Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Evaluation of the usefulness of the MV3D RECON technique with Bone Removal in CT Brain Angiography","authors":"Ms. Seunghui Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101530","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101530","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The reproducibility of blood vessels in MIP 3D reconstruction of DSA images in CT brain angiography may be limited due to various factors. This study aims to analyze the factors causing image quality degradation and to evaluate the usefulness of Modified Vascular 3D Reconstruction (MV3D Reconstruction) using the bone removal technique.</div></div><div><h3>Subjects and Methods</h3><div>This study analyzed a total of 115 patients (52 men and 53 women) who underwent CT brain angiography at our hospital from January 23, 2023, to December 31, 2023, and experienced reduced image quality due to artifact occurrence. The Somatom Definition Force (Siemens Healthcare, Forchheim, Germany) was used as the examination device, and Syngovia (Siemens Healthcare, Germany) for image post-processing and reconstruction. Patients were divided into two groups based on the artifact type: Group A (motion) and Group B (vein reflux). The vascular reproducibility of DSA 3D reconstruction images and MV3D reconstruction images was qualitatively evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>As a result, when MV3D Reconstruction is applied, the reproducibility of group A is 35% and group B is more than 50%. (P&lt;0.01*)</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Various factors contribute to the degradation of vascular image quality in CT brain angiography. The MV3D reconstruction method, incorporating the bone removal technique, improves the reproducibility of head and neck vascular images in cases of motion or venous reflux.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142530488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of image-guidance in proton and photon radiation therapy: Preliminary clinical experience","authors":"Miss Semaya Natalia Chen,&nbsp;Miss Sze Yarn Sin","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101541","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101541","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Proton therapy (PT) has a unique depth dose profile (Bragg peak), where it is more superior than IMRT in target volume dose coverage and lower OARs doses. Proton is more sensitive to density and contour changes along the traversed beam as these would affect Bragg peak dose deposition and overall dosimetry. Geometrical uncertainties are crucial in affecting dosimetry for both IMRT and PT, however more detrimental for the latter as they affect proton's penetration range. To minimize these uncertainties, image-guidance in PT is essential. Hence, we aim to compare PT and IMRT image-guidance based on our early PT clinical experiences. From June 2023 to January 2024, 74 patients (7 brain, 32 head-and-neck (HN), 10 thorax-abdo, 18 prostate and 7 paediatrics) received PT in our centre. PT clinical imaging experiences were compared with departmental IMRT imaging protocols. IMRT (orthogonal kV and/or CBCT) used bone-based and soft-tissue-based registration. Soft-tissue-based registration is inevitable in PT (CBCT) due to additional need to focus on overall contours. Thus, low-dose contours acting as beam shape surrogates are also implemented in PT image registration for evaluation of overall contour match along individual beam path. In brain and HN cases, matching criteria and correction strategies are similar for IMRT and PT. However, additional attention is given to shoulder positions, sinuses filling and contour variations in PT HN image verification. Prostate and liver cases used CBCT matching for both treatment techniques. Furthermore in PT, additional real-time fiducial tracking is utilised to reduce intra-fractional motion. Image-guidance enables accurate target-alignment and monitoring of anatomical/contour changes to trigger adaptive replanning if required. To achieve proton's superior robust plan, surrounding anatomical structures must constantly be in the same position as planned in addition to precise target-alignment. Thus, 3D-volumetric imaging and 6D correction strategies are highly relevant in PT compared to IMRT.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142530413","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Stroke Onset Time Based on DINOv2 Visual Features","authors":"Dr Jin-jin Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101479","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101479","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Currently, the thrombolytic treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) strictly depends on the time since stroke onset (TSS) being less than 4.5 hours. However, some patients are excluded from thrombolytic treatment due to uncertain TSS. Clinically, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) mismatch are commonly used to roughly determine TSS.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this paper, we propose a method based on DINOv2 to classify the TSS as less than or more than 4.5 hours. We conducted model training and external testing using case data from two hospitals. These hospitals respectively included 226 and 85 cases of TSS less than 4.5 hours, along with an equal number of cases with TSS greater than 4.5 hours. Firstly, we utilized DINOv2 for automatic segmentation of lesions and extraction of visual features from DWI and FLAIR images. Then, the visual features of the lesion area were input into four different machine learning models. Finally, a conclusion on whether the patient's onset time is more or less than 4.5 hours is reached through a weighted voting method.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results from the external test set show that in lesion segmentation from DWI and FLAIR images, the Dice coefficients were as high as 0.872 and 0.823, respectively. In the judgment of TTS less than 4.5 hours, our approach achieved an accuracy of 0.865, sensitivity of 0.843, and specificity of 0.902.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The assessment of TTS based on DINOv2 visual features demonstrates excellent performance. The results of this approach significantly surpass those of human doctors using the DWI-FLAIR mismatch method. Moreover, it achieves a fully automated process for rapid and efficient handling. This approach is expected to play a key role in treatment decision-making for patients with unknown TSS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142530050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Signal Power Estimation and its Novel Applications in Radiology as two birds with one stone","authors":"Dr. Motohiro Tabuchi","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101480","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101480","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background/Purpose</h3><div>In radiology, MTF and SNR (or CNR) are known as established methods for evaluating the quality of phantom images. However, due to their complexity caused by multiple procedures involved in measuring of multiple ROI statistics such as mean, variance, etc., this study proposes a simplified signal power estimation method calculated directly from a pair of observed images. Then, in this research, MTF* and SNR* utilizing this proposed method are introduced as novel applications.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>First, two observed phantom images are prepared by using the same imaging condition. Then, a signal power of the image is estimated from a covariance of a pair of the observed images using the following equation. V(<strong><em>x</em></strong>) = Cov(<strong><em>y</em></strong>₁, <strong><em>y</em></strong>₂) where V(<strong>·</strong>) and Cov(<strong>·</strong>) denote a variance and a covariance of <strong>·</strong> respectively. Here, <strong><em>x</em></strong> is a signal image vector, and <strong><em>y</em></strong>₁ and <strong><em>y</em></strong>₂ are observed image vectors obtained under the same imaging conditions, where <strong><em>y</em></strong> is constructed from the signal vector <strong><em>x</em></strong> summated the additive noise vector <strong><em>n</em></strong>, namely <strong><em>y</em></strong> = <strong><em>x</em></strong> + <strong><em>n</em></strong>. Finally, MTF* and SNR* are calculated using the estimated signal power V(<strong><em>x</em></strong>). The proposed methods are then compared with the conventional methods.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>While a direct comparison between conventional SNR and SNR* proved difficult due to differences in definition, both methods showed similar trends. On the other hand, the conventional MTF by Droege's method and the MTF* were almost in agreement with two significant figures as expected.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This investigation proposed simplified method for estimating signal power derived from the covariance of a pair of observed images. And this proposed method produced novel applications termed MTF* and SNR*, and has an more practical than the conventional method in terms of simplified procedure as two birds with one stone.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142530051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cardiac magnetic resonance evaluation of epicardial adipose tissue in hemodialysis patients","authors":"Miss Qian Pu","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101532","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101532","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a predictor of cardiovascular risk in the general population. However, the value of EAT in hemodialysis patients has not been fully validated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between EAT and cardiac structure and function parameters in hemodialysis patients, and to explore the relationship between EAT and dialysis age.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Forty patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing regular hemodialysis and five healthy volunteers were enrolled prospectively. All participants underwent cardiac magnetic resonance scanning using balanced steady-state free precession sequence. Images included continuous short-axis views covering the entire left ventricle, two-, three- and four-chamber views. Ventricular function parameters and epicardial fat volume were obtained by post-processing software. On the short-axis cine stack, EAT was delineated from the most apical to basal level of left ventricle at end-diastole. Fat volume was calculated by modified Simpson's rule, with body surface area corrected for individual differences.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Compared with healthy volunteers, EAT in hemodialysis patients was significantly higher (40.7 ± 5.5 ml/m² vs. 62.8 ± 17.3 ml/m², <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). EAT was positively correlated with left ventricular end-systolic myocardial mass index (r = 0.59, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) and left ventricular end-diastolic myocardial mass index (r = 0.61, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). There was a negative correlation between EAT and left ventricular global radial strain (r = −0.33, <em>P</em> = 0.038). There was no significant correlation between EAT and hemodialysis age (<em>P</em> = 0.587), left ventricular ejection fraction (<em>P</em> = 0.086), right ventricular ejection fraction (<em>P</em> = 0.331).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Hemodialysis patients have more EAT. EAT was significantly correlated with myocardial mass and global radial strain. Further studies are needed to evaluate the value of EAT in predicting cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142530491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimizing Imaging Practices for ECMO-Supported Patients: Experiential Insights from Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Intensive Care","authors":"Mr. Benjamin Thiriat","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101524","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101524","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background/Purpose</h3><div>The utilization of ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) has surged in intensive care units, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting unique challenges for imaging services. This work aims to optimize practices and consolidate solutions based on experiential insights to address the complexities associated with ECMO patient care and imaging procedures.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Drawing from experiential knowledge and interdisciplinary collaboration, this retrospective analysis explores adaptations in patient handling and imaging protocol for individuals undergoing ECMO support. Insights were derived from multidisciplinary discussions and feedback, focusing on ECMO-specific considerations and scan acquisition nuances.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Collaborative efforts between imaging and intensive care teams identified crucial adjustments in patient management to mitigate risks effectively. Furthermore, insights into ECMO configurations and their implications on imaging procedures contributed to a reduction in non-diagnostic scans, thereby enhancing patient care, albeit persistent challenges.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Through experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, practices can be optimized to minimize non-diagnostic scans and associated risks in ECMO-supported patients. Continual refinement of protocols based on experiential insights is essential for improving patient outcomes in this complex clinical setting.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142530603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analyzing the Impact of BMI on Breast Cancer Setup Errors in Prone Position Radiation Therapy: A Comparison of Manual and Automated Image Matching","authors":"Yu Wan-Ping,&nbsp;Lai Wen-Hui,&nbsp;Chu Hsiu-Shan,&nbsp;Medical Administrative Specialist Chen Ni-Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101526","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In radiation therapy, the precision of patient positioning is crucial, particularly when using the prone position to minimize exposure to organs at risk (OAR). This investigation explores the effect of Body Mass Index (BMI) on setup errors in prone positioning, emphasizing the distinction between manual and automated image matching techniques. Data from 27 patients with normal weight and 88 overweight patients, treated from February to November 2023 with the VARIAN iX Linear Accelerator and assessed through weekly On-Board Imaging (OBI), were analyzed. Both manual and automated matching methods were utilized to evaluate setup error (Laterolateral(X axis), Craniocaudal (Y axis),Anterioposterior (Z axis), Yaw)deviations, correlating these with the patients' BMI.</div><div>The analysis demonstrated that in automated matching, patients with a higher BMI showed mean displacement values of 0.192±0.2296 cm (P&lt;0.05) in the X axis and 0.118±0.3590 degree (P&lt;0.05) in the Yaw axis, significantly higher than those with a normal BMI. Manual matching reinforced this finding, with a notable increase in displacement for higher BMI patients in the X axis, averaging 0.344±0.2828 cm (P&lt;0.05). These results reveal that patients with higher BMI face greater challenges in maintaining precise positioning during prone radiation therapy, potentially affecting treatment precision.</div><div>This study shows the necessity for customized positioning strategies in prone radiation therapy for patients with higher BMI. By addressing these positioning challenges, it is possible to improve treatment precision and ensure more effective radiation therapy outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142530604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nuclear Medicine: The Beauty of Theranostics","authors":"Mr Donny Tung Tung Tsoi","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101469","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101469","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The field of Nuclear Medicine had witnessed significant advancement in the past two decades, particularly within the area of theranostics. Basically, the term “Theranostics” is a fusion of two words – “Diagnostics” and “Therapeutics”. The backbone concept behind is “we see what we treat, and then we treat what we see”. The principle involves the use of a pharmaceutical ligand, either of the same molecular structure or an analogue, to serve either as a diagnostic or therapeutic agent based on the choice and nature of the labelling radio-isotope. This presentation will mainly cover three cutting-edge and innovative topics within the field of Nuclear Medicine: theranostics for prostatic carcinoma (PCa), neuroendocrine tumor (NET) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We will explore the basic concept and applications for these diseases by discussing the currently common used radio-isotopes for disease evaluation and therapy. Furthermore, we will discuss how to tailor make the pre-treatment imaging regime in order to personalize the treatment delivery and its potential impact on patient outcome.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Theranostics for Prostatic Carcinoma:&lt;/strong&gt; We will assess how to utilize the positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging with injection of 18F-Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) inhibitor to reveal the PSMA overexpression of PCa. By replacing the radio-isotope with Lutetium-177 (177Lu), the beta emission of 177Lu-PSMA enables the delivery of internal radiation to the pathology while sparing the surrounding normal tissue.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Theranostics for Neuroendocrine Tumor:&lt;/strong&gt; We will discuss various Gallium-68 (68Ga) labeled DOTA peptides (such as 68Ga-DOTATOC and 68Ga-DOTATATE) as somatostatin analogues to reveal the somatostatin receptor (SSTR) expression of NET. Additionally, we will review the treatment efficacy of 177Lu-DOTATATE in radionuclide therapy.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Theranostics for Hepatocellular Carcinoma:&lt;/strong&gt; We will explore the application of Technetium-99m labeled Macroaggregated Albumin (99mTc-MAA) as a surrogate radiotracer in SPECT/CT for planning Yttrium-90 (90Y) microsphere radioembolization treatment in HCC patient. Instead of using physical parameters from CT or MRI as part of conventional 90Y-microsphere radioembolization treatment protocol, which is based on a recommended fixed dose of 120Gy, we will delve into the significance of pre-treatment Dual Tracer PET/CT using 11C-Acetate and 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose, in evaluation of HCC cellular differentiation based on cytokinetic properties and radiosensitivities of HCC, which aids in tailoring the dosage prescription of 90Y-microsphere for individual patient.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; The field of Nuclear Medicine has experienced a remarkable blossoming in the area of theranostics. By combing diagnostics and therapeutics into a single modality, it enables more individualized treatment management and provi","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142530712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mental Health Burden and its Associated Factors Among Radiation Therapists Working in Singapore - A National Study","authors":"Ms. Yuen Nee Yvonne LOH,&nbsp;Ms. Jaslyn Jia Min TAN,&nbsp;Ms. Li Wen YEO","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101472","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101472","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There has been an emphasis on mental health and its importance among healthcare workers in recent years. Radiation Therapists work in an oncological setting, where there is high stress due to cancer burden inflicted by patients and caregivers. The study was to assess the mental health strain and burden among radiation therapists working in Singapore. A nation-wide survey was conducted between March to June 2023. Eligible participants were identified and invited to participate in the survey. The three-part survey was carried out via an online platform and take about 20 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, responses are anonymous and no incentive will be offered for participation. Study protocol is approved by the Institutional Review Board. Seventy-five of the 174 eligible radiation therapists responded to the study. 80% work in restructured hospitals whereas 20% in the private. 88% of them work 5 days / week and 33.3% work in more than one section of the radiation therapy center in a work week. Chi-square test analyses were used to identify the mental health strains and their associated factors. There is not significant difference (p=0.796) in either gender feeling emotionally exhausted due to work. Employed in either restructured or private hospitals has no significant (p=0.614) in feeling burned out. 44% felt that being in direct contact with people at work is too stressful. However, there is a statistical significant difference (p=0.045) in the different marital status towards how they felt things were going their way. Our findings show that it is not statistically significant that radiation therapists experience major mental health strains associated with work or work / patients-related. Nevertheless, mitigation strategies can be introduced by providing avenues to seek mental health training in promoting better mental health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142530715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing the Diagnostic Reference Levels of Head CT Scan at Garoua Regional Medical Imaging Center","authors":"Dr Mohamadou Aminou","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101506","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101506","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) are benchmarks used in medical imaging to optimize radiation doses while maintaining diagnostic image quality. They have emerged as a critical tool in this endeavor, serving as benchmarks to ensure that radiation doses from CT scans are kept within acceptable limits without compromising diagnostic efficacy. This study focuses on establishing DRLs for head CT scans at the Garoua Regional Hospital.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross sectional study was performed from January to December 2022. Our sample included adult patients who have Head CT examination. Some variable parameters considered are: The patient age, sex, CT indications, the DLP, the CTDIvol, the voltage, rotation time and slice thickness. The DRL for each type of indication was defined as the 75th percentile of its PDL and CTDIvol</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>621 CT scan were analyzed revealing a male predominance (52.5%) and diverse indications, with strokes and traumas accounting for 27.2%. The mean age of patients was 42 ± 7 years (18 - 99 years), 37.8% were between 18 to 29 years old. The Dose distributions, specifically CTDIvol and DLP, are detailed for different protocols including strokes, non-vascular cases, sinus examinations, and angiography: 692±243 mGy·cm, 669±152mGy·cm, 78±23mGy·cm, 320±82mGy·cm. The study highlights the prevalence of stroke and trauma protocols, emphasizing the need for tailored imaging approaches for diverse neurological conditions. Comparative analyses with international practices in Uganda and Ireland reveal variations in radiation dose metrics across locations and devices.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings underscore the importance of optimizing radiation doses while maintaining diagnostic efficacy. The study not only contributes to regional DRLs but also provides a foundation for enhancing patient safety, refining imaging practices, and promoting dose optimization strategies in head CT scans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142530382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}