Association between the nutritional status and radiation pharyngeal mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer during radiotherapy:A longitudinal study

Objective Radiation mucositis,especially pharyngeal mucositis,severely affects the oral intake of patients of head and neck cancer(HNC)during radiotherapy.Whether the nutritional status affects the severity of pharyngeal mucositis is currently unknown.This study investigated the incidence of malnutrition and radiation pharyngeal mucositis in patients with HNC during radiotherapy and analyzed the impact of the nutritional status on radiation pharyngeal mucositis.Methods Consecutive patients with HNC receiving radiotherapy were recruited for this longitudinal observational study.Data were collected at baseline(T_(1)),midtreatment(T_(2)),and at the end of treatment(T3).The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 and the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria were used to assess pharyngeal mucositis and the nutritional status,respectively.Results There were 348 HNC patients who completed all assessments.The pharyngeal mucositis of patients with HNC was aggravated during radiotherapy(χ^(2)=553.521,P<0.001).At T3,56.0%of patients had moderate or severe pharyngeal mucositis.The proportion of patients with malnutrition increased significantly during treatment(21.3%at T_(1)vs 46.8%at T_(2)vs 76.1%at T3,χ^(2)=209.768,P<0.001).Both a multivariable analysis of generalized estimating equations and a logistic regression analysis showed that pharyngeal mucositis was associated with malnutrition.Conclusions Malnutrition was common in patients with HNC during radiotherapy,and it was closely related to pharyngeal mucositis.Joint interventions targeting nutrition and symptom management should be considered for patients with HNC.

Application of positron emission tomography/computed tomography in radiation treatment planning for head and neck cancers

18-fluorodeoxygluocose positron emission tomography/computed tomography(18FDG-PET/CT) provides significant information in multiple settings in the management of head and neck cancers(HNC). This article seeks to define the additional benefit of PET/CT as related to radiation treatment planning for squamous cell carcinomas(SCCs) of the head and neck through a review of relevant literature. By helping further define both primary and nodal volumes, radiation treatment planning can be improved using PET/CT. Special attention is paid to the independent benefit of PET/CT in targeting mucosal primaries as well as in detecting nodal metastases. The utility of PET/CT is also explored for treatment planning in the setting of SCC of unknown primary as PET/CT may help define a mucosal target volume by guiding biopsies for examination under anesthesia thus changing the treatment paradigm and limiting the extent of therapy. Implications of the use of PET/CT for proper target delineation in patients with artifact from dental procedures are discussed and the impact of dental artifact on CT-based PET attenuation correction is assessed. Finally, comment is made upon the role of PET/CT in the high-risk post-operative setting, particularly in the context of radiation dose escalation. Real case examples are used in these settings to elucidate the practical benefits of PET/CT as related to radiation treatment planning in HNCs.

Knowledge of radiation exposure associated with common trauma imaging modalities among orthopaedic surgeons,emergency medicine physicians,and general surgeons in the United States

BACKGROUND:Few contemporary studies have assessed physicians’knowledge of radiation exposure associated with common imaging studies,especially in trauma care.The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of physicians involved in caring for trauma patients regarding the effective radiation doses of musculoskeletal(MSK)imaging studies routinely utilized in the trauma setting.METHODS:An electronic survey was distributed to United States orthopaedic surgery,general surgery,and emergency medicine(EM)residency programs.Participants were asked to estimate the radiation dose for common imaging modalities of the pelvis,lumbar spine,and lower extremity,in terms of chest X-ray(CXR)equivalents.Physician estimates were compared to the true effective radiation doses.Additionally,participants were asked to report the frequency of discussing radiation risk with patients.RESULTS:A total of 218 physicians completed the survey;102(46.8%)were EM physicians,88(40.4%)wereorthopaedicsurgeons,and28(12.8%)weregeneralsurgeons.Physicians underestimated the effective radiation doses of nearly all imaging modalities,most notably for pelvic computed tomaography(CT)(median 50 CXR estimation vs.162 CXR actual)and lumbar CT(median 50 CXR estimation vs.638 CXR actual).There was no difference between physician specialties regarding estimation accuracy(P=0.133).Physicians who regularly discussed radiation risks with patients more accurately estimated radiation exposure(P=0.007).CONCLUSION:The knowledge among orthopaedic and general surgeons and EM physicians regarding the radiation exposure associated with common MSK trauma imaging is lacking.Further investigation with larger scale studies is warranted,and additional education in this area may improve care.

Impaired swallowing mechanics of post radiation therapy head and neck cancer patients: A retrospective videofluoroscopic study

AIM: To determine swallowing outcomes and hyolaryngeal mechanics associated with post radiation therapy head and neck cancer(rt HNC) patients using videofluoroscopic swallow studies. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, video-fluoroscopic images of rt HNC patients(n = 21) were compared with age and gender matched controls(n = 21). Penetration-aspiration of the bolus and bolus residue were measured as swallowing outcome variables. Timing and displacement measurements of the anterior and posterior muscular slings elevating the hyolaryngeal complex were acquired. Coordinate data of anatomical landmarks mapping the action of the anterior muscles(suprahyoid muscles) and posterior muscles(long pharyngeal muscles) were used to calculate the distance measurements, and slice numbers were used to calculate time intervals. Canonical variate analysis with post-hoc discriminant function analysis was performed on coordinate data to determine multivariate mechanics of swallowing associated with treatment. Pharyngeal constriction ratio(PCR) was also measured to determine if weak pharyngeal constriction is associated with post radiation therapy.RESULTS: The rt HNC group was characterized by poor swallowing outcomes compared to the control group in regards to: Penetration-aspiration scale(P < 0.0001), normalized residue ratio scale(NRRS) for the valleculae(P = 0.002) and NRRS for the piriform sinuses(P = 0.003). Timing and distance measurements of the anterior muscular sling were not significantly different in the two groups, whereas for the PMS time of displacement was abbreviated(P = 0.002) and distance of excursion was reduced(P = 0.02) in the rt HNC group. A canonical variate analysis shows a significant reduction in pharyngeal mechanics in the rt HNC group(P < 0.0001). The PCR was significantly higher in the test group than the control group(P = 0.0001) indicating reduced efficiency in pharyngeal clearance. CONCLUSION: Using videofluoroscopy, this study shows rt HNC patients have worse swallowing outcomes associated with reduced hyolaryngeal mechanics and pharyngeal constriction compared with controls.

The Reproducibility of Patient Setup for Head and Neck Cancers Treated with Image-Guided and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapies Using Thermoplastic Immobilization Device

The reproducibility of patient setup is an important issue for head and neck cancers treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). In this study, an image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) system has been used to minimize the uncertainty of patient setup while standard thermoplastic masks were used to provide adequate immobilization for the head and neck. However, they do not provide sufficient immobilization of the shoulders, which is an important requirement in comprehensive nodal irradiation. Therefore, we investigated the setup and rotational shifts in head and neck cancer patients undergoing IMRT for which this immobilization device had been used together with an IGRT system. The setup and rotational shifts of patients were analyzed using the ExacTrac X-ray 6D IGRT system. The patients were classified as having head and neck tumors in the upper or lower regions. The upper neck nodes included lymph nodal level II while the lower neck nodes included lymph nodal levels III and IV. Clinical data from 227 treatment sessions of 12 head and neck cancer patients were analyzed. The random translational error in inter-and intra-fraction errors of the anterio-posterior (AP) direction might influence the rotational errors of pitch and roll in the upper region. At the same time, the random translational error in the inter-and intra-fraction errors of the AP direction might influence the rotational error of roll in the lower region. We believe that these random translational errors should be considered during treatment. We found variability in random translational errors for different regions in the anatomy of head and neck cancer patients due to rotational shifts. Depending on the location of the primary lesion or the selected nodal treatment targets, these relative positional variations should be considered when setup and rotational shifts are corrected with IGRT systems before treatment.

Regenerative Surgery for the Rehabilitation of a Patient after Surgery and Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Case Report

Oral cancer is usually treated combining surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, following effective therapeutic protocols. Severe maxillary and mandibular bone atrophy resulting after therapies are usually treated with autologous bone grafting procedures even though these techniques often present a significant risk of postoperative complications and disadvantages. We describe the case of a 59-year-old woman presenting severe bone defect after being treated with surgery and radiotherapy for recurrent oral verrucous squamous cell carcinoma. We performed bone regeneration using Platelet-Derived Growth Factors (PDGF) in combination with autologous bone chips. Our procedure of bone regeneration allowed the placement of dental implants and the achievement of a good aesthetic and functional result. Regenerative surgery may enable the regeneration of substantial bone defects. Moreover, PDGF application decreases the risk of implant failure in irradiated patients.

Rupture of carotid artery pseudoaneurysm in the modern era of definitive chemoradiation for head and neck cancer:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Carotid blowout syndrome(CBS)is a rupture of the carotid artery and is mainly caused by radiation and resection of head and neck cancers or direct tumor invasion of the carotid artery wall.It is a life-threatening clinical situation.There is no established and effective mode of management of CBS.Furthermore,there is no established preceding sign or symptom;therefore,preventive efforts are not clinically meaningful.CASE SUMMARY We described two cases of CBS that occurred in patients with head and neck cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy(CRT)using three-dimensional conformal intensity-modulated radiation therapy.Two men aged 61 and 56 years with locally advanced head and neck cancer were treated with definitive CRT.After completing CRT,both of them achieved complete remission.Subsequently,they had persistent severe pain in the oropharyngeal mucosal region and the irradiated neck despite the use of opioid analgesics and rehabilitation for relief of contracted skin.However,continuous follow-up imaging studies showed no evidence of cancer recurrence.Eleven to twelve months after completing CRT,the patients visited the emergency room complaining about massive oronasal bleeding.Angiograms showed rupture of carotid artery pseudoaneurysms on the irradiated side.Despite attempting to secure hemostasis with carotid arterial stent insertion and coil embolization,both patients died because of repeated bleeding from the pseudoaneurysms.CONCLUSION In patients with persistent pain in irradiated sites,clinicians should be suspicious of progressing or impending CBS,even in the three-dimensional conformal intensity-modulated radiation therapy era.

Histopathological Evidence for Irradiation Angiopathy in Head and Neck Cancer

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of cervical angiopathy caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Methods: Segments of 57 cervical arteries were obtained during surgery for head and neck malignant tumors and divided into two groups (irradiated group and non-irradiated group) based on the treatment prior to vascular resection. In order to evaluate vascular injury after radiation therapy, we examined the degree of medial atrophy, medial fibrosis, smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation in the media and intima, intimal hyperplasia and endothelial cell (EC) injury. Sections of arterial segments were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Elastica van Gieson and Masson’s trichrome, and immunohistochemistry for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), smoothelin, S100A4 and CD31 in the resected vessels was conducted. Results: The median interval between the completion of radiation therapy and vascular resection was nine months. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of medial atrophy, medial fibrosis and intimal hyperplasia. The ratio of the smoothelin-positive area per α-SMA-positive area in the media and the S100A4-positive proportion in the intima, indicating the degree of differentiation of the medial SMC and dedifferentiation of the intimal SMC, respectively, showed no significant differences, despite the tendency toward a lower smoothelin-positive area per α-SMA-positive area in the media of the irradiated arteries. The EC coverage revealed on CD31 immunohistochemistry was significantly decreased, with mural thrombus adhesion, in the irradiated group. Conclusions: The ECs of small arteries are damaged by irradiation. Although we did not confirm the statistical significance of medial SMC dedifferentiation, a decreased expression of smoothelin tended to be observed in the media of the irradiated arteries. Our findings provide histopathological evidence of irradiation angiopathy in head and neck cancer and may help to improve the surgical safety of microvascular anastomosis and determine the treatment strategy for head and neck tumors.

Radiation-Induced Spinal Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Rare Complication in the Management of Head and Neck Cancer

Background: Radiation-induced gliomas of the spinal cord are rare late complications of spinal cord irradiation that typically occur in patients treated at younger ages. Aim: Raise awareness of radiation induced high grade gliomas with a case presentation and a review of the literature. Case Presentation: A 50-year-old male with Stage IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx was treated with external beam radiotherapy with a complete response. Seven years later, he presented with a cervical spinal cord mass on MRI. An open biopsy was performed. Pathology revealed an intramedullary WHO grade IV astrocytoma, (i.e., glioblastoma multiforme) of the cervical spine that fulfilled the criteria for a radiation-induced malignancy. Conclusions : Review of the literature suggests that radiation-induced gliomas tend to be high grade and may occur at the periphery of an irradiated field. Radiation-induced gliomas of the spinal cord are a serious complication of radiotherapy that may occur in older patients with head and neck cancers, but are so rare that it should not affect treatment decisions.

Thermodynamic Head Loss in a Channel with Combined Radiation and Convection Heat Transfer

Losses in channel flows are usually determined using a frictional head loss parameter. Fluid friction is however not the only source of loss in channel flows with heat transfer. For such flow problems, thermal energy degradation, in addition to mechanical energy degradation, add to the total loss in thermodynamic head. To assess the total loss in a channel with combined convection and radiation heat transfer, the conventional frictional head loss parameter is extended in this study. The analysis is applied to a 3D turbulent channel flow and identifies the critical locations in the flow domain where the losses are concentrated. The influence of Boltzmann number is discussed, and the best channel geometry for flows with combined heat transfer modes is also determined.

Long-term outcomes of interventions for radiation-induced xerostomia:A review

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a significant problem affecting quality of life in patients treated with radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Strategies for reduction of xerostomia burden vary widely, with options including: sialagogue medications, saliva substitutes, acupuncture, vitamins, hyperbaric oxygen,submandibular gland transfer, and acupuncture or associated treatments. In this review, we sought to evaluate long-term outcomes of patients treated with various interventions for radiation-induced xerostomia. A literature search was performed using the terms "xerostomia" and "radiation" or "radiotherapy"; all prospective clinical trials were evaluated, and only studies that reported 1 year follow up were included. The search results yielded 2193 studies, 1977 of which were in English. Of those, 304 were clinical trials or clinical studies. After abstract review, 23 trials were included in the review evaluating the following treatment modalities: pilocarpine(three); cevimeline(one); amifostine(eleven);submandibular gland transfer(five); acupuncture like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(ALTENS)(one); hyperbaric oxygen(one); and acupuncture(one). Pilocarpine, cevimeline, and amifostine have been shown in some studies to improve xerostomia outcomes, at the cost of toxicity. ALTENS has similar efficacy with fewer side effects. Submandibular gland transfer is effective but requires an elective surgery, and thus may not always be appropriate or practical.The use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy, in addition to dose deescalation in select patients, may result in fewer patients with late xerostomia,reducing the need for additional interventions.

Influencing factors of rat small intestinal epithelial cell cultivation and effects of radiation on cell proliferation

INTRODUCTIONCrypt epithelial cells in normal small intestineproliferate at a high speed. But they are verydifficult to culture in vitro and passage stably. A lotof studies have been done[1-16]. Some domestic labsisolated and cultured crypt cells from embryonalintestines and aseptic animal intestine, but failed.We introduced normal rat epithelial cell line-IEC-6from the USA and its living condition for stablepassage was successfully established after trials. Thecell line was testified to be the small intestinalepithelial cell by electron microscopy,immunihistochemistry and enzymatic histoch-emistry. It has been applied to some relatedresearch work[17-21]. It was found that manyfactors were involved in the culture system. Ourpresent study focuses on the culture method and theinfluencing factors on IEC-6.

A Retrospective Match Controlled Study of Supersaturated Calcium Phosphate Oral Rinse vs. Supportive Care for Radiation Induced Oral Mucositis

Oral mucositis is a common morbidity induced by radiation therapy and chemo-radiotherapy for head and neck malignancies. This often results in treatment delays, premature treatment cessation and increased cost. New treatments of oral mucositis are emerging but effective remedies remain limited. Between February 2007 and May 2008, 21 patients with head and neck malignancies were treated with a supersaturated calcium phosphate oral rinse (Caphosol) that was performed for 4-10 times daily, each consisting of two one-minute rinses. There were 21 matched patients who received supportive care without the oral rinse. All patients in the two groups were treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for average prescription doses of 66 Gy in 33 fractions. The effects of this rinse vs. supportive care on mucositis, PEG tube requirements, hospitalization, xerostomia, analgesic requirements and weight was respectively evaluated. We have observed statistically significant decreases in the incidence of radiation induced oral mucositis (p=0.0002) with WHO grade 3 (38% vs. 52%) and 4 mucositis (0% vs. 19%), need for PEG tube placement (33% vs. 57%) and hospitalization (0% vs 19%). There was also a favorable impact on the incidence of grade 3 (29% vs. 43%) xerostomia in the treated patients but it was statistically insignificant (p=0.58). Incremental costs related to treatment of oral mucositis were reduced considerably. Our data suggest that use of a supersaturated calcium phosphate oral rinse is an effective treatment for mucositis in patients undergoing IMRT. It may also be helpful in the reduction of hospitalization and PEG tube requirements.

Prospective Study of Low-and Standard-dose Chest CT for Pulmonary Nodule Detection:A Comparison of Image Quality,Size Measurements and Radiation Exposure

Objective:To comprehensively and accurately analyze the out-performance of low-dose chest CT(LDCT)vs.standard-dose CT(SDCT).Methods:The image quality,size measurements and radiation exposure for LDCT and SDCT protocols were evaluated.A total of 117 patients with extra-thoracic malignancies were prospectively enrolled for non-enhanced CT scanning using LDCT and SDCT protocols.Three experienced radiologists evaluated subjective image quality independently using a 5-point score system.Nodule detection efficiency was compared between LDCT and SDCT based on nodule characteristics(size and volume).Radiation metrics and organ doses were analyzed using Radimetrics.Results:The images acquired with the LDCT protocol yielded comparable quality to those acquired with the SDCT protocol.The sensitivity of LDCT for the detection of pulmonary nodules(n=650)was lower than that of SDCT(n=660).There was no significant difference in the diameter and volume of pulmonary nodules between LDCT and SDCT(for BMI<22 kg/m^(2),4.37 vs.4.46 mm,and 43.66 vs.46.36 mm^(3);for BMI>22 kg/m^(2),4.3 vs.4.41 mm,and 41.66 vs.44.86 mm^(3))(P>0.05).The individualized volume CT dose index(CTDI_(vol)),the size specific dose estimate and effective dose were significantly reduced in the LDCT group compared with the SDCT group(all P<0.0001).This was especially true for dose-sensitive organs such as the lung(for BMI<22 kg/m^(2),2.62 vs.12.54 mSV,and for BMI>22 kg/m^(2),1.62 vs.9.79 mSV)and the breast(for BMI<22 kg/m^(2),2.52 vs.10.93 mSV,and for BMI>22 kg/m^(2),1.53 vs.9.01 mSV)(P<0.0001).Conclusion:These results suggest that with the increases in image noise,LDCT and SDCT exhibited a comparable image quality and sensitivity.The LDCT protocol for chest scans may reduce radiation exposure by about 80% compared to the SDCT protocol.

Treatment Recommendations among Radiation Oncologists in the Treatment of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Perineural Invasion

Purpose: Post-operative radiotherapy (PORT) for resected cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) with perineural invasion (PNI) is controversial. Therefore, we conducted a survey to review treatment recommendations among Radiation Oncologists (ROs) in the management of CSCC with PNI. Materials & Methods: In March 2011, we contacted all ROs and trainees in the US through email addresses listed in the 2009 ASTRO directory. Our web-based survey presented clinical vignettes involving Mohs micrographically resected CSCC with microscopic PNI (mPNI) or clinical PNI (cPNI). For each vignette, ROs were asked to indicate if PORT was appropriate and to further specify the dose and volume to treat. Results: Three hundred fifty two responses were completed and analyzed. The majority of ROs (72%) had over 10 years of post residency experience. 64% of the sampled ROs had a special interest in treating head and neck cancers, and 64% treated 4 or more cases per year. Approximately 95% recommended PORT for cPNI whereas 59% recommended PORT for mPNI. Post residency experience (10+ yrs vs. <10 yrs) was associated with a greater propensity to recommend PORT for mPNI (48% vs. 30%, p = 0.005) and for mPNI of deep subcutaneous non-named nerve involvement (80% vs. 60%, p = 0.001). ROs treating 8 or more cases per year (vs. <7) were more likely to recommend PORT for mPNI in immunocompromised patients (74% vs. 57%, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates significant variability among ROs in the management of CSCC with mPNI. For cases of cPNI, an overwhelming majority recommended PORT. In cases of mPNI, there was no consensus for recommending PORT, although experienced practitioners had a lower threshold for offering treatment. These results indicate the need for prospective clinical studies to clarify the role of PORT in CSCC patients with mPNI.

The effect of pitch and collimation on radiation dose in spiral CT

Measurements of radiation dose to patients in spiral computed tomography (CT) were completed for various collimations,table speeds and pitch. A standard CT head dosimetry phantom and thermoluminescent dosime- ters (TLD) were used for the measurement. The effect of collimation and pitch on radiation dose was studied. The results indicated that the radiation dose at the given tube current,voltage and rotation speed was inversely propor- tional to pitch. And the increasing times of dose were as decreasing times of pitch. This regular pattern was tenable for radiation dose at both central holes and peripheral holes of the phantom at pitch = 1,>1 and <1. The collimation had no impact on the radiation dose. The results also indicated that radiation dose at central holes was nearly equal to that at peripheral holes. There was no significant difference between them statistically. The study demonstrates that the pitch in spiral CT scans is the primary parameter and has significant impact on radiation dose.

深度学习迭代重建算法优化儿童头颅CT图像噪声和图像纹理的可行性

目的评价深度学习迭代重建(DLIR)算法与常规自适应迭代重建(ASIR-V)算法对儿童头颅外伤CT图像噪声和图像纹理的优化程度及图像显示效果的差异。资料与方法回顾性选取2020年12月7—11日首都医科大学附属北京儿童医院影像中心80例儿童头颅CT,扫描方案为低辐射剂量轴扫,电压120 kV,电流150~220 mA。将得到的原始数据重建为5 mm厚层与0.625 mm薄层的脑窗、骨窗图像,分别重建为50%ASIR-V、高权重DLIR图像(DL-H),共8组图像。应用4分制主观评价脑沟脑室、脑灰白质与颅骨显示情况,并统计各组图像的病变数量;客观评价测量基底节层面的灰质和白质的CT值和噪声值,并计算对比噪声比,同时在同层面测量模糊程度指数,比较两种图像重建方法的差异。结果相较于50%ASIR-V图像,2种层厚的DL-H均可以提升脑沟脑室、脑实质显示能力(W=5.5~22.2,P均<0.05),5 mm的50%ASIR-V与0.625 mm的DL-H图像脑沟脑室、脑实质显示能力差异无统计学意义(W=0.9、2.0,P=0.32、0.05)。骨质显示能力方面,所有图像均可以达到满分4.0分。5 mm的50%ASIR-V与DL-H图像均可以在80例患者中发现共35处病变,包括出血病变12处,颅内积气1处,骨折9处,头皮软组织肿胀13处。客观评分方面,DL-H图像噪声低于50%ASIR-V图像(t=21.4~35.7,P均<0.05),0.625 mm的DL-H与5 mm的50%ASIR-V图像噪声及对比噪声比差异无统计学意义(t=1.7~2.2,P均≥0.05)。模糊程度指数显示DL-H优于50%ASIR-V图像(t=6.1、10.0,P均<0.05),0.625 mm的DL-H与5 mm的50%ASIR-V模糊程度指数差异无统计学意义(t=2.6,P=0.28)。结论DLIR可以降低图像噪声,改善图像纹理,整体提升儿童头颅外伤CT图像质量,0.625 mm的DL-H图像质量接近5 mm的50%ASIR-V图像,可以达到诊断要求,使进一步降低儿童头颅外伤的辐射剂量成为可能。

冠状动脉CTA成像技术中KV值与体质量的关系研究

目的本研究旨在探讨低管电压扫描在冠脉CTA成像技术中KV值与体质量的关系。方法选取疑似为冠状动脉疾病患者120例为研究对象,所有患者均行冠状动脉CTA检查。根据KV值不同分为三组:A组120 KV(45例);B组100 KV(45例);C组80 KV(30例)。并将各组患者按体质量不同分为分为<70 kg、70~85kg、>85kg三个级别,C组不设>85kg级别。所有患者使用的对比剂为碘普罗胺(370 mgI/m1)。比较各组各个体质量级别的图像质量和有效辐射剂量。结果除80KV组70~85kg级别出现2分外,其余各组各级别患者图像质量主观评分均≥3分,A、B组中>85kg级别和C组70~85kg级别评分较低,与其他组评分差别明显。同样是≤70 kg体质量患者在不同KV组其血管CT值差异明显,均有统计学意义(均P<0.001)。同样是70~85kg体质量级别患者在不同KV组其血管CT值差异明显,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.001)。同样是>85kg体质量级别患者在不同KV组其血管CT值差异明显,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.001)。B组>85kg级别和C组70~85kg级别的SNR和CNR均较其他组降低,图像质量较差。同样<70 kg级别在100KV组比120KV组ED减少42.4%,80KV组比120KV组减少68.3%(P<0.001);同样是70~85kg级别在100KV组比在120KV组的ED减少40.4%,在80KV组比在120组ED减少68.3%(P<0.001);同样是>85kg级别在100KV组的ED比在120KV组减少40.8%(P<0.001)。结论在冠状动脉CTA成像,体质量≤70 kg的患者应用80 KV剂量、体质量70~85kg的患者应用100 KV剂量可获得与120 KV剂量相当的图像质量,而且可有效减少辐射剂量。

深度学习重建算法在超重者低剂量骶髂关节CT中的价值

目的探索基于深度学习重建算法的低剂量CT检查在评价超重者骶髂关节病变中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析2017年3月—2023年5月于我院行骶髂关节CT检查的超重者(BMI≥24 kg/m2)。依据扫描条件分为常规剂量组(SDCT)、低剂量组(LDCT)和超低剂量组(ULDCT)。SDCT图像由混合迭代重建(HIR)算法重建,LDCT和ULDCT由深度学习重建(DLR)算法重建。测量并计算三组图像的噪声、第一骶椎信噪比(SNR)及对比信噪比(CNR)。采用五分制评分法对三组图像整体图像质量及骶髂关节病变特征显示进行主观评价。采用单因素或Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA检验比较三组患者的辐射剂量与图像质量。结果LDCT和ULDCT组的有效辐射剂量为(1.01±0.07)mSv、(0.43±0.02)mSv,相较于SDCT组[(1.49±0.10)mSv]降低了32.2%和71.1%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。噪声、骶椎SNR和CNR在三组间有统计学差异(P<0.001),LDCT组噪声(25.05±2.75)低于ULDCT组(31.26±3.51)和SDCT组(51.25±1.59),LDCT组SNR和CNR(10.38±0.56和7.92±0.50)高于ULDCT组和SDCT组(8.27±0.60和6.71±0.49、4.70±0.23和3.55±0.20),组间比较差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。LDCT组图像整体评分高于SDCT组和ULDCT组(P=0.001、0.018),后两组整体评分无统计学差异(P=0.364);DLR-LDCT组对关节面骨质破坏、关节面间隙狭窄或增宽、关节面下骨质囊变等病变特征显示的评分高于HIR-SDCT组(P均<0.05)。结论在超重者中,应用DLR算法能改善低剂量和超低剂量骶髂关节CT的图像质量,优化病变特征的显示,降低辐射剂量。

心律不齐患者自适应前瞻性心电触发窄窗冠状动脉CT血管成像扫描的可行性

目的分析心律不齐患者行冠状动脉CT血管成像检查中采用前瞻性心电触发扫描的应用效果。资料与方法前瞻性选择2017年5月—2020年5月首都医科大学宣武医院收诊的心律不齐患者124例,随机分为两组,对照组58例采用回顾性心电门控冠状动脉检查;研究组66例采用前瞻性心电触发扫描,比较两组诊断结果、图像质量评分、对比剂用量和辐射剂量情况。结果两组诊断准确率均在95%以上,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);研究组患者左前降支、左回旋支、右冠状动脉图像质量与对照组一致,平均主观评分分别为4.16比4.07、3.98比4.22、4.03比4.01,但对比剂用量、有效辐射剂量均明显低于对照组,分别减少29%和39%,差异均有统计学意义(t=32.811、9.119,P=0.001)。结论对于心律不齐患者,前瞻性心电触发扫描窄窗技术保证冠状动脉成像的图像质量,与常规回顾式扫描诊断准确性相当,同时能提高检查安全性,减少辐射剂量。