Assessment of Intracardiac and Extracardiac Deformities in Patients with Various Types of Pulmonary Atresia by Dual-Source Computed Tomography

Background:Pulmonary atresia(PA)is a group of heterogeneous complex congenital heart disease.Only one study modality might not get a correct diagnosis.This study aims to investigate the diagnostic power of dualsource computed tomography(DSCT)for all intracardiac and extracardiac deformities in patients with PA compared with transthoracic echocardiography(TTE).Materials and Methods:This retrospective study enrolled 79 patients and divided them into three groups according to their main diagnosis.All associated malformations and clinical information,including treatments,were recorded and compared among the three groups.The diagnostic power of DSCT and TTE on all associated malformations were compared.The surgical index(McGoon ratio,pulmonary arterials index(PAI),and total neopulmonary arterial index)and radiation dose were calculated on the basis of DSCT.Results:Of the patients,32,30,and 17 were divided into the groups of PA with ventricular septal defect(VSD),PA with VSD and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries,and PA with other major malformations,respectively.Consequently,182,162,and 13 intracardiac,extracardiac,and other major malformations were diagnosed,respectively.Moreover,DSCT showed a better diagnostic performance in extracardiac deformities(154 vs.117,p<0.001),whereas TTE could diagnose intracardiac deformities better(159 vs.139,p=0.001).The McGoon ratio,PAI,and treatment methods were significantly different among the three groups(p=0.014,p=0.008,and p=0.018,respectively).Conclusion:More than one imaging modality should be used to make a correct diagnosis when clinically suspecting PA.DSCT is superior to TTE in diagnosing extracardiac deformities and could be used to roughly calculate surgical indices to optimize treatment strategy.

Non-enhanced Low-tube-voltage High-pitch Dual-source Computed Tomography with Sinogram Affirmed Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm of the Abdomen and Pelvis

Objective To investigate the image quality, radiation dose and diagnostic value of the low-tube-voltage high-pitch dual-source computed tomography(DSCT) with sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction(SAFIRE) for non-enhanced abdominal and pelvic scans. Methods This institutional review board-approved prospective study included 64 patients who gave written informed consent for additional abdominal and pelvic scan with DSCT in the period from November to December 2012. The patients underwent standard non-enhanced CT scans(protocol 1) [tube voltage of 120 k Vp/pitch of 0.9/filtered back-projection(FBP) reconstruction] followed by high-pitch non-enhanced CT scans(protocol 2)(100 k Vp/3.0/SAFIRE). The total scan time, mean CT number, signal-to-noise ratio(SNR), image quality, lesion detectability and radiation dose were compared between the two protocols. Results The total scan time of protocol 2 was significantly shorter than that of protocol 1(1.4±0.1 seconds vs. 7.6±0.6 seconds, P<0.001). There was no significant difference between protocol 1 and protocol 2 in mean CT number of all organs(liver, 55.4±6.3 HU vs. 56.1±6.8 HU, P=0.214; pancreas, 43.6±5.9 HU vs. 43.7±5.8 HU, P=0.785; spleen, 47.9±3.9 HU vs. 49.4±4.3 HU, P=0.128; kidney, 32.2±2.3 HU vs. 33.1±2.3 HU, P=0.367; abdominal aorta, 44.8±5.6 HU vs. 45.0±5.5 HU, P=0.499; psoas muscle, 50.7±4.1 HU vs. 50.3±4.5 HU, P=0.279). SNR on images of protocol 2 was higher than that of protocol 1(liver, 5.0±1.2 vs. 4.5±1.1, P<0.001; pancreas, 4.0±1.0 vs. 3.6±0.8, P<0.001; spleen, 4.7±1.0 vs. 4.1±0.9, P<0.001; kidney, 3.1±0.6 vs. 2.8±0.6, P<0.001; abdominal aorta, 4.1±1.0 vs. 3.8±1.0, P<0.001; psoas muscle, 4.5±1.1 vs. 4.3±1.2, P=0.012). The overall image noise of protocol 2 was lower than that of protocol1(9.8±3.1 HU vs. 11.1±3.0 HU, P<0.001). Image quality of protocol 2 was good but lower than that of protocol 1(4.1±0.7 vs. 4.6±0.5, P<0.001). Protocol 2 perceived 229 of 234 lesions(97.9%) that were detected in protocol 1 in the abdomen and pelvis. Radiation dose of protocol 2 was lower than that of protocol 1(4.4±0.4 m Sv vs. 7.3±2.4 m Sv, P<0.001) and the mean dose reduction was 41.4%. Conclusion The high-pitch DSCT with SAFIRE can shorten scan time and reduce radiation dose while preserving image quality in non-enhanced abdominal and pelvic scans.

Feasibility and Diagnostic Accuracy for Assessment of Coronary Artery Stenosis of Prospectively Electrocardiogram-gated High-pitch Spiral Acquisition Mode Dual-source CT Coronary Angiography in Patients with Relatively Higher Heart Rates: in Comparison wit

Objective To prospectively investigate the diagnostic accuracy for coronary artery stenosis of prospectively electrocardiogram-triggered spiral acquisition mode (high pitch mode) dual-source computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) in patients with relatively higher heart rates (HR) compared with catheter coronary angiography (CCA). Methods Forty-seven consecutive patients with relatively higher HR (>65 and <100 bpm) (20 male, 27 female; age 55±10 years) who both underwent dual-source CTCA and CCA were prospectively included in this study. All patients were performed CTCA using high pitch mode setting at 20%-30% of the R-R interval for the image acquisition. All coronary segments were evaluated by two blinded and independent observers with regard to image quality on a three-point scale (1: excellent to 3: non-diagnostic) and for the presence of significant coronary stenoses (defined as diameter narrowing exceeding 50%). Considered CCA as the standard of reference, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated. Radiation dose values were calculated using the dose-length product. Results Image quality was rated as being score 1 in 92.4% of segments, score 2 in 6.1% of segmentsand score 3 in 1.5% of segments. The average image quality score per segment was 1.064±0.306. The HR variability of patients with image score 1, 2 and 3 were 2.29±1.06 bpm, 5.17±1.37 bpm, 8.88±1.53 bpm, respectively. The average HR variability of patients with different image scores were significantly different (F=170.402, P=0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 92.6%, 97.0%, 87.6%, 98.3%, respectively, per segment and 90.0%, 95.2%, 85.3%, 96.9%, respectively, per vessel and 100%, 63.6%, 90.0%, 100%, respectively, per patient. The effective radiation dose was on average 0.86±0.16 mSv. Conclusion In patients with HR more than 65 bpm and below 100 bpm without cardiac arrhythmia, the prospectively electrocardiogram-gated high-pitch spiral acquisition mode with image acquired timing set at 20%-30% of the R-R interval provides a high diagnostic accuracy for the assessment of coronary stenoses combined with a 1.5% of non-diagnostic coronary segments and a radiation dose below 1 mSv.

Intravenous Contrast Material Administration at High-pitch Dual-source CT Coronary Angiography: Bolus-tracking Technique with Shortened Time of Respiratory Instruction Versus Test Bolus Technique

Objective To investigate the feasibility of acquiring the similar homogeneous enhancement using bolus-tracking techniques with shortened respiratory time in prospectively electrocardiogram-gated high-pitch spiral acquisition mode (Flash mode) coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) compared with test bolus technique. Methods One hundred and eighty-four consecutive patients with mean heart rate ≤65 beats per minute undergoing CCTA were prospectively included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the group A (n=92) instructed to shorten respiratory time received CCTA using bolus-tracking technique with high-pitch spiral acquisition mode (Flash mode), while those in the group B (n=92) underwent CCTA with test bolus technique. The attenuation in the ascending aorta, image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio and radiation doses of the two groups were assessed. Results There were no significant differences in the mean attenuation values in the ascending aorta (483.18±59.07 HU vs. 498.7±83.51 HU, P=0.183), image noise (21.4±4.5 HU vs. 20.9±4.3 HU, P=0.414), contrast-to-noise ratio (12.1±4.2 vs. 13.8±5.1, P=0.31) between the groups A and B. There were no significant differences in the radiation dose of dynamic monitoring scans (0.056±0.026 mSv vs. 0.062±0.018 mSv, P=0.068) and radiation dose of angiography (0.94±0.07 mSv vs. 0.96±0.15 mSv,P=0.926) between the two groups, while 15 mL less contrast material volume was administered in the group A than the group B. Conclusion Bolus-tracking technique with shortened time of respiratory in Flash mode of dual-source CT yields the similar homogeneous enhancement with less contrast material in comparison to the test bolus technique.

Truncus arteriosus:Diagnosis with dual-source computed tomography angiography and low radiation dose

Truncus arteriosus is an uncommon congenital cardiac abnormality which is characterized by a single arterial trunk origin from the heart that supplies both the systemic,pulmonary and coronary circulation.We present a preterm newborn female patient with type 2 truncusarteriosus,left superior vena cava and aberrant subclavian artery diagnosed with low dose dual-source cardiac computed tomography(CT).We discuss that low dose dual-source cardiac CT has more advantages than other imaging methods and it is an important modality for assessment of patients with conotruncal anomalies such as truncusarteriosus.

Exploration the Method of Low Dose Coronary Artery Imaging with Dual-Source CT

Objective: On the premise that the image quality meets the requirements of clinical diagnosis, we explored the methods to reduce the radiation dose of coronary artery imaging with Dual-Source CT (DSCT). Methods: We randomly selected 200 patients with coronary heat disease (BIM 0.05). The average image noise in group A is (41.76 ± 7.98) HU, in group B the average image noise is (43.97 ± 3.88) HU, the dif- ference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The average CTDIvol of group A and B were (20.63 ± 2.24) mGy, (38.11 ± 10.69) mGy, respectively, then P <0.01. The average DLP of group A and B are (235.75 ± 28.64) mGycm and (492.59 ± 125.49) mGycm respectively, then P <0.01, the dif- ference of radiation dose had statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusions: For coronary artery imaging with DSCT the heart electric pulse (AUTO) regulation technology can meet the diagnostic requirements and effectively reduce the radiation dose.

Application of Dual-Source CT TurboFlash Coarse Pitch Scanning in Coronary Artery Imaging

Objective: To compare and analyze the image quality and radiation dose of three scanning modes of dual-source CT coronary artery retrospectively, and to discuss the application value of TurboFlash coarse pitch scanning mode. Methods: The imaging data of 100 patients who underwent CT coronary angiography (CCTA) using Siemens force CT retrospective gated triggering spiral scan (RES-SPIRAL), adaptive prospective gated triggering sequence scan (SEQ) and prospective coarse pitch scan (TurboFlash) retrospectively was collected. The image quality was evaluated by objective and subjective methods. The effective radiation dose of patients was compared and analyzed, and the indications of the three scanning modes were analyzed. The application value of dual-source CT TurboFlash coarse pitch scanning in coronary artery imaging was evaluated. Results: The results showed that the left main coronary artery, the right coronary artery and their tertiary branches could be clearly displayed in the three groups of images: the left anterior descending branch, the left circumflex branch, and their three-level branches. There was no statistical difference in subjective image quality among the three groups of pictures (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in objective evaluation indexes, such as CT value, SNR, CNR and Noise among the three groups (P > 0.05). The patient radiation dose results showed that the effective radiation dose ED of RES-SPIRA scan was (9.22 ± 1.33) mSv. The dose of SEQ was (2.88 ± 2.47) mSv, and the dose of TurboFlash was (0.51 ± 0.16) mSv. There was significant difference in comparison of the three groups (P 0.05). RES-spiral scanning had the highest radiation dose and TurboFlash coarse pitch scanning (TurboFlash) had the lowest radiation dose. Conclusion: TurboFlash coarse pitch scanning is low in dosage, fast in speed and wide in adaptability. It is especially suitable for the elderly, children, coma and other patients who cannot cooperate with breath-holding examination, as well as for the screening and examination of coronary artery diseases in asymptomatic population. Undoubtedly, it is a worthy method of heart coronary artery examination.

Probing multi-physical process and deformation mechanism of a largescale landslide using integrated dual-source monitoring

The implementation of isolated heterologous monitoring systems for spatially distant borehole deployments often comes with substantial equipment costs,which can limit the effectiveness of geohazard mitigation and georisk management efforts.To address this,we have developed a novel monitoring system that integrates fiber Bragg grating(FBG)and microelectromechanical system(MEMS)techniques to capture soil moisture,temperature,sliding resistance,strain,surface tilt,and deep-seated inclination.This system enables real-time,simultaneous data acquisition and cross-validation analyses,offering a costeffective solution for monitoring critical parameters in geohazard-prone areas.We successfully applied this integrated monitoring system to the Xinpu landslide,an active super-large landslide located in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area(TGRA)of China.The resulting strain profile confirmed the presence of two shallow secondary sliding surfaces at depths of approximately 7 m and 12 m,respectively,in addition to the deep-seated sliding surface at a depth of28 m.The lower secondary sliding surface was activated by extreme precipitation,while the upper one was primarily driven by significant changes in reservoir water levels and secondarily triggered by concentrated rainfalls.Anti-slide piles have remarkably reinforced the upper moving masses but failed to control the lower ones.The gap between the pile heads and the soil amplified the rainwater erosion effect,creating a preferential channel for rainwater infiltration.Multi-physical measurements revealed a mixture of seepage-driven and buoyancy-driven behaviors within the landslide.This study offers an integrated dual-source multi-physical monitoring paradigm that enables collaborative management of multiple crucial boreholes on a large-scale landslide,and contributes to the evaluation and improvement of engineering measures in similar geological settings.

双源螺旋CT与全身骨显像对胸椎骨转移瘤的诊断价值

目的:探讨双源螺旋CT与99Tcm-MDP全身骨显像对胸椎骨转移瘤的诊断价值。资料和方法:回顾性分析临床确诊胸椎骨转移瘤且资料完整的住院患者39例52处胸椎骨转移瘤,分析其双源螺旋CT与99Tcm-MDP全身骨显像检查结果。计算两种检查结果的灵敏度及特异性。结果:双源螺旋CT发现37例患者共42处锥体破坏,其灵敏度(81.6%),双源螺旋CT明确诊断胸椎转移瘤27例,可疑10例;99Tcm-MDP全身骨显像检查发现27例患者共31处椎体放射性异常浓集,其灵敏度(59.2%),全身骨显像明确诊断胸椎转移瘤20例,可疑7例;39例患者全身骨显像发现锥体外多发放射性异常浓集。结论:双源螺旋CT对胸椎骨转移瘤的诊断较99Tcm-MDP全身骨显像具有更高的灵敏度,但多数患者经99Tcm-MDP全身骨显像可获得较为明确的诊断。

Application of Dual-Energy CT Non-Linear Fusion Technology in Improving CTA Image Quality of Renal Cancer

Objective: To explore the significance of dual-energy CT non-linear fusion technique in improving the quality of CTA image of renal cancer. Methods: The CTA images of 100 patients who had been confirmed by pathology as renal cancer were collected and were randomly divided into experimental group and control group with 50 cases respectively. The two groups of patients were treated with iodine concentration of 300 mg/ml and 350 mg/ml non-ionic contrast agent, with a dosage of 1.5 ml/kg and an injection rate of 4 ml/s. The contrast agent intelligently tracking method was adopted bolus. The control group used the conventional CTA scanning, with a reference tube voltage/tube current of 100 kv/ref150 mas. The experimental group adopted the double energy scanning, with ball tube A and ball tube B. The reference tube voltage/tube current was 100 kv/ref250 mas and sn150 kv/ref125 mas respectively. The images of the experimental group were non-linear fused to obtain the Mono+ 55 kev single-energy images. The CT value, SNR contrast ratio of the abdominal aorta, renal artery and tumor tissue of the experimental group images and the 100 KV images and the Mono+ 55 kev images of the control group were compared. The objective evaluation and subjective evaluation of the image quality of the three groups of images was performed. Results: The results showed that the 100 kV images of the experimental group were statistically different from those of the control group (P05) in CT value, SNR and CNR (P 0.05). And there was no statistically significant difference between the non-linear fusion single-energy Mono+ 55 kev images and the control group images in CT value, SNR and CNR (P > 0.05). The subjective evaluation of image quality showed that there was no significant difference between Mono+ 55 kev images and control group images, and the quality of Mono+ 55 kev images was higher than that of experimental group 100 kV images. Conclusion: The dual-energy CT non-linear fusion technique can improve the quality of CTA image in patients with renal cancer, and it is possible to obtain high quality CTA images with low iodine concentration contrast agent.

Head dual energy-computed tomography angiography versus neuro-digital subtraction angiography

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry provides two modes of head computed tomography （CT） angiography scanning： neuro-digital subtraction angiography and dual-energy CT angiography （DE-CTA）. Previous studies have compared image quality, radiation exposure, and bone removal between neuro-digital subtraction angiography and DE-CTA. However, the number of cases was relatively small. The present study examined 300 suspected cases of cerebrovascular disease and observed the methods and duration of post-processing, examination time, and data volume. Results demonstrated similar image quality between the two methods, but lower radiation doses and shorter examination time in DE-CTA. DE-CTA allowed for faster and more stable scanning performance and post-processing methods, facilitating accurate and direct diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease.

Significance of an Advanced Image-Based Virtual Monoenergetic Reconstruction of Dual Source Dual-Energy CT Data at Low keV Increases Image Quality for Portal Vein System of Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Purpose: To explore the significance of dual-source computed tomography (DECT) virtual monoenergetic reconstructions technology in improving image quality for portal vein system of pancreatic cancer patients. Materials and methods: 47 patients with clinically suspected pancreatic cancer (all confirmed by pathology) were collected. Routine plain scan was performed with Siemens Force dual-source dual-energy CT followed by 3 scans respectively carried out in arterial phase, portal phase and delayed phase. Traditional virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (Mono_E) and new generation of virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (Mono+) were respectively performed on portal vein images to obtain virtual single energy images including Mono_ E70 keV, Mono_E 55 keV and Mono+ 70 keV and Mono+ 55 keV. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and noise of portal vein, normal pancreatic tissues and pancreatic lesions of 100 kV, Mono_E and Mono+ images were compared. In addition, the contrast noise ratio of portal vein and lesions as well as pancreatic tissues and lesions (CNR PV, CNRtumor) were also compared. At the same time, two imaging physicians with rich clinical experiences read the films and scored the images of each group by using the 5-point scoring method. Results: Mono+ 55 keV images including SNRpv, SNRpanc, SNRtumor, Noise, CNRpv, CNRtumor were statistically different from 100 KV images and Mono_E images (P < 0.05). As for the subjective score, Mono+ 55 keV image score also had the highest score, which had statistical significance (P < 0.05). The results showed that Mono+ 55 keV images had the best quality. Conclusion: The new generation of virtual Mono+ post-treatment can reduce image noise. Low energy Mono+ images can improve the contrast between pancreatic cancer lesions and portal of pancreatic cancer patients.

Application of an Advanced Image-Based Virtual Monoenergetic Reconstruction of Dual Source Dual-Energy CT Data at Low keV Increases Image Quality for Esophageal Cancer Patients Imaging

Purpose: To explore the significance of dual-source computed tomography (DECT) virtual monoenergetic reconstructions technology in improving the imaging quality of esophageal cancer patients. Materials and methods: 68 patients with clinically suspected esophageal cancer (all confirmed by pathology) were collected. Routine plain scan was performed with SIEMENS Force dual-energy CT and then dual-phase scans were performed. The venous phase images were respectively subjected to traditional virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (Mono_E) and new generation virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (Mono+). Mono_E 55 keV and Mono+ 55 keV virtual single-energy images were obtained respectively. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of normal esophageal tissue and esophageal cancer lesions, noise and contrast noise ratio (CNR tumor) of normal esophageal tissue and esophageal cancer lesions were compared among 100 kV images, Mono_E images and Mono+ images. At the same time, two imaging physicians read the films and scored the images of each group by using a 5-point scoring method. Results: Mono+ 55 keV images, SNR, SNRtumor, noise and CNRtumor were statistically different from those of 100 kV images and Mono_E images (P < 0.05). And Mono+ 55 keV images also had the highest subjective score, with statistical significance (P 55 keV images had the best quality. Conclusion: The new generation of virtual monoenergetic reconstructions post-processing (Mono+) could reduce image noise and improve the contrast between esophageal cancer lesions and normal esophageal tissues, which was of great significance to improve the imaging quality of esophageal cancer patients and improve the early detection rate of esophageal cancer.

Dose Efficiency in Dual Source High-Pitch Computed Tomography of the Chest

Objectives: Evaluation of radiation efficiency of dual source high-pitch (DSHP) chest CT in comparison to single source technique with special regards to individual patient anatomy. Methods: 150 consecutive patients who underwent chest CT with automated tube current modulation were evaluated retrospectively and divided into three study groups, each with an equal quantity of 50 patients (DSHP vs. single source 128 slices vs. single source 16 slices). By using a dedicated workstation, volumetric analyses of each of the scanned anatomic area were performed and correlated to the individual dose length product (DLP). The calculated result was defined as dose efficiency. Results: DLP was 203 mGycm (DSHP), vs. 269 mGycm (single source) vs. 273 mGycm (16 slice CT). The total patient volume was lowest in the dual source group with 18956.3 cm3 (vs. 22481.2 cm3 vs. 22133.8 cm3). With regards to the DLP, the calculated dose efficiency of dual source CT was better than the 128 slice CT (p = 0.045) and the 16 slice CT (p < 0.01). Conclusions: DSHP CT has considerably better dose efficiency compared to 16 slice CT. Compared to 128 slice single source technique, the high-pitch mode does not cause any dose penalty when performing chest CT.

Relationship of Cystatin-C with coronary artery disease in the elderly patients with diabetes

Objective: To study the relationship between Cystatin C (Cys-C) level and the development of coronary heart disease in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: 120 cases of elderly diabetic patients were involved in this study from October 2013 to November 2015 in Depart-ment of Endocrinology and Cardiology. All patients underwent the detection of routine flash dual-source coronary computed tomography angioplasty (CCTA), Cys-C, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). According to the difference of CCTA results, the patients were divided into DM1 group (with normal coronary CTA), DM2 group (with a coronary artery stenosis rate < 50%), DM3 group (with a coronary artery stenosis rate of 50%-74%) and DM4 group (with a coronary artery stenosis rate of ≥ 75%). The levels of Cys-C and HbA1c were compared in the four groups. Results: The blood levels of Cys-C and HbA1c showed significant differences between DM1, DM2, DM3 and DM4 group (p <.05). The age, heart rate, blood pressure showed no statistical differences between the groups. The level of Cys-C was positively correlated with HbA1c. Conclusions: The blood level of Cys-C in the elderly patients with T2DM increased with the increase of the degree of coronary artery stenosis. Blood Cys-C may be used as an early predictor of coronary artery lesions in elderly patients with T2DM.

Development of a soil-plant-atmosphere continuum model (HDS-SPAC) based on hybrid dual-source approach and its verification in wheat field

HDS-SPAC,a new soil-plant-atmosphere continuum(SPAC) model,is developed for simulating water and heat transfer in SPAC.The model adopts a recently proposed hybrid dual source approach for soil evaporation and plant transpiration partitioning.For the above-ground part,a layer approach is used to partition available energy and calculate aerodynamic resistances,while a patch approach is used to derive sensible heat and latent heat fluxes from the two sources(soil and vegetation).For the below-ground part,soil water and heat dynamics are described by the mixed form of Richards equation,and the soil heat conductivity equation,respectively.These two parts are coupled through ground heat flux for energy transfer,root-zone water potential-dependent stomatal resistance,and surface soil water potential-dependent evaporation for water transfer.Evaporation is calculated from the water potential gradient at soil-atmosphere interface and aerodynamic resistance,and transpiration is determined using a Jarvis-type function linking soil water availability and atmospheric conditions.Some other processes,such as canopy interception and deep percolation,are also considered in the HDS-SPAC model.The hybrid dual-source approach allows HDS-SPAC to simulate heat and water transfer in an ecosystem with a large range of vegetation cover change temporally or spatially.The model was tested with observations at a wheat field in North China Plain over a time of three months covering both wet and dry conditions.The fractional crop covers change from 30% to over 90%.The results indicated that the HDS-SPAC model can estimate actual evaporation and transpiration partitioning and soil water content and temperature over the whole range of tested vegetation coverage.

Diagnostic value of dual-source CT in Kawasaki disease

Background Doppler color echocardiography is a common method for detecting coronary artery lesions in patients with Kawasaki disease（KD）.However,the diagnostic accuracy for the whole coronary artery lesions is limited.The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of dual-source computed tomography （DSCT） and Doppler color echocardiography for the assessment of coronary artery lesions caused by KD.Methods Sixteen patients,12 with typical KD and 4 with atypical KD,underwent DSCT and Doppler color echocardiography.The position and internal diameter of each coronary artery lesion was measured.Correlation analysis was used to compare the diagnostic value of the two imaging modalities.Results ln the typical KD group, seven patients did not have any coronary artery Iesion as confirmed by both DSCT scans and Doppler color echocardiography;in four patients proximal coronary artery injuries were identified by both modalities;in one patient an aneurysm in the middle and distal segments of the coronary artery was detected by DSCT but was negative in Doppler color echocardiography.In the atypical KD group,three cases showed the same results with both modalities,while one case with coronary artery stenosis in the middle segment was identified by DSCT but not detected by Doppler color echocardiography.There was a good correlation between the two imaging modalities（Kappa value,0.768（≥0.75））.Conclusion DSCT coronary artery angiography is an accurate,non-invasive,and valuable technique for detecting and following up coronary artery lesions in patients with KD.

Comparison of low-dose sequences of dual-source CT and echocardiography for preoperative evaluation of aortic valve disease

Background Accurate evaluation of coronary artery,aortic valve annulus diameter （AVAD）,and cardiac function in patients with aortic valve disease is of great significance for surgical strategy.In this study,we explored the preoperative evaluation of low-dose sequence （MinDose sequence） scan of dual-source CT （DSCT） for those patients.Methods Forty patients suspected for aortic valve disease （the experimental group） underwent MinDose sequence of DSCT to observe coronary artery,AVAD,and left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）.Another 33 subjects suspected for coronary artery disease （the control group） underwent conventional retrospective electrocardiographically-gated sequence of DSCT.Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography （2D-TTE） and four-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography （4D-TTE） were applied in the experimental group to measure AVAD and LVEF and compared with MinDose-DSCT.Results There was a strong correlation between LVEFs measured by 2D-TTE and MinDose-DSCT （r=0.87,P ＜0.01）,as well as between 4D-TTE and MinDose-DSCT （r=0.90,P ＜0.01）.AVAD measured by MinDose-DSCT was in good agreement with corresponding measurements by 2D-TTE （r=0.90,P ＜0.01）.The effective dose in the experimental group was 63.54％ lower than that in the control group.Conclusions MinDose sequence of DSCT with a low radiation dose serving as a one-stop preoperative evaluation makes effective assessment of the coronary artery,AVAD,and LVEF for patients with aortic valve disease.

Diagnostic Value of Prospective Electrocardiogram-triggered Dual-source Computed Tomography Angiography for Infants and Children with Interrupted Aortic Arch

Background：Accurate assessment of intra-as well as extra-cardiac malformations and radiation dosage concerns are especially crucial to infants and children with interrupted aortic arch （IAA）.The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of prospective electrocardiogram （ECG）-triggered dual-source computed tomography （DSCT） angiography with low-dosage techniques in the diagnosis of IAA.Methods：Thirteen patients with suspected IAA underwent prospective ECG-triggered DSCT scan and transthoracic echocardiography （TTE）.Surgery was performed on all the patients.A five-point scale was used to assess image quality.The diagnostic accuracy ofDSCT angiography and TTE was compared with the surgical findings as the reference standard.A nonparametric Chi-square test was used for comparative analysis.P＜0.05 was considered as a significant difference.The mean effective radiation dose （ED） was calculated.Results：Diagnostic DSCT images were obtained for all the patients.Thirteen IAA cases with 60 separate cardiovascular anomalies were confirmed by surgical findings.The diagnostic accuracy of TTE and DSCT for total cardiovascular malformations was 93.7％ and 97.9％ （P＞0.05）,and that for extra-cardiac vascular malformations was 92.3％ and 99.0％ （P ＜ 0.05）,respectively.The mean score of image quality was 3.77 ± 0.83.The mean ED was 0.30 ± 0.04 mSv （range from 0.23 mSv to 0.39 mSv）.Conclusions：In infants and children with IAA,prospective ECG-triggered DSCT with low radiation exposure and high diagnostic efficiency has higher accuracy compared to TTE in detection of extra-cardiac vascular anomalies.

Computed tomography angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention in chronic total occlusion

Objective： The aim of this study is to investigate if dual-source computed tomography （DSCT） could guide the percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） of chronic total occlusion （CTO）. Methods： We enrolled patients who were confirmed to have at least one native coronary artery CTO by DSCT before they underwent selective PCI in the period from December 2007 to October 2008. A CTO was defined as an obstruction of a native coronary artery with no luminal continuity. The CT-guided PCI procedure involved placing CT and fluoroscopic images side-by-side on the screen. DSCT images were analyzed for location, segment, plaque characteristics, calcification, and proximal lumen diameter of the CTO before PCI. The guidewire was advanced and manipulated under CT guidance. The PCI was carried out and the results were compared. Results： Seventy-four CTOs were assessed. PCI was successful in 57 cases of CTOs （77.0%）. According to the results, CTOs were divided into two groups： successfuI-PCI and failed-PCI. All coronary artery paths of CTOs were clearly recognized by DSCT. In the successfuI-PCI group, soft plaques were detected much more often than those in the failed-PCI group, but fibrous and calcified plaques were seen more often in the failed-PCI group. Calcification severity in CTO segments showed a significant difference between the groups （P=0.014）. Calcified plaques were detected in 20 （35.1%） lesions in the successfuI-PCI group. More than 70% of the failures were calcified plaques, of which there were two arc-calcified and one circular-calcified lesions. Occlusions were longer in the failed-PCI group than those in the successfuI-PCI group [（38.8±25.0） vs. （18.0±15.3） mm, respec- tively, P〈0.01]. Fewer guidewires were used in the successfuI-PCI group compared with the failed-PCI group （1.7±1.0 vs. 2.5±0.9, respectively, P〈0.01）. The logistic regression analysis indicated that predictors of recanalization of CTOs included occlusion length （P=-0.0035, risk ratio （RR）=0.93） and calcification severity （P=0.05, RR=0.27）. Multi-linear trends analysis showed that the factors affecting procedural time were CTO location （P=-0.0141） and occlusion length （P=0.0035）. Conclusions： DSCT could delineate the path of CTOs and characterize plaques. The outcomes of PCI were related to thrombolysis in myocardial infarction （TIMI） flow grade, CTO characteristics, severity of calcified plaques and the length of occlusive segments. Occlusion length and calcification severity were independent predictors of CTOs. Occlusion length and CTO segments could also help to estimate the duration of interventional procedures.