First experiences of a low-dose protocol for CT-guided musculoskeletal biopsies combining different radiation dose reduction techniques

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-36
Author(s):  
Zlatan Alagic ◽  
Haris Alagic ◽  
Robert Bujila ◽  
Subhash Srivastava ◽  
Saif Jasim ◽  
...  

Background The use of computed tomography (CT) for image guidance during biopsies is a powerful approach. The method is, however, often associated with a significant level of radiation exposure to the patient and operator. Purpose To investigate if a low-dose protocol for CT-guided musculoskeletal (MSK) biopsies, including a combination of different radiation dose (RD) techniques, is feasible in a clinical setting. Material and Methods Fifty-seven patients underwent CT-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) utilizing the low-dose protocol (group A). A similar number of patients underwent CT-guided FNAC using the reference protocol (group B). Between-group comparisons comprised radiation dose, success rate, image quality parameters, and workflow. Results In group A, the mean total dose-length product (DLP) was 41.2 ± 2.9 mGy*cm, which was statistically significantly lower than of group B (257.4 ± 22.0 mGy*cm), corresponding to a mean dose reduction of 84% ( P<0.001). The mean CTDIvol for the control scans were 1.88 ± 0.09 mGy and 13.16 ± 0.40 mGy for groups A and B, respectively ( P < 0.001). The success rate in group A was 91.2% and 87.9% in group B ( P = 0.56). No negative effect on image-quality parameters, time of FNAC, and number of control scans were found. Conclusion We successfully developed a low-dose protocol for CT-guided MSK biopsies that maintains diagnostic accuracy and image quality at a fraction of the RD compared to the reference biopsy protocol at our clinic.

2020 ◽  
pp. 028418512091762
Author(s):  
Ting Liang ◽  
Yonghao Du ◽  
Chenguang Guo ◽  
Yuan Wang ◽  
Jin Shang ◽  
...  

Background Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous lung biopsy is usually performed by helical scanning. However, there are no studies on radiation dose, diagnostic accuracy, image quality, and complications based on axial scan mode. Purpose To determine radiation dose, accuracy, image quality, and complication rate following an ultra-low-dose (ULD) protocol for CT-guided lung biopsy in clinic. Material and Methods A total of 105 patients were enrolled to receive CT-guided lung biopsy. The use of an ULD protocol (axial scan) for CT-guided biopsy was initiated. Patients were randomly assigned to axial mode (Group A) and conventional helical mode (Group B) CT groups. 64-slice CT was performed for CT-guided pulmonary biopsy with an 18-G coaxial cutting biopsy needle. The radiation dose, accuracy, image quality, and complication rate were measured. Results Ninety-seven patients were selected for the final phase of the study. There was no significant difference between the two groups for pulmonary nodule characteristics ( P > 0.05). The mean effective dose in group A (0.077 ± 0.010 mSv) was significantly reduced relative to group B (0.653 ± 0.177 mSv, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in accuracy, image quality, and complication rate ( P > 0.050) between the two modes. Conclusion An ULD protocol for CT-guided lung nodule biopsy yields a reduction in the radiation dose without significant change in the accuracy, image quality, and complication rate relative to the conventional helical mode scan.


Author(s):  
Lifeng Wang ◽  
Xingxing Jin ◽  
Zhenguo Qiao ◽  
Bin Xu ◽  
Jiaqing Shen

Objectives: This study investigated the radiation dose and value of prospective dualenergy computed tomography (DECT) in the diagnosis of gastric cancer. Methods: Sixty patients scheduled for computed tomography (CT) for preoperative staging were divided into two groups. Thirty patients (Group A) underwent a single contrast-enhanced abdominal CT acquisition using a dual-source mode (100 kV/140 kV). Weighted average images of the two-kilovolt acquisitions and iodine maps were created. The remaining 30 patients underwent a standard CT scan (Group B). Two observers performed a blinded read of the images for gastric lesions, evaluating the image quality and recording effective dose. Results: During the blinded read, observers found 90% (27/30) of the cancers in both groups. The mean imaging quality scores were 2.1±0.9 for Group A, and 2.3±1.1 for Group B. The effective mean doses were 6.59±0.59 mSv and 25.86±0.44 mSv for Groups A and B, respectively. Compared with the control group (B), the imaging quality in the low-dose group decreased a little, but the radiation dose substantially decreased by 74.6%. Conclusion: The new DECT technique is valuable for examining gastric cancer patients. The dualkV scan mode can substantially reduce radiation dose while preserving good diagnostic image quality.


2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 2101-2109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara K Frisch ◽  
Karin Slebocki ◽  
Kamal Mammadov ◽  
Michael Puesken ◽  
Ingrid Becker ◽  
...  

Objective To evaluate the use of ultra-low-dose computed tomography (ULDCT) for CT-guided lung biopsy versus standard-dose CT (SDCT). Methods CT-guided lung biopsies from 115 patients (50 ULDCT, 65 SDCT) were analyzed retrospectively. SDCT settings were 120 kVp with automatic mAs modulation. ULDCT settings were 80 kVp with fixed exposure (20 mAs). Two radiologists evaluated image quality (i.e., needle artifacts, lesion contouring, vessel recognition, visibility of interlobar fissures). Complications and histological results were also evaluated. Results ULDCT was considered feasible for all lung interventions, showing the same diagnostic accuracy as SDCT. Its mean total radiation dose (dose–length product) was significantly reduced to 34 mGy-cm (SDCT 426 mGy-cm). Image quality and complication rates ( P = 0.469) were consistent. Conclusions ULDCT for CT-guided lung biopsies appears safe and accurate, with a significantly reduced radiation dose. We therefore recommend routine clinical use of ULDCT for the benefit of patients and interventionalists.


Author(s):  
Ruchi Gupta ◽  
Krishna Priya Banerjee ◽  
Reena Pant

Background: The objective of this study is to assess the effectualness and safety of sublingual versus oral misoprostol following oral mifepristone for second trimester termination of pregnancy.Methods: This institution based contingent study was conducted on 220 women requesting for mid-trimester termination of pregnancy between 12-20 weeks with legal indication as per Govt. MTP act. After excluding the women as per exclusion criteria, they were randomly allocated into two groups (Group A Sublingual, Group B Oral), the women received 200 mg oral mifepristone followed by sublingual or oral misoprostol 400µg three hourly for a maximum of 5 doses 48 hours later. The course of misoprostol was reiterated if women failed to abort in 24 hours.Results: The mean induction-abortion interval of Group-A and Group -B was 4.02±1.39 hours and 6.44±1.79 hours respectively. The mean dose of misoprostol in Group–A and Group-B was 680±220.4µg and 1003.6±274.9µg. Hence mean Induction-abortion interval and dose were shortened in  Group-A as compare to Group-B (p <0.05). There was 100% success rate noticed via both routes. Evacuation was done in 4 (3.64%) women in Group-B as compare to only 1 (0.91%) in Group-A . The acceptability was significantly more in Group-B (100%) as compare Group-A (52.73%), probably because of unpleasant taste of sublingual misoprostol. All side effects (Nausea, pain, headache, and diarrhea) were common in both the Groups, only fever was significantly more common in sublingual group as compare to oral group (p<0.05).Conclusions: From present study authors conclude that, sublingual misoprostol when combined with mifepristone is effective for medical abortion in second trimester in terms of effectualness, endurability and success rate than oral route.


2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (5) ◽  
pp. 546-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeo-Jin Jeong ◽  
Ki Seok Choo ◽  
Kyung Jin Nam ◽  
Ji Won Lee ◽  
Jin You Kim ◽  
...  

Background Computed tomography venography (CTV) at low kVp using model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) can enhance vascular enhancement with noise reduction. Purpose To evaluate image qualities and radiation doses of CTV at 80 kVp using MBIR and a small iodine contrast media (CM) dose and to compare these with those of CTV performed using a conventional protocol. Material and Methods Sixty-five patients (mean age = 58.1 ± 7.2 years) that underwent CTV for the evaluation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and varicose veins were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (35 patients, 80 kVp, MBIR, automatic tube current modulation, CM = 270 mg/mL, 100 mL) and Group B (30 patients, 100 kVp, filtered back projection [FBP], 120 fixed mA, CM = 370 mg/mL, 120 mL). Objective and subjective image qualities of inferior vena cava (IVC), femoral vein (FV), and popliteal vein (PV) were assessed and radiation doses were recorded. Results Mean vascular enhancement in group A was significantly lower than in group B ( P < 0.01). Noise in group A was significantly lower than in group B except for PV and contrast-to-noise ratio were not significantly different in the two groups ( P > 0.05). In addition, radiation dose in group A was significantly lower than in group B ( P < 0.001). Subjective image quality comparison revealed group A was statistically inferior to group B except for subjective image noise. Conclusion CTV at 80 kVp using MBIR with small iodine contrast dose provided acceptable image quality at a lower radiation dose than conventional CTV using FBP.


2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 306-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Buyun Wu ◽  
Kaiyue Zhang ◽  
Bin Xu ◽  
Daxi Ji ◽  
Zhihong Liu ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) plus low-dose dalteparin in patients receiving continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH). Methods: Patients requiring pre-dilution CVVH at 4 l/h were randomly assigned to group A (RCA only), group B (normal-dose dalteparin anticoagulation only) or group C (RCA plus low-dose dalteparin). The primary endpoint was filter runtime and the secondary endpoints were premature clotting of the filter and anticoagulation-related side effects. Results: Fifty-three patients completed the study. The mean filter runtime was significantly longer in group C (40.4 ± 30.9 h) than those in group A (21.2 ± 13.5 h, p = 0.006) and group B (25.1 ± 24.0 h, p = 0.040). The rate of premature clotting, new onset of bleeding, hypocalcemia and metabolic acidosis did not differ significantly in three groups. Conclusions: RCA plus low-dose dalteparin prolonged filter runtime compared with RCA only or normal-dose dalteparin only without increasing the incidence of anticoagulation-related complications.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-58
Author(s):  
Md Shirajul Islam Khan

Introduction: Vitiligo is a common, acquired, discoloration of the skin with unknown etiology. There are numerous treatment options available for vitiligo, but none is universally effective. Systemic corticosteroids suppress immunity and lead to repigmentation but produce unacceptable side effects. Oral corticosteroid low dose treatment may be associated with fewer side effects than usual dose-treatment. Several data also showed that oral dexamethasone pulse treatment was effective in arresting progression of vitiligo yet fails to induce satisfactory repigmentation in the great majority of their patients.Objectives: A clinical trial was carried out to compare the efficacy of low-dose oral corticosteroids and oral mini pulse dexamethasone in patients of vitiligo.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka, Bangladesh during January 2013 to December 2013. Total sixty patients of vitiligo were enrolled and divided into group A and group B. Thirty of group A patients were treated with oral prednisolone daily and thirty of group B patients were treated with oral dexamethasone pulse therapy weekly.Results: Out of sixty patients of vitiligo, maximum patients of both groups had progressive type of vitiligo. In Group-A, the duration of illness was an average of 10 months and in group-B, it was an average of 8.20 months. Single lesion was 15 (50%) for Group-A and 14 (46.7%) for Group-B. Multiple lesions were 15 (50%) & 16 (53.6%) for Group-A and Group-B respectively. The study showed that improvement rate was highest for the lesions on the extremities, which was 18 (34.6%) and lowest for back 03 (5.8%). Out of all patients from Group-A, the mean size of the lesions were 8.17cm, 5.90 cm, 4.32 cm and 3.57 cm at 1st visit, 2nd visit, 3rd visit and 4th visit respectively. In Group-B, the mean sizes of the lesions were 7.50 cm, 4.92 cm, 3.00 cm, and 4.75 cm at 1st visit, 2nd visit, 3rd visit and 4th visit respectively. Among the patients 27 (90%) of group-A and 25 (83.3%) of group B were improved after 16th week of treatment, slight response 4(13.3%) and 6(20%), moderate response 22(63.2%) and 18(59.4%) and marked response was 1(3.3%) and 1(3.3%) in group A and group B respectively.Conclusion: The study concluded that both the drugs, oral prednisolone and dexamethasone when used individually, were found to be equally effective in the treatment of vitiligo.Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.11(1) 2015: 54-58


2003 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Onorati ◽  
G. Santarpino ◽  
A. Renzulli ◽  
M. De Feo ◽  
L.S. De Santo ◽  
...  

This study aimed to assess whether low doses of albumin in the priming solution for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) reduce postoperative bleeding. Three-hundred and seventy-seven patients undergoing CPB were retrospectively assigned to group A (154 patients, CPB primed with 20 ml/kg Ringer Lactate solution + 0.75mg/kg albumin 20%) and group B (223 patients with 20 ml/kg Ringer Lactate). A significant difference was found in terms of reoperations for bleeding (group A 0/154 versus group B 9/223; P=0.033). The mean number of blood derivatives transfused per patient was higher in group B than in group A (p <0.001). Platelet count after CPB was higher in group A than in group B (175±52×103/μl versus 131±70×103/μl; P=0.045). The amount of postoperative bleeding was 525ml versus 680ml at 24hrs (p <0.001), 819ml versus 1102ml at 48hrs, (p <0.001), 963ml versus 1294ml at 72hrs, (p <0.045) (group A versus group B respectively). Crystalloid priming with low-dose albumin reduces postoperative bleeding.


Vascular ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuri I Akkus ◽  
George S Mina ◽  
Abdulrahman Abdulbaki ◽  
Fereidoon Shafiei ◽  
Neeraj Tandon

Background Peripheral vascular interventions can be associated with significant radiation exposure to the patient and the operator. Objective In this study, we sought to compare the radiation dose between peripheral vascular interventions using fluoroscopy frame rate of 7.5 frames per second (fps) and those performed at the standard 15 fps and procedural outcomes. Methods We retrospectively collected data from consecutive 87 peripheral vascular interventions performed during 2011 and 2012 from two medical centers. The patients were divided into two groups based on fluoroscopy frame rate; 7.5 fps (group A, n = 44) and 15 fps (group B, n = 43). We compared the demographic, clinical, procedural characteristics/outcomes, and radiation dose between the two groups. Radiation dose was measured as dose area product in micro Gray per meter square. Results Median dose area product was significantly lower in group A (3358, interquartile range (IQR) 2052–7394) when compared to group B (8812, IQR 4944–17,370), p < 0.001 with no change in median fluoroscopy time in minutes (18.7, IQR 11.1–31.5 vs. 15.7, IQR 10.1–24.1), p = 0.156 or success rate (93.2% vs. 95.3%), p > 0.999. Conclusion Using fluoroscopy at the rate of 7.5 fps during peripheral vascular interventions is associated with lower radiation dose compared to the standard 15 fps with comparable success rate without associated increase in the fluoroscopy time or the amount of the contrast used. Therefore, using fluoroscopy at the rate of 7.5 fps should be considered in peripheral vascular interventions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 28-43
Author(s):  
Piyaporn Apisarnthanarak ◽  
Chosita Buranont ◽  
Chulaluck Boonma ◽  
Sureerat Janpanich ◽  
Tarntip Suwatananonthakij ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: To compare radiation dose and image quality between standard dose abdominal CT currently performed at our hospital and new low dose abdominal CT using various percentages (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) of Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction (ASiR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively performed low dose abdominal CT (30% reduction of standard tube current) in 119 participants. The low dose CT images were post processed with four parameters (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) of ASiR. The volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) of standard and low dose CT were compared. Four experienced abdominal radiologists independently assessed the quality of low dose CT with aforementioned ASiR parameters using a 5-point-scale satisfaction score (1 = unacceptable, 2 = poor, 3 = average, 4 = good, and 5 = excellent image quality) by using prior standard dose CT as a reference of excellent image quality (5). Each reader selected the preference ASiR parameter for each participant. The image noise of the liver and the aorta in all 5 (1 prior standard dose and 4 current low dose) image sets was measured.     RESULTS: The mean CTDIvol of low dose CT was significantly lower than of standard dose CT (7.17 ± 0.08 vs 12.02 ±1.61 mGy, p<0.001). The mean satisfaction scores for low dose CT with 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% ASiR were 3.95, 3.99, 3.91 and 3.87, respectively with the ranges of 3 to 5 in all techniques. The preferred ASiR parameters of each participant randomly selected by each reader were varied, depending on the readers’ opinions. The mean image noise of the aorta on standard dose CT and low dose CT with 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% ASiR was 29.07, 36.97, 33.92, 31.49, and 29.11, respectively, while the mean image noise of the liver was 24.60, 30.21, 28.33, 26.25, and 24.32, respectively. CONCLUSION: Low dose CT with 30% reduction of standard mA had acceptable image quality with significantly reduced radiation dose. The increment of ASiR was helpful in reducing image noise.  


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