CT image quality assessment by a Channelized Hotelling Observer (CHO): Application to protocol optimization.

In this work we investigate the feasibility of employing a Channelized Hotelling model Observer (CHO) in a CT protocol optimization program with the aim at assuring that the scanners are working at their own best with regard to the quality of images and patient exposure. Although the benefit of using model observers in the clinical protocol optimization is evident, in the practice it is still to be investigated what are the pitfalls associated with this method. With this concern we focused on a clinical protocol for oncology of the abdomen.

Diagnostic imaging to detect and evaluate response to therapy in bone metastases from prostate cancer: current modalities and new horizons.

Different therapeutic options for the management of prostate cancer (PC) have been developed, and some are successful in providing crucial improvement in both survival and quality of life, especially in patients with metastatic castration-resistant PC. In this scenario, diverse combinations of radiopharmaceuticals (for targeting bone, cancer cells and receptors) and nuclear medicine modalities (e.g.

A great enigma of the Italian Renaissance: paleopathological study on the death of Giovanni dalle Bande Nere (1498-1526) and historical relevance of a leg amputation.

Background: The Medici project consisted in archeological and paleopathological researches on some members of the great dynasty of the Italian Renaissance. The remains of Giovanni de' Medici, so-called "dalle Bande Nere" (Forlì 1498- Mantua 1526) have not been investigated yet. The enigma of the fatal injury and leg amputation of the famous Captain excited curiosity of paleopathologists, medical scientists and Italian Society of Orthopedic and Traumatology which contributed to realize the project of exhumation and study of his skeletal remains.

Diffusion-weighted signal models in healthy and cancerous peripheral prostate tissues: comparison of outcomes obtained at different b-values.

Purpose: To evaluate the dependence on the b-values adopted of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), perfusion fraction (PF), slow and fast diffusion coefficient (Dslow, Dfast), corrected diffusion coefficient (D) and kurtosis (K), in healthy peripheral (HP) and peripheral cancerous (PCa) prostate tissues.

Materials And Methods: Patients who underwent multiparametric prostate MR examination were retrospectively evaluated for possible inclusion. ADC, PF, Dslow, Dfast, D, and K were estimated both in HP and PCa tissues, using three different ranges of b-values: 0-2300, 0-1800, 0-800 s/mm2 (group A, B and C, respectively).

High-intensity focused ultrasound provides palliation for liver metastasis causing gastric outlet obstruction: case report.

Background: Surgery is the standard of care in several oncologic diseases. However, when non-surgical candidates are not suitable for radical treatment, palliation must be achieved at least. High-intensity focused ultrasound uses ultrasound power that can be sharply focused for highly localised application, as it is a completely non-invasive procedure.