Search

Treated cerebral aneurysms (IA) require follow-up imaging to ensure occlusion. Metal artifacts complicate radiologic assessment. Our aim was to evaluate an innovative metal-artifact-reduction (iMAR) algorithm for flat-detector computed tomography angiography (FD-CTA) regarding image quality (IQ) and detection of aneurysm residua/reperfusion in comparison to 2D digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Patients with IAs treated by endovascular coiling or clipping underwent both FD-CTA and DSA. FD-CTA datasets were postprocessed with/without iMAR algorithm (MAR+/MAR−). Evaluation of all FD-CTA and DSA datasets regarding qualitative (IQ, MAR) and quantitative (coil package diameter/CPD) parameters was performed. Aneurysm occlusion was assessed for each dataset and compared to DSA findings. In total, 40 IAs were analyzed (ncoiling = 24; nclipping = 16). All iMAR+ datasets demonstrated significantly better IQ (pIQ coiling < 0.0001; pIQ clipping < 0.0001). iMAR significantly reduced the metal-artifact burden but did not affect the CPD. iMAR significantly improved the detection of aneurysm residua/reperfusion with excellent agreement with DSA (naneurysm detection MAR+/MAR−/DSA = 22/1/26). The iMAR algorithm significantly improves IQ by effective reduction of metal artifacts in FD-CTA datasets. The proposed algorithm enables reliable detection of aneurysm residua/reperfusion with good agreement to DSA. Thus, iMAR can help to reduce the need for invasive follow-up in treated IAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Using flat-detector CT (FD-CT) for stroke imaging has the advantage that both diagnostic imaging and endovascular therapy can be performed directly within the Angio Suite without any patient transfer and time delay. Thus, stroke management could be speeded up significantly, and patient outcome might be improved. But as precondition for using FD-CT as primary imaging modality, a reliable exclusion of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) has to be possible. This study aimed to investigate whether optimized native FD-CT, using a newly implemented reconstruction algorithm, may reliably detect ICH in stroke patients. Additionally, the potential to identify ischemic changes was evaluated. Methods: Cranial FD-CT scans were obtained in 102 patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke (n = 32), ICH (n = 45) or transient ischemic attack (n = 25). All scans were reconstructed with a newly implemented half-scan cone-beam algorithm. Two experienced neuroradiologists, unaware of clinical findings, evaluated independently the FD-CTs screening for hemorrhage or ischemic signs. The findings were correlated to CT, and rater and inter-rater agreement was assessed. Results: FD-CT demonstrated high sensitivity (95- 100%) and specificity (100%) in detecting intracerebral and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Overall, interobserver agreement (κ = 0.92) was almost perfect and rater agree-ment to CT highly significant (r = 0.81). One infratentorial ICH and 10 or 11 of 22 subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAHs) were missed of whom 7 were perimesencephalic. The sensitivity for detecting acute ischemic signs was poor in blinded readings (0 or 25%, respectively). Conclusions: Optimized FD-CT, using a newly implemented reconstruction algorithm, turned out as a reliable tool for detecting supratentorial ICH and IVH. However, detection of infratentorial ICH and perimesencephalic SAH is limited. The potential of FD-CT in detecting ischemic changes is poor in blinded readings. Thus, plain FD-CT seems insufficient as a standalone modality in acute stroke, but within a multimodal imaging approach primarily using the FD technology, native FD-CT seems capable to exclude reliably supratentorial hemorrhage. Currently, FD-CT imaging seems not yet ready for wide adoption, replacing regular CT, and should be reserved for selected patients. Furthermore, prospective evaluations are necessary to validate this approach in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Metal artefacts can impair accurate diagnosis of haemorrhage using flat detector CT (FD-CT), especially after aneurysm coiling. Within this work we evaluate a prototype metal artefact reduction algorithm by comparison of the artefact-reduced and the non-artefact-reduced FD-CT images to pre-treatment FD-CT and multi-slice CT images.Methods: Twenty-five patients with acute aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) were selected retrospectively. FD-CT and multi-slice CT before endovascular treatment as well as FD-CT data sets after treatment were available for all patients. The algorithm was applied to post-treatment FD-CT. The effect of the algorithm was evaluated utilizing the pre-post concordance of a modified Fisher score, a subjective image quality assessment, the range of the Hounsfield units within three ROIs, and the pre-post slice-wise Pearson correlation.Results: The pre-post concordance of the modified Fisher score, the subjective image quality, and the pre-post correlation of the ranges of the Hounsfield units were significantly higher for artefact-reduced than for non-artefact-reduced images. Within the metal-affected slices, the pre-post slice-wise Pearson correlation coefficient was higher for artefact-reduced than for non-artefact-reduced images.Conclusion: The overall diagnostic quality of the artefact-reduced images was improved and reached the level of the pre-interventional FD-CT images. The metal-unaffected parts of the image were not modified.Key Points: • After coiling subarachnoid haemorrhage, metal artefacts seriously reduce FD-CT image quality. • This new metal artefact reduction algorithm is feasible for flat-detector CT. • After coiling, MAR is necessary for diagnostic quality of affected slices. • Slice-wise Pearson correlation is introduced to evaluate improvement of MAR in future studies. • Metal-unaffected parts of image are not modified by this MAR algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: C-arm flat panel computed tomography angiography (CA-CTA) is a relatively new imaging modality. Consequently, knowledge about postprocessing parameters and their influence on image quality is still limited, especially for the visualization of implanted microstents.Purpose: To optimize reconstruction parameters by evaluating the influence of these different parameters for CA-CTA visualization of microstents in an animal model.Material and Methods: Eleven microstents were implanted within the left common carotid artery of 11 New Zealand white rabbits. Both CA-CTA, using intra-venous delivery of contrast material, and conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed. CA-CTA datasets were reconstructed using three different image characteristics (normal, sharp, smooth). Two experienced neuroradiologists evaluated the image quality and performed measurements of inner and outer stent diameters as well as measurements of the lumen area.Results: Stent deployment was performed successfully in all animals. Inter-observer correlation coefficient for all measurements was high (r = 0.87-0.92). Lumen area and inner stent diameter were significantly smaller in image characteristic "smooth" (P < 0.01) than in "sharp" and "normal". Outer stent diameter was larger in "smooth" than in "sharp" and "normal" (P < 0.01). Stent strut size was significantly wider using image characteristic "smooth". "Sharp" and "normal" compared best to DSA, with "sharp" providing the closest match to DSA measurements, with the trade-off of significantly more noise than in the "normal" reconstructions.Conclusion: The use of different image characteristics in the postprocessing of CA-CTA datasets has an influence on the visualization of implanted stents. Image characteristic "sharp" and "normal" compared best to DSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared flat-detector computed tomography angiography (FD-CTA) to multislice computed tomography (MS-CTA) and digital subtracted angiography (DSA) for the visualization of experimental aneurysms treated with stents, coils or a combination of both.In 20 rabbits, aneurysms were created using the rabbit elastase aneurysm model. Seven aneurysms were treated with coils, seven with coils and stents, and six with self-expandable stents alone. Imaging was performed by DSA, MS-CTA and FD-CTA immediately after treatment. Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) was performed and two experienced reviewers compared aneurysm/coil package size, aneurysm occlusion, stent diameters and artifacts for each modality.In aneurysms treated with stents alone, the visualization of the aneurysms was identical in all three imaging modalities. Residual aneurysm perfusion was present in two cases and visible in DSA and FD-CTA but not in MS-CTA. The diameter of coil-packages was overestimated in MS-CT by 56% and only by 16% in FD-CTA compared to DSA (p < 0.05). The diameter of stents was identical for DSA and FD-CTA and was significantly overestimated in MS-CTA (p < 0.05). Beam/metal hardening artifacts impaired image quality more severely in MS-CTA compared to FD-CTA.MS-CTA is impaired by blooming and beam/metal hardening artifacts in the visualization of implanted devices. There was no significant difference between measurements made with noninvasive FD-CTA compared to gold standard of DSA after stenting and after coiling/stent-assisted coiling of aneurysms. FD-CTA may be considered as a non-invasive alternative to the gold standard 2D DSA in selected patients that require follow up imaging after stenting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Flat-detector CT (FD-CT) is used for a variety of applications. Additionally, 3D rotational angiography (3D DSA) is used to supplement digital subtraction angiography (DSA) studies. The aim was to measure and compare the dose of (1) standard DSA and 3D DSA and (2) analogous FD-CT and multislice CT (MSCT) protocols. Methods: Using an anthropomorphic phantom, the effective dose to patients (according to ICRP 103) was measured on an MSCT and a flat-detector angiographic system using standard protocols as recommended by the manufacturer. Results: (1) Evaluation of DSA and 3D DSA angiography protocols: ap.-lat. Standard/low-dose series 1/0.8 mSv, enlarged oblique projection 0.3 mSv, 3D DSA 0.9 mSv (limited coverage length 0.3 mSv). (2) Comparison of FD-CT and MSCT: brain parenchyma imaging 2.9 /1.4 mSv, perfusion imaging 2.3/4.2 mSv, temporal bone 0.2 /0.2 mSv, angiography 2.9/3.3 mSv, limited to the head using collimation 0.5/0.5 mSv. Conclusion: The effective dose for an FD-CT application depends on the application used. Using collimation for FD-CT applications, the dose may be reduced considerably. Due to the low dose of 3D DSA, we recommend using this technique to reduce the number of DSA series needed to identify working projections. Key Points: • Effective dose of FD-CT in comparison to MSCT is in comparable range. • Collimation decreases the dose of FD-CT effectively. • Effective dose of 3-D angiography is identical to 2-D DSA. • Different FD-CT programs have different dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim of our study was to evaluate flat detector computed tomography angiography with peripheral intravenous contrast material application (FD-CTA) for visualization of cerebral arteries in comparison with intravenous multidetector computed tomography angiography (CTA) and intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA). METHODS The study was approved by the local institutional review board and informed consent was obtained by all participants. Ten patients underwent FD-CTA, CTA, and DSA of the cerebral arterial vasculature for suspected cerebrovascular disease. The image data were evaluated by two readers in consensus for the visualization of cerebral arterial segments on a 5-point scale (0 = vessel cannot be distinguished; 4 = excellent image quality). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for statistical analysis. Note that P < .05 was considered to indicate a significant difference. RESULTS The depiction of cerebral arterial segments with FD-CTA was significantly superior compared to CTA in most vessel segments ( P < .05 in 20 of 23 anatomic regions) and was without significant difference compared with DSA in large and medium intracranial vessels. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the cerebral arteries can be visualized by FD-CTA in high resolution, in many vessel segments comparable to DSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To demonstrate the feasibility of intravenous Flat Detector CT Angiography (FD-CTA) for visualisation of intracranial Flow Diverting Devices. Flow Diverting Devices are used increasingly for treatment of intracranial aneurysms. A close follow up is necessary because it becomes obvious that a significant proportion of aneurysms treated with these devices remain patent. A minimally invasive method is highly desirable.Methods: In two patients treated with flow diverters a Flat Detector CT (FD-CT) with intravenous contrast medium application was performed. Post-processing was performed using commercially available software.Results: In both patients the lumen of the device and the lumen of the aneurysm could be clearly evaluated. Some beam hardening artefacts due to the marker wires of the device were obvious.Conclusion: Flat Detector CT with intravenous contrast material application to evaluate flow-diverting devices seems to be feasible. Further studies are necessary to perform comparative evaluation of FD-CTA with angiography and other techniques like MRA or conventional CT angiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Careful follow up is necessary after intracranial stenting because in-stent restenosis (ISR) or residual stenosis (RS) is not rare. A minimally invasive follow-up imaging technique is desirable. The objective was to compare the visualisation of stents in Flat Detector-CT Angiography (FD-CTA) after intravenous contrast medium injection (i.v.) with Multi Detector Computed Tomography Angiography (MD-CTA) and Digital Subtracted Angiography (DSA) in an animal model.Methods: Stents were implanted in the carotid artery of 12 rabbits. In 6 a residual stenosis (RS) was surgically created. Imaging was performed using FD-CTA, MD-CTA and DSA. Measurements of the inner and outer diameter and cross-section area of the stents were performed. Stenosis grade was calculated.Results: In subjective evaluation FD-CTA was superior to MD-CTA. FD-CTA was more accurate compared with DSA than MD-CTA. Cross-sectional area of the stent lumen was significantly larger (p < 0.05) in FD-CTA in comparison to MD-CTA. Accurate evaluation of stenosis was impossible in MD-CTA. There was no statistically significant difference in the stenosis grade of DSA and FD-CTA.Conclusion: Our results show that visualisation of stent and stenosis using intravenous FD-CTA compares favourably with DSA and may replace DSA in the follow-up of patients treated with intracranial stents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Cochlear implantation assessment is possible using commercially available standard flat-detector computed tomography (FD-CT) protocols. Image quality is superior to multislice CT (MSCT). The radiation dose of FD-CT is lower in comparison with MSCT standard protocols and may therefore overcome the limitations of MSCT in the evaluation of cochlear implants. Objective: FD-CT offers higher spatial resolution than MSCT. Our objective was to compare the image quality of FD-CT to conventional MSCT in the visualization of a cochlear implant electrode array with respect to radiation exposure. Methods: An isolated temporal bone specimen was scanned using a commercially available FD-CT system and a 4 and 64 row MSCT scanner. Different scanning protocols were used. Image quality was assessed by four independent readers using a scoring system with different criteria describing delineation of the cochlea and the electrode array, image noise and spatial resolution. Radiation dose was measured using the CT dose index (CTDI) and a 16 cm acrylic phantom. Results: Image quality was rated superior for FD-CT for all criteria by all readers. Single electrode contacts were only visible in FD-CT and assessment of implant position was improved by FD-CT. The radiation dose of FD-CT was half that of MSCT standard protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flat detector CT perfusion (FD-CTP) is a novel technique using C-arm angiography systems for interventional dynamic tissue perfusion measurement with high potential benefits for catheter-guided treatment of stroke. However, FD-CTP is challenging since C-arms rotate slower than conventional CT systems. Furthermore, noise and artefacts affect the measurement of contrast agent flow in tissue. Recent robotic C-arms are able to use high speed protocols (HSP), which allow sampling of the contrast agent flow with improved temporal resolution. However, low angular sampling of projection images leads to streak artefacts, which are translated to the perfusion maps. We recently introduced the FDK-JBF denoising technique based on Feldkamp (FDK) reconstruction followed by joint bilateral filtering (JBF). As this edge-preserving noise reduction preserves streak artefacts, an empirical streak reduction (SR) technique is presented in this work. The SR method exploits spatial and temporal information in the form of total variation and time-curve analysis to detect and remove streaks. The novel approach is evaluated in a numerical brain phantom and a patient study. An improved noise and artefact reduction compared to existing post-processing methods and faster computation speed compared to an algebraic reconstruction method are achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The standard freehand method for the insertion of external ventricular drains (EVDs) is associated with high rates of incorrect placement. Use of neuronavigation has been shown to reduce the rates of inaccurately positioned EVDs. We present a novel neuronavigation-based approach for EVD placement using flat panel detector computed tomography (FDCT) imaging. Methods Four cadaveric heads were used for neuronavigated placement of EVDs using the BrainLAB reference headband in combination with laser surface registration and the precalibrated disposable stylet. In 2 cases, conventional multislice CT imaging was performed to reference neuronavigation. In the other 2 cases, preprocedural imaging was performed with FDCT. After inserting the EVDs, all heads were examined again with the identical imaging method as used before the procedure, followed by evaluation of catheter position. Results Our data demonstrate that FDCT imaging provides adequate image quality for referencing neuronavigation and performing navigated neurosurgery. All EVDs showed an optimal position in the ipsilateral frontal horn. Use of a BrainLAB reference headband combined with laser surface registration and the precalibrated disposable stylet affords the advantage of not requiring rigid fixation in a clamp. Conclusions Our presented method is fast, accurate, and easy to use. Furthermore, this study is the first to demonstrate that navigated neurosurgery can be performed on the basis of FDCT imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]