Journal Description
Tomography
Tomography
is an international, peer-reviewed open access journal on imaging technologies published monthly online by MDPI (from Volume 7 Issue 1-2021).
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, MEDLINE, PMC, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q2 (Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 24.5 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
Impact Factor:
1.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.2 (2022)
Latest Articles
Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Lung Cancer: A Pilot Study for the Detection of Micrometastases in Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Tomography 2024, 10(5), 761-772; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10050058 - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Lymphadenectomy represents a fundamental step in the staging and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To date, the extension of lymphadenectomy in early-stage NSCLC is a debated topic due to its possible complications. The detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) is a
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Lymphadenectomy represents a fundamental step in the staging and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To date, the extension of lymphadenectomy in early-stage NSCLC is a debated topic due to its possible complications. The detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) is a strategy that can improve the selection of patients in which a more extended lymphadenectomy is necessary. This pilot study aimed to refine lymph nodal staging in early-stage NSCLC patients who underwent robotic lung resection through the application of innovative intraoperative sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification and the pathological evaluation using one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA). Clinical N0 NSCLC patients planning to undergo robotic lung resection were selected. The day before surgery, all patients underwent radionuclide computed tomography (CT)-guided marking of the primary lung lesion and subsequently Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) to identify tracer migration and, consequently, the area with higher radioactivity. On the day of surgery, the lymph nodal radioactivity was detected intraoperatively using a gamma camera. SLN was defined as the lymph node with the highest numerical value of radioactivity. The OSNA amplification, detecting the mRNA of CK19, was used for the detection of nodal metastases in the lymph nodes, including SLN. From March to July 2021, a total of 8 patients (3 female; 5 male), with a mean age of 66 years (range 48–77), were enrolled in the study. No complications relating to the CT-guided marking or preoperative SPECT were found. An average of 5.3 lymph nodal stations were examined (range 2–8). N2 positivity was found in 3 out of 8 patients (37.5%). Consequently, pathological examination of lymph nodes with OSNA resulted in three upstages from the clinical IB stage to pathological IIIA stage. Moreover, in 1 patient (18%) with nodal upstaging, a positive node was intraoperatively identified as SLN. Comparing this protocol to the usual practice, no difference was found in terms of the operating time, conversion rate, and complication rate. Our preliminary experience suggests that sentinel lymph node detection, in association with the accurate pathological staging of cN0 patients achieved using OSNA, is safe and effective in the identification of metastasis, which is usually undetected by standard diagnostic methods.
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(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Imaging)
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Lumbar and Thoracic Vertebrae Segmentation in CT Scans Using a 3D Multi-Object Localization and Segmentation CNN
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Xiaofan Xiong, Stephen A. Graves, Brandie A. Gross, John M. Buatti and Reinhard R. Beichel
Tomography 2024, 10(5), 738-760; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10050057 - 13 May 2024
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Radiation treatment of cancers like prostate or cervix cancer requires considering nearby bone structures like vertebrae. In this work, we present and validate a novel automated method for the 3D segmentation of individual lumbar and thoracic vertebra in computed tomography (CT) scans. It
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Radiation treatment of cancers like prostate or cervix cancer requires considering nearby bone structures like vertebrae. In this work, we present and validate a novel automated method for the 3D segmentation of individual lumbar and thoracic vertebra in computed tomography (CT) scans. It is based on a single, low-complexity convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture which works well even if little application-specific training data are available. It is based on volume patch-based processing, enabling the handling of arbitrary scan sizes. For each patch, it performs segmentation and an estimation of up to three vertebrae center locations in one step, which enables utilizing an advanced post-processing scheme to achieve high segmentation accuracy, as required for clinical use. Overall, 1763 vertebrae were used for the performance assessment. On 26 CT scans acquired for standard radiation treatment planning, a Dice coefficient of 0.921 ± 0.047 (mean ± standard deviation) and a signed distance error of 0.271 ± 0.748 mm was achieved. On the large-sized publicly available VerSe2020 data set with 129 CT scans depicting lumbar and thoracic vertebrae, the overall Dice coefficient was 0.940 ± 0.065 and the signed distance error was 0.109 ± 0.301 mm. A comparison to other methods that have been validated on VerSe data showed that our approach achieved a better overall segmentation performance.
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Open AccessArticle
Temporal Bone Fractures and Related Complications in Pediatric and Adult Cranio-Facial Trauma: A Comparison of MDCT Findings in the Acute Emergency Setting
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Romain Kohler, Marcella Pucci, Basile Landis, Pascal Senn, Pierre-Alexandre Poletti, Paolo Scolozzi, Seema Toso, Minerva Becker and Alexandra Platon
Tomography 2024, 10(5), 727-737; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10050056 - 10 May 2024
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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of and complications resulting from temporal bone fractures in adult and pediatric patients evaluated for cranio-facial trauma in an emergency setting. Methods: A retrospective blinded analysis of CT scans of a series
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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of and complications resulting from temporal bone fractures in adult and pediatric patients evaluated for cranio-facial trauma in an emergency setting. Methods: A retrospective blinded analysis of CT scans of a series of 294 consecutive adult and pediatric patients with cranio-facial trauma investigated in the emergency setting was conducted. Findings were compared between the two populations. Preliminary reports made by on-call residents were compared with the retrospective analysis, which was performed in consensus by two experienced readers and served as reference standard. Results: CT revealed 126 fractures in 116/294 (39.5%) patients, although fractures were clinically suspected only in 70/294 (23.8%); p < 0.05. Fractures were longitudinal, transverse and mixed in 69.5%, 10.3% and 19.8% of cases, respectively. Most fractures were otic-sparing fractures (95.2%). Involvement of the external auditory canal, ossicular chain and the osseous structures surrounding the facial nerve was present in 72.2%, 8.7% and 6.3% of cases, respectively. Temporal bone fractures extended into the venous sinuses/jugular foramen and carotid canal in 18.3% and 17.5% of cases, respectively. Vascular injuries (carotid dissection and venous thrombosis) were more common in children than in adults (13.6% versus 5.3%); however, the observed difference did not reach statistical significance. 79.5% of patients with temporal bone fractures had both brain injuries and fractures of the facial bones and cranial vault. Brain injuries were more common in adults (90.4%) than in children (63.6%), p = 0.001. Although on-call residents reliably detected temporal bone fractures (sensitivity = 92.8%), they often missed trauma-associated ossicular dislocation (sensitivity = 27.3%). Conclusions: Temporal bone fractures and related complications are common in patients with cranio-facial trauma and need to be thoroughly looked for; the pattern of associated injuries is slightly different in children and in adults.
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Open AccessReview
A Review of Artificial Intelligence in Breast Imaging
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Dhurgham Al-Karawi, Shakir Al-Zaidi, Khaled Ahmad Helael, Naser Obeidat, Abdulmajeed Mounzer Mouhsen, Tarek Ajam, Bashar A. Alshalabi, Mohamed Salman and Mohammed H. Ahmed
Tomography 2024, 10(5), 705-726; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10050055 - 9 May 2024
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With the increasing dominance of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, the important prospects for their application have extended to various medical fields, including domains such as in vitro diagnosis, intelligent rehabilitation, medical imaging, and prognosis. Breast cancer is a common malignancy that critically affects
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With the increasing dominance of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, the important prospects for their application have extended to various medical fields, including domains such as in vitro diagnosis, intelligent rehabilitation, medical imaging, and prognosis. Breast cancer is a common malignancy that critically affects women’s physical and mental health. Early breast cancer screening—through mammography, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—can substantially improve the prognosis for breast cancer patients. AI applications have shown excellent performance in various image recognition tasks, and their use in breast cancer screening has been explored in numerous studies. This paper introduces relevant AI techniques and their applications in the field of medical imaging of the breast (mammography and ultrasound), specifically in terms of identifying, segmenting, and classifying lesions; assessing breast cancer risk; and improving image quality. Focusing on medical imaging for breast cancer, this paper also reviews related challenges and prospects for AI.
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Open AccessReview
Advancements in Neurosurgical Intraoperative Histology
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Ali A. Mohamed, Emma Sargent, Cooper Williams, Zev Karve, Karthik Nair and Brandon Lucke-Wold
Tomography 2024, 10(5), 693-704; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10050054 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Despite their relatively low incidence globally, central nervous system (CNS) tumors remain amongst the most lethal cancers, with only a few other malignancies surpassing them in 5-year mortality rates. Treatment decisions for brain tumors heavily rely on histopathological analysis, particularly intraoperatively, to guide
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Despite their relatively low incidence globally, central nervous system (CNS) tumors remain amongst the most lethal cancers, with only a few other malignancies surpassing them in 5-year mortality rates. Treatment decisions for brain tumors heavily rely on histopathological analysis, particularly intraoperatively, to guide surgical interventions and optimize patient outcomes. Frozen sectioning has emerged as a vital intraoperative technique, allowing for highly accurate, rapid analysis of tissue samples, although it poses challenges regarding interpretive errors and tissue distortion. Raman histology, based on Raman spectroscopy, has shown great promise in providing label-free, molecular information for accurate intraoperative diagnosis, aiding in tumor resection and the identification of neurodegenerative disease. Techniques including Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS), Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS), Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS), and Tip-Enhanced Raman Scattering (TERS) have profoundly enhanced the speed and resolution of Raman imaging. Similarly, Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy (CLE) allows for real-time imaging and the rapid intraoperative histologic evaluation of specimens. While CLE is primarily utilized in gastrointestinal procedures, its application in neurosurgery is promising, particularly in the context of gliomas and meningiomas. This review focuses on discussing the immense progress in intraoperative histology within neurosurgery and provides insight into the impact of these advancements on enhancing patient outcomes.
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(This article belongs to the Section Neuroimaging)
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Open AccessArticle
Bacterial Contamination of Syringes and Fluids in Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroangiography
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Martin Wiesmann, Sophia Honecker, Claudia Fleu, Christiane Franz, Manuela Schmiech, Hani Ridwan, Franziska Bürkle, Omid Nikoubashman and Sebastian Lemmen
Tomography 2024, 10(5), 686-692; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10050053 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: Bacterial contamination has been shown to occur during angiographies, although data on its frequency and relevance are sparse. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence of bacterial contamination of syringes used under sterile conditions during neuroangiographies. We sought to differentiate between
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(1) Background: Bacterial contamination has been shown to occur during angiographies, although data on its frequency and relevance are sparse. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence of bacterial contamination of syringes used under sterile conditions during neuroangiographies. We sought to differentiate between contamination of the outside of the syringes and the inside and to detect the frequency, extent and germ spectrum of bacterial contamination. (2) Methods: We prospectively collected 600 samples from 100 neuroangiographies. Per angiography, fluid samples from the three routinely used syringes as well as the syringes themselves were analyzed. We analyzed the frequency and extent of contamination and determined the germ spectrum. (3) Results: The majority of samples (56.9%) were contaminated. There was no angiography that showed no contamination (0%). The outer surfaces of the syringes were contaminated significantly more frequently and to a higher extent than the inner surfaces. Both the frequency and extent of contamination of the samples increased with longer duration of angiographic procedures. Most of the bacterial species were environmental or skin germs (87.7%). (4) Conclusions: Bacterial contamination is a frequent finding during neuroangiographies, although its clinical significance is believed to be small. Bacterial contamination increases with longer duration of angiographic procedures.
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Open AccessArticle
Comprehensive CT Imaging Analysis of Primary Colorectal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study
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Eun Ju Yoon, Sang Gook Song, Jin Woong Kim, Hyun Chul Kim, Hyung Joong Kim, Young Hoe Hur and Jun Hyung Hong
Tomography 2024, 10(5), 674-685; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10050052 - 1 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the findings of CT scans in patients with pathologically confirmed primary colorectal squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC). The clinical presentation and CT findings in eight patients with pathologically confirmed primary colorectal squamous-cell carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed by
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the findings of CT scans in patients with pathologically confirmed primary colorectal squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC). The clinical presentation and CT findings in eight patients with pathologically confirmed primary colorectal squamous-cell carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed by two gastrointestinal radiologists. Hematochezia was the most common symptom (n = 5). The tumors were located in the rectum (n = 7) and sigmoid colon (n = 1). The tumors showed circumferential wall thickening (n = 4), bulky mass (n = 3), or eccentric wall thickening (n = 1). The mean maximal wall thickness of the involved segment was 29.1 mm ± 13.4 mm. The degree of tumoral enhancement observed via CT was well enhanced (n = 4) or moderately enhanced (n = 4). Necrosis within the tumor was found in five patients. The mean total number of metastatic lymph nodes was 3.1 ± 3.3, and the mean short diameter of the largest metastatic lymph node was 16.6 ± 5.7 mm. Necrosis within the metastatic node was observed in six patients. Invasions to adjacent organs were identified in five patients (62.5%). Distant metastasis was detected in only one patient. In summary, primary SCCs that arise from the colorectum commonly present as marked invasive wall thickening or a bulky mass with heterogeneous well-defined enhancement, internal necrosis, and large metastatic lymphadenopathies.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging in Cancer Diagnosis)
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Open AccessArticle
Arterial Input Function (AIF) Correction Using AIF Plus Tissue Inputs with a Bi-LSTM Network
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Qi Huang, Johnathan Le, Sarang Joshi, Jason Mendes, Ganesh Adluru and Edward DiBella
Tomography 2024, 10(5), 660-673; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10050051 - 30 Apr 2024
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Background: The arterial input function (AIF) is vital for myocardial blood flow quantification in cardiac MRI to indicate the input time–concentration curve of a contrast agent. Inaccurate AIFs can significantly affect perfusion quantification. Purpose: When only saturated and biased AIFs are measured, this
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Background: The arterial input function (AIF) is vital for myocardial blood flow quantification in cardiac MRI to indicate the input time–concentration curve of a contrast agent. Inaccurate AIFs can significantly affect perfusion quantification. Purpose: When only saturated and biased AIFs are measured, this work investigates multiple ways of leveraging tissue curve information, including using AIF + tissue curves as inputs and optimizing the loss function for deep neural network training. Methods: Simulated data were generated using a 12-parameter AIF mathematical model for the AIF. Tissue curves were created from true AIFs combined with compartment-model parameters from a random distribution. Using Bloch simulations, a dictionary was constructed for a saturation-recovery 3D radial stack-of-stars sequence, accounting for deviations such as flip angle, T2* effects, and residual longitudinal magnetization after the saturation. A preliminary simulation study established the optimal tissue curve number using a bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) network with just AIF loss. Further optimization of the loss function involves comparing just AIF loss, AIF with compartment-model-based parameter loss, and AIF with compartment-model tissue loss. The optimized network was examined with both simulation and hybrid data, which included in vivo 3D stack-of-star datasets for testing. The AIF peak value accuracy and results were assessed. Results: Increasing the number of tissue curves can be beneficial when added tissue curves can provide extra information. Using just the AIF loss outperforms the other two proposed losses, including adding either a compartment-model-based tissue loss or a compartment-model parameter loss to the AIF loss. With the simulated data, the Bi-LSTM network reduced the AIF peak error from −23.6 ± 24.4% of the AIF using the dictionary method to 0.2 ± 7.2% (AIF input only) and 0.3 ± 2.5% (AIF + ten tissue curve inputs) of the network AIF. The corresponding error was reduced from −13.5 ± 8.8% to −0.6 ± 6.6% and 0.3 ± 2.1%. With the hybrid data (simulated data for training; in vivo data for testing), the AIF peak error was 15.0 ± 5.3% and the corresponding error was 20.7 ± 11.6% for the AIF using the dictionary method. The hybrid data revealed that using the AIF + tissue inputs reduced errors, with peak error (1.3 ± 11.1%) and error (−2.4 ± 6.7%). Conclusions: Integrating tissue curves with AIF curves into network inputs improves the precision of AI-driven AIF corrections. This result was seen both with simulated data and with applying the network trained only on simulated data to a limited in vivo test dataset.
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Open AccessBrief Report
Advanced Imaging of Shunt Valves in Cranial CT Scans with Photon-Counting Scanner
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Anna Klempka, Eduardo Ackermann, Stefanie Brehmer, Sven Clausen and Christoph Groden
Tomography 2024, 10(5), 654-659; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10050050 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
This brief report aimed to show the utility of photon-counting technology alongside standard cranial imaging protocols for visualizing shunt valves in a patient’s cranial computed tomography scan. Photon-counting CT scans with cranial protocols were retrospectively surveyed and four types of shunt valves were
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This brief report aimed to show the utility of photon-counting technology alongside standard cranial imaging protocols for visualizing shunt valves in a patient’s cranial computed tomography scan. Photon-counting CT scans with cranial protocols were retrospectively surveyed and four types of shunt valves were encountered: proGAV 2.0®, M.blue®, Codman Certas®, and proSA®. These scans were compared with those obtained from non-photon-counting scanners at different time points for the same patients. The analysis of these findings demonstrated the usefulness of photon-counting technology for the clear and precise visualization of shunt valves without any additional radiation or special reconstruction patterns. The enhanced utility of photon-counting is highlighted by providing superior spatial resolution compared to other CT detectors. This technology facilitates a more accurate characterization of shunt valves and may support the detection of subtle abnormalities and a precise assessment of shunt valves.
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(This article belongs to the Section Neuroimaging)
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Optimizing CT Abdomen–Pelvis Scan Radiation Dose: Examining the Role of Body Metrics (Waist Circumference, Hip Circumference, Abdominal Fat, and Body Mass Index) in Dose Efficiency
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Huda I. Almohammed, Wiam Elshami, Zuhal Y. Hamd and Mohamed Abuzaid
Tomography 2024, 10(5), 643-653; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10050049 - 24 Apr 2024
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Objective: This study investigates the correlation between patient body metrics and radiation dose in abdominopelvic CT scans, aiming to identify significant predictors of radiation exposure. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional analysis of patient data, including BMI, abdominal fat, waist, abdomen, and hip circumference,
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Objective: This study investigates the correlation between patient body metrics and radiation dose in abdominopelvic CT scans, aiming to identify significant predictors of radiation exposure. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional analysis of patient data, including BMI, abdominal fat, waist, abdomen, and hip circumference, we analyzed their relationship with the following dose metrics: the CTDIvol, DLP, and SSDE. Results: Results from the analysis of various body measurements revealed that BMI, abdominal fat, and waist circumference are strongly correlated with increased radiation doses. Notably, the SSDE, as a more patient-centric dose metric, showed significant positive correlations, especially with waist circumference, suggesting its potential as a key predictor for optimizing radiation doses. Conclusions: The findings suggest that incorporating patient-specific body metrics into CT dosimetry could enhance personalized care and radiation safety. Conclusively, this study highlights the necessity for tailored imaging protocols based on individual body metrics to optimize radiation exposure, encouraging further research into predictive models and the integration of these metrics into clinical practice for improved patient management.
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Open AccessArticle
The Additional Role of F18-FDG PET/CT in Characterizing MRI-Diagnosed Tumor Deposits in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
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Mark J. Roef, Kim van den Berg, Harm J. T. Rutten, Jacobus Burger and Joost Nederend
Tomography 2024, 10(4), 632-642; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10040048 - 22 Apr 2024
Abstract
Rationale: F18-FDG PET/CT may be helpful in baseline staging of patients with high-risk LARC presenting with vascular tumor deposits (TDs), in addition to standard pelvic MRI and CT staging. Methods: All patients with locally advanced rectal cancer that had TDs on their baseline
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Rationale: F18-FDG PET/CT may be helpful in baseline staging of patients with high-risk LARC presenting with vascular tumor deposits (TDs), in addition to standard pelvic MRI and CT staging. Methods: All patients with locally advanced rectal cancer that had TDs on their baseline MRI of the pelvis and had a baseline F18-FDG PET/CT between May 2016 and December 2020 were included in this retrospective study. TDs as well as lymph nodes identified on pelvic MRI were correlated to the corresponding nodular structures on a standard F18-FDG PET/CT, including measurements of nodular SUVmax and SUVmean. In addition, the effects of partial volume and spill-in on SUV measurements were studied. Results: A total number of 62 patients were included, in which 198 TDs were identified as well as 106 lymph nodes (both normal and metastatic). After ruling out partial volume effects and spill-in, 23 nodular structures remained that allowed for reliable measurement of SUVmax: 19 TDs and 4 LNs. The median SUVmax between TDs and LNs was not significantly different (p = 0.096): 4.6 (range 0.8 to 11.3) versus 2.8 (range 1.9 to 3.9). For the median SUVmean, there was a trend towards a significant difference (p = 0.08): 3.9 (range 0.7 to 7.8) versus 2.3 (range 1.5 to 3.4). Most nodular structures showing either an SUVmax or SUVmean ≥ 4 were characterized as TDs on MRI, while only two were characterized as LNs. Conclusions: SUV measurements may help in separating TDs from lymph node metastases or normal lymph nodes in patients with high-risk LARC.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional and Molecular Imaging of the Abdomen)
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Open AccessArticle
Classification of Osteophytes Occurring in the Lumbar Intervertebral Foramen
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Abdullah Emre Taçyıldız and Feyza İnceoğlu
Tomography 2024, 10(4), 618-631; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10040047 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Surgeons have limited knowledge of the lumbar intervertebral foramina. This study aimed to classify osteophytes in the lumbar intervertebral foramen and to determine their pathoanatomical characteristics, discuss their potential biomechanical effects, and contribute to developing surgical methods. Methods: We conducted a retrospective,
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Background: Surgeons have limited knowledge of the lumbar intervertebral foramina. This study aimed to classify osteophytes in the lumbar intervertebral foramen and to determine their pathoanatomical characteristics, discuss their potential biomechanical effects, and contribute to developing surgical methods. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, non-randomized, single-center study involving 1224 patients. The gender, age, and anatomical location of the osteophytes in the lumbar intervertebral foramina of the patients were recorded. Results: Two hundred and forty-nine (20.34%) patients had one or more osteophytes in their lumbar 4 and 5 foramina. Of the 4896 foramina, 337 (6.88%) contained different types of osteophytes. Moreover, four anatomical types of osteophytes were found: mixed osteophytes in 181 (3.69%) foramina, osteophytes from the lower endplate of the superior vertebrae in 91 (1.85%) foramina, osteophytes from the junction of the pedicle and lamina of the upper vertebrae in 39 foramina (0.79%), and osteophytes from the upper endplate of the lower vertebrae in 26 (0.53%) foramina. The L4 foramen contained a significantly higher number of osteophytes than the L5 foramen. Osteophyte development increased significantly with age, with no difference between males and females. Conclusions: The findings show that osteophytic extrusions, which alter the natural anatomical structure of the lumbar intervertebral foramina, are common and can narrow the foramen.
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(This article belongs to the Topic AI in Medical Imaging and Image Processing)
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Open AccessCase Report
Executive Functions in a Patient with Low-Grade Glioma of the Central Nervous System: A Case Report
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Manuel José Guerrero Gómez, Ángela Jiménez Urrego, Fernando Gonzáles and Alejandro Botero Carvajal
Tomography 2024, 10(4), 609-617; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10040046 - 18 Apr 2024
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Central nervous system tumors produce adverse outcomes in daily life, although low-grade gliomas are rare in adults. In neurological clinics, the state of impairment of executive functions goes unnoticed in the examinations and interviews carried out. For this reason, the objective of this
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Central nervous system tumors produce adverse outcomes in daily life, although low-grade gliomas are rare in adults. In neurological clinics, the state of impairment of executive functions goes unnoticed in the examinations and interviews carried out. For this reason, the objective of this study was to describe the executive function of a 59-year-old adult neurocancer patient. This study is novel in integrating and demonstrating biological effects and outcomes in performance evaluated by a neuropsychological instrument and psychological interviews. For this purpose, pre- and post-evaluations were carried out of neurological and neuropsychological functioning through neuroimaging techniques (iRM, spectroscopy, electroencephalography), hospital medical history, psychological interviews, and the Wisconsin Card Classification Test (WCST). There was evidence of deterioration in executive performance, as evidenced by the increase in perseverative scores, failure to maintain one’s attitude, and an inability to learn in relation to clinical samples. This information coincides with the evolution of neuroimaging over time. Our case shows that the presence of the tumor is associated with alterations in executive functions that are not very evident in clinical interviews or are explicit in neuropsychological evaluations. In this study, we quantified the degree of impairment of executive functions in a patient with low-grade glioma in a middle-income country where research is scarce.
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Open AccessReview
Uncommon Causes of Interlobular Septal Thickening on CT Images and Their Distinguishing Features
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Achala Donuru, Drew A. Torigian and Friedrich Knollmann
Tomography 2024, 10(4), 574-608; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10040045 - 17 Apr 2024
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Interlobular septa thickening (ILST) is a common and easily recognized feature on computed tomography (CT) images in many lung disorders. ILST thickening can be smooth (most common), nodular, or irregular. Smooth ILST can be seen in pulmonary edema, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and lymphangitic
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Interlobular septa thickening (ILST) is a common and easily recognized feature on computed tomography (CT) images in many lung disorders. ILST thickening can be smooth (most common), nodular, or irregular. Smooth ILST can be seen in pulmonary edema, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and lymphangitic spread of tumors. Nodular ILST can be seen in the lymphangitic spread of tumors, sarcoidosis, and silicosis. Irregular ILST is a finding suggestive of interstitial fibrosis, which is a common finding in fibrotic lung diseases, including sarcoidosis and usual interstitial pneumonia. Pulmonary edema and lymphangitic spread of tumors are the commonly encountered causes of ILST. It is important to narrow down the differential diagnosis as much as possible by assessing the appearance and distribution of ILST, as well as other pulmonary and extrapulmonary findings. This review will focus on the CT characterization of the secondary pulmonary lobule and ILST. Various uncommon causes of ILST will be discussed, including infections, interstitial pneumonia, depositional/infiltrative conditions, inhalational disorders, malignancies, congenital/inherited conditions, and iatrogenic causes. Awareness of the imaging appearance and various causes of ILST allows for a systematic approach, which is important for a timely diagnosis. This study highlights the importance of a structured approach to CT scan analysis that considers ILST characteristics, associated findings, and differential diagnostic considerations to facilitate accurate diagnoses.
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Open AccessReview
Breast Tomographic Ultrasound: The Spectrum from Current Dense Breast Cancer Screenings to Future Theranostic Treatments
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Peter J. Littrup, Mohammad Mehrmohammadi and Nebojsa Duric
Tomography 2024, 10(4), 554-573; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10040044 - 15 Apr 2024
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This review provides unique insights to the scientific scope and clinical visions of the inventors and pioneers of the SoftVue breast tomographic ultrasound (BTUS). Their >20-year collaboration produced extensive basic research and technology developments, culminating in SoftVue, which recently received the Food and
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This review provides unique insights to the scientific scope and clinical visions of the inventors and pioneers of the SoftVue breast tomographic ultrasound (BTUS). Their >20-year collaboration produced extensive basic research and technology developments, culminating in SoftVue, which recently received the Food and Drug Administration’s approval as an adjunct to breast cancer screening in women with dense breasts. SoftVue’s multi-center trial confirmed the diagnostic goals of the tissue characterization and localization of quantitative acoustic tissue differences in 2D and 3D coronal image sequences. SoftVue mass characterizations are also reviewed within the standard cancer risk categories of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. As a quantitative diagnostic modality, SoftVue can also function as a cost-effective platform for artificial intelligence-assisted breast cancer identification. Finally, SoftVue’s quantitative acoustic maps facilitate noninvasive temperature monitoring and a unique form of time-reversed, focused US in a single theranostic device that actually focuses acoustic energy better within the highly scattering breast tissues, allowing for localized hyperthermia, drug delivery, and/or ablation. Women also prefer the comfort of SoftVue over mammograms and will continue to seek out less-invasive breast care, from diagnosis to treatment.
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Open AccessArticle
Three-Dimensional Visualization of Shunt Valves with Photon Counting CT and Comparison to Traditional X-ray in a Simple Phantom Model
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Anna Klempka, Sven Clausen, Mohamed Ilyes Soltane, Eduardo Ackermann and Christoph Groden
Tomography 2024, 10(4), 543-553; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10040043 - 12 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study introduces an application of innovative medical technology, Photon Counting Computer Tomography (PC CT) with novel detectors, for the assessment of shunt valves. PC CT technology offers enhanced visualization capabilities, especially for small structures, and opens up new possibilities for detailed three-dimensional
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This study introduces an application of innovative medical technology, Photon Counting Computer Tomography (PC CT) with novel detectors, for the assessment of shunt valves. PC CT technology offers enhanced visualization capabilities, especially for small structures, and opens up new possibilities for detailed three-dimensional imaging. Shunt valves are implanted under the skin and redirect excess cerebrospinal fluid, for example, to the abdominal cavity through a catheter. They play a vital role in regulating cerebrospinal fluid drainage in various pathologies, which can lead to hydrocephalus. Accurate imaging of shunt valves is essential to assess the rate of drainage, as their precise adjustment is a requirement for optimal patient care. This study focused on two adjustable shunt valves, the proGAV 2.0® and M. blue® (manufactured by Miethke, Potsdam, Germany). A comprehensive comparative analysis of PC CT and traditional X-ray techniques was conducted to explore this cutting-edge technology and it demonstrated that routine PC CT can efficiently assess shunt valves’ adjustments. This technology shows promise in enhancing the accurate management of shunt valves used in settings where head scans are already frequently required, such as in the treatment of hydrocephalus.
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(This article belongs to the Section Neuroimaging)
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Open AccessArticle
Transcutaneous Ablation of Lung Tissue in a Porcine Model Using Magnetic-Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)
by
Jack B. Yang, Lauren Powlovich, David Moore, Linda Martin, Braden Miller, Jill Nehrbas, Anant R. Tewari and Jaime Mata
Tomography 2024, 10(4), 533-542; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10040042 - 6 Apr 2024
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Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a minimally invasive treatment that utilizes high-energy ultrasound waves to thermally ablate tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance may be combined with FUS (MRgFUS) to increase its accuracy and has been proposed for lung tumor ablation/debulking. However, the lungs
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Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a minimally invasive treatment that utilizes high-energy ultrasound waves to thermally ablate tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance may be combined with FUS (MRgFUS) to increase its accuracy and has been proposed for lung tumor ablation/debulking. However, the lungs are predominantly filled with air, which attenuates the strength of the FUS beam. This investigation aimed to test the feasibility of a new approach using an intentional lung collapse to reduce the amount of air inside the lung and a controlled hydrothorax to create an acoustic window for transcutaneous MRgFUS lung ablation. Eleven pigs had one lung mechanically ventilated while the other lung underwent a controlled collapse and subsequent hydrothorax of that hemisphere. The MRgFUS lung ablations were then conducted via the intercostal space. All the animals recovered well and remained healthy in the week following the FUS treatment. The location and size of the ablations were confirmed one week post-treatment via MRI, necropsy, and histological analysis. The animals had almost no side effects and the skin burns were completely eliminated after the first two animal studies, following technique refinement. This study introduces a novel methodology of MRgFUS that can be used to treat deep lung parenchyma in a safe and viable manner.
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Open AccessArticle
The Value of Ultrasound for Detecting and Following Subclinical Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis
by
Marwin Gutierrez, Chiara Bertolazzi, Edgar Zozoaga-Velazquez and Denise Clavijo-Cornejo
Tomography 2024, 10(4), 521-532; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10040041 - 3 Apr 2024
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Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a complication in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Accurate strategies to identify its presence in early phases are essential. We conducted the study aiming to determine the validity of ultrasound (US) in detecting subclinical ILD in SSc,
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Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a complication in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Accurate strategies to identify its presence in early phases are essential. We conducted the study aiming to determine the validity of ultrasound (US) in detecting subclinical ILD in SSc, and to ascertain its potential in determining the disease progression. Methods: 133 patients without respiratory symptoms and 133 healthy controls were included. Borg scale, Rodnan skin score (RSS), auscultation, chest radiographs, and respiratory function tests (RFT) were performed. A rheumatologist performed the lung US. High-resolution CT (HRCT) was also performed. The patients were followed every 12 weeks for 48 weeks. Results: A total of 79 of 133 patients (59.4%) showed US signs of ILD in contrast to healthy controls (4.8%) (p = 0.0001). Anti-centromere antibodies (p = 0.005) and RSS (p = 0.004) showed an association with ILD. A positive correlation was demonstrated between the US and HRCT findings (p = 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of US in detecting ILD were 91.2% and 88.6%, respectively. In the follow-up, a total of 30 patients out of 79 (37.9%) who demonstrated US signs of ILD at baseline, showed changes in the ILD score by US. Conclusions: US showed a high prevalence of subclinical ILD in SSc patients. It proved to be a valid, reliable, and feasible tool to detect ILD in SSc and to monitor disease progression.
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Open AccessRetraction
RETRACTED: Nobel et al. Modern Subtype Classification and Outlier Detection Using the Attention Embedder to Transform Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis. Tomography 2024, 10, 105–132
by
S. M. Nuruzzaman Nobel, S M Masfequier Rahman Swapno, Md. Ashraful Hossain, Mejdl Safran, Sultan Alfarhood, Md. Mohsin Kabir and M. F. Mridha
Tomography 2024, 10(4), 520; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10040040 - 3 Apr 2024
Abstract
The Tomography Editorial Office retracts the article “Modern Subtype Classification and Outlier Detection Using the Attention Embedder to Transform Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis” [...]
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Impact of Deep Learning Denoising Algorithm on Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Growth Plate on Different Spatial Resolutions
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Laura Santos, Hao-Yun Hsu, Ronald R. Nelson, Jr., Brendan Sullivan, Jaemin Shin, Maggie Fung, Marc R. Lebel, Sachin Jambawalikar and Diego Jaramillo
Tomography 2024, 10(4), 504-519; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10040039 - 2 Apr 2024
Abstract
To assess the impact of a deep learning (DL) denoising reconstruction algorithm applied to identical patient scans acquired with two different voxel dimensions, representing distinct spatial resolutions, this IRB-approved prospective study was conducted at a tertiary pediatric center in compliance with the Health
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To assess the impact of a deep learning (DL) denoising reconstruction algorithm applied to identical patient scans acquired with two different voxel dimensions, representing distinct spatial resolutions, this IRB-approved prospective study was conducted at a tertiary pediatric center in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. A General Electric Signa Premier unit (GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI) was employed to acquire two DTI (diffusion tensor imaging) sequences of the left knee on each child at 3T: an in-plane 2.0 × 2.0 with section thickness of 3.0 mm and a 2 mm3 isovolumetric voxel; neither had an intersection gap. For image acquisition, a multi-band DTI with a fat-suppressed single-shot spin-echo echo-planar sequence (20 non-collinear directions; b-values of 0 and 600 s/mm2) was utilized. The MR vendor-provided a commercially available DL model which was applied with 75% noise reduction settings to the same subject DTI sequences at different spatial resolutions. We compared DTI tract metrics from both DL-reconstructed scans and non-denoised scans for the femur and tibia at each spatial resolution. Differences were evaluated using Wilcoxon-signed ranked test and Bland–Altman plots. When comparing DL versus non-denoised diffusion metrics in femur and tibia using the 2 mm × 2 mm × 3 mm voxel dimension, there were no significant differences between tract count (p = 0.1, p = 0.14) tract volume (p = 0.1, p = 0.29) or tibial tract length (p = 0.16); femur tract length exhibited a significant difference (p < 0.01). All diffusion metrics (tract count, volume, length, and fractional anisotropy (FA)) derived from the DL-reconstructed scans, were significantly different from the non-denoised scan DTI metrics in both the femur and tibial physes using the 2 mm3 voxel size (p < 0.001). DL reconstruction resulted in a significant decrease in femorotibial FA for both voxel dimensions (p < 0.01). Leveraging denoising algorithms could address the drawbacks of lower signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) associated with smaller voxel volumes and capitalize on their better spatial resolutions, allowing for more accurate quantification of diffusion metrics.
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(This article belongs to the Topic AI in Medical Imaging and Image Processing)
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