Imaging volumes during COVID-19: A Victorian health service experience.

Background: The World Health Organisation declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic on March 11, 2020. While globally, the relative caseload has been high, Australia's has been relatively low. During the pandemic, radiology services have seen significant changes in workflow across modalities and a reduction in imaging volumes.

Efficacy of model-based iterative reconstruction technique in non-enhanced CT of the renal tracts for ureteric calculi.

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), statistical iterative reconstruction (SIR), and filtered back projection (FBP) image reconstruction algorithms in the delineation of ureters and overall image quality on non-enhanced computed tomography of the renal tracts (NECT-KUB). This was a prospective study of 40 adult patients who underwent NECT-KUB for investigation of ureteric colic. Images were reconstructed using FBP, SIR, and MBIR techniques and individually and randomly assessed by two blinded radiologists.

Orthopaedic and non-orthopaedic applications of a single-energy iterative metal artefact reduction technique and other metal artefact reduction techniques explained.

Metal within the CT field of view causes artefact that degrades the diagnostic quality of the processed images. This is related to the high atomic number of most metals and is due to a combination of beam hardening, scatter, edge effects and photon starvation. Both software and hardware metal artefact reduction (MAR) techniques have been developed.

Liver detection algorithm: its efficacy for CT noise reduction in the liver.

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel computed tomography (CT) liver detection algorithm (LDA), which allows for targeted increase of radiation dose to the upper abdomen, on image quality of the liver.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the LDA by comparing 40 consecutive patients who had portal venous CT abdomen performed without use of the algorithm, to 40 patients in whom the algorithm was used. Image quality was assessed objectively by comparing the standard deviation (SD) of attenuation values in Hounsfield units (HU) of the abdominal organs.

Efficacy of 'fine' focal spot imaging in CT abdominal angiography.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of fine focal spot imaging in calcification beam-hardening artefact reduction and vessel clarity on CT abdominal angiography (CTAA).

Methods: Adult patients of any age and gender who presented for CTAA were included. Thirty-nine patients were examined with a standard focal spot size (SFSS) of 1 × 1 mm in the first 3 months while 31 consecutive patients were examined with a fine focal spot size (FFSS) of 1 × 0.

Effects of electrocardiogram gating on CT pulmonary angiography image quality.

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common cause of death from cardiovascular disease. Computed-tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is an accurate and safe test for diagnosing PE. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the effects on image quality (IQ) of electrocardiogram (ECG) gating during CTPA.

Radiation dose reduction using a neck detection algorithm for single spiral brain and cervical spine CT acquisition in the trauma setting.

Cervical spine injuries occur in 4-8 % of adults with head trauma. Dual acquisition technique has been traditionally used for the CT scanning of brain and cervical spine. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of radiation dose reduction by using a single acquisition technique that incorporated both anatomical regions with a dedicated neck detection algorithm.

Efficacy of 'breath holding at ease' during CT pulmonary angiography in the improvement of contrast enhancement in pulmonary arteries.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to assess whether breath-hold at ease by patients during the CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) will improve contrast enhancement in pulmonary arteries.

Methods: Retrospective review was conducted on 51 consecutive CTPA studies undertaken in the traditional method of patients taking deep inspiration and breath-hold immediately prior to scanning, and subsequently 75 consecutive CTPA studies with patients breathing-holding at ease immediately prior to and during the scanning. Attenuation values in pulmonary arteries of different anatomical levels in both groups were measured in Hounsfield unit (HU).

Efficacy of patient questionnaire in predicting renal dysfunction in outpatients older than 60 years of age prior to contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

Introduction: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), a common iatrogenic cause of acute renal failure, is preventable. Identification of impaired renal function prior to intravenous contrast is important. Questionnaire screening has been useful to negate the need for cumbersome and costly renal function testing on all patients prior to contrast-enhanced CT (CECT).