The in vivo relationship between cross-sectional area and CT dose index in abdominal multidetector CT with automatic exposure control.

The relationship between patient cross-sectional area and both volume CT dose index (CTDI) and dose length product was explored for abdominal CT in vivo, using a 16 multidetector row CT (MDCT) scanner with automatic exposure control. During a year-long retrospective survey of patients with MDCT for symptoms of abdominal sepsis, cross-sectional areas were estimated using customised ellipses at the level of the middle of vertebra L3. The relationship between cross-sectional area and the exposure parameters was explored.

Justifying multidetector CT in abdominal sepsis: time for review?

The further development of multidetector row CT (MDCT) has led to changes in the application and examination technique, leading to a need to justify the level and frequency of radiation exposure associated with MDCT. A literature review of how the use of modern scanners has affected diagnosis was undertaken, followed by a year-long retrospective study of MDCT scans of patients presenting with symptoms of abdominal sepsis. The diagnostic accuracy of detecting causes of abdominal sepsis using this technology was sought.

Measuring the rate of change of haemodynamic response at the onset of exercise in normal limbs and those with intermittent claudication.

Patients with claudication have an inadequate haemodynamic response to exercise. Blood flow response will not only have a magnitude, but also a rate of change. There is scope for investigating these parameters, as manipulation of the factors which control them may benefit work to improve the treatment for claudication.

Preliminary findings from tests of a microwave applicator designed to treat Barrett's oesophagus.

Barrett's oesophagus is considered to increase the risk of cancer 30-fold. Helical microwave antennas have been developed for ablative treatment of Barrett's. A microwave balloon applicator was tested in an initial animal study using adult white pigs.