Objective:To explore the feasibility of applying deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) in low-radiation dose liver dual-energy CT to further improve image quality, diagnostic confidence of lesion, and accuracy of iodine concentration (IC) measurement.Methods:This prospective cohort study enrolled 60 patients scheduled for enhanced liver CT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from June 2023 to January 2024. The participants were randomly assigned into the standard dose group and low radiation dose group with 30 cases in each using randomized block method. The standard radiation dose group underwent standard-radiation dose 120 kVp scans during the venous phase, while the low radiation dose group underwent low radiation dose scans with a rapid kVp-switching spectral scanning mode at 80 kVp and 140 kVp. The effective radiation dose (ED) was calculated for both groups. The standard radiation dose group was reconstructed using adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V (ASIR-V) algorithm 40% (AR40 120 kVp). The low radiation dose group using high-intensity DLIR (DLIR-H) to reconstructed 40 keV and 50 keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) (DH-VMI 40 keV, DH-VMI 50 keV). The image quality of the above three groups was objectively evaluated through the measurement of image noise and calculation of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the liver and portal vein; and the image quality was subjectively scored for image noise, contrast, lesion conspicuity, and diagnostic confidence. In the low radiation dose group, DLIR-H and ASIR-V40% reconstructed iodine maps were used to measure the liver and portal vein of IC values, standard deviations (SD), and coefficients of variation (CV). One-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the differences of subjective and objective image quality among the three groups, and paired t-test was used to compare the differences in measurement indexes between DLIR-H and ASIR-V40% reconstructed iodine maps. Results:The ED in the low radiation dose group [(2.2±0.5) mSv] was reduced by 56.8% compared to the conventional radiation dose group [(5.4±1.4) mSv]. Objective evaluations demonstrated that DH-VMI 40 keV had higher image noise, CNR, and SNR for liver and portal veins compared to AR40 120 kVp ( P<0.001). DH-VMI 50 keV had lower image noise ( P=0.200), with higher CNR and SNR for the liver and portal vein compared to AR40 120 kVp( P<0.001). In subjective evaluation, there was no statistically significant difference in image noise scores between DH-VMI 40 keV and AR40 120 kVp ( P>0.05), while the image noise score for DH-VMI 50 keV was lower than that of AR40 120 kVp ( P<0.05). Both DH-VMI 40 keV and DH-VMI 50 keV had higher scores for contrast, lesion conspicuity, and diagnostic confidence compared to those of AR40 120 kVp ( P<0.05). In the low radiation dose group, there was no statistically significant difference in IC values for the liver and portal vein between the ASIR-V40% and DLIR-H algorithm reconstructed iodine maps ( P>0.05). The SD and CV of liver and portal vein in the DLIR-H reconstructed iodine maps were lower than those in the ASIR-V40% reconstructed iodine maps ( P<0.001). Conclusions:DLIR can effectively reduce the image noise of low-energy (40, 50 keV) VMI, enhance lesion conspicuity and diagnostic confidence, and improve measurement accuracy without affecting IC values.

Objective:To evaluate the early and mid-term efficacy of physician-modified fenestrated endovascular repair combined with inner branch techniques for aortic pathologies complicated by aberrant subclavian artery (ASA).Methods:A retrospective case series was conducted, including 24 patients with ASA-associated aortic pathologies who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with physician-modified fenestration and inner branch reconstruction at 7 centers in China from February 2021 to March 2025. The cohort comprised 18 males and 6 females, with an age of (54.4±11.7) years (range:37 to 80 years). Pathological diagnoses included aortic aneurysm in 7 patients (29.2%), aortic dissection in 11 (45.8%; 6 chronic, 4 subacute, 1 acute), and penetrating aortic ulcer in 6 (25.0%; 3 with concomitant intramural hematoma). Preoperative planning was performed using three-dimensional CT angiographic reconstruction, incorporating both the greater-curvature hemodynamic length and the centerline wall-adherent length. Fenestration sites were verified on three-dimensional printed models, and precise fenestrations were created at the covered stent-graft locations corresponding to the subclavian artery and ASA anatomy. Patients subsequently underwent TEVAR combined with supra-aortic revascularization as indicated, followed by completion ascending aortography to evaluate the sealing of the main stent-graft and the patency of fenestrated or branched stents. Perioperative outcomes, complications, and early-to mid-term clinical efficacy were analyzed.Results:All procedures were technically successful. Immediate angiography identified one case of minor type Ⅳ endoleak that resolved spontaneously on 3-month follow-up CT angiography, and one case of mild type Ⅱ endoleak that was left untreated with a stable false lumen during follow-up. One patient died on postoperative day 7 of an undetermined cause. The mean follow-up period was (23.1±11.3)months (range:3 to 37 months). During follow-up, one patient developed mild bilateral lower-limb weakness 1 month after surgery. Vascular occlusion and spinal cord infarction were excluded, and the symptoms were considered related to postoperative spinal hemodynamic changes; the weakness resolved after blood pressure adjustment without recurrence. No other complications, including upper limb ischemia, spinal cord ischemia, or posterior circulation ischemia, were observed. Throughout follow-up, all branch and main stents remained patent with good structural integrity, without migration or device-related complications.Conclusions:Physician-modified fenestration combined with inner branch techniques for ASA-associated aortic pathologies is technically feasible and yields satisfactory early and mid-term results. Long-term outcomes require further follow-up.

Purpose To explore the application value of cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)mapping and strain techniques in assessing ventricular function changes in patients with severe alcohol use disorder(AUD).Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 32 male patients with severe AUD as the study group in Hefei Fourth People's Hospital from January 2023 to April 2024,compared with 30 age-and gender-matched healthy subjects as the control group.Clinical data and CMR results were collected for all participants.CMR parameters included conventional functional parameters such as left and right ventricular ejection fraction,volume index and mass index;tissue characterization parameters such as Native T1,T2 mapping and extracellular volume fraction(ECV);and strain parameters including global longitudinal strain(GLS),global circumferential strain(GCS)and global radial strain(GRS)for both ventricles.The differences in the above indexes between the two groups were compared.Results The left ventricular end-diastolic volume index in the AUD group was significantly higher than in the control group(t=3.799,P<0.001).The left ventricular strain values(GLS,GCS,GRS)in the AUD group were significantly lower than those in the control group(t=4.459,4.435,-4.759,all P<0.001).The Native T1,T2 and ECV in the AUD group were significantly higher than those in the control group(t=6.301,5.650,7.069,all P<0.001).For the right ventricle,only right ventricular GLS and right ventricular GCS were significantly lower than in the control group(t=8.703,-2.814,both P<0.01).Conclusion CMR feature tracking technology can early identify ventricular function abnormalities in AUD patients.The increase in Native T1,T2 mapping and ECV suggests the presence of myocardial edema and fibrosis in AUD patients,which is closely related to left ventricular dysfunction.Multi-parameter CMR evaluation provides important diagnostic evidence for the early detection of cardiac involvement in severe AUD patients.

Purpose To explore the application value of cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)mapping and strain techniques in assessing ventricular function changes in patients with severe alcohol use disorder(AUD).Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 32 male patients with severe AUD as the study group in Hefei Fourth People's Hospital from January 2023 to April 2024,compared with 30 age-and gender-matched healthy subjects as the control group.Clinical data and CMR results were collected for all participants.CMR parameters included conventional functional parameters such as left and right ventricular ejection fraction,volume index and mass index;tissue characterization parameters such as Native T1,T2 mapping and extracellular volume fraction(ECV);and strain parameters including global longitudinal strain(GLS),global circumferential strain(GCS)and global radial strain(GRS)for both ventricles.The differences in the above indexes between the two groups were compared.Results The left ventricular end-diastolic volume index in the AUD group was significantly higher than in the control group(t=3.799,P<0.001).The left ventricular strain values(GLS,GCS,GRS)in the AUD group were significantly lower than those in the control group(t=4.459,4.435,-4.759,all P<0.001).The Native T1,T2 and ECV in the AUD group were significantly higher than those in the control group(t=6.301,5.650,7.069,all P<0.001).For the right ventricle,only right ventricular GLS and right ventricular GCS were significantly lower than in the control group(t=8.703,-2.814,both P<0.01).Conclusion CMR feature tracking technology can early identify ventricular function abnormalities in AUD patients.The increase in Native T1,T2 mapping and ECV suggests the presence of myocardial edema and fibrosis in AUD patients,which is closely related to left ventricular dysfunction.Multi-parameter CMR evaluation provides important diagnostic evidence for the early detection of cardiac involvement in severe AUD patients.

Objective:To explore the feasibility of applying deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) in low-radiation dose liver dual-energy CT to further improve image quality, diagnostic confidence of lesion, and accuracy of iodine concentration (IC) measurement.Methods:This prospective cohort study enrolled 60 patients scheduled for enhanced liver CT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from June 2023 to January 2024. The participants were randomly assigned into the standard dose group and low radiation dose group with 30 cases in each using randomized block method. The standard radiation dose group underwent standard-radiation dose 120 kVp scans during the venous phase, while the low radiation dose group underwent low radiation dose scans with a rapid kVp-switching spectral scanning mode at 80 kVp and 140 kVp. The effective radiation dose (ED) was calculated for both groups. The standard radiation dose group was reconstructed using adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V (ASIR-V) algorithm 40% (AR40 120 kVp). The low radiation dose group using high-intensity DLIR (DLIR-H) to reconstructed 40 keV and 50 keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) (DH-VMI 40 keV, DH-VMI 50 keV). The image quality of the above three groups was objectively evaluated through the measurement of image noise and calculation of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the liver and portal vein; and the image quality was subjectively scored for image noise, contrast, lesion conspicuity, and diagnostic confidence. In the low radiation dose group, DLIR-H and ASIR-V40% reconstructed iodine maps were used to measure the liver and portal vein of IC values, standard deviations (SD), and coefficients of variation (CV). One-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the differences of subjective and objective image quality among the three groups, and paired t-test was used to compare the differences in measurement indexes between DLIR-H and ASIR-V40% reconstructed iodine maps. Results:The ED in the low radiation dose group [(2.2±0.5) mSv] was reduced by 56.8% compared to the conventional radiation dose group [(5.4±1.4) mSv]. Objective evaluations demonstrated that DH-VMI 40 keV had higher image noise, CNR, and SNR for liver and portal veins compared to AR40 120 kVp ( P<0.001). DH-VMI 50 keV had lower image noise ( P=0.200), with higher CNR and SNR for the liver and portal vein compared to AR40 120 kVp( P<0.001). In subjective evaluation, there was no statistically significant difference in image noise scores between DH-VMI 40 keV and AR40 120 kVp ( P>0.05), while the image noise score for DH-VMI 50 keV was lower than that of AR40 120 kVp ( P<0.05). Both DH-VMI 40 keV and DH-VMI 50 keV had higher scores for contrast, lesion conspicuity, and diagnostic confidence compared to those of AR40 120 kVp ( P<0.05). In the low radiation dose group, there was no statistically significant difference in IC values for the liver and portal vein between the ASIR-V40% and DLIR-H algorithm reconstructed iodine maps ( P>0.05). The SD and CV of liver and portal vein in the DLIR-H reconstructed iodine maps were lower than those in the ASIR-V40% reconstructed iodine maps ( P<0.001). Conclusions:DLIR can effectively reduce the image noise of low-energy (40, 50 keV) VMI, enhance lesion conspicuity and diagnostic confidence, and improve measurement accuracy without affecting IC values.

Objective:To evaluate the early and mid-term efficacy of physician-modified fenestrated endovascular repair combined with inner branch techniques for aortic pathologies complicated by aberrant subclavian artery (ASA).Methods:A retrospective case series was conducted, including 24 patients with ASA-associated aortic pathologies who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with physician-modified fenestration and inner branch reconstruction at 7 centers in China from February 2021 to March 2025. The cohort comprised 18 males and 6 females, with an age of (54.4±11.7) years (range:37 to 80 years). Pathological diagnoses included aortic aneurysm in 7 patients (29.2%), aortic dissection in 11 (45.8%; 6 chronic, 4 subacute, 1 acute), and penetrating aortic ulcer in 6 (25.0%; 3 with concomitant intramural hematoma). Preoperative planning was performed using three-dimensional CT angiographic reconstruction, incorporating both the greater-curvature hemodynamic length and the centerline wall-adherent length. Fenestration sites were verified on three-dimensional printed models, and precise fenestrations were created at the covered stent-graft locations corresponding to the subclavian artery and ASA anatomy. Patients subsequently underwent TEVAR combined with supra-aortic revascularization as indicated, followed by completion ascending aortography to evaluate the sealing of the main stent-graft and the patency of fenestrated or branched stents. Perioperative outcomes, complications, and early-to mid-term clinical efficacy were analyzed.Results:All procedures were technically successful. Immediate angiography identified one case of minor type Ⅳ endoleak that resolved spontaneously on 3-month follow-up CT angiography, and one case of mild type Ⅱ endoleak that was left untreated with a stable false lumen during follow-up. One patient died on postoperative day 7 of an undetermined cause. The mean follow-up period was (23.1±11.3)months (range:3 to 37 months). During follow-up, one patient developed mild bilateral lower-limb weakness 1 month after surgery. Vascular occlusion and spinal cord infarction were excluded, and the symptoms were considered related to postoperative spinal hemodynamic changes; the weakness resolved after blood pressure adjustment without recurrence. No other complications, including upper limb ischemia, spinal cord ischemia, or posterior circulation ischemia, were observed. Throughout follow-up, all branch and main stents remained patent with good structural integrity, without migration or device-related complications.Conclusions:Physician-modified fenestration combined with inner branch techniques for ASA-associated aortic pathologies is technically feasible and yields satisfactory early and mid-term results. Long-term outcomes require further follow-up.

Objective:To investigate the application of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) quantitative techniques in evaluating myocardial involvement differences between new onset and longstanding systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.Methods:From August 2020 to April 2023, 14 new onset and 15 longstanding SLE patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were prospectively included as the study group. Additionally, 18 age-, gender-, body surface area-, and body mass index-matched healthy volunteers were included as the control group. Clinical baseline data, electrocardiograms, and CMR results including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), cardiac index (CI), left ventricular stroke volume index (LVSVI), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), myocardial strain, native T 1 values, and T 2 values were collected. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the quantitative parameters among the three groups. Bonferroni correction was applied for pairwise group comparisons. Results:The native T 1 values [1 114.50 (1 089.33, 1 150.39) ms, 1 085.32 (1 051.31, 1 129.75) ms] and T 2 values [(55.9±3.4) ms, (53.3±1.5) ms] of new onset and longstanding SLE patients were higher than those of the healthy control group [native T 1 values 1052.62 (1024.75, 1077.59) ms, H=17.72, P<0.001; T 2 values (51.2±1.3) ms, F=18.70, P<0.001]. The T 2 values of the new onset SLE group was higher than that of the longstanding SLE group ( P<0.05). The LVEDVI[86.87 (80.80, 93.55) ml/m 2], LVSVI [54.63 (50.42, 59.03) ml/m 2], and LVMI [48.39 (41.65, 53.26) g/m 2] of the new onset SLE group were higher than those of the control group [LVEDVI: 71.11 (65.80, 81.28) ml/m 2, Z=3.02, P=0.003; LVSVI: 42.17 (40.36, 51.33) ml/m 2, Z=2.76, P=0.006; LVMI: 38.48 (35.22, 43.83) g/m 2, Z=3.10, P=0.002]. The LVEDVI and LVSVI of the new onset SLE group were also higher than those of the longstanding SLE group [LVEDVI: 73.30 (69.87, 84.71) ml/m 2, Z=1.97, P=0.048; LVSVI: 45.53 (42.28, 50.98) ml/m 2, Z=2.34, P=0.020]. Conclusion:Myocardial involvement is more severe in new onset SLE patients, whereas acute myocardial injury is alleviated in longstanding SLE patients. Therefore, early detection of cardiac involvement in SLE patients is crucial for improving prognosis.

Purpose To explore the influence of different spin-locking frequencies on T1ρ values based on a 3.0T MR system.Materials and Methods Thirty-eight healthy adult volunteers underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from July to September 2023.T1ρ mapping and short-axis cine imaging with steady-state free precession sequences were performed with 3.0T MR system.T1ρ mapping sequence in three short-axis slices with three spin-lock frequencies at the amplitude of 5 Hz,300 Hz,400 Hz,and 500 Hz was scanned,respectively.T1ρ relaxation times and myocardial fibrosis index were quantified for each slice and each myocardial segment,the difference in T1ρ of different spin-locking frequencies and myocardial fibrosis index was analyzed using one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance method.Results T1ρ of 5 Hz,300 Hz,400 Hz,and 500 Hz were(33.9±2.8)ms,(43.4±2.1)ms,(45.4±2.6)ms and(46.5±2.4)ms,respectively;and T1ρ values showed a significant progressive increase from the low spin-lock frequency to the high spin-lock frequency of the heart(300 Hz vs.400 Hz:P<0.001;300 Hz vs.500 Hz:P<0.001;400 Hz vs.500 Hz:P=0.043).In addition,the measured myocardial fibrosis index at 300 Hz,400 Hz and 500 Hz were(9.4±2.2)ms,(11.3±2.9)ms and(12.6±2.7)ms,respectively.Statistical analysis underscored significant variations among these measurements(300 Hz vs.400 Hz:P<0.001;300 Hz vs.500 Hz:P<0.001;400 Hz vs.500 Hz:P=0.033).Conclusion In this prospective study,myocardial T1ρ values for the specific cardiac magnetic resonance setting are provided,and we found that spin-lock frequency can affect the T1ρ values.

Objective:To investigate the safety and short-term efficacy of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in the treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (rGERD).Methods:The clinical data of 61 patients underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication from March 2018 to March 2022 in Jiangyin People′s Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 14 patients had significant symptom relief after using proton pump inhibitor (PPI) before operation (group A), 30 patients had partial symptom relief after using PPI (group B), and 17 patients had persistent symptoms despite regular treatment with double-dose PPI for more than 8 weeks (group C). The surgical outcomes and recovery were compared among the three groups.Results:For the 61 patients, the surgical time was (117.46 ± 28.50) min, the intraoperative blood loss was 23.00 (8.00, 34.00) ml, and the postoperative hospital stay was 3.00 (2.00, 5.00) d. There were no statistically significant differences in surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, concurrent hiatal hernia repair and mesh placement among the three groups ( P>0.05). No short-term severe complications such as abdominal bleeding, abdominal infection and gastrointestinal perforation occurred in any group. There were no statistical differences in satisfaction score, subjective relief of overall postoperative symptoms, reflux symptoms, PPI usage, dysphagia, abdominal distention, diarrhea or constipation among the three groups ( P<0.05). No upper abdominal pain, recurrence and reoperation occurred in the three groups. Conclusions:Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication has a definite therapeutic effect on rGERD, with significant anti reflux effects. There are no serious complications after surgery, and there are no recurrence or reoperation.

Objective:The three-dimensional(3D) reconstruction method of calf perforator vessel was explored to provide the basis for clinical safe and accurate harvesting of calf chain perforator flap.Methods:Gelatin-lead oxide is automatically perfused the femoral artery of 3 fresh adult lower limbs specimens. Data were collected after the CT scan of the full limb, 3D reconstruction of bones, arteries and their perforators was processed in Mimics Research 19.0 software. Dynamic display of vascular hierarchy and adjacent relationships by adjusting CT values. And show the anatomical region of each perforator artery in different colors, measure the feeding area of the single perforator using Scion Image software. The 3D printed calf bone and vascular model can be used for direct observation. The specimen anatomy was measured according to a perforator vessel parameter with an outer diameter of 0.5 mm through the deep fascia. The number of perforators, vessle pedicle length, and outer diameter were observed and statistically analyzed.Results:The digitized 3D reconstruction images can clearly show the 3D structured of the calf artery and perforator vessels and micro vessels, as well as the course, distribution characteristics of blood vessels, and the 3D relationship with adjacent structures. The printed 3D model visually observes the hierarchy of the perforator vessels and the anastomosis relationship between the perforators. 3 calf specimen arteries with perforator artery 22±4, vessel pedicle length (46.7±18.3) mm, outer diameter (0.8±0.3) mm, the average blood supply area of the single perforator (38.2±10.7) cm 2. Conclusion:The Mimics Research 19.0 software should be used to dynamically reconstruct the 3D structure of the branch vessel by adjusting the CT value, which improves the display effect of the perforator vessels. The 3D printing model makes the source, course, diameter and distribution range of the perforator vessels visually visible, which provides experimental support for the clinical construction of digital calf chain perforator flap harvest scheme for patients.