Akio Ogura

SIMPLE METHOD OF SIZE-SPECIFIC DOSE ESTIMATES CALCULATION FROM PATIENT WEIGHT ON COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

The purpose of this study is to develop a new and simple methodology for calculating mean size-specific dose estimates (SSDE) over the entire scan range (mSSDE) from weight and volume CT dose index (CTDIvol). We retrospectively analyzed data from a dose index registry. Scan areas were divided into two regions: chest and abdomen-pelvis. The original mSSDE was calculated by a commercially available software. The conversion formulas for mSSDE were estimated from weight and CTDIvol (SSDEweight) in each region. SSDEweight were compared with the original mSSDE using Bland-Altman analysis. Root mean square differences were 1.4 mGy for chest and 1.5 mGy for abdomen-pelvis. Our method using formulae can calculate SSDEweight using weight and CTDIvol without a dedicated software, and can be used to calculate DRL to optimize CT exposure doses.

Effectiveness of an e-Learning Platform for Image Interpretation Education of Medical Staff and Students

Medical staff must be able to perform accurate initial interpretations of radiography to prevent diagnostic errors. Education in medical image interpretation is an ongoing need that is addressed by text-based and e-learning platforms. The effectiveness of these methods has been previously reported. Here, we describe the effectiveness of an e-learning platform used for medical image interpretation education. Ten third-year medical students without previous experience in chest radiography interpretation were provided with e-learning instructions. Accuracy of diagnosis using chest radiography was provided before and after e-learning education. We measured detection accuracy for two image groups: nodular shadow and ground-glass shadow. We also distributed the e-learning system to the two groups and analyzed the effectiveness of education for both types of image shadow. The mean correct answer rate after the 2-week e-learning period increased from 34.5 to 72.7%. Diagnosis of the ground glass shadow improved significantly more than that of the mass shadow. Education using the e-leaning platform is effective for interpretation of chest radiography results. E-learning is particularly effective for the interpretation of chest radiography images containing ground glass shadow.

Comparison of grayscale and color-scale renderings of digital medical images for diagnostic interpretation

Medical images are increasingly being rendered as digital images that are displayed on a monitor to provide diagnoses. However, these images are often rendered in grayscale. In this context, we compare the detectability of low-contrast signals between digital grayscale images and color-scale images. Low-contrast phantom images were rendered with the use of five color tables (gray, blue, red, yellow, and green). The 32 acquired images sorted in random order were evaluated by nine observers, and their observations were subjected to receiver operating characteristic analysis. In addition, the evaluators’ preferred color and their eye fatigue upon image observation were compared. The low-contrast resolutions of yellow and green color scales were superior to that of grayscale. The use of yellow resulted in the least eye fatigue, and importantly our results indicate that the interpretation of digital medical images can be improved when these images are rendered in a “yellow scale” rather than grayscale.

Factors for Degaussing of a Cochlear Implant Magnet in the MR Scanner

This study examined the conditions influencing degauss of the magnet using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) was used to fix the measurement magnets to the MRI bed at angles from 0° to 180° for the magnetic flux vector of static magnetic field. The PMMA was moved in the MRI magnetic field. Magnetic flux density was measured before and after bed movement, and the rate of degauss was calculated. The contents examined are as follows: (1) the angle of the magnetic flux vector of the measurement magnets for the magnetic flux vector of the static magnetic field, (2) the number of movements, (3) moving velocity, and (4) the movement on the spatial gradient of magnetic field. Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis of the data. In conclusion, the effect of the angle of the magnetic flux vector of the implant magnet was high under the conditions of degauss in this study. Therefore, during the MRI examination of a patient with a cochlear implant magnet, the operators identified the directions of the magnetic flux vector and static magnetic field of the implant magnet.

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The Optimal Pad Material for Fat Suppression of Breast MRI

Although fat suppression technique is used in breast MRI, artifacts often appear owing to susceptibility and defective fat suppression effect after breast surgery. This is due to the abundance of adipose tissue in the breast as well as the region of air around the circumference of the excision site. Therefore, we have evaluated the optimal pad material for achieving fat suppression in breast MRI to reduce image artifacts and patient discomfort while maintaining breast shape. Oil of the solidity was used as the breast phantom material after segmental resection surgery. Five pad materials, including rice, ball bullets, glass beads, acrylic beads, and bath salts were used to fill the defects. Fat-suppressed, T1-weighted, three-dimensional imaging was performed using a breast array coil. Images with and without the five pad materials, were evaluated physically, visually, and by contact. Physical evaluation consisted of measuring the maximum signal and standard deviation in the regions of interest (ROIs). Discomfort and the amount of perceived resistance were evaluated during contact evaluation by inserting a finger into each pad material. In results, glass beads and bath salts produced a significantly larger fat suppression effect in the ROIs. Visual and contact evaluation also highlighted the benefits of glass beads, the latter demonstrating a significant decrease in discomfort and perceived resistance. In conclusion, we consider glass beads as the optimal pad material for fat suppression in breast MRI after surgery.

Characterization of Carotid Artery Plaque Components on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Signal Intensity of the Phantom as a Reference

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To evaluate the properties of plaque by the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it is necessary to use a material with stable signal intensity (eg, muscle or submandibular gland) as a reference. However, there may be differences between individuals. Therefore, we used a small phantom set on the circumference of the neck as a reference. The signal intensity ratio (SIR) methods using the phantom as a reference were reviewed for discrimination of the properties of plaque in the carotid artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three phantoms (phantom 1: water; phantom 2: 5 μmol gadopentetate dimeglumine; and phantom 3: 2.5 μmol gadopentetate dimeglumine) were set around the neck. SIR was calculated for each region of interest and compared according to pathological grade. RESULTS The method using a phantom as a reference reduced the standard deviations of tissue ratios to 0.16 from 0.27 in comparison with the method using muscle and showed a close correlation with pathological grade. In addition, the agreement rates with pathological grade and grades from each SIR using signal intensity of the phantom as a reference were higher than using signal intensity of the muscle as a reference to 0.86 from 0.63 for two-dimensional images and to 0.86 from 0.71 for three-dimensional images. CONCLUSIONS The method described here reduced error compared to the method using muscle as a reference, and the results were closely correlated with pathological grade.