity cone-beam CT with a twin-robotic X-ray system. METHODS Wrist, elbow and ankle joints of two cadaveric specimens were examined in a laboratory setup with different combinations of prefiltration (copper, tin), tube voltage and current-time product. Image quality was assessed subjectively by five radiologists with Fleiss' kappa being computed to measure interrater agreement. To provide a semiquantitative criterion for image quality, contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were compared for standardized regions of interest. Volume CT dose indices were calculated for a 16 cm polymethylmethacrylate phantom. RESULTS Radiation dose ranged from 17.4 mGy in the clinical standard protocol without tin filter to as low as 0.7 mGy with tin prefiltration. Image quality ratings and CNR for tin-filtered scans with 100 kV were lower than for 80 kV studies with copper prefiltration despite higher dose (11.2 and 5.6 vs. 4.5 mGy; p < 0.001). No difference was ascertained between 100 kV scans with tin filtration and 60 kV copper-filtered scans with 75% dose reduction (subjective: p = 0.101; CNR: p = 0.706). Fleiss' kappa of 0.597 (95% confidence interval 0.567-0.626; p < 0.001) indicated moderate interrater agreement. CONCLUSION Considerable dose reduction is feasible with tin prefiltration, however, the twin-robotic X-ray system's low-dose potential for extremity 3D imaging is maximized with a dedicated low-kilovolt scan protocol in situations without extensive beam-hardening artifacts. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Low-kilovolt imaging with copper prefiltration provides a superior trade-off between dose reduction and image quality compared to tin-filtered cone-beam CT scan protocols with higher tube voltage.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - H Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - A S Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - L Ritschl
- X-ray Products - Research & Development, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Siemensstraße 1, 91301, Forchheim, Germany.
| | - M Herbst
- X-ray Products - Research & Development, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Siemensstraße 1, 91301, Forchheim, Germany.
| | - S Kappler
- X-ray Products - Research & Development, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Siemensstraße 1, 91301, Forchheim, Germany.
| | - S Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstraße 6, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - L Goertz
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany.
| | - L Pennig
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany.
| | - T A Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - T Gassenmaier
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - J-P Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
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Huflage H, Luetkens KS, Kunz AS, Conrads N, Jakubietz RG, Jakubietz MG, Pennig L, Goertz L, Bley TA, Schmitt R, Grunz JP. Improved diagnostic accuracy for ulnar-sided TFCC lesions with radial reformation of 3D sequences in wrist MR arthrography. Eur Radiol 2021; 31:9399-9407. [PMID: 34003353 PMCID: PMC8589820 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-08024-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries frequently cause ulnar-sided wrist pain and can induce distal radioulnar joint instability. With its complex three-dimensional structure, diagnosis of TFCC lesions remains a challenging task even in MR arthrograms. The aim of this study was to assess the added diagnostic value of radial reformatting of isotropic 3D MRI datasets compared to standard planes after direct arthrography of the wrist. Methods Ninety-three patients underwent wrist MRI after fluoroscopy-guided multi-compartment arthrography. Two radiologists collectively analyzed two datasets of each MR arthrogram for TFCC injuries, with one set containing standard reconstructions of a 3D thin-slice sequence in axial, coronal and sagittal orientation, while the other set comprised an additional radial plane view with the rotating center positioned at the ulnar styloid. Surgical reports (whenever available) or radiological reports combined with clinical follow-up served as a standard of reference. In addition, diagnostic confidence and assessability of the central disc and ulnar-sided insertions were subjectively evaluated. Results Injuries of the articular disc, styloid and foveal ulnar attachment were present in 20 (23.7%), 10 (10.8%) and 9 (9.7%) patients. Additional radial planes increased diagnostic accuracy for lesions of the styloid (0.83 vs. 0.90; p = 0.016) and foveal (0.86 vs. 0.94; p = 0.039) insertion, whereas no improvement was identified for alterations of the central cartilage disc. Readers’ confidence (p < 0.001) and assessability of the ulnar-sided insertions (p < 0.001) were superior with ancillary radial reformatting. Conclusions Access to the radial plane view of isotropic 3D sequences in MR arthrography improves diagnostic accuracy and confidence for ulnar-sided TFCC lesions. Key Points • In multi-compartment arthrography of the wrist, ancillary radial plane view aids assessability of the foveal and styloid ulnar-sided insertions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. • Assessment of peripheral TFCC injuries is more accurate with access to radial multiplanar reconstructions. • Additional radial planes provide greater diagnostic confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Karsten Sebastian Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nora Conrads
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rafael Gregor Jakubietz
- Department of Trauma-, Hand-, Plastic- and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Georg Jakubietz
- Department of Trauma-, Hand-, Plastic- and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lenhard Pennig
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lukas Goertz
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Schmitt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Radiology, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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Grunz JP, Weng AM, Kunz AS, Veyhl-Wichmann M, Schmitt R, Gietzen CH, Pennig L, Herz S, Ergün S, Bley TA, Gassenmaier T. 3D cone-beam CT with a twin robotic x-ray system in elbow imaging: comparison of image quality to high-resolution multidetector CT. Eur Radiol Exp 2020; 4:52. [PMID: 32895778 PMCID: PMC7477066 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-020-00177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Elbow imaging is challenging with conventional multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), while cone-beam CT (CBCT) provides superior options. We compared intra-individually CBCT versus MDCT image quality in cadaveric elbows. Methods A twin robotic x-ray system with new CBCT mode and a high-resolution clinical MDCT were compared in 16 cadaveric elbows. Both systems were operated with a dedicated low-dose (LD) protocol (equivalent volume CT dose index [CTDIvol(16 cm)] = 3.3 mGy) and a regular clinical scan dose (RD) protocol (CTDIvol(16 cm) = 13.8 mGy). Image quality was evaluated by two radiologists (R1 and R2) on a seven-point Likert scale, and estimation of signal intensity in cancellous bone was conducted. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) statistics were used. Results The CBCT prototype provided superior subjective image quality compared to MDCT scans (for RD, p ≤ 0.004; for LD, p ≤ 0.001). Image quality was rated very good or excellent in 100% of the cases by both readers for RD CBCT, 100% (R1) and 93.8% (R2) for LD CBCT, 62.6% and 43.8% for RD MDCT, and 0.0% and 0.0% for LD MDCT. Single-measure ICC was 0.95 (95% confidence interval 0.91–0.97; p < 0.001). Software-based assessment supported subjective findings with less “undecided” pixels in CBCT than dose-equivalent MDCT (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between LD CBCT and RD MDCT. Conclusions In cadaveric elbow studies, the tested cone-beam CT prototype delivered superior image quality compared to high-end multidetector CT and showed a potential for considerable dose reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Max Weng
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maike Veyhl-Wichmann
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstraße 6, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Schmitt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Herbert Gietzen
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lenhard Pennig
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stefan Herz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstraße 6, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Gassenmaier
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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Grunz JP, Kunz AS, Gietzen CH, Weng AM, Veyhl-Wichmann M, Ergün S, Schmitt R, Bley TA, Gassenmaier T. 3D cone-beam CT of the ankle using a novel twin robotic X-ray system: Assessment of image quality and radiation dose. Eur J Radiol 2019; 119:108659. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2019.108659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Petritsch B, Kosmala A, Gassenmaier T, Weng AM, Veldhoen S, Kunz AS, Bley TA. Diagnosis of Pulmonary Artery Embolism: Comparison of Single-Source CT and 3rd Generation Dual-Source CT using a Dual-Energy Protocol Regarding Image Quality and Radiation Dose. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2017; 189:527-536. [PMID: 28445908 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-103089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To compare radiation dose, subjective and objective image quality of 3 rd generation dual-source CT (DSCT) and dual-energy CT (DECT) with conventional 64-slice single-source CT (SSCT) for pulmonary CTA. Materials and Methods 180 pulmonary CTA studies were performed in three patient cohorts of 60 patients each. Group 1: conventional SSCT 120 kV (ref.); group 2: single-energy DSCT 100 kV (ref.); group 3: DECT 90/Sn150 kV. CTDIvol, DLP, effective radiation dose were reported, and CT attenuation (HU) was measured on three central and peripheral levels. The signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR) were calculated. Two readers assessed subjective image quality according to a five-point scale. Results Mean CTDIvol and DLP were significantly lower in the dual-energy group compared to the SSCT group (p < 0.001 [CTDIvol]; p < 0.001 [DLP]) and the DSCT group (p = 0.003 [CTDIvol]; p = 0.003 [DLP]), respectively. The effective dose in the DECT group was 2.79 ± 0.95 mSv and significantly smaller than in the SSCT group (4.60 ± 1.68 mSv, p < 0.001) and the DSCT group (4.24 ± 2.69 mSv, p = 0.003). The SNR and CNR were significantly higher in the DSCT group (p < 0.001). Subjective image quality did not differ significantly among the three protocols and was rated good to excellent in 75 % (135/180) of cases with an inter-observer agreement of 80 %. Conclusion Dual-energy pulmonary CTA protocols of 3 rd generation dual-source scanners allow for significant reduction of radiation dose while providing excellent image quality and potential additional information by means of perfusion maps. Key Points: · Dual-energy CT with 90/Sn150 kV configuration allows for significant dose reduction in pulmonary CTA.. · Subjective image quality was similar among the three evaluated CT-protocols (64-slice SSCT, single-energy DSCT, 90/Sn150 kV DECT) and was rated good to excellent in 75% of cases.. · Dual-energy CT provides potential additional information by means of iodine distribution maps.. Citation Format · Petritsch B, Kosmala A, Gassenmaier T et al. Diagnosis of Pulmonary Artery Embolism: Comparison of Single-Source CT and 3rd Generation Dual-Source CT using a Dual-Energy Protocol Regarding Image Quality and Radiation Dose. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2017; 189: 527 - 536.
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Petritsch B, Köstler H, Weng AM, Horn M, Gassenmaier T, Kunz AS, Weidemann F, Wanner C, Bley TA, Beer M. Myocardial lipid content in Fabry disease: a combined 1H-MR spectroscopy and MR imaging study at 3 Tesla. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2016; 16:205. [PMID: 27793097 PMCID: PMC5084400 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-016-0382-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fabry disease is characterized by a progressive deposition of sphingolipids in different organ systems, whereby cardiac involvement leads to death. We hypothesize that lysosomal storage of sphingolipids in the heart as occurring in Fabry disease does not reflect in higher cardiac lipid concentrations detectable by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) at 3 Tesla. METHODS Myocardial lipid content was quantified in vivo by 1H-MRS in 30 patients (12 male, 18 female; 18 patients treated with enzyme replacement therapy) with genetically proven Fabry disease and in 30 healthy controls. The study protocol combined 1H-MRS with cardiac cine imaging and LGE MRI in a single examination. RESULTS Myocardial lipid content was not significantly elevated in Fabry disease (p = 0.225). Left ventricular (LV) mass was significantly higher in patients suffering from Fabry disease compared to controls (p = 0.019). Comparison of patients without signs of myocardial fibrosis in MRI (LGE negative; n = 12) to patients with signs of fibrosis (LGE positive; n = 18) revealed similar myocardial lipid content in both groups (p > 0.05), while the latter showed a trend towards elevated LV mass (p = 0.076). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the potential of lipid metabolic investigation embedded in a comprehensive examination of cardiac morphology and function in Fabry disease. There was no evidence that lysosomal storage of sphingolipids influences cardiac lipid content as measured by 1H-MRS. Finally, the authors share the opinion that a comprehensive cardiac examination including three subsections (LGE; 1H-MRS; T1 mapping), could hold the highest potential for the final assessment of early and late myocardial changes in Fabry disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Petritsch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - H Köstler
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.,University of Würzburg, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - A M Weng
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M Horn
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - T Gassenmaier
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - A S Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - F Weidemann
- University of Würzburg, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine II/Cardiology, Katharinen-Hospital Unna, Obere Husemannstr.2, 59423, Unna, Germany
| | - C Wanner
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - T A Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M Beer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081, Ulm, Germany
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Sauer S, Kunz AS, Klink T. Fehlmündung der linken Lebervene in den Sinus coronarius. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2016; 188:1174-1175. [PMID: 27529399 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-111827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Kestler C, Weng AM, Kunz AS, Laubmeier M, Wirth C, Köstler H, Bley TA, Veldhoen S. Acute Pulmonary Artery Embolism Detected by Noncontrast Functional Lung Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2016; 9:e004141. [DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.115.004141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kestler
- From the Departments of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (C.K., A.M.W., A.S.K., C.W., H.K., T.A.B., S.V.) and Nuclear Medicine (M.L.), University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Max Weng
- From the Departments of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (C.K., A.M.W., A.S.K., C.W., H.K., T.A.B., S.V.) and Nuclear Medicine (M.L.), University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- From the Departments of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (C.K., A.M.W., A.S.K., C.W., H.K., T.A.B., S.V.) and Nuclear Medicine (M.L.), University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mona Laubmeier
- From the Departments of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (C.K., A.M.W., A.S.K., C.W., H.K., T.A.B., S.V.) and Nuclear Medicine (M.L.), University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Wirth
- From the Departments of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (C.K., A.M.W., A.S.K., C.W., H.K., T.A.B., S.V.) and Nuclear Medicine (M.L.), University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Herbert Köstler
- From the Departments of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (C.K., A.M.W., A.S.K., C.W., H.K., T.A.B., S.V.) and Nuclear Medicine (M.L.), University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- From the Departments of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (C.K., A.M.W., A.S.K., C.W., H.K., T.A.B., S.V.) and Nuclear Medicine (M.L.), University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Simon Veldhoen
- From the Departments of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (C.K., A.M.W., A.S.K., C.W., H.K., T.A.B., S.V.) and Nuclear Medicine (M.L.), University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Petritsch B, Gassenmaier T, Kunz AS, Donhauser J, Goltz JP, Bley TA, Horn M. Age Dependency of Myocardial Triglyceride Content: A 3T High-Field 1H-MR Spectroscopy Study. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2015; 187:1016-21. [PMID: 26230138 DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1553350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The role of myocardial triglyceride (mTG) content in the aging human heart is not entirely understood. The aim of this study was to measure concentrations of mTG content from healthy volunteers and to determine the association between age, mTG content and systolic heart function. Furthermore, the technical stability of the (1)H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) and the reliability of peak evaluation at 3 T were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS The total study population of 47 healthy volunteers was divided into 4 age classes, according to the age of the subjects (1(st) cohort 20 - 29 years (yrs.), n = 20; 2(nd) cohort 30 - 39 yrs., n = 10; 3(rd) cohort 40 - 49 yrs., n = 9; 4(th) cohort 50 - 60 yrs., n = 8). Cardiac MRI and double triggered (1)H-MRS of the myocardium were consecutively performed using a 3 T scanner. Each participant underwent spectroscopic measurements twice in the same investigation. RESULTS mTG content increases with age. The correlation of age and mTG is minimal (r = 0.48; p < 0.001). The following age-averaged mTG content values expressed as % of mTG signal compared to the water signal were determined for each cohort: 1(st) cohort 0.25 % (± 0.17); 2(nd) cohort 0.48 % (± 0.30); 3(rd) cohort 0.48 % (± 0.18); 4(th) cohort 0.77 % (± 0.70). There was no significant correlation (r = 0.04; p = n.s.) between LV mass and mTG content in healthy volunteers. Within our cohorts, no effects of age or mTG content on systolic heart function were seen (r = - 0.01; p = n.s.). The intraclass correlation coefficient of spectroscopic measurements was high (r = 0.965; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Myocardial TG content increases with age. The normal age-dependent concentration ranges of myocardial lipid metabolites reported in this study may be helpful for the correction of acquired (1)H-MRS data in patients when evaluating metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in future magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Petritsch
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - T Gassenmaier
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - A S Kunz
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - J Donhauser
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - J P Goltz
- Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Germany
| | - T A Bley
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M Horn
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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