Combined influence of quantum iterative reconstruction level and kernel sharpness on image quality in photon counting CT angiography of the upper leg.

Aim was to evaluate the influence of different quantum iterative reconstruction (QIR) levels on the image quality of femoral photon-counting CT angiographies (PCD-CTA).Ultra-high resolution PCD-CTA were obtained from both extremities of five extracorporeally-perfused cadavers using constant tube voltage and maximum radiation dose (71.2 ± 11.

Ultra-high Versus Standard Resolution Photon-Counting Detector CT Angiography for Imaging of Femoral Stents in a Cadaveric Perfusion Model.

Background And Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the imaging performance and quality differences of PCD-CT in standard resolution mode (SR) versus ultra-high resolution mode (UHR) in the lower extremity runoff of dose-matched CTAs in a human cadaveric model.

Methods: Extracorporeal perfusion of the upper leg was established in one fresh-frozen human cadaver via inguinal and popliteal accesses using a peristaltic pump. Seven peripheral stents were deployed in the SFA.

The Small Pixel Effect in Ultra-High-Resolution Photon-Counting CT of the Lumbar Spine.

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.

Comparison of ultrahigh and standard resolution photon-counting CT angiography of the femoral arteries in a continuously perfused in vitro model.

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.

Investigating the Small Pixel Effect in Ultra-High Resolution Photon-Counting CT of the Lung.

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.

Standardized assessment of vascular reconstruction kernels in photon-counting CT angiographies of the leg using a continuous extracorporeal perfusion model.

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 (CTDI 5 mGy). Reconstructions were executed with different vascular kernels, matching the individual modulation transfer functions between scanners.

Early biochemical and radiographic response after one cycle of [Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T radioligand therapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate very early radiographic PSMA PET response after one cycle of [Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T radioligand therapy (RLT) of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and to assess its role in predicting overall response and survival.

Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 40 mCRPC patients who were treated with a median of 3 (2-9) [Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T RLT cycles. Biochemical response was based on the relative change of serum PSA according to PCWG3 criteria, while radiographic response referred to the relative change of PSMA-derived total viable tumor volumes expressed as total lesion PSMA (TLP).

Lung Function in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis before and during -Modulator Therapy Using 3D Ultrashort Echo Time MRI.

Background The triple combination of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) modulators elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor (hereafter, elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor) has a positive effect on lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Purpose To compare three-dimensional (3D) ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI functional lung data to common functional lung parameters in assessing lung function in patients with CF undergoing elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor therapy. Materials and Methods In this prospective feasibility study, 16 participants with CF consented to undergo pulmonary MRI with a breath-hold 3D UTE sequence at baseline (April 2018-June 2019) and follow-up (April-July 2021).

Weight-bearing gantry-free cone-beam CT of the lumbar spine: Image quality analysis and dose efficiency.

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.

Photon-Counting Versus Energy-Integrating Detector CT Angiography of the Lower Extremity in a Human Cadaveric Model With Continuous Extracorporeal Perfusion.

Objectives: Detailed visualization of the arterial runoff is mandatory for the assessment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. This study aims to compare the performance of a first-generation photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) to a third-generation energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT).

Materials And Methods: Computed tomography angiographies of 8 upper leg arterial runoffs were performed on human cadaveric models with continuous extracorporeal perfusion.

Meta-Analysis Comparing Outcomes of Remote Hemodynamic Assessment Versus Standard Care in Patients With Heart Failure.

In patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), remote hemodynamic monitoring can reduce heart failure exacerbation and mortality. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of remote hemodynamic monitoring with that of standard care in the management of patients with CHF. The remote monitoring group included 7,733 patients, and the control group included 7,567 patients.

On the association between apathy and deficits of social cognition and executive functions in Huntington's disease.

Objective: To investigate if executive and social cognitive dysfunction was associated with apathy in a large cohort of Huntington's disease gene expansion carriers.

Method: Eighty premanifest and motor-manifest Huntington's disease gene expansion carriers (Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥ 24 and Montreal Cognitive Assessment score ≥ 19) and thirty-two controls were examined with the Lille Apathy Rating Scale (LARS), a tailored and quantitative measure of apathy, and a comprehensive cognitive battery on executive functions and social cognition (emotion recognition, theory of mind and sarcasm detection), as well as general correlates like demographic variables, and neuropsychiatric and cognitive screening tests.

Results: The motor-manifest Huntington's disease gene expansion carriers had significantly different scores on most measures of social cognition and executive functions, compared to premanifest and control participants.

Metal artifact reduction in ultra-high-resolution cone-beam CT imaging with a twin robotic X-ray system.

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.

An Exploratory Study Investigating Autonomy in Huntington's Disease Gene Expansion Carriers.

Background: Autonomy describes a psychological state of self-regulation of motivation and action, which is a central characteristic of healthy functioning. In neurodegenerative diseases measures of self-perception have been found to be affected by the disease. However, it has never been investigated whether measures of self-perception, like autonomy, is affected in Huntington's disease.

Decreased CSF oxytocin relates to measures of social cognitive impairment in Huntington's disease patients.

Objective: Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease with motor, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. Non-motor symptoms like depression and altered social cognition are proposed to be caused by dysfunction of the hypothalamus. We measured the hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a cohort of HD gene expansion carriers (HDGECs), compared the levels to healthy HD family controls and correlated oxytocin levels to disease progression and social cognition.

Impairments of social cognition significantly predict the progression of functional decline in Huntington's disease: A 6-year follow-up study.

This study sought to investigate if there was a significant difference between the Huntington's Disease gene expansion carriers who were impaired on the cognitive domains, and . Also, it was investigated which of the cognitive domains could predict the decrease in total functional capacity over a 6-year follow-up period. Premanifest and motor-manifest Huntington's Disease gene expansion carriers ( = 98), were examined with a neurological and neuropsychological examination at Time 1 (year 2012-2013).

Intellectual Curiosity and Action Initiation are Subtypes of Apathy Affected in Huntington Disease Gene Expansion Carriers.

Background: Apathy is a prevalent behavioral syndrome of Huntington disease (HD) that can result in severe loss of function for the individual with HD and substantial caregiver distress. Research-based evidence of apathy is characterized by methodological differences, and there is a deficiency in the evidence concerning the subtypes of apathy.

Objective: To characterize apathy in premanifest and motor-manifest HD gene expansion carriers and controls using the Short Problem Behaviors Assessment for Huntington's Disease (PBA-s) and the Lille Apathy Rating Scale (LARS).

A Quality Improvement Initiative for Increasing Cardiac Rehabilitation Referrals Using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Methodology.

Background: Cardiovascular rehabilitation has been shown to improve morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiac illnesses; however, the referral rate for eligible patients at Tulane Medical Center has remained below best practice standards.

Methods: This is a single-center, quality-improvement study conducted from January 2020 through December 2020, with historical controls from 2019. Using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle methodology, interventions were designed to improve referral rates for cardiac rehabilitation-eligible patients.

Endophenotypical drift in Huntington's disease: a 5-year follow-up study.

Background: Huntington's disease (HD) is clinically characterized by progressing motor, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms presenting as varying phenotypes within these three major symptom domains. The disease is caused by an expanded CAG repeat tract in the huntingtin gene and the pathomechanism leading to these endophenotypes is assumed to be neurodegenerative. In 2012/2013 we recruited 107 HD gene expansion carriers (HDGECs) and examined the frequency of the three cardinal symptoms and in 2017/2018 we followed up 74 HDGECs from the same cohort to describe the symptom trajectories and individual drift between the endophenotypes as well as potential predictors of progression and remission.

Fulminant Eosinophilic Myocarditis and VT Storm.

Eosinophilic myocarditis is a rare and frequently fatal disease that is often undiagnosed until autopsy. We report a case of eosinophilic myocarditis with an unusual initial presentation of palpitations that subsequently evolved into ventricular tachycardia storm and death within 4 days. ().