Double contrast-enhanced ultrasonography improves diagnostic accuracy of T staging compared with multi-detector computed tomography in gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is the most common malignant tumor and ranks third for cancer-related deaths among the worldwide.The disease poses a serious public health problem in China,ranking fifth for incidence and third for mortality.Knowledge of the invasive depth of the tumor is vital to treatment decisions.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic performance of double contrast-enhanced ultrasonography(DCEUS)for preoperative T staging in patients with GC by comparing with multi-detector computed tomography(MDCT).METHODS This single prospective study enrolled patients with GC confirmed by preoperative gastroscopy from July 2021 to March 2023.Patients underwent DCEUS,including ultrasonography(US)and intravenous contrast-enhanced ultrasonography(CEUS),and MDCT examinations for the assessment of preoperative T staging.Features of GC were identified on DCEUS and criteria developed to evaluate T staging according to the 8th edition of AJCC cancer staging manual.The diagnostic performance of DCEUS was evaluated by comparing it with that of MDCT and surgical-pathological findings were considered as the gold standard.RESULTS A total of 229 patients with GC(80 T1,33 T2,59 T3 and 57 T4)were included.Overall accuracies were 86.9%for DCEUS and 61.1%for MDCT(P<0.001).DCEUS was superior to MDCT for T1(92.5%vs 70.0%,P<0.001),T2(72.7%vs 51.5%,P=0.041),T3(86.4%vs 45.8%,P<0.001)and T4(87.7%vs 70.2%,P=0.022)staging of GC.CONCLUSION DCEUS improved the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative T staging in patients with GC compared with MDCT,and constitutes a promising imaging modality for preoperative evaluation of GC to aid individualized treatment decision-making.

Coronary Artery Anomalies Detected by Multi-Detector Computed Tomography: A Single Centre Experience

Background: Coronary artery anomalies (CAA) prevalence represents less than 1% of congenital heart diseases. It includes anomalies in origin, course, and termination. Its detection has been easier with advances in imaging techniques using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). MDCT helps not only detection of the anomalous origin, but it allows delineation of the course and termination of the arteries, differentiation between benign and malignant courses, and guiding therapeutic interventions. Results: There were consecutive patients with a low-to-intermediate probability of coronary artery disease scanned with 128 MDCT. Each patient underwent a non-contrast prospective gating acquisition for coronary calcium scoring followed by contrast-enhanced helical retrospective gated scans for the detection of coronary artery origin, course, termination, and detection of concomitant atherosclerosis. We scanned 1000 patients with a mean age of 57.5 ± 8.3, and 68% were males. Thirty-two anomalies were noted (3.2%) including;nineteen (1.9%) anomalous origin from the opposite sinus, three (0.3%) anomalous left coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), one (0.1%) super dominant left anterior descending artery (LAD) giving origin to the posterior descending artery (PDA), three single coronary arteries (0.3%)in which the left main (LM) and right coronary arteries were originating with a common stem from the right coronary sinus (RCS)and the LM took a pre-pulmonic course. Along with six (0.6%) dual LAD including five (0.5%) patients with type I (short LAD and long diagonal), there was one (0.1%) type 4 with an extra LAD originating from the RCS with a pre-pulmonic course. Conclusions: MDCT allows easy detection of coronary anomalies with high spatial resolution and overcomes limitations in conventional invasive coronary angiography. Based on our study we recommend the use of MDCT as an efficient and feasible modality for the diagnosis of coronary anomalies once this pathology is clinically suspected.

Imaging features of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas on multi-detector row computed tomography

AIM： To retrospectively analyze the imaging features of solid-pseudopapillary tumors （SPTs） of the pancreas on multi-detector row computed tomography （MDCT） and define the imaging findings suggestive of malignant potential. METHODS： A total of 24 consecutive cases with surgically and pathologically confirmed SPTs of the pancreas underwent preoperative abdominal MDCT studies in our hospital. All axial CT images, CT angiographic images, and coronally and sagittally reformed images were obtained. The images were retrospectively reviewed at interactive picture archiving and communication system workstations. RESULTS： Of the 24 cases of SPTs, 11 cases （45.8%） occurred in the pancreatic head and seven （29.1%） in the tail. Eighteen were pathologically diagnosed as benign and six as malignant. MDCT diagnosis of SPTs was well correlated with the surgical and pathological results （Kappa = 0.6, P 〈 0.05）. The size of SPTs ranged from 3 to 15 cm （mean, 5.8 cm）. When the size of the tumor was greater than 6 cm （including 6 cm）, the possibilities of vascular （8 vs 1） and capsular invasion （9 vs 0） increased significantly （P 〈 0.05）.Two pathologically benign cases with vascular invasion and disrupted capsule on MDCT presented with local recurrence and hepatic metastases during follow-up about 1 year after the resection of the primary tumors. CONCLUSION： Vascular and capsular invasion with superimposed spread into the adjacent pancreatic parenchyrna and nearby structures in SPTs of the pancreas can be accurately revealed by MDCT preoperatively. These imaging findings are predictive of the malignant potential associated with the aggressive behavior of the tumor, even in the pathologically benign cases.

Detection of hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma: Comparison of multi-detector CT with digital subtraction angiography and Lipiodol CT

AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of biphasic multi-detector row helical computed tomography (MDCT), digital subtraction angiography (DSA)and Lipiodol computed tomography (CT) in detection of hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with nodular HCC underwent biphasic MDCT examination: hepatic arterial phase (HAP) 25 s and portal venous phase (PVP) 70 s after injection of the contrast medium (1.5 mL/kg). They also underwent hepatic angiography and intra-arterial infusion of iodized oil. Lipiodol CT was performed 3-4 wk after infusion. MDCT images were compared with DSA and Lipiodol CT images for detection of hepatic nodules.RESULTS: The three imaging techniques had the same sensitivity in detecting nodules ＞20 mm in diameter. There was no significant difference in the sensitivity among HAP-MDCT, Lipiodol CT and DSA for nodules of 10-20 mm in diameter. For the nodules ＜10 mm in diameter, HAP-MDCT identified 47, Lipiodol CT detected 27 (X2= 11.3, P= 0.005＜0.01, HAP-MDCT vs Lipiodol CT) and DSA detected 16(X2= 9.09, P= 0.005＜0.01 vs Lipiodol CT and X2= 29.03,P = 0.005＜0.01 vs HAP-MDCT). However, six nodules ＜10 mm in diameter were detected only by Lipiodol CT.CONCLUSION: MDCT and Lipiodol CT are two complementary modalities. At present, MDCT does not obviate the need for DSA and subsequent Lipiodol CT as a preoperative examination for HCC.

Multi-detector CT features of acute intestinal ischemia and their prognostic correlations

Acute intestinal ischemia is an abdominal emergency occurring in nearly 1% of patients presenting with acute abdomen. The causes can be occlusive or non occlusive. Early diagnosis is important to improve survival rates. In most cases of late or missed diagnosis, the mortality rate from intestinal infarction is very high, with a reported value ranging from 60% to 90%. Multidetector computed tomography(MDCT) is a fundamental imaging technique that must be promptly performed in all patients with suspected bowel ischemia. Thanks to the new dedicated reconstruction program, its diagnostic potential is much improved compared to the past and currently it is superior to that of any other noninvasive technique. The increased spatial and temporal resolution, high-quality multi-planar reconstructions, maximum intensity projections, vessel probe, surface-shaded volume rending and tissue transition projections make MDCT the gold standard for the diagnosis of intestinal ischemia, with reported sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 64%-93%, 92%-100%, 90%-100% and 94%-98%, respectively. MDCT contributes to appropriate treatment planning and provides important prognostic informationthanks to its ability to define the nature and extent of the disease. The purpose of this review is to examine the diagnostic and prognostic role of MDCT in bowel ischemia with special regard to the state of art new reconstruction software.

Multiplanar reformations and minimum intensity projections using multi-detector row CT for assessing anomalies and disorders of the pancreaticobiliary tree

CT scan is regarded as the imaging modality of choice in patients with pancreaticobiliary ductal abnormalities. However, the axial orientation of the CT images provides only limited anatomical view of pancreaticobiliary ductal abnormalities. The technological advances of multi-de-tector row CT and three-dimensional image processing in workstations allows rapid image acquisition and a short postprocessing time. In particular, multiplanar reforma-tions (MPR) and minimum intensity projections (MinIP) offer rapid and accurate images of the anatomy and ab-normalities of the pancreaticobiliary tree. Moreover, MPR and MinIP help determine the relationship between the pancreaticobiliary ductal anatomy and the surrounding structures. This pictorial review illustrates the wide spec-trum of images obtained by the MPR and MinIP of the anomalies and disorders of the pancreaticobiliary tree.

Diagnostic ability of multi-detector spiral computed tomography for pathological lymph node metastasis of advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The reliability of preoperative nodal diagnosis of advanced gastric cancer by multi-detector spiral computed tomography(MDCT)is still unclear.AIM To examine the diagnostic ability of MDCT more precisely by using data on intranodal pathological metastatic patterns.METHODS A total of 108 patients with advanced gastric cancer who underwent MDCT and curative gastrectomy at Kanazawa Medical University Hospital were enrolled in this study.The nodal sizes measured on computed tomography(CT)images were compared with the pathology results.A receiver-operating characteristic curve was constructed,from which the critical value(CV)was calculated by using the data of the first 69 patients retrospectively.By using the CV,sensitivity and specificity were calculated with prospectively collected data from 39 consecutive patients.This enabled a more precise one-to-one correspondence of lymph nodes between CT and pathological examination by using the size data of lymph node mapping.The intranodal pathological metastatic patterns were classified into the following four types:Small nodular,peripheral,large nodular,and diffuse.RESULTS Although all the cases were clinically suspected as having metastasis,81 had lymph node metastasis and 27 had no metastasis.The number of dissected,detected on CT,and metastatic nodes were,4241,897,and 801,respectively.The CV obtained from the receiver-operating characteristic was 7.6 mm for the long axis.The sensitivity was 91.4%and the specificity was 47.3%in the prospective phase.The large nodular and diffuse metastases were easy to diagnose becausemetastatic nodes with a large axis often exhibit these forms.CONCLUSION The ability of MDCT to contribute to a nodal diagnosis of advanced gastric cancer was examined prospectively with precise size data from node mapping,using a CV of 7.6 mm for the long axis that was calculated from the retrospectively collected data.The sensitivity was as high as 91%,and would be improved when referring to the enhanced patterns.However,its specificity was as low as 47%,because most of metastatic nodes in gastric cancer being small in size.The small nodular or peripheral type metastatic nodes were often small and considered difficult to diagnose.

Current status of low dose multi-detector CT in the urinary tract

Over the past several years,advances in the technical domain of computed tomography(CT) have influenced the trend of imaging modalities used in the clinical evaluation of the urinary system.Renal collecting systems can be illustrated more precisely with the advent of multi-detector row CT through thinner slices,high speed acquisitions,and enhanced longitudinal spatial resolution resulting in improved reformatted coronal images.On the other hand,a significant increase in exposure to ionizing radiation,especially in the radiosensitive organs,such as the gonads,is a concern with the increased utilization of urinary tract CT.In this article,we discuss the strategies and techniques availablefor reducing radiation dose for a variety of urinary tractCT protocols with metabolic clinical examples.We also reviewed CT for hematuria evaluation and related scan parameter optimization such as,reducing the number of acquisition phases,CT angiography of renal donors and lowering tube potential,when possible.

Magnetic resonance imaging and multi-detector computed tomography assessment of extracellular compartment in ischemic and non-ischemic myocardial pathologies

Myocardial pathologies are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early detection of loss of cellular integrity and expansion in extracellular volume(ECV) in myocardium is critical to initiate effective treatment. The three compartments in healthy myocardium are: intravascular(approximately 10% of tissue volume), interstitium(approximately 15%) and intracellular(approximately 75%). Myocardial cells, fibroblasts and vascular endothelial/smooth muscle cells represent intracellular compartment and the main proteins in the interstitium are types Ⅰ/Ⅲ collagens. Microscopic studies have shown that expansion of ECV is an important feature of diffuse physiologic fibrosis(e.g., aging and obesity) and pathologic fibrosis [heart failure, aortic valve disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, amyloidosis, congenital heart disease, aortic stenosis, restrictive cardiomyopathy(hypereosinophilic and idiopathic types), arrythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia and hypertension]. This review addresses recent advances in measuring of ECV in ischemic and non-ischemic myocardial pathologies. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) has the ability to characterize tissue proton relaxation times(T1, T2, and T2*). Proton relaxation times reflect the physical and chemical environments of water protons in myocardium. Delayed contrast enhanced-MRI(DE-MRI) and multi-detector computed tomography(DE-MDCT) demonstrated hyper-enhanced infarct, hypo-enhanced microvascular obstruction zone and moderately enhanced peri-infarct zone, but are limited for visualizing diffuse fibrosis and patchy microinfarct despite the increase in ECV. ECV can be measured on equilibrium contrast enhanced MRI/MDCT and MRI longitudinal relaxation time mapping. Equilibrium contrast enhanced MRI/MDCT and MRI T1 mapping is currently used, but at a lower scale, as an alternative to invasive sub-endomyocardial biopsies to eliminate the need for anesthesia, coronary catheterization and possibility of tissue sampling error. Similar to delayed contrast enhancement, equilibrium contrast enhanced MRI/MDCT and T1 mapping is completely noninvasive and may play a specialized role in diagnosis of subclinical and other myocardial pathologies. DE-MRI and when T1-mapping demonstrated sub-epicardium, sub-endocardial and patchy mid-myocardial enhancement in myocarditis, Behcet's disease and sarcoidosis, respectively. Furthermore, recent studies showed that the combined technique of cine, T2-weighted and DE-MRI technique has high diagnostic accuracy for detecting myocarditis. When the tomographic techniques are coupled with myocardial perfusion and left ventricular function they can provide valuable information on the progression of myocardial pathologies and effectiveness of new therapies.

Diagnosis of Congenital Aortic Arch Anomalies in Chinese Children by Multi-Detector Computed Tomography Angiography

Summary： The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of multi-detector computed tomography （MDCT） angiography for the diagnosis of congenital aortic arch anomalies and present the radiological images of congenital aortic arch anomalies in Chinese children. MDCT angiography and transthoracic echocardiography （TTE） were applied for the diagnosis of congenital aortic arch anomalies in 362 Chi- nese children between May 2006 and December 2011 （age ranges from 5 days to 12 years; mean age, 3.3 years）. Surgery and/or catheter angiography （CA） were conducted in all patients to confirm the final diagnosis. In the 362 Chinese children with congenital heart anomalies, congenital aortic arch anomalies were definitely diagnosed in 198 children and 164 children ruled out by operation and/or （CA）. Among the 198 children with anomalies, coarctation of aorta （CoA）, interruption of aortic arch （IAA）, fight aor- tic arch, aberrant right subclavian artery and double aortic arch were diagnosed in 134, 32, 20, 10 and 2 children respectively, and there were 6 cases with uncommon congenital aortic arch anomalies： 2 had double aortic arch including 1 with five branches of the aortic arch, 2 had isolation of the right sub- clavian artery with two patent ductus arteriosus （PDA）, 1 had an isolation of the common carotid artery with a PDA, and 1 had double PDA with a single ventricle and pulmonary artery atresia. Among the 32 children with IAA, 28 were of type A, and 4 were of type B. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MDCT angiography for congenital aortic arch anomaiies were 100% （198/198）, 98% （161/164） and 99% （359/362）, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of TTE were 92% （182/198）, 81% （133/164） and 87% （315/362）, respectively. In conclusion, MDCT angiogra- phy is a reliable, noninvasive imaging technique for the diagnosis of congenital aortic arch anomalies in children. Sometimes, even more information can be obtained from this technique than from conven- tional angiography.

Contrast enhanced multi-detector CT and MR findings of a well-differentiated pancreatic vipoma

Pancreatic vipoma is an extremely rare tumor accounting for less than 2% of endocrine pancreatic neoplasms with a reported incidence of 0.1-0.6 per million. While cross-sectional imaging findings are usually not specific, exact localization of the tumor by means of either computed tomography(CT) or magnetic resonance(MR) is pivotal for surgical planning. However, cross-sectional imaging findings are usually not specific and further characterization of the tumor may only be achieved bysomatostatin-receptor scintigraphy(SRS). We report the case of a 70 years old female with a two years history of watery diarrhoea who was found to have a solid, inhomogeneously enhancing lesion at the level of the pancreatic tail at Gadolinium-enhanced MR(Somatom Trio 3T, Siemens, Germany). The tumor had been prospectively overlooked at a contrast-enhanced multi-detector CT(Aquilion 64, Toshiba, Japan) performed after i.v. bolus injection of only 100 cc of iodinated non ionic contrast media because of a chronic renal failure(3.4 mg/mL) but it was subsequently confirmed by SRS. The patient first underwent a successful symptomatic treatment with somatostatin analogues and was then submitted to a distal pancreasectomy with splenectomy to remove a capsulated whitish tumor which turned out to be a well-differentiated vipoma at histological and immuno-histochemical analysis.

Correlation between Acute Coronary Syndrome Classification and Multi-detector CT Characterization of Plaque

Objective To determine if multi-detector CT （MDCT） characterization of plaque is correlated with the classification of acute coronary syndrome （ACS）. Methods Altogether 1900 patients were examined by MDCT from December 2007 to May 2009, of whom 95 patients fulfilled the criteria of ACS. Those patients were divided into the discrete plaque group （n=61） and diffuse plaque group （n=34） based on the findings in MDCT. The clinical diagnosis of ACS and CT results were analyzed, including segment stenosis score, segment involvement score, 3-vessel plaque score, left main score, calcification score, and remodeling index. The incidences of major adverse cardiac events in follow-up period were also recorded. Results The patients of the diffuse plaque group were older than those of the discrete plaque group （P〈0.0001）. The diffuse plaque group presented more cases of hypertension, peripheral artery disease, diabetes, and heart failure than discrete plaque group （all P〈0.05）. All the 5 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were found in discrete plaque group. The segment stenosis score of the discrete plaque group was lower than that of the diffuse plaque group （5.15±3.55 vs. 14.91±5.37, P〈0.001）. The other four scores demonstrated signiflcant inter-group difference as well （all P〈0.05）. The remodeling index of the discrete plaque group was higher （1. 12±0.16 vs. 0.97±0.20, P〈0.05）. Follow-up data showed that major adverse cardiac events occurred more frequently in diffuse plaque group than in discrete group （29.41% vs. 11.48%, P=0.0288）. Conclusions Characteristics of discrete and diffuse plaques may be significantly different among different classes of ACS. The diffuse plaque may present higher risk, correlated to higher mortality. The diagnosis of discrete and diffuse plaques by MDCT would provide a new insight into the prognosis and treatment of ACS.

A spontaneous strangulated transomental hernia: Prospective and retrospective multi-detector computed tomography findings

Transomental hernias are among the rarest type of all internal hernias which overall account for less than 6% of small bowel obstructions. Most transomental hernias occurring in adults are either iatrogenic or post-traumatic. More rarely, a spontaneous herniation of small bowel loops may result from senile atrophy of the omentum. We report a case of an 86-year-old male who presented with signs and symptoms of small bowel obstruction but had no past surgical or traumatic abdominal history. At contrast-enhanced multi-detector row computed tomography(CT), a cluster of fluid-filled dilated small bowel loops could be appreciated in the left flank, with associated signs of bowel wall ischemia. Swirling of the mesenteric vessels could also be appreciated and CT findings were prospectively considered consistent with a strangulated small bowel volvulus. At laparotomy, no derotation had to be performed but up to 100 cm of gangrenous small bowel loops had to be resected because of a transomental hernia through a small defect in the left part of the greater omentum. Retrospective reading of CT images was performed and findings suggestive of transomental herniation could then be appreciated.

Colonic perforation by a transmural and transvalvular migrated retained sponge:Multi-detector computed tomography findings

Transmural migrated retained sponges usually impact at the level of the ileo-cecal valve leading to a small bowel obstruction.Once passed through the ileo-cecal valve,a retained sponge can be propelled forward by peristaltic activity and eliminated with feces.We report the case of a 52-year-old female with a past surgical history and recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and constipation.On physical examination,a generalized resistance was observed with tenderness in the right flank.Contrast-enhanced multi-detector computed tomography findings were consistent with a perforated right colonic diverticulitis with several out-pouchings at the level of the ascending colon and evidence of free air in the right parieto-colic gutter along with an air-fluid collection within the mesentery.In addition,a ring-shaped hyperdense intraluminal material was also noted.At surgery,the ascending colon appeared irregularly thickened and folded with a focal wall interruption and a peri-visceral abscess at the level of the hepatic flexure,but no diverticula were found.A right hemi-colectomy was performed and on dissection of the surgical specimen a retained laparotomy sponge was found in the bowel lumen.

Multi-Detector Row Computed Tomography Urography (MDCTU) in the Evaluation of Microscopic Hematuria in Adults

Multi-detector row computed tomography urography (MDCTU) becomes the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of the kidneys and urinary tract. The aim of this study was to discuss and illustrate the role of MDCTU, on a 32-row CT scanner in the evaluation a variety of entities that were frequently associated with microscopic hematuria in adults. This prospective cohort study was performed in the period of August 2013 to October 2014. Fifty positive participants to microscopic hematuria were examined at the radiology department of Alnilin Diagnostic Medical Center and Antalya Medical Center. Computed tomography urography (CTU) scanning was performed using two powerful performances, high speed multi-detector row on 32-row CT scanners (Siemens Healthcare Global, Somatom Emotion Duo Eco). Statistical analysis was done through the standard Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) version 15 for windows. MDCTU established the correct cause of microscopic hematuria in (44;88%) of participants. In (6;12%) of participants, no cause of hematuria was identified based on the standard of references. The causes of hematuria in (41;82%) participants were diseases in the upper urinary tract, while urinary bladder neoplasms (2;4%) and diverticulum (1;2%) were the causes of hematuria (3;6%) in the lower urinary tract. Thirty two-row MDCTU scanner demonstrated satisfactory results in the investigation of microscopic hematuria, being able to demonstrate a wide spectrum of diseases affecting the urinary tract is the main advantage of the technique.

Coronary arterial bypass graft patency evaluated by multi-detector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

The progression of atherosclerosis of the coronary artery does not stop after coronary arterial bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.……

Usefulness of an Anisotropic Diffusion Method in Cerebral CT Perfusion Study Using Multi-Detector Row CT

Purpose: To present an application of the anisotropic diffusion (AD) method to improve the accuracy of the functional images of perfusion parameters such as cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV) and mean transit time (MTT) generated from cerebral CT perfusion studies using multi-detector row CT (MDCT). Materials and Methods: Continuous scans (1 sec/rotation ×60 sec) consisting of four 5-mm-thick contiguous slices were acquired after an intravenous injection of iodinated contrast material in 6 patients with cerebrovascular disease using an MDCT scanner with a tube voltage of 80 kVp and a tube current of 200 mA. New image data were generated by thinning out the above original images at an interval of 2 sec or 3 sec. The thinned-out images were then interpolated by linear interpolation to generate the same number of images as originally acquired. The CBF, CBV and MTT images were generated using deconvolution analysis based on singular value decomposition. Results: When using the AD method, the correlation coefficient between the MTT values obtained from the original and thinned-out images was significantly improved. Furthermore, the coefficients of variation of the CBF, CBV and MTT values in the white matter significantly decreased as compared to not using the AD method. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the AD method is useful for improving the accuracy of the functional images of perfusion parameters and for reducing radiation exposure in cerebral CT perfusion studies using MDCT.

Predictive Factors of the Presence and Number of Noncalcified Coronary Plaque in Japanese Patients with Zero Coronary Artery Calcium Score Using 64-Slice Multi-Detector Computed Tomography

Background: Factors that can predict the presence and number of noncalcified coronary plaques (NCP) in Japanese patients with zero coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) essentially remain undefined. Methods and Results: We assessed independent predictors of the presence and number of segments with NCP in 111 Japanese patients with zero CACS who underwent 64-slice multi-detector computed tomography at our hospital. Thirty five patients (32%) had NCP, and 24 patients (22%) had ≥ 2 NCPs. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that significant predictors for the presence of NCP were age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 - 1.11, p = 0.021), male (OR: 3.61, 95% CI 1.40 - 9.35, p = 0.008) and diabetes mellitus (OR: 3.10, 95% CI 1.02 - 9.45, p = 0.046), and those for the presence of ≥ 2 NCPs were age (OR: 1.08, 95% CI 1.02 - 1.15, p = 0.007) and a current smoking habit (OR: 5.09, 95% CI 1.00 - 25.74, p = 0.049). Multiple linear regression analysis identified advanced age, male gender and diabetes mellitus as independent predictors of the number of NCPs. A novel score calculated from the above four predictors showed moderate accuracy for a diagnosis of NCP and ≥ 2 NCPs, with areas under receiver operating curves of 0.738 and 0.736, respectively. Conclusions: Male Japanese patients with zero CACS, advanced age, diabetes mellitus and a current smoking habit might have NCPs.

Optimization of Contrast Material Dose for Abdominal Multi-Detector Row CT: Predicting Patient Lean Body Weight by Using Preliminary Transverse CT Images

Estimated LBW could be used to determine the contrast material dose and rate during MDCT. The aim of this study is to test the accuracy of a technique for estimation of lean body weight (LBW) from a single multi-detector row computed tomographic (MDCT) abdominal image, using a bioelectrical body composition analyzer scale as the reference standard. CT images of 21 patients with previously measured LBW (mLBW) were processed using computer-assisted, vendor-specific software (Advantage Windows 4.2;GE Healthcare, Inc). For each transverse image, a fat-fraction was automatically measured as the number of fat pixels (-200 to -50 HU) divided by the total number of pixels having an attenuation value ≥-200 HU. Estimated LBW (eLBW) of five single contiguous sections was calculated in each of three abdominal regions (upper abdomen, mid abdomen and pelvis) by multiplying TBW by (1 – fat-fraction). Bland-Altman plot with limits of agreement was used to assess agreement between mLBW and eLBW. The mean mLBW for all patients was 56 kg (range, 39 - 75 kg). Mean differences and limits of agreement between mLBW and eLBW measurements for the upper abdomen, mid abdomen and pelvis reported were -8.9 kg (-25.6 kg, +7.5 kg), -10.6 kg (-27.7 kg, +6.4 kg), and +0.5 kg (-12.8 kg, +13.8 kg) respectively. eLBW deriving directly from a transverse CT image of the pelvis can accurately predict mLBW.

Multi-detector computed tomography imaging of large airway pathology:A pictorial review

The tracheobronchial tree is a musculo-cartilagenous framework which acts as a conduit to aerate the lungs and consequently the entire body. A large spectrum of pathological conditions can involve the trachea and bronchial airways. These may be congenital anomalies, infections, post-intubation airway injuries, foreign body aspiration or neoplasms involving the airway. Appropriate management of airway disease requires an early and accurate diagnosis. In this pictorial essay review, we will comprehensively describe the various airway pathologies and their imaging findings by multi-detector computed tomography.