双能量CT技术在观察正常颈横韧带中的临床应用价值

Application of Dual Energy CT in the Observation of Transverse Atlantal Ligament

目的探讨双能量CT技术对正常颈横韧带结构的显示能力及其影像学特征,为进一步准确判断其损伤奠定基础。方法对64例志愿者颈横韧带行双能量成像,按年龄分为青年组(n=32)及老年组(n=32),通过三维后处理工作站在双能模式tendon模块下对韧带组织进行双能染色,观察韧带的走行特点、内部及边缘影像特征以及与周围结构解剖关系,测量韧带的长度、中心及两端的厚度,并比较不同年龄组之间的差异。结果所有颈横韧带图像皆能清晰辨认韧带的解剖细节及染色特点,韧带染色为深黄色连续弧形结构,通过横轴位及矢状位重组可有效观察韧带的走行、内部染色程度以及边缘连接特征。青年组与老年组韧带横径长分别为(21.54±2.08)mm、(22.08±1.52)mm,中心厚度分别为(2.29±0.20)mm、(2.31±0.11)mm,左端厚度分别为(3.73±0.16)mm、(3.81±0.10)mm,右端厚度分别为(3.72±0.14)mm、(3.78±0.10)mm,两组韧带两端厚度存在明显差异(P=0.03、0.04),在韧带横径及中心厚度上无明显差异(P=0.24、0.61)。结论双能量CT技术是一种能够有效显示颈横韧带结构特点的影像学方法,具有成像快速、显示清晰以及评估准确的优势。

Objective To explore the display capabilities and imaging features of the transverse cervical ligament with dualenergy CT technology,and to lay a foundation for further judging its injury.Methods Dual-energy imaging of 64 volunteers with transverse cervical ligament,and according to age,they were divided into adolescent(n=32)and elderly(n=32).The ligaments were dyed with dual energy under the tendon module through three-dimensional workstation,then the characteristics of the ligaments walking,the internal and the marginal characteristics and the relationship with the surrounding of the ligaments were observed,the length of ligaments and its center and both ends thickness were measured and the differences among different age groups were compared.Results The anatomical details and staining characteristics of the ligaments were clearly identified in all the images of the transverse cervical ligaments.The ligaments were stained as a dark yellow continuous arc structure.The transverse and sagittal multi-planar reconstruction could effectively observe the ligament walking,internal staining and edge connection characteristics.The transverse diameter length of transverse ligament of adolescent and elderly were(21.54±2.08)mm and(22.08±1.52)mm respectively,and the central thickness were(2.29±0.20)mm and(2.31±0.11)mm,respectively The thickness of the left end were(3.73±0.16)mm,(3.81±0.10)mm,and the thickness of the right end were(3.72±0.14)mm,(3.78±0.10)mm,respectively.There were significant differences in the thickness of both ends of the ligament between the two groups(P=0.03,0.04),but there was no significant difference in the transverse diameter and central thickness of the ligament(P=0.24,0.61).Conclusion Dual-energy CT is an effective method to show the structural features of the transverse cervical ligament.It has the advantages of fast imaging,clear display and accurate evaluation.