能谱CT双低剂量在门静脉成像中的应用研究

目的:评估宝石能谱CT在低kV及低剂量对比剂的条件下,门静脉成像的图像质量及技术的可行性。方法:纳入临床建议行CT门静脉成像(CT Portal Venography,CTPV)检查且BMI28 kg/m~2的患者40例,分为试验组(采用低电压及低剂量对比剂)和对照组(采用常规电压及常规剂量对比剂)各20例。应用GE公司Discovery CT750HD宝石能谱CT进行扫描。试验组扫描参数:80 k V,300 m A,对比剂为威视派克(270 mg I/mL)60 mL,图像重建采用50%滤波反投影重建(FBP)+50%自适应统计迭代重建(ASIR);对照组扫描参数:120 kV,300 m A,对比剂为欧乃派克(350 mg I/mL)90 mL,图像重建采用100%滤波反投影重建(FBP)。评价图像质量采用目测5分法,记录扫描容积CT剂量指数(CTDIvol),剂量长度乘积(DLP),测量并计算图像噪声(Image Noise,IN)及肝内、外门静脉的对比噪声比(Contrast to Noise Ratio,CNR)。并应用独立样本t检验比较2组间图像质量评分、噪声值、对比噪声比(CNR)。结果:试验组和对照组图像质量评分分别为(4.0±0.5)、(4.1±0.5)分,差异无统汁学意义(t=0.805,P0.05)。试验组肝内噪声及肝外噪声分别为(21.2±2.1)HU、(21.6±2.3)HU,高于对照组(14.2±1.5)HU、(15.0±1.4)HU,差异有统计学意义(t值分别为11.993、11.091,P值均0.01);试验组肝内CNR及肝外CNR分别为3.6±0.9、5.1±0.8,低于对照组5.4±1.0、6.9±1.1,差异有统计学意义(t值分别为5.231、4.261,P值均0.01)。试验组所接受辐射剂量容积剂量指数CTDIvol(4.7±0.2)mGy和剂量长度乘积DLP(132.7±6.2)mGy·cm均低于对照组CTDIvol(13.7±0.3)mGy和DLP(395.2±22.1)mGy·cm,差异均有统计学意义(t值分别为102.781、51.089,P值均0.01)。结论:低剂量、等渗低浓度对比剂CTPV技术明显减少碘对比剂用量和射线暴露,并且满足临床诊断的需要。     

宝石能谱CT GSI成像和常规成像在上腹部应用价值的对比研究

目的:探讨宝石能谱CT GSI扫描模式在上腹部检查中降低辐射剂量和优化图像质量的可行性及应用价值。方法:选择2016年9月至2016年12月期间我院40例拟行上腹部三期增强的患者,根据扫描模式将患者分为A组和B组,每组20例。A组患者采用宝石能谱CT常规扫描模式行螺旋扫描,管电压120 Kvp及自动毫安管电流,确定NI值为10。B组患者采用GSI模式行三期增强扫描收集门脉期图像。回顾性自适应统计迭代重建(ASIR)70kev单能量图像,应用ASIR Review工具收集0到100%ASIR的CT值、噪声值,计算图像信号噪声比(SNR)。记录各组剂量报告中CT剂量容积指数(CTDI vol)及剂量长度乘积(DLP),并计算有效剂量(ED),采用图像质量主观评分对图像进行评价。结果:B组CT值、噪声值及SNR均高于A组(P0.05),B组CTDIvol、DLP和ED均显著低于A组(P0.05);随着ASIR升高,SNR升高,但是图像质量主观评分先升高后降低。当ASIR为50%时,图像质量最高,不同ASIR的CT值、噪声值之间的差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:宝石能谱CT GSI扫描模式的效果明显优于螺旋扫描,同时在降低图像噪声的前提下选择50%ASIR,可保障图像质量。     

大鼠活体胸部扫描中减少图像呼吸心跳伪影序列方案的探讨

目的开发256层螺旋CT大鼠活体胸部CT扫描中减少图像呼吸、心跳伪影的序列。方法采用飞利浦Brilliance-iCT对10只SD大鼠进行胸部CT成像。每只大鼠均采用A、B两种扫描方式, A方式为常规胸部CT扫描序列,为非心电门控螺旋扫描模式,B方式为非心电门控轴扫模式。两组均在120 kV条件下扫描,扫描长度为8 cm。对所得CT数据进行横断位与冠状位肺窗与软组织窗重建,观察图像并进行测量,比较两组图像的平均CT值、图像噪声、信噪比(SNR)、和主观图像质量评分的差异,并对不同观察者间主观图像质量评分的一致性进行检验。结果分析10例大鼠胸部CT扫描数据。A、B两种扫描序列的剂量长度乘积(dose length product,DLP)值分别为144.7 mGy/cm与72.2 mGy/cm。两组间肺组织CT值与肝组织CT值差异无显著性(t值分别为-0.205、0.545,P0.05),两组图像噪声差异无显著性(t值为-0.865,P0.05),两组图像肺组织的SNR差异无显著性(t值为0.903,P0.05),但肝组织的SNR值B组高于A组,差异有显著性(t值为-2.885,P0.05)。两位医师的评分结果的相关系数为0.763,诊断结果一致性良好。A、B两种扫描方式的图像主观质量评分为(2.5±0.53)分、(4.3±0.67)分,差异有显著性(χ~2值为14.76,P0.05)。结论大鼠胸部CT扫描采用非心电门控轴扫模式可获得与胸部常规CT扫描(非心电门控螺旋扫描模式)大致相当的CT值与噪声、信噪比,但采用非心电门控轴扫模式可以有效减少大鼠胸部图像的呼吸心跳伪影,降低辐射剂量,提高图像质量,提高观察者的诊断信心。     

尿甲氧基肾上腺素及甲氧基去甲肾上腺素在嗜铬细胞瘤诊断中的作用

目的:测定尿液中甲氧基肾上腺素和甲氧基去甲肾上腺素,并评价其在嗜铬细胞瘤诊断中的作用。方法:选择酶联免疫分析法,对2014年1月至2015年1月广州军区广州总医院有嗜铬细胞瘤筛查指征的患者的24 h尿甲氧基肾上腺素和甲氧基去甲肾上腺素进行测定。结果:嗜铬细胞瘤患者24 h尿甲氧基肾上腺素和甲氧基去甲肾上腺素含量明显高于肾上腺皮质腺瘤、肾上腺增生、原发性醛固酮增多症等其他肾上腺占位性疾病患者,同时也显著高于原发性高血压患者及健康人参考区间上限值;以甲氧基去甲肾上腺素806.5μg或甲氧基肾上腺素385.5μg为切点,诊断嗜铬细胞瘤的敏感度为83.3%、特异性为90%;甲氧基去甲肾上腺素和甲氧基肾上腺素的受试者工作特征曲线下面积分别为0.912±0.057和0.886±0.076。结论:酶联免疫法检测24 h尿甲氧基去甲肾上腺素和甲氧基肾上腺素的方法准确度和特异性均较高,可以作为嗜铬细胞瘤的初步筛查、排除、临床诊断的可靠的实验室检查方法。     

256 层CT 冠状动脉造影低剂量技术联合应用的临床价值

目的:探讨前瞻性心电门控扫描、低管电压结合迭代重建算法在256层螺旋CT冠脉造影中的应用价值。方法:回顾性分析行256层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像(CCTA)、体质量指数正常的受检者130例。常规剂量组(A组)50例:应用回顾性心电门控扫描模式,管电压120 kv;低剂量组(B组)80例,心率70次/分者50例,心率≧70次/分者30例:应用前瞻性心电门控扫描模式,管电压100 kv。B组患者原始数据分别应用迭代算法(Idose3)重建及标准滤波反投影法(FBP)重建。比较A、B两组的有效辐射剂量,对各组客观图像质量及主观图像质量进行统计学分析。结果:A、B两组平均有效辐射剂量分别为(15.34±3.89)、(1.43±0.12)m Sv。B组患者应用迭代重建图像噪声降低,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。应用FBP重建,B组图像噪声高于A组,两者比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。各组主观图像质量评分差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:前瞻性心电门控低千伏扫描模式联合迭代重建算法在提供满足诊断的冠状动脉CTA图像的同时,辐射剂量降幅高达90.6%。心率70次/分-85次/分的患者也可行256层CT前门控扫描,降低管电压造成的图像噪声增加可以通过迭代重建弥补。     

128层螺旋CT 低剂量扫描检查孤立性肺内结节性病灶的研究

目的:探讨多排螺旋CT(128排)低剂量扫描参数下检查孤立性肺内结节的可行性研究。方法:随机连续搜集我院低剂量(30m A)CT肺体检者,发现肺内结节病灶患者13例,对其进一步以常规剂量(350m A)CT精细扫描,比较低剂量扫描及常规剂量扫描肺结节大小差异。结果:两种剂量扫描策略均检查出46枚结节。常规剂量与低剂量测得各部位结节体积分别为:肺尖部:(431.3±92.8)mm~3,(658.4±94.4)mm~3,肺中部:(3025.8±526.7)mm~3,(2989.4±520.4)mm~3,肺底部:(1241.5±438.9)mm~3,(1266.0±447.6)mm~3,肺尖部肺结节大小差异明显,肺中部及肺底部肺结节大小均无显著性差异(P0.05)。常规剂量与低剂量测得结节体积(除外肺尖部位结节5枚)分别为,组1:(39.8±14.6)mm~3,(40.7±15.5)mm~3;组2:(202±106.3)mm~3,(204.1±103.6)mm~3;组3:(4179.7±4410.4)mm~3,(4190.5±4487.2)mm~3。三组组内测量结果均无显著性差异(P0.05)。常规剂量与低剂量测得非实性结节密度[(-68.3±24.2)HU,(-64.6±22.8)HU]及实性结节结节密度[(97.5±69.5)HU,(107.2±90)HU]均无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:低剂量更加有利于肺内孤立结节患者扫描复查病灶,可以应用推广。     

64层螺旋CT不同剂量扫描对活动性继发性肺结核患者诊断价值、图像质量和辐射剂量的影响

目的:研究64层螺旋CT不同剂量扫描对活动性继发性肺结核患者诊断价值、图像质量和辐射剂量的影响,旨在为临床活动性继发性肺结核患者提供更为安全有效的检查方案。方法:将我院从2018年1月2020年1月收治的100例活动性继发性肺结核患者纳入研究。对所有患者分别进行低剂量(40 m A)以及常规剂量(120 m A)扫描和薄层重建。比较不同剂量扫描的诊断准确率、影像学表现、图像质量以及辐射参数、患者满意度。结果:64层螺旋CT低剂量扫描与常规剂量扫描诊断活动性继发性肺结核的准确率分别为92.00%、93.00%,两者比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。低剂量扫描及常规剂量扫描在空洞、钙化灶、实变、磨玻璃密度影及树芽征发生率方面对比差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。低剂量扫描及常规剂量扫描在扫描图像质量、薄层重建图像质量方面对比差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。低剂量扫描各项扫描辐射参数均低于常规剂量扫描,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。低剂量扫描的患者满意度高于常规剂量扫描的患者(P<0.05)。结论:64层螺旋CT不同剂量扫描对活动性继发性肺结核患者的诊断价值及生成的图像质量相近,但低剂量扫描可有效降低辐射剂量,从而在一定程度上增加扫描的安全性,使患者满意度提升。     

低剂量胸部CT自动管电流调节技术在超重体型患者检查中的可行性研究

目的：探讨16层螺旋CT自动管电流调节技术（CAREDose4D）在超重体型患者检查中的可行性。方法：收集行胸部CT检查的超重体型患者（BMI值于24-27．9之间）100例,扫描分低剂量组（A组）和常规剂量组（B组）,其中A组扫描运用CAREDose4D技术自动调节管电流;B组扫描运用常规剂量管电流为70mAs扫描。扫描完成后记录加权CT剂量指数（CTDlvol）、有效mAs值、剂量长度乘积（DLP）,计算出有效剂量（ED）及剂量减低比值（DR）,并比较两组的剂量及图像质量。结果：与B组相比,A组常规扫描辐射剂量显著降低,差异有显著统计学意义（P〈0．01）,A组剂量减低比值（DR）降低约20．84％,而图像质量无明显下降,不影响诊断,在主动脉弓上4cm（肺尖）层面A组图像质量优于B组,差异有统计学意义（x^2=8．442,P=0．015）。结论：自动管电流调节技术既可以减少患者的辐射剂量,对待超重体型患者个体化、人性化,又不影响影像诊断,是一项有价值的检查方法。     

低剂量胸部CT 自动管电流调节技术在超重体型患者检查中的 可行性研究

摘要目的：探讨16 层螺旋CT自动管电流调节技术（CARE Dose 4D）在超重体型患者检查中的可行性。方法：收集行胸部CT 检 查的超重体型患者（BMI值于24-27.9 之间）100 例,扫描分低剂量组（A 组）和常规剂量组（B 组）,其中A 组扫描运用CARE Dose 4D技术自动调节管电流;B 组扫描运用常规剂量管电流为70 mAs 扫描。扫描完成后记录加权CT 剂量指数(CTDlvol)、有效mAs 值、剂量长度乘积（DLP）,计算出有效剂量（ED）及剂量减低比值（DR）,并比较两组的剂量及图像质量。结果：与B 组相比,A 组常 规扫描辐射剂量显著降低,差异有显著统计学意义（P<0.01）,A 组剂量减低比值（DR）降低约20.84%,而图像质量无明显下降,不 影响诊断,在主动脉弓上4 cm（肺尖）层面A 组图像质量优于B 组,差异有统计学意义(X2=8.442,P=0.015)。结论：自动管电流调节 技术既可以减少患者的辐射剂量,对待超重体型患者个体化、人性化,又不影响影像诊断,是一项有价值的检查方法。     

多层螺旋CT低剂量扫描在小儿胸部的应用探讨

目的:评价小儿胸部多层螺旋CT低剂量与常规剂量扫描的图像质量,探讨低剂量扫描在小儿胸部应用的可行性。材料与方法:(1)随机选择肺部感染的患儿30例,先常规剂量(150mAs)扫描,再在感染灶局部加作低剂量扫描,剂量为50,35及15mAs。其他参数为:120kV,床进28.8mm/圈,0.5s/圈,16×1.5mm准直,重建层厚及间隔均为3mm。分别记录不同剂量扫描时的CT权重剂量指数(CTDIw)及剂量长度乘积(DLP)。(2)由2位高年资医师按优、良、合格及不合格的等级盲法评价不同剂量的图像质量,结果进行统计学处理。结果:(1)小儿胸部35mAs和15mAs的CTDIw与常规剂量150mAs的比值分别为23.0%及10.0%,其DLP与常规剂量比值为23.3%和10.0%。(2)图像质量评价结果:150,50,35,15mAs的可诊断图像χ2检验,肺窗P>0.05,纵膈窗P<0.05,提示上述剂量肺窗图像差异无显著性意义,纵膈窗图像差异有显著性意义。用150,50,35mAs的可诊断图像进行χ2检验,P>0.05,提示其差异亦无显著性意义。结论:多层螺旋CT低剂量扫描适用于小儿胸部检查,在保证图像质量的前提下,采用35mAs左右的扫描条件较为适宜。     

Abdominal imaging dose in radiology and radiotherapy – Phantom point dose measurements,effective dose and secondary cancer risk

PurposeTo compare abdominal imaging dose from 3D imaging in radiology (standard/low-dose/dual-energy CT) and radiotherapy (planning CT, kV cone-beam CT (CBCT)).MethodsDose was measured by thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD’s) placed at 86 positions in an anthropomorphic phantom. Point, organ and effective dose were assessed, and secondary cancer risk from imaging was estimated.ResultsOverall dose and mean organ dose comparisons yield significantly lower dose for the optimized radiology protocols (dual-source and care kV), with an average dose of 0.34±0.01 mGy and 0.54±0.01 mGy (average ± standard deviation), respectively. Standard abdominal CT and planning CT involve considerably higher dose (13.58 ± 0.18 mGy and 18.78±0.27 mGy, respectively). The CBCT dose show a dose fall-off near the field edges. On average, dose is reduced as compared with the planning or standard CT (3.79 ± 0.21 mGy for 220° rotation and 7.76 ± 0.37 mGy for 360°), unless the high-quality setting is chosen (20.30 ± 0.96 mGy). The mean organ doses show a similar behavior, which translates to the estimated secondary cancer risk. The modelled risk is in the range between 0.4 cases per million patient years (PY) for the radiological scans dual-energy and care kV, and 300 cases per million PY for the high-quality CBCT setting.ConclusionsModern radiotherapy imaging techniques (while much lower in dose than radiotherapy), involve considerably more dose to the patient than modern radiology techniques. Given the frequency of radiotherapy imaging, a further reduction in radiotherapy imaging dose appears to be both desirable and technically feasible.     

低剂量和常规剂量螺旋CT动态扫描对慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者辐射剂量、成像质量及满意度的影响

摘要 目的：探讨低剂量和常规剂量螺旋CT动态扫描对慢性阻塞性肺疾病（COPD）患者辐射剂量、成像质量及满意度的影响。方法：选取我院于2019年1月~2020年1月收治的初步诊断为COPD的患者88例。将患者采用单双号分组法分为低剂量组和常规组,各44例。低剂量组采用低剂量螺旋CT动态扫描,常规组采用常规剂量螺旋CT动态扫描。比较两组的辐射剂量、成像质量以及COPD的诊断结果。比较两组满意度评分。结果：低剂量组CT剂量加权指数（CTDIw）、剂量长度乘积（DLP）以及有效辐射剂量（ED）均明显低于常规组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。常规组成像质量的优秀率明显高于低剂量组（P<0.05）,但两组成像质量的优良率对比无明显差异（P>0.05）。低剂量组灵敏度、特异度与常规组比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。低剂量组患者满意度评分明显高于常规组（P<0.05）。结论：低剂量螺旋CT动态扫描对于COPD的诊断价值与常规剂量CT动态扫描相当,且可以保证成像质量,同时其能明显降低辐射剂量、提高COPD患者满意度,具有一定的临床应用价值。     

Technical Note: Quality assessment of virtual monochromatic spectral images on a dual energy CT scanner

PurposeTo assess the quality of images obtained on a dual energy computed tomography (CT) scanner.MethodsImage quality was assessed on a 64 detector-row fast kVp-switching dual energy CT scanner (Revolution GSI, GE Medical Systems). The Catphan phantom and a low contrast resolution phantom were employed. Acquisitions were performed at eight different radiation dose levels that ranged from 9 mGy to 32 mGy. Virtual monochromatic spectral images (VMI) were reconstructed in the 40–140 keV range using all available kernels and iterative reconstruction (IR) at four different blending levels. Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) curves, image noise, image contrast, noise power spectrum and contrast to noise ratio were assessed.ResultsIn-plane spatial resolution at the 10% of the MTF curve was 0.60 mm⁻¹. In-plane spatial resolution was not modified with VMI energy and IR blending level. Image noise was reduced from 16.6 at 9 mGy to 6.7 at 32 mGy, while peak frequency remained within 0.14 ± 0.01 mm⁻¹. Image noise was reduced from 14.3 at IR 10% to 11.5 at IR 50% at a constant peak frequency. The lowest image noise and maximum peak frequency were recorded at 70 keV.ConclusionsOur results have shown how objective image quality is varied when different levels of radiation dose and different settings in IR are applied. These results provide CT operators an in depth understanding of the imaging performance characteristics in dual energy CT.     

Determination of radiation dose and low-dose protocol for digital chest tomosynthesis using radiophotoluminescent (RPL) glass dosimeters

PurposeThis study aimed to determine a low-dose protocol for digital chest tomosynthesis (DTS).MethodsFive simulated nodules with a CT number of approximately 100 HU with size diameter of 3, 5, 8, 10, and 12 mm were inserted into an anthropomorphic chest phantom (N1 Lungman model), and then scanned by DTS system (Definium 8000) with varying tube voltage, copper filter thickness, and dose ratio. Three radiophotoluminescent (RPL) glass dosimeters, type GD-352 M with a dimension of 1.5 × 12 mm, were used to measure the entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) in each protocol. The effective dose (ED) was calculated using the recorded total dose-area-product (DAP). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was determined for qualitative image quality evaluation. The image criteria and nodule detection capability were scored by two experienced radiologists. The selected low-dose protocol was further applied in a clinical study with 30 pulmonary nodule follow-up patients.ResultsThe average ESAK obtained from the standard default protocol was 1.68 ± 0.15 mGy, while an ESAK of 0.47 ± 0.02 mGy was found for a low-dose protocol. The EDs for the default and low-dose protocols were 313.98 ± 0.72 µSv and 100.55 ± 0.28 µSv, respectively. There were small non-significant differences in the image criteria and nodule detection scoring between the low-dose and default protocols interpreted by two radiologists. The effective dose of 98.87 ± 0.08 µSv was obtained in clinical study after applying the low-dose protocol.ConclusionsThe low-dose protocol obtained in this study can substantially reduce radiation dose while preserving an acceptable image quality compared to the standard protocol.     

Automatic exposure control at single- and dual-heartbeat CTCA on a 320-MDCT volume scanner: Effect of heart rate,exposure phase window setting,and reconstruction algorithm

PurposeTo investigate whether electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated single- and dual-heartbeat computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) with automatic exposure control (AEC) yields images with uniform image noise at reduced radiation doses.Materials and methodsUsing an anthropomorphic chest CT phantom we performed prospectively ECG-gated single- and dual-heartbeat CTCA on a second-generation 320-multidetector CT volume scanner. The exposure phase window was set at 75%, 70–80%, 40–80%, and 0–100% and the heart rate at 60 or 80 or corr80 bpm; images were reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) or iterative reconstruction (IR, adaptive iterative dose reduction 3D). We applied AEC and set the image noise level to 20 or 25 HU. For each technique we determined the image noise and the radiation dose to the phantom center.ResultsWith half-scan reconstruction at 60 bpm, a 70–80% phase window- and a 20-HU standard deviation (SD) setting, the imagenoise level and -variation along the z axis manifested similar curves with FBP and IR. With half-scan reconstruction, the radiation dose to the phantom center with 70–80% phase window was 18.89 and 12.34 mGy for FBP and 4.61 and 3.10 mGy for IR at an SD setting SD of 20 and 25 HU, respectively. At 80 bpm with two-segment reconstruction the dose was approximately twice that of 60 bpm at both SD settings. However, increasing radiation dose at corr80 bpm was suppressed to 1.39 times compared to 60 bpm.ConclusionAEC at ECG-gated single- and dual-heartbeat CTCA controls the image noise at different radiation dose.     

低剂量与常规剂量扫描在CT引导下经皮穿刺肺活检术中的临床应用价值对比研究

摘要 目的：比较低剂量与常规剂量扫描在CT引导下经皮穿刺肺活检术中的临床应用价值。方法：选择2018年1月至2019年12月我院行CT引导下经皮穿刺肺活检术的患者96例,采用随机数字表法分为低剂量组和常规剂量组,每组48例,两组分别在低剂量扫描、常规剂扫描下行CT引导下经皮穿刺肺活检术,比较两组扫描范围、X射线剂量、图像质量、穿刺成功率及并发症发生情况。结果：低剂量组CT吸收剂量加权指数（CTDIw）、平均剂量长度乘积（DLP）显著低于常规剂量组（P<0.05）,两组扫描范围比较无统计学差异（P>0.05）。低剂量组图像质量1级1例、2级1例、3级46例;常规剂量组1级0例、2级1例、3级47例,两组图像质量比较无统计学差异（P>0.05）。低剂量组穿刺成功率87.50%,常规剂量组穿刺成功率89.58%,两组穿刺成功率比较无统计学差异（P>0.05）。低剂量组并发症发生率为12.50%,常规剂量组并发症发生率为10.42%,两组并发症发生率比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论：与常规剂量扫描相比,在CT引导下经皮穿刺肺活检术中应用低剂量扫描可以有效降低辐射剂量,但不影响图像质量和穿刺成功率,患者并发症发生率也未增加,具有较好的临床价值。     

Cardiac Abnormalities Associated with Pheochromocytoma and other Adrenal Tumors

ObjectiveTo study the specific cardiac abnormalities associated with pheochromocytoma and to suggest a strategy for evaluating cardiac function in patients with pheochromocytoma.MethodsIn this case-control study, we reviewed pathology records of patients seen at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center between 1997 and 2007; patients with adrenal or extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma and those with nonfunctioning benign or malignant adrenal tumors were identified. Patients with functioning adrenal adenomas that secreted cortisol or aldosterone were excluded. Clinical history, imaging, pathology, biochemical test results, electrocardiographic findings, and echocardiographic findings were compared between patients with pheochromocytoma and patients with nonfunctioning adrenal tumors.ResultsThe charts of 22 patients with pheochromocytoma and 35 patients with nonfunctioning adrenal tumors were included. No perioperative mortality was observed. The average age of patients with pheochromocytoma was similar to that of control patients (51.9 ± 3.9 years vs 60.2 ± 2.5 years, respectively), as was the number of patients with known cardiovascular diseases (2 [9%] in the pheochromocytoma group vs 5 [14%] in the control group). Two patients with pheochromocytoma (9%) exhibited myocardial damage. Abnormal electrocardiographic findings were present in 16 patients with pheochromocytoma (73%) and in 17 control patients (49%) (P = .1). QTc was prolonged in patients with pheochromocytoma compared with control patients (448.3 ± 9.7 ms vs 424.7 ± 4.5 ms, respectively; P = .02) and was correlated with levels of norepinephrine and normetanephrine, but not with levels of epinephrine and metanephrine or tumor size. ST-T abnormalities were present in 11 patients with pheochromocytoma (50%) and in 8 control patients (23%) (P = .04). Echocardiographic findings were normal in most patients with pheochromocytoma; abnormal left ventricular wall motion was documented in 3 patients with long QTc.ConclusionsThe specific electrocardiographic findings in patients with pheochromocytoma are prolonged QTc and ST-T abnormalities. Performing an electrocardiogram in patients with pheochromocytoma would be prudent. Echocardiography would be useful to examine LV wall motion in patients with long QTc. Coronary artery disease should be excluded in patients with significant ST- T changes. (Endocr Pract. 2009;15:10-16)     

Low-tube-voltage selection for non-contrast-enhanced CT: Comparison of the radiation dose in pediatric and adult phantoms

PurposeWe used pediatric and adult anthropomorphic phantoms to compare the radiation dose of low- and standard tube voltage chest and abdominal non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans. We also discuss the optimal low tube voltage for non-contrast-enhanced CT.MethodsUsing a female adult- and three differently-sized pediatric anthropomorphic phantoms we acquired chest and abdominal non-contrast-enhanced scans on a 320-multidetector CT volume scanner. The tube voltage was set at 80-, 100-, and 120 kVp. The tube current was automatically assigned on the CT scanner in response to the set image noise level. On each phantom and at each tube voltage we measured the surface and center dose using high-sensitivity metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor detectors.ResultsThe mean surface dose of chest and abdominal CT scans in 5-year olds was 4.4 and 5.3 mGy at 80 kVp, 4.5 and 5.4 mGy at 100 kV, and 4.0 and 5.0 mGy at 120 kVp, respectively. These values were similar in our 3-pediatric phantoms (p > 0.05). The mean surface dose in the adult phantom increased from 14.7 to 19.4 mGy for chest- and from 18.7 to 24.8 mGy for abdominal CT as the tube voltage decreased from 120 to 80 kVp (p < 0.01).ConclusionCompared to adults, the surface and center dose for pediatric patients is almost the same despite a decrease in the tube voltage and the low tube voltage technique can be used for non-contrast-enhanced chest- and abdominal scanning.