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.

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.

Common bile duct stones on multidetector computed tomography:Attenuation patterns and detectability

AIM:To investigate the attenuation patterns and detectability of common bile duct(CBD) stones by multidetector computed tomography(MDCT).METHODS:Between March 2010 and February 2012,191 patients with suspicion of CBD stones undergoing both MDCT and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) were enrolled and reviewed retrospectively.The attenuation patterns of CBD stones on MDCT were classified as heavily calcified,radiopaque,less radiopaque,or undetectable.The association between the attenuation patterns of CBD stones on MDCT and stone type consisting of pure cholesterol,mixed cholesterol,brown pigment,and black pigment and the factors related to the detectability of CBD stones by MDCT were evaluated.RESULTS:MDCT showed CBD stones in 111 of 130 patients in whom the CBD stones were demonstrated by ERCP with 85.4% sensitivity.The attenuation patterns of CBD stones on MDCT were heavily calcified 34(26%),radiopaque 31(24%),less radiopaque 46(35%),and undetectable 19(15%).The radiopacity of CBD stones differed significantly according to stone type(P < 0.001).From the receiver operating characteristic curve,stone size was useful for the determination of CBD stone by MDCT(area under curve 0.779,P < 0.001) and appropriate cut-off stone size on MDCT was 5 mm.The factors related to detectability of CBD stones on MDCT were age,stone type,and stone size on multivariate analysis(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:The radiopacity of CBD stones on MDCT differed according to stone type.Stone type and stone size were related to the detectability by MDCT,and appropriate cut-off stone size was 5 mm.

Advances of multidetector computed tomography in the characterization and staging of renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma(RCC) accounts for approximately 90%-95% of kidney tumors. With the widespread use of cross-sectional imaging modalities, more than half of RCCs are detected incidentally, often diagnosed at an early stage. This may allow the planning of more conservative treatment strategies. Computed tomography(CT) is considered the examination of choice for thedetection and staging of RCC. Multidetector CT(MDCT) with the improvement of spatial resolution and the ability to obtain multiphase imaging, multiplanar and threedimensional reconstructions in any desired plane brought about further improvement in the evaluation of RCC. Differentiation of RCC from benign renal tumors based on MDCT features is improved. Tumor enhancement characteristics on MDCT have been found closely to correlate with the histologic subtype of RCC, the nuclear grade and the cytogenetic characteristics of clear cell RCC. Important information, including tumor size, localization, and organ involvement, presence and extent of venous thrombus, possible invasion of adjacent organs or lymph nodes, and presence of distant metastases are provided by MDCT examination. The preoperative evaluation of patients with RCC was improved by depicting the presence or absence of renal pseudocapsule and by assessing the possible neoplastic infiltration of the perirenal fat tissue and/or renal sinus fat compartment.

Value of two-phase dynamic multidetector computed tomography in differential diagnosis of post-inflammatory strictures from esophageal cancer

AIM: To characterize the computed tomography(CT) findings in patients with post-inflammatory esophageal strictures(corrosive and peptic) and reveal the optimal scanning phase protocols for distinguishing postinflammatory esophageal stricture and esophageal cancer.METHODS: Sixty-five patients with esophageal strictures of different etiology were included in this study: 24 patients with 27 histopathologically confirmed corrosive strictures, 10 patients with 12 peptic strictures and 31 patients with esophageal cancer were evaluated with a two-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced MDCT. Arterial and venous phases at 10 and 35 s after the attenuation of 200 HU were obtained at the descending aorta, with a delayed phase at 6-8 min after the start of injection of contrast media. For qualitative analysis, CT scans of benign strictures were reviewed for the presence/absence of the following features: "target sign", luminal mass, homogeneity of contrast medium uptake, concentric wall thickening, conically shapedsuprastenotic dilatation, smooth boundaries of stenosis and smooth mucous membrane at the transition to stenosis, which were compared with a control group of 31 patients who had esophageal cancer. The quantitative analysis included densitometric parameter acquisition using regions-of-interest measurement of the zone of stenosis and normal esophageal wall and the difference between those measurements(ΔCT) at all phases of bolus contrast enhancement. Esophageal wall thickening, length of esophageal wall thickening and size of the regional lymph nodes were also evaluated. RESULTS: The presence of a concentric esophageal wall, conically shaped suprastenotic dilatation, smooth upper and lower boundaries, "target sign" and smooth mucous membrane at the transition to stenosis were suggestive of a benign cause, with sensitivities of 92.31%, 87.17%, 94.87%, 76.92% and 82.05%, respectively, and specificities of 70.96%, 89.66%, 80.65%, 96.77% and 93.55%, respectively. The features that were most suggestive of a malignant cause were eccentric esophageal wall thickening, tuberous upper and lower boundaries of stenosis, absence of mucous membrane visualization, rupture of the mucous membrane at the upper boundary of stenosis, cup-shaped suprastenotic dilatation, luminal mass and enlarged regional lymph nodes with specificities of 92.31% 94.87%, 67.86%, 100%, 97.44%, 94.87% and 82.86%, respectively and sensitivities of 70.97%, 80.65%, 96.77%, 80.65%, 54.84%, 87.10% and 60%, respectively. The highest tumor attenuation occurred in the arterial phase(mean attenuation 74.13 ± 17.42 HU), and the mean attenuation difference between the tumor and the normal esophageal wall(mean ΔCT) in the arterial phase was 23.86 ± 19.31 HU. Here, 11.5 HU of ΔCT in the arterial phase was the cut-off value used to differentiate esophageal cancer from post-inflammatory stricture(P = 0.000). The highest attenuation of postinflammatory strictures occurred in the delayed phase(mean attenuation 71.66 ± 14.28 HU), and the mean ΔCT in delayed phase was 34.03 ± 15.94 HU. Here, 18.5 HU of ΔCT in delayed phase was the cut-off value used to differentiate post-inflammatory stricture from esophageal cancer(P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: The described imaging findings reveal high diagnostic significance in the differentiation of benign strictures from esophageal cancer.

Clinical impact of multidetector computed tomography before double-balloon enteroscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM： To evaluate the clinical impact of multidetector computed tomography （MDCT） before double-balloon endoscopy （DBE） for patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding （OGIB）.

Optimized protocol of multiple post-processing techniques improves diagnostic accuracy of multidetector computed tomography in assessment of small bowel obstruction compared with conventional axial and coronal reformations

BACKGROUND Axial and coronal reformations have been a widely used image post-processing protocol for the ordinary multidetector computed tomography(MDCT)examination of patients with small bowel obstruction(SBO) or other abdominal diseases. The diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for assessing SBO is expected to be further improved through the use of multiple post-processing techniques.AIM To systemically evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of an optimized protocol using multiple post-processing techniques for MDCT assessment of SBO and secondary bowel ischemia.METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional study included 106 patients with clinically suspected SBO. Two readers applied three protocols to image post-processing and interpretation of patients' MDCT volume data. We compared the three protocols based on time spent, number of images, diagnostic self-confidence,agreement, detection rate, and accuracy of detection of SBO and secondary bowel ischemia.RESULTS Protocol 2 resulted in more time spent and number of images than protocols 1 and 3(P < 0.01), but the results of the two readers using the same protocol were not different(P > 0.05). Using protocol 3, both readers added multiple postprocessing techniques at frequencies of 29.2% and 34.9%, respectively, for obstruction cause, and 32.1% and 30.2%, respectively, for secondary bowel ischemia. Protocols 2 and 3 had higher total detection rates of obstruction cause and secondary bowel ischemia than protocol 1(P < 0.01), but no difference was detected between protocols 2 and 3(P > 0.05). The accuracy, sensitivity,specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of protocols 2 and 3 were superior to those of protocol 1 for evaluating obstruction cause and secondary bowel ischemia.CONCLUSION Our optimized protocol of multiple post-processing techniques can both guarantee efficiency and improve diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for assessing SBO and secondary bowel ischemia.

Evaluation of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status of breast cancer using preoperative multidetector computed tomography with deep learning and handcrafted radiomics features

Objective:To evaluate the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)status in patients with breast cancer using multidetector computed tomography(MDCT)-based handcrafted and deep radiomics features.Methods:This retrospective study enrolled 339 female patients(primary cohort,n=177;validation cohort,n=162)with pathologically confirmed invasive breast cancer.Handcrafted and deep radiomics features were extracted from the MDCT images during the arterial phase.After the feature selection procedures,handcrafted and deep radiomics signatures and the combined model were built using multivariate logistic regression analysis.Performance was assessed by measures of discrimination,calibration,and clinical usefulness in the primary cohort and validated in the validation cohort.Results:The handcrafted radiomics signature had a discriminative ability with a C-index of 0.739[95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.661-0.818]in the primary cohort and 0.695(95%CI:0.609-0.781)in the validation cohort.The deep radiomics signature also had a discriminative ability with a C-index of 0.760(95%CI:0.690-0.831)in the primary cohort and 0.777(95%CI:0.696-0.857)in the validation cohort.The combined model,which incorporated both the handcrafted and deep radiomics signatures,showed good discriminative ability with a C-index of 0.829(95%CI:0.767-0.890)in the primary cohort and 0.809(95%CI:0.740-0.879)in the validation cohort.Conclusions:Handcrafted and deep radiomics features from MDCT images were associated with HER2 status in patients with breast cancer.Thus,these features could provide complementary aid for the radiological evaluation of HER2 status in breast cancer.

Multidetector computed tomography features of pancreatic metastases from leiomyosarcoma: Experience at a tertiary cancer center

AIM: To describe the multidetector computed tomography features of pancreatic metastasis from leiomyosarcoma(LMS).METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 2012, 13 consecutive patients(11 women, 2 men; mean age of 57 years; range, 38-78 years) with pancreatic metastases from LMS were included in our study. Imaging features including location, number, largest dimension, tumor attenuation and enhancement characteristics, presence of necrosis, pancreatic ductal dilatation, common bile duct(CBD) dilatation, presence of pancreatitis, and atrophy were documented.RESULTS: The most common site of origin of the pancreatic metastases from LMS was uterus(38.5%), followed by retroperitoneum(30.8%) and extremity(23.1%). None of the patients in our study had pancreas as the first site of metastasis. All patients developed pancreatic metastases at a median interval of 24 mo. Pancreatic metastases from LMS were solitary in 8/13 patients and multiple in 5/13 patients, had no predilection for any part of the pancreas, were hypovascular on arterial phase in 10/13 patients and associated with pancreatic duct dilatation in 3/13 patients. None had CBD dilatation. None of the pancreatic metastases in LMS cohort caused pancreatitis, and atrophy. Median duration of follow-up was 19 mo for LMS cohort during which two patients underwent resection of metastasis(median survival 45 mo) while the remaining underwent systemic therapy(median survival 13 mo).CONCLUSION: Pancreatic metastases from LMS are often solitary and hypovascular masses and less commonly associated with pancreatic ductal dilatation, CBD dilatation, pancreatitis or pancreatic atrophy. Surgical resection of solitary LMS pancreatic metastasis can be considered due to the long survival of these patients.

Comparison of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma using multidetector-row computed tomography

AIM:To distinguish acinar cell carcinoma(ACC)from pancreatic adenocarcinoma(AC)by comparing their computed tomography findings.METHODS:Patients with ACC and AC were identified on the basis of results obtained using surgically resected pancreatectomy specimens.The preoperative computer tomographic images of 6 acinar cell carcinoma patients and 67 pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients in 4 phases(non-contrast,arterial,portal venous,and delayed phase)were compared.The scan delay times were 40,70,and 120 s for each contrast-enhanced phase.The visual pattern,tomographic attenuation value,and time attenuation curve were assessed and compared between AC and ACC cases using the 2test,Wilcoxon signed-rank test,and Mann Whitney U test.RESULTS:The adenocarcinomas tended to be hypodense in all 4 phases.The acinar cell carcinomas also tended to be hypodense in the 3 contrast-enhancedphases,although their computed tomographic attenuation values were higher.Further,5 of the 6 acinar cell carcinomas(83%)were isodense in the non-contrast phase.The time attenuation curve of the adenocarcinomas showed a gradual increase through the 4 phases,and all adenocarcinomas showed peak enhancement during the delayed phase.The time attenuation curve of the acinar cell carcinomas showed peak enhancement during the portal venous phase in 4 cases and during the arterial phase in 2 cases.None of the 6 acinar cell carcinomas showed peak enhancement during the delayed phase.CONCLUSION:The tumor density in the non-contrast phase and time attenuation curve pattern clearly differ between acinar cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas,and multidetector-row computed tomography can thus distinguish these tumors.

Role of multidetector computed tomography in patients with acute infectious colitis

BACKGROUND The role of multidetector computed tomography(MDCT)in patients with acute infectious colitis is still unclear.AIM To examine the usefulness of MDCT in distinguishing the etiology of acute infectious colitis.METHODS Overall,244 patients who met the criteria for acute infectious colitis and visited the Hospital from February 2015 to 2018 were retrospectively enrolled and divided into two groups(bacterial:204,viral:40)according to causes of acute colitis,based on stool PCR.Eleven MDCT parameters,including wall thickening,submucosal edema,mucosal enhancement,serosa involvement,empty colon sign,small bowel involvement,comb sign,continuous distribution,accordion sign,mucosal thickening,and lymph node enlargement,were constructed in a blinded fashion.RESULTS MDCT parameters of wall thickening(OR:13.60;95%CI:5.80–31.88;P<0.001),submucosal edema(OR:36.08;95%CI:13.54–96.13;P<0.001),mucosal enhancement(OR:22.55;95%CI:9.28–54.81;P<0.001),serosal involvement(OR:14.50;95%CI:3.33–63.23;P<0.001),empty colon sign(OR:6.68;95%CI: 2.44–18.32;P < 0.001), continuous distribution (OR: 24.09;95%CI: 9.38–61.90;P < 0.001), accordionsign (OR: 9.02;95%CI: 1.12–72.35;P = 0.038), mucosal thickening (OR: 46.41;95%CI: 10.38–207.51;P< 0.001), and lymph node enlargement (OR: 4.39;95%CI: 1.22–15.72;P = 0.023) were significantlyassociated with bacterial colitis. At least one positive finding in four CT outcomes (submucosaledema, mucosal enhancement, continuous distribution, mucosal thickening) in summer showed ahigh probability of bacterial colitis (sensitivity, 41.67;specificity, 92.50;OR: 24.95).CONCLUSIONMDCT provides many clues that can be useful in suggesting a specific etiology of acute infectiouscolitis.

Role of multidetector computed tomography angiography in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding:A comprehensive review

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NVUGIB)is a common gastroenterological emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is currently recommended as the gold standard modality for both diagnosis and treatment,with computed tomography traditionally playing a limited role in the diagnosis of acute NVUGIB.Following the introduction of multidetector computed tomography(MDCT),this modality is emerging as a promising tool in the diagnosis of NVUGIB.However,to date,evidence concerning the role of MDCT in the NVUGIB diagnosis is still lacking.The aim of our study was to review the current evidence concerning the role of MDCT in the diagnosis of acute NVUGIB.

Abdominal crush injury in the Sichuan earthquake evaluated by multidetector computed tomography

AIM: To investigate the features of abdominal crush injuries resulting from an earthquake using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). METHODS: Fifty-one survivors with abdominal crush injuries due to the 2008 Sichuan earthquake underwent emergency non-enhanced scans with 16-row MDCT. Data were reviewed focusing on anatomic regions including lumbar vertebrae, abdominal wall soft tissue, retroperitoneum and intraperitoneal space; and types of traumatic lesions. RESULTS: Fractures of lumbar vertebrae and abdominal wall soft tissue injuries were more common than retro- and intraperitoneal injuries (P < 0.05). With regard to the 49 lumbar vertebral fractures in 24 patients, these occurred predominantly in the transverse process (P < 0.05), and 66.67% of patients (16/24) had fractures of multiple vertebrae, predominantly two vertebrae in 62.5% of patients (10/16), mainly in L1-3 vertebrae in 81.63% of the vertebrae (40/49). Retroperitoneal injuries occurred more frequently than intraperitoneal injuries (P < 0.05), and renal and liver injuries were most often seen in the retroperitoneum and in the intraperitoneal space, respectively (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Transverse process fractures in two vertebrae among L1-3 vertebrae, injury of abdominal wall soft tissue, and renal injury might be features of earthquake-related crush abdominal injury.

Role of clinical data and multidetector computed tomography findings in acute superior mesenteric artery embolism

BACKGROUND Superior mesenteric artery embolism(SMAE)has acute onset and fast progression,which seriously threatens the life of patients.Multidetector computed tomography(MDCT)is one of the most important diagnostic methods for SMAE,which plays an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of SMAE.AIM To evaluate the value of combined clinical data and MDCT findings in the diagnosis of acute SMAE and predict the risk factors for SMAE-related death.METHODS Data from 53 SMAE patients who received abdominal MDCT multi-phase enhancement and superior mesenteric artery digital subtraction angiography examinations were collected.Univariate cox regression and multivariate cox model were used to analyze the correlation between death risk and clinical and computed tomography features in SMAE patients.RESULTS Univariate Cox regression model showed that intestinal wall thinning,intestinal wall pneumatosis,blood lactate>2.1 mmol/L and blood pH<7.35 increased the risk of death in patients with SMAE.After adjusting for age,sex,embolic involvement length and embolic distribution region,multivariate Cox regression model I showed that blood lactate>2.1 mmol/L(HR=5.26,95%CI:1.04-26.69,P=0.045)and intestinal wall thinning(HR=9.40,95%CI:1.05-83.46,P=0.044)were significantly increases the risk of death in patients with SMAE.CONCLUSION For patients with SAME,increased blood lactate and intestinal wall thinning are the risk factors for death;hence,close monitoring may reduce the mortality rate.Clinical observation combined with MDCT signs can significantly improve SMAE diagnosis.

Acquired renal arteriovenous malformation:the diagnostic value of three-dimensional multidetector-row computed tomography

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of three-dimensional multidetector-row computed tomogra- phy （MDCT） in detecting acquired renal arteriovenous malformation （RAVM） and to compare its perfor- mance with that of ultrasonography and digital subtraction angiography （DSA）. Methods The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and written informed consent was obtained from all patients before examination. All 14 patients with acquired RAVM underwent MDCT, including cortical and medullary phase enhancement angiography and three-dimensional （3D） reconstruc- tion. Five and nine patients were further examined and their diagnoses confirmed by DSA and surgery, respectively. The MDCT images, including 3D reconstructions, were analyzed for RAVM independently and in consensus by two observers using a workstation. Results Among the 14 patients with acquired RAVM, 12 with maximum lesion diameter 〉 10 mm, and one with a maximum lesion diameter between 5 and 10 ram, were correctly diagnosed with MDCT angiog- raphy. Among these patients, four diagnoses were confirmed by DSA. One patient with a lesion 5-10 mm in diameter was misdiagnosed with a renal aneurysm by MDCT angiography. The other one with the maxi- mum diameter of the lesion between 5 mm and 10 mm was misdiagnosed as renal aneurysm with MDCT angiography, which was diagnosed as renal arteriovenous malformation with DSA. Among 14 lesions in 14 patients, eight and six originated in the left and right kidney, respectively. Conclusion MDCT angiography can accurately diagnose RAVM and improve our understanding of the disease, which will allow clinicians to provide better care.

Effectiveness of Multidetector Computed Tomography in Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis

Background: Redo aortic valve replacement for prosthetic valve endocarditis is a challenge for surgeons. Echocardiography is occasionally not an effective modality for the detection of infectious signs in prosthetic valve endocarditis. Case presentation: Herein, we report the case of a patient whose prosthetic valve endocarditis was detected by multidetector computed tomography and who successfully underwent redo aortic valve replacement. Preoperative echocardiography revealed no remarkable findings related to endocarditis such as perivalvular leakage or vegetation;however, multidetector computed tomography revealed a thickened right coronary cusp. Intraoperatively, the right coronary cusp was confirmed to be covered with thick infected tissue. The pathological findings revealed broad destruction due to infection of the right coronary cusp. Conclusion: Multidetector computed tomography was useful in detecting infectious signs in prosthetic valves.

Predictive value of multi-detector computed tomography for accurate diagnosis of serous cystadenoma:Radiologic-pathologic correlation

AIM： To identify multi-detector computed tomography （MDCT） features most predictive of serous cystadenomas （SCAs）, correlating with histopathology, and to study the impact of cyst size and MDCT technique on reader performance. METHODS： The MDCT scans of 164 patients with surgically verified pancreatic cystic lesions were reviewed by two readers to study the predictive value of various morphological features for establishing a diagnosis of SCAs. Accuracy in lesion characterization and reader confidence were correlated with lesion size （≤3 cm or 〉≥3 cm） and scanning protocols （dedicated vs routine）. RESULTS： 28/164 cysts （mean size, 39 mm; range, 8-92 mm） were diagnosed as SCA on pathology. The MDCT features predictive of diagnosis of SCA were microcystic appearance （22/28, 78.6%）, surface Iobulations （25/28, 89.3%） and central scar （9/28, 32.4%）. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that only microcystic appearance was significant for CT diagnosis of SCA （P = 0.0001）. The sensitivity, specificity and PPV of central scar and of combined microcystic appearance and Iobulations were 32.4%/100%/100% and 68%/100%/100%, respectively. The reader confidence was higher for lesions 〉 3 cm （P = 0.02） and for MDCT scans performed using thin collimation （1.25-2.5 mm） compared to routine 5 mm collimation exams （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Central scar on MDCT is diagnostic of SCA but is seen in only one third of SCAs. Microcystic morphology is the most significant CT feature in diagnosis of SCA. A combination of microcystic appearance and surface Iobulations offers accuracy comparable to central scar with higher sensitivity.

Computed tomography vs liver stiffness measurement and magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Computed tomography(CT),liver stiffness measurement(LSM),and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)are non-invasive diagnostic methods for esophageal varices(EV)and for the prediction of high-bleeding-risk EV(HREV)in cirrhotic patients.However,the clinical use of these methods is controversial.AIM To evaluate the accuracy of LSM,CT,and MRI in diagnosing EV and predicting HREV in cirrhotic patients.METHODS We performed literature searches in multiple databases,including Pub Med,Embase,Cochrane,CNKI,and Wanfang databases,for articles that evaluated the accuracy of LSM,CT,and MRI as candidates for the diagnosis of EV and prediction of HREV in cirrhotic patients.Summary sensitivity and specificity,positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio,diagnostic odds ratio,and the areas under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves were analyzed.The quality of the articles was assessed using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies-2 tool.Heterogeneity was examined by Q-statistic test and I2 index,and sources of heterogeneity were explored using metaregression and subgroup analysis.Publication bias was evaluated using Deek’s funnel plot.All statistical analyses were conducted using Stata12.0,Meta Disc1.4,and Rev Man5.3.RESULTS Overall,18,17,and 7 relevant articles on the accuracy of LSM,CT,and MRI in evaluating EV and HREV were retrieved.A significant heterogeneity was observed in all analyses(P<0.05).The areas under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves of LSM,CT,and MRI in diagnosing EV and predicting HREV were 0.86(95%confidence interval[CI]:0.83-0.89),0.91(95%CI:0.88-0.93),and 0.86(95%CI:0.83-0.89),and 0.85(95%CI:0.81-0.88),0.94(95%CI:0.91-0.96),and 0.83(95%CI:0.79-0.86),respectively,with sensitivities of 0.84(95%CI:0.78-0.89),0.91(95%CI:0.87-0.94),and 0.81(95%CI:0.76-0.86),and 0.81(95%CI:0.75-0.86),0.88(95%CI:0.82-0.92),and 0.80(95%CI:0.72-0.86),and specificities of 0.71(95%CI:0.60-0.80),0.75(95%CI:0.68-0.82),and 0.82(95%CI:0.70-0.89),and 0.73(95%CI:0.66-0.80),0.87(95%CI:0.81-0.92),and 0.72(95%CI:0.62-0.80),respectively.The corresponding positive likelihood ratios were 2.91,3.67,and 4.44,and 3.04,6.90,and2.83;the negative likelihood ratios were 0.22,0.12,and 0.23,and 0.26,0.14,and 0.28;the diagnostic odds ratios were 13.01,30.98,and 19.58,and 11.93,49.99,and 10.00.CT scanner is the source of heterogeneity.There was no significant difference in diagnostic threshold effects(P>0.05)or publication bias(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Based on the meta-analysis of observational studies,it is suggested that CT imaging,a non-invasive diagnostic method,is the best choice for the diagnosis of EV and prediction of HREV in cirrhotic patients compared with LSM and MRI.

Computed tomography of Crohn's disease:The role of three dimensional technique

Crohn's disease,a transmural inflammatory bowel disease,remains a difficult entity to diagnose clinically.Over the last decade,multidetector computed tomography(CT) has become the method of choice for noninvasive evaluation of the small bowel,and has proved to be of significant value in the diagnosis of Crohn's disease.Advancements in CT enterography protocol design,three dimensional(3-D) post-processing software,and CT scanner technology have allowed increasing accuracy in diagnosis,and the acquisition of studies at a much lower radiation dose.The cases in this review will illustrate that the use of 3-D technique,proper enterography protocol design,and a detailed understanding of the different manifestations of Crohn's disease are all critical in properly diagnosing the full range of possible complications in Crohn's patients.In particular,CT enterography has proven to be effective in identifying involvement of the small and large bowel(including active inflammation,stigmata of chronic inflammation,and Crohn's-related bowel neoplasia) by Crohn's disease,as well as the extra-enteric manifestations of the disease,including fistulae,sinus tracts,abscesses,and urologic/hepatobiliary/osseous complications.Moreover,the proper use of 3-D technique(including volume rendering and maximum intensity projection) as a routine component of enterography interpretation can play a vital role in improving diagnostic accuracy.