Background: Computed tomography (CT) reconstruction algorithms can improve image quality, especially deep learning reconstruction (DLR). We compared DLR, iterative reconstruction (IR), and filtered back projection (FBP) for lesion detection in neck CT.
Methods: Nine patient-mimicking neck phantoms were examined with a 320-slice scanner at six doses: 0.
Background Current software applications for human observer studies of images lack flexibility in study design, platform independence, multicenter use, and assessment methods and are not open source, limiting accessibility and expandability. Purpose To develop a user-friendly software platform that enables efficient human observer studies in medical imaging with flexibility of study design. Materials and Methods Software for human observer imaging studies was designed as an open-source web application to facilitate access, platform-independent usability, and multicenter studies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: To compare image quality of deep learning reconstruction (AiCE) for radiomics feature extraction with filtered back projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (AIDR 3D), and model-based iterative reconstruction (FIRST).
Methods: Effects of image reconstruction on radiomics features were investigated using a phantom that realistically mimicked a 65-year-old patient's abdomen with hepatic metastases. The phantom was scanned at 18 doses from 0.
Background: Previously, dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has been established for imaging spinal fractures as an alternative modality to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Purpose: To analyze the diagnostic accuracy of DECT in visualizing intervertebral disc (IVD) damage.
Material And Methods: The lumbar spine of a Great Dane dog was used as an ex vivo biophantom.
Objectives: Radiomics has shown to provide novel diagnostic and predictive disease information based on quantitative image features in study settings. However, limited data yielded contradictory results and important questions regarding the validity of the methods remain to be answered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how clinical imaging techniques affect the stability of radiomics features by using 3D printed anthropomorphic CT phantom to test for repeatability and reproducibility of quantitative parameters.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is increasingly used in studies and clinical practice. However, the best protocol is controversially discussed and whether it exhibits more radiation exposure compared to conventional protocols. Thus, the purpose of the study was to determine optimal tube current settings for DECT in a 3D-printed anthropomorphic phantom of the neck.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: To assess how modifying multiple protocol parameters affects the dose and diagnostic performance of a neck CT protocol using patient-mimicking phantoms and task-based methods.
Methods: Six patient-mimicking neck phantoms containing hypodense lesions of 1 cm diameter and 30 HU contrast and one non-lesion phantom were examined with 36 CT protocols. All possible combinations of the following parameters were investigated: 100- and 120-kVp tube voltage; tube current modulation (TCM) noise levels of SD 7.
Rationale And Objectives: To evaluate the training of computed tomography (CT)-guided periradicular therapy in a realistic simulation environment and to derive recommendations for a training curriculum.
Materials And Methods: A novel simulation environment including the use of a 3D printed, patient-mimicking phantom was used to train medical students to perform CT-guided periradicular therapy of the lumbar spine. Seventeen participants underwent three training sessions (day 0, day 7, and after day 28) with six procedures per session.
Purpose: To develop a customized method to produce uniform phantoms for task-based assessment of CT image quality.
Methods: Contrasts between polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and fructose solutions of different concentrations (240, 250, 260, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, and 340 mg/mL) were calculated. A phantom was produced by laser cutting PMMA slabs to the shape of a patient's neck.
Objectives: Detectability experiments performed to assess the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT) images should represent the clinical situation realistically. The purpose was to develop anatomically realistic phantoms with low-contrast lesions for detectability experiments.
Methods: Low-contrast lesions were digitally inserted into a neck CT image of a patient.
Purpose: To develop and evaluate a technical approach for CT-guided periradicular infiltration using quantitative needle access and guidance parameters extracted from CT scout images.
Methods: Five 3D-printed phantoms of the abdomen mimicking different patients were used to develop a technical approach for scout-guided periradicular infiltration. The needle access point, puncture depth, and needle angulation were calculated using measurements extracted from anterior-posterior and lateral CT scout images.
J Med Imaging (Bellingham)
April 2019
The purpose of our study is to develop and evaluate a method for radiopaque 3-D printing (R3P) of soft tissue computed tomography (CT) phantoms with office laser printers. Five laser printers from different vendors are tested for toner CT attenuation. A liver phantom is created by printing CT images of a patient liver on office paper.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: To develop and evaluate methods for assembling radiopaque printed paper sheets to realistic patient phantoms for CT dose and image quality testing.
Methods: CT images of two patients were radiopaque printed with aqueous potassium iodide solution (0.6 g/ml) on paper.
Objectives: To develop an anthropomorphic phantom closely mimicking patient anatomy and to evaluate the phantom for the simulation of computed tomography (CT)-guided procedures.
Methods: Patient CT images were printed with aqueous potassium iodide solution (1 g/mL) on paper. The printed paper sheets were stacked in alternation with 1-mm thick polyethylene foam layers, cut to the patient shape and glued together to create an anthropomorphic abdomen phantom.
See Ghoshal and Claassen (doi:10.1093/brain/awx226) for a scientific commentary on this article. Early cortical infarcts are common in poor-grade patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose To develop a method to create anthropomorphic phantoms of individual patients with high precision of anatomic details and radiation attenuation properties. Materials and Methods Inkjet cartridges were filled with potassium iodide solutions (600 mg/mL) and prints were realized on plain paper (80 g/m). Stacks of 100 prints resulted in three-dimensional phantoms of 1 cm thickness.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSpreading depolarizations (SD) are waves of abrupt, near-complete breakdown of neuronal transmembrane ion gradients, are the largest possible pathophysiologic disruption of viable cerebral gray matter, and are a crucial mechanism of lesion development. Spreading depolarizations are increasingly recorded during multimodal neuromonitoring in neurocritical care as a causal biomarker providing a diagnostic summary measure of metabolic failure and excitotoxic injury. Focal ischemia causes spreading depolarization within minutes.
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