Michael A. Kuefner

High-pitch spiral computed tomography: effect on image quality and radiation dose in pediatric chest computed tomography.

Objectives:Computed tomography (CT) is considered the method of choice in thoracic imaging for a variety of indications. Sedation is usually necessary to enable CT and to avoid deterioration of image quality because of patient movement in small children. We evaluated a new, subsecond high-pitch scan mode (HPM), which obviates the need of sedation and to hold the breath. Material and Methods:A total of 60 patients were included in this study. 30 patients (mean age, 14 ± 17 month; range, 0–55 month) were examined with a dual source CT system in an HPM. Scan parameters were as follows: pitch = 3.0, 128 × 0.6 mm slice acquisition, 0.28 seconds gantry rotation time, ref. mAs adapted to the body weight (50–100 mAs) at 80 kV. Images were reconstructed with a slice thickness of 0.75 mm. None of the children was sedated for the CT examination and no breathing instructions were given. Image quality was assessed focusing on motion artifacts and delineation of the vascular structures and lung parenchyma. Thirty patients (mean age, 15 ± 17 month; range, 0–55 month) were examined under sedation on 2 different CT systems (10-slice CT, n = 18; 64-slice CT, n = 13 patients) in conventional pitch mode (CPM). Dose values were calculated from the dose length product provided in the patient protocol/dose reports, Monte Carlo simulations were performed to assess dose distribution for CPM and HPM. Results:All scans were performed without complications. Image quality was superior with HPM, because of a significant reduction in motion artifacts, as compared to CPM with 10- and 64-slice CT. In the control group, artifacts were encountered at the level of the diaphragm (n = 30; 100%), the borders of the heart (n = 30; 100%), and the ribs (n = 20; 67%) and spine (n = 6; 20%), whereas motion artifacts were detected in the HPM-group only in 6 patients in the lung parenchyma next to the diaphragm or the heart (P < 0,001). Dose values were within the same range in the patient examinations (CPM, 1.9 ± 0.6 mSv; HPM, 1.9 ± 0.5 mSv; P = 0.95), although z-overscanning increased with the increase of detector width and pitch-value. Conclusion:High-pitch chest CT is a robust method to provide highest image quality making sedation or controlled ventilation for the examination of infants, small or uncooperative children unnecessary, whereas maintaining low radiation dose values.

DNA Double-Strand Breaks and Their Repair in Blood Lymphocytes of Patients Undergoing Angiographic Procedures

Objectives:To adapt &ggr;-H2AX immunofluorescence microscopy to assessment of induction and repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in peripheral blood lymphocytes in patients undergoing angiographic procedures. Materials and Methods:The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. After written informed patient consents were obtained, venous blood samples were taken from 19 patients (age 23–88 years) undergoing different angiographic procedures before, during, and after (10 minutes–24 hours) the examination. Individual DSB yields were visualized by detecting the phosphorylated variant of the histone H2AX (&ggr;-H2AX) in lymphocytes using fluorescence microscopy. Values were correlated with dose area product. Single in vitro irradiation with 50 mGy was performed in 14 and additional fractionated irradiation with 10 × 5 mGy over a time period corresponding to the angiography duration in 4 patients. The radiation doses to the blood delivered during angiography were estimated by comparing the number of DSBs after angiography with DSB yields obtained after in vitro irradiation. Results:In all patients in vivo and in vitro irradiation increased the number of DSBs (0.03–1.50 per cell), even if very small doses were applied (minimum 338 &mgr;Gy × m2). Thereafter in both in vitro and in vivo a rapid loss of &ggr;-H2AX foci was observed. The number of DSBs showed a linear correlation to dose area product for specific examination regions (eg, R = 0.85, pelvic and leg arteries). Calculated radiation doses to blood delivered during angiography ranged from 2.2 to 99.9 mGy and increased if fractioned in vitro samples were used as calibration instead of single in vitro irradiations at the same total dose. Conclusions:&ggr;-H2AX immunofluorescence microscopy is a reliable and sensitive method for measuring the induction and repair of DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation during angiography. To estimate radiation doses delivered during procedures and to consider patients individual repair capacity, postangiography DSB-yields should be compared with DSB-yields after fractioned in vitro irradiation imitating examination conditions.

Contrast Medium–enhanced Radiation Damage Caused by CT Examinations

PURPOSE To assess the effect of iodinated contrast medium (CM) on the induction and repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in peripheral blood lymphocytes after computed tomographic (CT) examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study was approved by the institutional ethics committee; written informed patient consent was obtained from 37 patients. Venous blood samples were taken from patients before and at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2.5 hours, and 5 hours after performing CT with (n = 18) or without (n = 19) intravenous administration of CM (iopromide or iomeprol). DSBs were assessed in lymphocytes by enumerating gammaH2AX foci. DSB levels after CT were compared with those obtained after in vitro irradiation. Cell culture experiments with peripheral lymphocytes and fibroblasts were performed with iopromide, iomeprol, or the control substance mannitol added before or immediately after x- or gamma-ray irradiation. DSBs were assessed at 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 2.5 hours, and 5 hours after irradiation. Data were analyzed by using linear regression and the one-tailed Welch and paired sample t tests. RESULTS The presence of CM during CT increases DSB levels in peripheral lymphocytes by approximately 30%. Cell culture experiments confirmed this effect and further showed that CM administered prior to x-ray irradiation increases the initial DSB yield but has no effect if added after irradiation or when gamma-rays are used instead of x-rays. CONCLUSION The highly sensitive gammaH2AX foci assay shows that CM-enhanced radiation damage incurred in peripheral lymphocytes during CT. However, it is unknown whether long-term bioeffects of low-dose ionizing radiation from CT examinations, such as cancer, are increased by using CM.

Normalized metal artifact reduction in head and neck computed tomography.

ObjectiveArtifacts from dental hardware affect image quality and the visualization of lesions in the oral cavity and oropharynx in computed tomography (CT). Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging is considered the imaging modality of choice in this region. Standard methods for metal artifact reduction (MAR) in CT replace the metal-affected raw data by interpolation, which is prone to new artifacts. We developed a generalized normalization technique for MAR (NMAR) that aims to suppress algorithm-induced artifacts and validated the performance of this algorithm in a clinical trial. Material and MethodsA 3-dimensional forward projection identifies the metal-affected raw data in the original projections after metal is segmented in the image domain by thresholding. A prior image is used to normalize the projections before interpolation. The original raw data are divided pixel-wise by the projection data of the prior image and, after interpolation, are denormalized again. Data from 19 consecutive patients with metal artifacts from dental hardware were reconstructed with standard filtered backprojection (FBP), linear interpolation MAR (LIMAR), and NMAR. The image quality of slices containing metal was analyzed for the severity of artifacts and diagnostic value; magnetic resonance imaging performed the same day on a 3-T system served as a reference standard in all cases. ResultsA total of 260 slices containing metal dental hardware were analyzed. A total of 164 slices were nondiagnostic with FBP, 157 slices with LIMAR, and 87 slices with NMAR. The mean (SD) number of slices per patient with severe artifacts was 10.1 (3.7), 9.6 (4.6), and 5.4 (3.6) and the mean (SD) number of slices with artifacts affecting diagnostic confidence was 3.3 (1.7), 4.9 (2.9), and 3.7 (1.9) for FBP, LIMAR, and NMAR, respectively (P < 0.001). Pairwise comparison did not show significant differences between FBP and LIMAR (P = 0.40), but there were significant differences between FBP and NMAR as well as LIMAR and NMAR (both P < 0.001). Interobserver agreement was excellent (&kgr; = 0.974). Two malignant lesions were unmasked with NMAR image reconstructions. No algorithm-related artifacts were detected in regions that did not contain metal in NMAR images. ConclusionNormalized MAR has the potential to improve image quality in patients with artifacts from dental hardware and to improve the diagnostic accuracy of CT of the oral cavity and oropharynx.

Attenuation-based automatic kilovolt selection in abdominal computed tomography: effects on radiation exposure and image quality.

ObjectivesDose reduction has become a major issue in computed tomography (CT). The benefit of kilovolt (kV) reduction has been demonstrated in CT angiography. We sought to evaluate an attenuation-based fully automated kV-selection and milliampere second-adaption algorithm for CT and to assess radiation dose and image quality in comparison with a standard 120 kV protocol in contrast-enhanced (CE) portal-venous thoracoabdominal imaging. Materials and MethodsOne hundred patients (mean age, 58.4 ± 5.7 years; mean body mass index [BMI], 26.1 ± 5.1 kg/m2) underwent CE CT using automated selection of the tube potential (80-140 kV) with milliampere second adaption based on the attenuation profile of the scout scan.The estimated CT dose index was recorded for the proposed scan setting and standard 120-kV protocol. Regions of interest measurements were performed at different locations for objective assessment of image quality. Signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. The subjective image quality was assessed by 2 observers with a 4-point scale using previous CT examinations with the 120-kV standard protocol as the reference for comparison. ResultsThe kV-selection algorithm could be applied in all examinations without problems. Image quality was high, and there were no significant differences compared with previous examinations of the patients performed at 120 kV. Eighty kilovolts was used in 9% of examinations (mean BMI, 22.8 ± 2.8 kg/m2); 100 kV, in 75% (mean BMI, 23.7 ± 4.7 kg/m2); 120 kV, in 16% (mean BMI, 30 ± 3.3 kg/m2); and 140 kV, in a single case (BMI, 49.4 kg/m2). The average estimated CT dose index reduction was 25.3% in the 80-kV group, 14.5% in the 100-kV group, and 11.4% overall. The CNR did not differ significantly, whereas the signal-to-noise ratio was significantly higher in the 80- and 100-kV examinations. ConclusionThe attenuation-based kV-selection algorithm was demonstrated to be applicable in clinical routine of CE thoracoabdominal CT, to keep CNR constant, and to result in a significant dose reduction while preserving image quality.

Effect of Antioxidants on X-ray–induced γ-H2AX Foci in Human Blood Lymphocytes: Preliminary Observations

PURPOSE To investigate the effect of a radioprotective oral agent containing a formulation of antioxidants and glutathione-elevating compounds on the extent of x-ray-induced γ-H2AX foci formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was approved by local ethics committee and informed consent was obtained from each subject. In vitro experiments with blood lymphocytes of 25 healthy volunteers were performed without antioxidants and with antioxidants added either before or immediately after irradiation (10 mGy). For in vivo/in vitro tests, blood samples were obtained before, 15, 30, and 60 minutes (n=17) after, and 2, 3, and 5 hours (n=11) after oral ingestion of antioxidant pills and were irradiated (10 mGy). DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) were quantified in isolated lymphocytes 5 minutes (in vitro and in vivo/in vitro) and 15 minutes (in vitro) after irradiation by enumerating γ-H2AX foci. To validate the data, additional in vitro experiments with use of 53BP1 as another independent marker for DSBs were performed. Nonirradiated samples served as controls. Statistical analyses were performed by using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests (in vitro), repeated-measures test, and Dunnett test (in vivo/in vitro). RESULTS In the in vitro experiments, 15-minute preincubation with antioxidants significantly reduced mean γ-H2AX foci levels by 23% (P<.0001), whereas addition of antioxidants immediately after irradiation did not lead to a reduction of x-ray-induced foci (P=.6905). Mean 53BP1 foci were also reduced by preincubation with the radioprotectant. In the in vivo/in vitro tests, oral pretreatment with antioxidants also led to a significant reduction of γ-H2AX foci formation; administration 60 minutes before irradiation resulted in a mean foci reduction of 58% (P<.0001). CONCLUSION The tested formulation of antioxidants significantly reduced formation of γ-H2AX and 53BP1 foci after irradiation at a radiologic radiation dose typical for computed tomographic imaging; administration 60 minutes prior to irradiation seems to be appropriate and leads to a significant reduction in foci.

X-ray induced DNA double-strand breaks in coronary CT angiography: comparison of sequential, low-pitch helical and high-pitch helical data acquisition.

BACKGROUND Aim of this study was to compare DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in blood lymphocytes of patients undergoing high-pitch helical, low-pitch helical and sequential coronary CT angiography. METHODS AND RESULTS 66 patients were examined with various scan protocols and modes (low-pitch helical scan: 100-120 kV, 320-438 mAs/rot, pitch 0.18-0.39, with or without ECG-pulsing, n=35; prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch helical scan: 100-120 kV, 320-456 mAs/rotation, pitch 3.2-3.4, n=19; prospectively ECG-triggered sequential scan: 100-120 kV, 150-300 mAs or 320-370 mAs/rotation, n=12) either using a 64-slice or 128-slice dual-source CT or a 128-slice single source CT scanner. Blood samples were obtained before and 30 min after CT and DSBs were analyzed in isolated lymphocytes using γ-H2AX immunofluorescence microscopy. A significant increase of DSBs was measurable 30 min after CTA (range 0.01-0.71/cell). CT induced DSBs showed a significant correlation with the estimated effective dose (ρ=0.90, p<0.00001). Both prospectively ECG-triggered sequential (0.10 DSBs/cell, 176 mGy cm, p<0.00001) and high-pitch helical scan protocols (0.03 DSBs/cell, 109 mGy cm, p<0.00001) led to a significant reduction of median DLP and DSB levels compared to low-pitch helical scans (0.34 DSBs/cell, 828 mGy cm). A reduction of the tube voltage resulted in significantly lower whereas additional calcium scoring resulted in elevated DLP and DNA damages (p<0.05 each). CONCLUSION In coronary CTA, data acquisition protocols have a significant influence on the X-ray induced DSB levels. Using γ-H2AX immunofluorescence microscopy different scan modes in different CT generations can be compared concerning their biological impact.

Reduction of X-ray induced DNA double-strand breaks in blood lymphocytes during coronary CT angiography using high-pitch spiral data acquisition with prospective ECG-triggering.

Objectives:Purpose of this study was to compare the effect of high-pitch spiral data acquisition with prospective electrocardiography (ECG)-triggering on the x-ray induced DNA damages to blood lymphocytes with commonly used low-pitch spiral scans. Materials and Methods:Thirty four patients underwent coronary computed tomography angiography either using high-pitch spiral data acquisition (n = 15; dual-source computed tomography (CT) scanner, 38.4 mm collimation, 100–120 kV, 320–456 mAs/rotation, pitch value 3.2–3.4) or using a low-pitch protocol (n = 19; dual-source CT scanner, 19.2 mm collimation, 120 kV, 330–438 mAs/rotation, pitch 0.2–0.39, ECG-based tube current modulation). Blood samples were obtained before and 30 minutes after CT. Lymphocytes were isolated, stained against the phosphorylated histone variant &ggr;H2AX, and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) were visualized using fluorescence microscopy. Radiation dose to the blood was estimated by relating in vivo DSB levels to values of in vitro irradiated blood samples (50 mGy). Dose length product was registered as provided by the patient protocol. Results:Total dose length product ranged from 101 to 237 (median 112) mGy cm in high-pitch and from 524 to 1283 (median 1025) mGy cm in low-pitch scans (P < 0.0001). The median CT induced DSB level 30 minutes after exposure was significantly lower after high-pitch (0.04 DSBs/cell, range 0.02–0.10 DSBs/cell) compared with low-pitch scans (0.39 DSBs/cell, 0.22–0.71 DSBs/cell, P < 0.0001). Both DSB levels and radiation dose to the blood showed a significant correlation to the dose length product (r = 0.82, P < 0.0001). The radiation dose to the blood was significantly reduced in the high-pitch (median 3.1, range 2.0–8.1 mGy) compared with the low-pitch group (median 26.9; range 14.2–44.9 mGy, P < 0.0001). Conclusions:Prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral data acquisition can considerably reduce the radiation dose to the blood in coronary CT angiography as compared with low pitch protocols.

Influence of Cardiac MR Imaging on DNA Double-Strand Breaks in Human Blood Lymphocytes

PURPOSE To evaluate the ability of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to induce deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in patients who underwent cardiac MR imaging in daily routine by using γ-H2AX immunofluorescence microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study complies with the Declaration of Helsinki and was performed according to local ethics committee approval. Informed patient consent was obtained. Blood samples from 45 patients (13 women, 32 men; mean age, 50.3 years [age range, 20-89 years]) were obtained before and after contrast agent-enhanced cardiac MR imaging. MR imaging-induced double-strand breaks (DSBs) were quantified in isolated blood lymphocytes by using immunofluorescence microscopy after staining the phosphorylated histone variant γ-H2AX. Twenty-nine patients were examined with a myocarditis protocol (group A), 10 patients with a stress-testing protocol (group B), and six patients with flow measurements and angiography (group C). Paired t test was performed to compare excess foci before and after MR imaging. RESULTS The mean baseline DSB level before MR imaging and 5 minutes after MR imaging was, respectively, 0.116 DSB per cell ± 0.019 (standard deviation) and 0.117 DSB per cell ± 0.019 (P = .71). There was also no significant difference in DSBs in these subgroups (group A: DSB per cell before and after MR imaging, respectively, 0.114 and 0.114, P = .91; group B: DSB per cell before and after MR imaging, respectively, 0.123 and 0.124, P = .78; group C: DSB per cell before and after MR imaging, respectively, 0.114 and 0.115, P = .36). CONCLUSION By using γ-H2AX immunofluorescence microscopy, no DNA DSBs were detected after cardiac MR imaging.

Ormond’s Disease or Secondary Retroperitoneal Fibrosis? An Overview of Retroperitoneal Fibrosis

Retroperitoneal fibrosis represents a rare inflammatory disease. About two thirds of all cases seem to be idiopathic (= Ormonds disease). The remaining one third is secondary and may be ascribed to infections, trauma, radiation therapy, malignant diseases, and the use of certain drugs. Up to 15 % of patients have additional fibrotic processes outside the retroperitoneum. The clinical symptoms of retroperitoneal fibrosis are non-specific. In sonography retroperitoneal fibrosis appears as a retroperitoneal hypoechoic mass which can involve the ureters and thus cause hydronephrosis. Intravenous urography and MR urography can demonstrate the typical triad of medial deviation and extrinsic compression of the ureters and hydronephrosis. CT and MRI are the modalities of choice for the diagnosis and follow-up of this disease. The lesion typically begins at the level of the fourth or fifth lumbar vertebra and appears as a plaque, encasing the aorta and the inferior vena cava and often enveloping and medially displacing the ureters. In unenhanced CT, retroperitoneal fibrosis appears as a mass that is isodense with muscle. When using MRI, the mass is hypointense in T 1-weighted images and of variable intensity in T 2-weighted images according to its stage: it may be hyperintense in early stages, while the tissue may have a low signal in late stages. After the administration of contrast media, enhancement is greatest in the early inflammatory phase and minimal in the late fibrotic phase. Dynamic gadolinium enhancement can be useful for assessing disease activity, monitoring response to treatment, and detecting relapse. To differentiate retroperitoneal masses, diffusion-weighted MRI may provide useful information.