OBJECTIVE: To build a helical CT projection data restoration model at random low-dose levels. METHODS: We used a noise estimation module to achieve noise estimation and obtained a low-dose projection noise variance map, which was used to guide projection data recovery by the projection data restoration module. A filtering back-projection algorithm (FBP) was finally used to reconstruct the images. The 3D wavelet group residual dense network (3DWGRDN) was adopted to build the network architecture of the noise estimation and projection data restoration module using asymmetric loss and total variational regularization. For validation of the model, 1/10 and 1/15 of normal dose helical CT images were restored using the proposed model and 3 other restoration models (IRLNet, REDCNN and MWResNet), and the results were visually and quantitatively compared. RESULTS: Quantitative comparisons of the restored images showed that the proposed helical CT projection data restoration model increased the structural similarity index by 5.79% to 17.46% compared with the other restoration algorithms (P < 0.05). The image quality scores of the proposed method rated by clinical radiologists ranged from 7.19% to 17.38%, significantly higher than the other restoration algorithms (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The proposed method can effectively suppress noises and reduce artifacts in the projection data at different low-dose levels while preserving the integrity of the edges and fine details of the reconstructed CT images.
Algorithms ; Artifacts ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods*

OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively analyze image quality of two sets of phantom (CatPhan504 and Cheese) Megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) images acquired by Helical Tomotherapy with three scanning modes (Fine, Normal and Coarse), and to explore and validate a semi-automatic quality assurance procedure for MVCT images of Helical Tomotherapy. METHODS: On Helical Tomotherapy, CatPan504 and Cheese phantoms were scanned with three pitch levels (Fine, Normal, Coarse: 4 mm, 8 mm, 12 mm/circle) respectively. Pylinac, Matlab and Eclipse were used to calculate and compare spatial resolution, noise level and low contrast resolution of images obtained under three scanning modes respectively. The spatial resolution can be evaluated by the blurring of line-pair CT value in the images of CatPhan504's CTP528 module. The noise level can be evaluated by the integral non-uniformity in the images of Cheese's uniformity module. the low contrast resolution can be evaluated by contrast-to-noise ratio of both phantoms' plug-in module, or visibility of the region of interest (Supra-Slice) in the images of CatPhan504's CTP515 module. RESULTS: Analyses on CatPhan504's line pair module(CTP528 module) showed that the first three line pairs(the gap size are 0.500 cm, 0.250 cm and 0.167 cm respectively) could be clearly observed but blurring began to occur from the fourth line pair(the gap size is 0.125 cm) under Coarse mode. Meanwhile, the first four line pairs were all observable under the Normal and Fine modes. Integral non-integrity index(the value negatively correlated with the noise level) were 0.155 7, 0.136 8 and 0.122 9 for Coarse, Normal and Fine modes respectively. None of the Supra-Slice in CatPhan504's CTP515 module could be observed under three imaging modes. Low contrast contrast-to-noise ratio of Cheese phantom was similar under three modes and the insert visibility exhibited nearly linear growth with the increasing difference between CT average value of the insert material and background. CONCLUSION Superiority and inferiority of three image modes in terms of the three image quality index was not consistent. Evaluation results above could provide reference for more rational decision on scanning modes selection of helical tomotherapy, which was based on image visualization demands in clinical practice. The proposed method could also provide guidance for similar image quality assessment and periodic quality assurance.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Phantoms, Imaging ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

PURPOSE: To evaluate the quantitative accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) images by means of comparing distance measurements on the 3D images with direct measurements of dry human skull according to slice thickness and scanning modes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observer directly measured the distance of 21 line items between 12 orthodontic landmarks on the skull surface using a digital vernier caliper and each was repeated five times. The dry human skull was scanned with a Helical CT with various slice thickness (3, 5, 7 mm) and acquisition modes (Conventional and Helical). The same observer measured corresponding distance of the same items on reconstructed 3D images with the internal program of V-works 4.0 TM (Cybermed Inc., Seoul, Korea). The quantitative accuracy of distance measurements were statistically evaluated with Wilcoxons' two-sample test. RESULTS: 11 line items in Conventional 3 mm, 8 in Helical 3 mm, 11 in Conventional 5 mm, 10 in Helical 5 mm, 5 in Conventional 7 mm and 9 in Helical 7 mm showed no statistically significant difference. Average difference between direct measurements and measurements on 3D CT images was within 2 mm in 19 line items of Conventional 3 mm, 20 of Helical 3 mm, 15 of Conventional 5 mm, 18 of Helical 5 mm, 11 of Conventional 7 mm and 16 of Helical 7 mm. CONCLUSION: Considering image quality and patient's exposure time, scanning protocol of Helical 5 mm is recommended for 3D image analysis of the skull in CT.
Cephalometry ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional* ; Seoul ; Skull* ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

PURPOSE: Most hepatic metastases are hypovascular, and CT scanning during peak hepatic enhancement is thusimportant for the detection of hepatic lesions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether images obtainedby bolus tracking show greater hepatic enhancement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 101 patientswho underwent helical CT of the abdomen, using either a fixed 60-sec delay(n=50) or bolus tracking (n=51). For thelatter, we used a hepatic enhancement threshold of 50HU over baseline on monitor phase to determine a 6-sec delaybetween the monitor and diagnostic scanning phase. For all patients, three region-of-interest measurements wererecorded, one at each of the upper, middle, and lower levels of the liver; the measurements were averaged andsubtracted from the baseline density that measured CT values in three different hepatic segments at the mid-levelof the liver. We compared mean enhancement above the baseline of the liver between fixed 60-sec delay and bolustracking. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in the enhancement level of the liver (upper, p=.001;middle, p=.001; lower, p=.003) was noted between fixed 60-sec delay (upper, 65.3+/-16HU; middle, 67.4+/-16.5HU;lower, 68.5(19.4HU) and bolus tracking (upper, 75.2+/-15.5HU; middle, 74.4+/-13.7HU;lower, 75.6+/-13.6HU). With fixeddelay, 86% of patients reached 50HU of enhancement, but with bolus tracking, 98% reached this level. For onenhancement value of 60HU, the corresponding figures were 64% and 86%. Mean delay for the transition betweenmonitoring scans and diagnostic scan initiation was 63.8+/-7.9(range, 48-79)secs. For two patients in whom theenhancement curve did not reach threshold (50HU), the default time was 70 sec; one subsequently failed to reachthis same threshold. CONCLUSION: Using the same amounts of contrast material, bolus tracking provides a greaterlevel of hepatic enhancement than a fixed 60-ses delay, and is thus helpful for the detection of hypovascularmasses such as metastatic lesions.
Abdomen ; Humans ; Liver ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prospective Studies ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Congenital bronchial atresia is a rare anomaly, which results from a congenital focal obliteration of a proximal segmental or subsegmental bronchus, with normal development of the distal structures. The short atretic segment leads to the accumulation of mucus within the distal bronchi, forming a bronchocele and air trapping of the alveoli supplied by these bronchi. The diagnostic CT features include the presence of a branching opacity and the bronchocele, which radiate from the hilum and are surrounded by an area of hyperlucency.
Bronchi ; Bronchial Diseases ; Mucus ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

STUDY DESIGN: A study on the development of an algorithm to enhance computed tomographic images. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop an approach to reduce the metal artifact that appears around pedicle screws, and thus to facilitate the evaluation of pedicle screw positions on CT scan images. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Metal artifact caused by pedicle screws significantly reduces the interpretability of computed tomography images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We describe the development of an algorithm that processes CT scan images on a personal computer using a digital image enhancement technique. The algorithm improves CT images by transforming image pixel values using a proper transformation curve that takes into account the characteristic distribution pattern of metal artifact caused by pedicle screws made of titanium alloys. We implemented this algorithm in a program that reconstructs the resulting images in arbitrary planes and in axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. The software was tested with spiral CT scan images of 38 patients containing 190 pedicle screws. RESULTS: In all test cases, our algorithm generated images with less metal artifact, better soft tissue visualization and clearer screw outlines than conventional bone setting. In addition, images reconstructed in arbitrary planes increase the convenience and confidence of localizing screw positions. CONCLUSIONS: The algorithm effectively decreases metal artifact and improved pedicle screw localization.
Alloys ; Artifacts* ; Humans ; Image Enhancement* ; Microcomputers ; Titanium* ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

PURPOSE: To evaluate the CT findings of tumor in the pyriform sinus, and to assess by functional study of thelarynx the extent the extent to which its characteristic findings differ from those of supraglottic tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scans of 14 patients with tumor in the pyriform sinus were reviewed and compared withthose of 17 patients with supraglottic tumor. In all cases, spiral CT scanning linvolved both quiet breathing andmodified breath holding; we evaluated the images and analysed the primary site of tumors and the displacement ofair in the pyriform sinus. Extra and intralaryngeal extension of the tumors was also assessed. RESULTS: In tumorsin the pyriform sinus, CT findings were thickening of more than two walls in 14, the displacement of air in 9,extralaryngeal extension in 13, extension to the post-cricoid space in 11, invasion of the pre-epiglottic space in13, and widening of the cricothyroid space in 8 patients. In supraglottic tumors, CT findings were thickening ofthe medial wall in 17, extralaryngeal extension in 1, extension to the post-cricoid space in 1, invasion of theipsilateral paralaryngeal space in 17, and of the contralateral paralaryngeal space in 6, invasion of thepre-epiglottic space in 11, and widening of the cricothyroid space in 9 patienhts. In this type of tumor thedisplacement of air was not seen. CONCLUSION: The characteristic CT findings of tumor in the pyriform sinus werethickening of more than two walls of the pyriform sinus and the anterior or medial displacement of air. To assessthe site at which a tumor originates, spiral CT scanning is needed, together with functional study.
Breath Holding ; Humans ; Larynx* ; Pyriform Sinus* ; Respiration ; Tomography, Spiral Computed* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

PURPOSE: To evaluate contrast enhancement patterns of hepatomas (HCCs) on arterial dominant, portal dominant,and delayed phase of CT scan by using double spiral CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using double-spiral CT, three-phase dynamic liver scan was performed on 27 patients with 45 nodular HCC lesions. Non-ionic contrast medium(100-120ml) was injected intravenously with an automatic injector at the rate of 2-4 ml/sec. CT scans were obtained at 25-30sec (arterial dominant phase), 60 sec (portal dominant phase), and 5min (delayed phase) afteradministration of the contrast medium. The tumor were divided into two groups according to the diameter(<3cm and > or = 3cm). In each group, contrast enhancement patterns of HCCs were classified as follows : high, central high, peripheral high, iso, low, or mixed attenuation. The incidence and contrast enhancement patterns of thin peripheral rims(psevdocapsules) were also analyzed. RESULTS: There were 23 lesions with a diameter less than 3cm,while 22 lesions were 3cm or larger. On the arterial dominant phase, tumors smaller than 3cm showed high(74%), iso(17%), mixed(4%), and peripheral high(4%) attenuation, while the attenuation of tumors larger than 3cm washigh(73%), mixed(9%), iso(9%), and low(9%). On the portal dominant phase, tumors smaller than 3cm were mostcommonly iso(43%) or high(35%), while tumors larger than 3cm were low(65%) or iso(18%). On the delayed phase, tumors were most commonly low in attenuation regardless of size. A thin peripheral rim was observed in 22% of tumors smaller than 3cm and in 64% of tumors larger than 3cm. The rim showed iso(53%) or low(42%) attenuation onthe arterial dominant phase, high(47%) or iso(47%) attenuation on the portal dominant phase, and high(100%) attenuation on the delayed phase. CONCLUSIONS: For the detection and diagnois of HCCS, an understanding of their contrast enhancement patterns is useful.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Liver ; Tomography, Spiral Computed* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

PURPOSE: To distinguish the spiral CT findings of Borrmann type IV adenocarcinoma from those of gastric lymphoma with diffuse gastric wall thickening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the spiral CT scans of 30 patients with Borrmann type IV adenocarcinoma and nine with gastric lymphoma with diffuse gastric wall thickening. In all patients the respective condition was pathologically confirmed by gastrectomy. CT scanning was performed after peroral administration of 500-700ml of water. A total of 120-140ml bolus of nonionic contrast material was administered intravenously at a flow rate of 3ml/sec and two-phase images were obtained at 35-45 sec(early phase) and 180 sec(delayed phase) after the start of bolus injection. Spiral CT was performed with 10mm collimation, 10mm/sec table feed and 10mm reconstruction. We evaluated the degree and homogeneity of enhancement of thickened entire gastric wall, and the enhancement pattern of gastric inner layer, as seen on earlyphase CT scans. On early and delayed views, the thickness of gastric wall and the presence of perigastric fat infiltration were determined. The enhancement patterns of gastric inner layer were classified as either continuous or discontinuous thick enhancement, thin enhancement, or nonenhancement. RESULTS: The thickness of gastric wall was 1.2-3.5cm(mean 2.2cm) in cases of adenocarcinoma and 1.2-7.6c m (mean 4cm) in lymphoma. Perigastric fat infiltration was seen in 24 patients with adenocarcinoma(80 %) and four with lymphoma(44%). In those with adenocarcinoma, the degree of enhancement of entire gastric wall was hyperdense in fifteen patients(50%) and isointense in eleven (37 %). Seven patients with lymphoma(78 % ) showed hypodensity. In those with adenocarcinoma, continuous thick enhancement of gastric inner layer was seen in 18 patients(60 %) and discontinuous thick enhancement in nine(30%). In lymphoma cases, no thick enhancement was observed. Thin enhancement of gastric inner layer was demonstrated in three patients with adenocarcinoma( 10 %) and two with lymphoma(22 %). In seven patients with lymphoma(78 %), there was no enhancement. CONCLUSION: The following early-phase findings are highly suggestive of gastric lymphoma: a gastric wall thickness of more than 3 cm; no or minimal perigastric fat infiltration, hypodense enhancement of thickened entire gastric wall; and no or thin enhancement of gastric inner layer.
Adenocarcinoma* ; Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Lymphoma* ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, Spiral Computed* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Water

PURPOSE: To compare the images of arterial phase (AP) and portal venous phase (PVP) in the evaluation of conspicuousness of lesion and peripancreatic arterial and venous opacification in pancreatic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dual-phase spiral CT was performed in 37 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 21 patients with pancreatitis. CT scans were performed with 5mm collimation at 1 : 1 pitch table feed. Images of AP and PVP were obtained at 30 and 65 seconds after administration of contrast material, was initiated. Using a gradingsystem, images were analalysed for conspicuousness of lesion and vascular opacification(grade 1=good, grade2=fair, grade 3=poor). RESULTS: In pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 35 and 36 of 37 cases showed low attenuation on APand PVP, respectively. With regard to conspicuousness of tumour, PVP(mean grade : 1.24) was superior AP(mean grade: 1.43), but not significantly(p=0.0745). In arterial opacification, AP(mean grade : 1.03) was significantly superior to PVP(mean grade : 1.30, ; p=0.0051). In venous opacification, PVP(mean grade : 1.19) was significautlyto AP(mean grade : 2.41 ; p<0.0001). In pancreatitis, 14 and 15 of 21 cases showed localized hypo-attenuating lesion indicating necrosis or fluid collection, on AP and PVP, respectively. With regard to conspicuousness oflesion, PVP(mean grade : 1.61) was superior to AP(mean grade : 1.81), but not significantly(p=0.1088). In arterial opacification, AP(mean grade : 1.05) was significantly superior to PVP(mean grade: 1.38 ; p=0.0180). In venous opacification, PVP(mean grade : 1.10) was significantly superior to AP(mean grade : 2.33 ; p=0.0005). CONCLUSION: For the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic disease, dual-phase spiral CT in arterial and portal venous phase maybe recommendable. The portal venous phase of spiral CT seems, however, to be superior to the arterial phase because the lesion is more conspicuous and there is venous opacification.
Adenocarcinoma ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Necrosis ; Pancreas* ; Pancreatic Diseases ; Pancreatitis ; Tomography, Spiral Computed* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed