Objective:To provide more options for preoperative localization diagnosis in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), the diagnostic efficacy of parathyroid 4-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) in patients with PHPT was evaluated.Methods:This was a single-center retrospective study including 57 patients with surgical proved PHPT. All of the patients underwent 4D-CT, 99Tc m -sestamibi parathyroid imaging (MIBI), and ultrasonography (US) preoperatively. The reference standard for correct localization was based on operation reports and pathology confirmation. The patients were grouped according to the preoperative serum calcium levels, tumor diameter, or ectopic lesions (yes/no), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and area under the curve (AUC) of 4D-CT, MIBI and US, alone or in combination, were analyzed in total and each subgroup patients. Results:Fifty-seven patients (39 women, 18 men; mean age of 56.5 years) were evaluated, including four cases with multi-gland disease and thirteen cases with ectopic parathyroid lesions. In all the patients, similar diagnostic efficacy was found in 4D-CT (AUC: 0.943) and MIBI (AUC: 0.927), both of which were higher than that of US (AUC: 0.847) ( P = 0.01 for 4D-CT vs. US; P = 0.04 for MIBI vs. US). In a subset analysis for ectopic quadrants, the diagnostic efficacy of 4D-CT was significantly higher than that of MIBI ( P = 0.04) or US ( P = 0.01), with the sensitivity of 100%, 69.2%, and 61.5%, and AUC of 0.989, 0.846, and 0.808 for 4D-CT, MIBI and US, respectively. Conclusions:4D-CT has similar diagnostic efficacy for preoperative localization to MIBI in patients with PHPT, and it is superior to MIBI and US in identifying the ectopic parathyroid gland. 4D-CT can be recommended as an alternative preoperative localization method, especially when parathyroid lesions could not be precisely located by US and MIBI.

Objective To evaluate the radiation dose and image quality of the third-generation dual-source CT using automated tube voltage adaptation (CARE kV) in temporal bone scanning in pediatric patients with hearing impairment. Methods Totally 27 children with hearing impairment less than 18 years old were randomly divided into two groups:Group A (n=14),examined with CARE kV (reference with 100 kV and 214 mA)and sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction;and Group B (n=13),examined with CARE kV (reference with 100 kV and 171 mA)and advanced modeled iterative reconstruction. The scan range was from eyebrow to the end of the mastoid process. CT values and image noise were measured.The signal to noise ratio (SNR)was calculated. Subjective image quality was assessed by two radiologists and later in a consensus reading. Results There was no significant difference in CT value,image noise,and SNR between these two groups (all P>0.05). Also,the subjective scores of the 10 anatomical structures showed no significant difference (all P>0.05). The CT dose index volume and dose-length product were (11.62+1.92)mGy and (106.92+37.48)mGy·cm,respectively,in group B and (21.28+2.19)mGy (t=12.15,P<0.001)and (229.65+56.26)mGy·cm (t=6.62,P<0.001)in group A,decreased by 45% and 53%. Conclusion Compared with the second-generation dual-source CT,the third-generation dual-source CT for the scanning of temporal bone with CARE kV can ensure image quality and reduce radiation dose.
Child ; Hearing Loss ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Radiation Dosage ; Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted ; Signal-To-Noise Ratio ; Temporal Bone ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods

Objective To investigate the image quality of head and neck CT angiography (CTA)using the third-generation dual-source CT combined with 70 kV tube voltage and 20-25 ml contrast medium (CM),and evaluate the effects of venous artifacts arising from the CM on the ipsilateral side of injection. Methods Totally 40 consecutive patients with suspected vascular diseases and body weight lower than 75 kg prospectively underwent head and neck CTA examination using the third-generation dual-source CT. CTA was performed with a third-generation dual-source CT system. Patients were randomly divived into 70 kV group (n=20)and 100 kV group (n=20). The 70 kV group used 20-25 ml CM and advanced modeled iterative reconstruction technique,and the 100 kV group used 40 ml CM and filtered back projection. Venous artifacts and CM residues were evaluated by a 3-point scale (1=excellent,3=poor),respectively. Results The effective dose of 70 kV group decreased 58% compared to 100 kV group (t=-18.14,P<0.001).In the 70 kV group,16 patients (80.0%)presented with venous artifacts and six of them (37.5%,6/16)affected the adjacent arteries. In the 100 kV group,19 patients (95.0%)presented with venous artifacts,and seven of them (36.8%,7/19)affected the adjacent arteries (Z=-0.878,P=0.380). In the 70 kV group,13 patients (65.0%)presented with obvious CM residues and two of them (15.3%,2/13)prolonged into the superior vena cava (SVC). In the 100 kV group,19 patients(95.0%)presented with obvious CM residues,and thirteen of them(68.4%,13/19)prolonged into the SVC (Z=-3.654,P<0.001). Conclusion Compared with the 100 kV,the third-generation dual-source CT for head and neck CTA,combined with 70 kV and 20-25 ml CM,can remarkably decrease the radiation dose,along with reduced CM residues and comparable venous artifacts.
Artifacts ; Body Weight ; Computed Tomography Angiography ; methods ; Contrast Media ; Head ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Neck ; diagnostic imaging ; Radiation Dosage ; Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted

Objective: To explore the safety and validity of endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy in patients with cricopharyngeal achalasia. Methods: A total of 19 patients with cricopharyngeal achalasia suffered from sustained dysphagia were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into transcervical cricopharyngeal myotomy(CPM) group and endoscopic CPM (ECPM) group. Swallowing function and complications were evaluated.SPSS7.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: The swallowing function improved significantly in seven patients in ECPM group, and 9 patients improved in CPM group.The video fluoroscopic swallowing study(VFSS)-swallowing score, VFSS-aspiration score and drinking test score were (3.1±1.1), (3.4±0.8) and (2.0±0.6)in post-ECPM, (3.4±1.4), (3.0±0.9) and (2.2±0.6)in post-CPM. No statistical difference was found in validity between CPM group and ECPM group(t=-0.435, t=1.086, t=-0.607, P>0.05). No statistical difference was observed on the occurrence of complication between two groups. Only one patient had subcutaneous emphysema after operation in ECPM. Conclusions New surgical instruments and endoscopic surgical technique were safe and effective for cricopharyngeal achalasia. Because these instruments are cheaper, laryngeal endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy is easier to be popularized more easily than microscopic laser assistted CPM.

Objective To evaluate the efficiency of second trimester screenings for Down syndrome using alpha-fetoprotein and β-human chorionic gonadotropin duplex.MethodsPregnant women of south Zhejiang were screened for Down syndrome fetuses by maternal alpha-fetoprotein and β-human chorionic gonadotropin duplex during second trimester.The high-risk women underwent prenatal diagnosis by amniocentesis,cell culture and chromosome analysis.The newborns followed up by the maternal and child tertiary health care network and suspected to have Down syndrome were diagnosed by peripheral blood chromosome analysis.Statistical analysis was performed using two-sample t test and x2 test.Risk probability of Down Syndrome was calculated by random screening software. Results From Oct.2007 to May 2009,1130 of 32 188 singleton pregnant women in second trimester received prenatal screening were discovered with high risk(≥1 ∶ 270).Prenatal diagnosis was performed in 90.79％ cases (1026/1130) of high risk women and seven fetuses were diagnosed as Down syndrome by amniotic fluid chromosome analysis,and the pregnancies were terminated.Among the other 104 cases without prenatal diagnosis one Down syndrome baby was delivered.Six of 31 058 pregnancy women with low risk delivered Down syndrome babies with the incidence of Down syndrome of 0.19‰ (6/31 058).Detection rate of second trimester screenings for Down syndrome using alpha-fetoprotein and β-human chorionic gonadotropin duplex was 57.14％(8/14).False positive rate was 3.48％ (1122/32 188).Positive predictive value was 7.08‰(8/1130).During the same period,there were 23 813 pregnant women who didn't receive screening and 15 fetuses with Down syndrome were diagnosed after birth.There was no statistical difference in the prevalence rate of Down syndrome between those pregnant women who received prenatal screening or not [0.43‰ (14/32 188) vs 0.63‰ (15/23 813),x2 =1.004,P＞0.05].The prevalence of Down syndrome was 0.52‰ (29/56 001) in this area. ConclusionsThe prenatal screening and diagnosis could reduce the birth rate of Down syndrome patients.However,detection rate,false positive rate and positive predictive value of which were lower than reports in other studies.It's possible that the reference data might be not suitable for Chinese.

Objective To explore the image quality of coronary artery imaging with dual source computed tomography (DSCT) and analyze the coronary artery lesions. Methods Two hundred cases with clinically suspected coronary heart disease, who underwent plain and enhanced DSCT coronary artery imaging without oral Betaloc preparation were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: the senile group of 126 cases with the average age of (71.3±7.7) years old and the control group of 74 cases with the average age of (50.4±6.2) years old. The clinical characteristics, the average heart rate and breath-holding time for plain and enhanced scan, the average calcium score, the image quality evaluation and the coronary stenosis were compared between the two groups. Results Compared with the control group, the incidences of chest pain or discomfort, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia and old myocardial infarction were significantly higher in the senile group. The average calcium score and the numbers of <50% and ≥50% stenosis were also significantly higher in the senile group than those in the control group (364.9±442.6)points vs. (44.8±106.9)points, 159 vs. 45 branches, 212 vs. 32 branches, respectively, all P<0.01). The average heart rate and breath-holding time of plain and enhanced scan had no significant differences compared with the control group. The proportion of the coronary segments with grade 1 ,grade 2 and grade 3 image quality also had no significant difference compared with the control group (96.5%,2.3% and 1.2% vs. 97.1%, 2.0% and 0.9%, P>0.05). Conclusions DSCT coronary artery imaging in senile patients is noninvasive, safe and simple, and excellent coronary artery image can be obtained without oral Betaloc preparation. It can be used as a routine examination in the clinical diagnosis of coronary heart disease.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of dual-source computed tomography(DSCT)coronary angiography in a population with premature heart-beats.Methods Seventy patients with suspected coronary artery disease and premature heart-beats were routinely imaged on a DSCT scanner(Somatom Definition,Siemens AG,Germany).The images were reconstructed before and after ECG editing.Two readers independently assessed image quality of all coronary segments using a four-point grading scale from excellent(1)to non-assessable(4).The results ofthe two groups were compared with a paired t-test,and a P value of less than 0.05 Was considered significant.Results The mean heart rate during examination ranged from 49 to 111 bpm[mean(70.7±12.4)bpm].Twenty-eight of 70 patients with relatively small variability of the heart rate[(41.0±18.4)bpm]got diagnostic image quality without ECG editing.In other 42 patients with larger variability of the heart rate[(71.4±28.7)bpm],the meal image quality scores were 2.09±1.27 and 1.50±0.79 before and after ECG editing,there Was a significant difference(t=13.764,P＜0.01).The proportion of non-assessable segments Was reduced from 24.8%(154/620)to 3.4%(21/620)through ECG editing(X2=121.846,P＜0.01).Finally,the diagnostic image accounted 98.0%(1014/1035)in all segments of 70 patients.Conclusion DSCT can provide diagnostic images for patients with premature heart-beats.The image quality in patients with larger variability of the heart rate can be significantly improved through ECG editing.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of patient's heart rate(HR)on coronary CT angiography(CTA)image quality(IQ)and reconstruction timing in dual-source CT(DSCT).Methods Ninety-five patients with suspicion of coronary artery disease were examined with a DSCT scanner(Somatom Definition.Siemens)using 32×0.6 mm collimation.All patients were divided three groups according to the heart rate(HR):group 1,HR≤70 beats per minute(bpm),n=26;group 2,HR＞70 bpm to≤90 bpm, n=37;group 3,HR＞90 bpm,n=32. No beta-blockers were taken before CT scan.50-60 ml of nonionic contrast agent were injected with a rate of 5 ml/s. Images were reconstructed from 10%to 100% of the R-R interval using single-segment reconstruction. Two readers independently assessed IQ of all coronary segments using a 3-point scale from excellent(1)to non-assessable(3)for coronary segments and the relationshiD between IQ and the HR. ResuitsOverall mean IQ score was 1.31 ±0.55 for all patients with 1.08±0.27 for group 1,1.32±0.58 for group 2 and 1.47±0.61 for group 3. The IQ was better in the LAD than the RCA and LCX(P＜0.01).Only 1.4%(19/1386)of coronary artery segments were considered non-assessable due to the motion artifacts.Optimal image quality of all coronary segments in 74 patients(77.9%)can be achieved with one reconstruction data set.The best IQ was predominately in diastote(88.5%)in group 1,while the best IQ was in systole(84.4%)in group 3. ConclusionsDSCT can achieve the optimal IQ with a wide range of HR using single-segment reconstruction. With the increasing of HR,the timing of data reconstruction for the best IQ shifts from mid-diastole to systole.

ObjectiveTo study X-ray and high resolution computed tomograghy(HRCT)features and tIleir relationship with pulmonary function test in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis(PAP).MethodsThe findings of X-ray and HRCT and the Resultsof pulmonary function tests in 19 patients with PAP were reviewed retrospectively.X-ray and HRCT scores were rated in the aspects of opacity density,extent,and severity.The relationship between the imaging scores and pulmonary function tests were determined.ResultsX-ray showed a symmetrical perihilar predominance appearance in patients with PAP.HRCT scan showed bilateral clear-defined pathchy areas of ground-glass opacity and interlobular septal thickening,a pattern commonly characterized as"crazy paving".Nineteen PAP respiratory function Resultswere:DLCO/Pred=(54.49±16.78)%,FEV1/FVC=(86.00±6.70)%.Chest radiographic extent score and severity score correlated with diffusing capacity(r=-0.661,P＜0.01,r=-0.475,P＜0.05).HRCT severity score was 16.47±5.26.Among all the HRCT scores,severity score correlated significantly with the presence of restrictive ventilatory defect and diffusing capacity defect(DLCO/Pred,r=-0.809,P＜0.01;FEV1/FVC,r=0.573,P＜0.05).ConclusionsIn patients with PAP,there Is close relationship between X-ray,HRCT findings and pulmonary function.HRCT correlates more closely with pulmonary function.

Objective To explore the scanning technique and image quality of coronary artery imaging with dual-source CT without oral Betaloc preparation in the patients with high heart rate.Methods 412 cases were undergone coronary imaging with dual-source CT (including plain and enhanced scans) ,among them,there were 30 cases with heart rate more than 100 bpm.Multi-planar reconstruction(MPR),maximum intensity projection(MIP) and volume rendering (VR) were performed using contrast-enhanced images.The image quality was classified into 3 grades, and coronary segments named according to AHA standard were evaluated.Results The average heart rate during enhanced scan in the 30 cases was (115.6?11.8)(101～139)bpm,the average breath hold time was (5.7?1.2) s.The best reconstruction phase was in the systolic phase. Altogether 424 coronary segments were evaluated, among them 93.9%(398/424)belonged to the first grade,5.0%(21/424)belonged to the second grade,and 1.2%(5/424) belonged to the third grade. Conclusion Without oral administration of Betaloc preparation, good coronary artery images can be obtained in the patients with high heart rate by dual-source CT.