B-0976 Can a contrast-enhanced ultrasound nephrostogram be used instead of a fluoroscopic nephrostogram: preliminary findings
M. Daneshi, K. Patel, D. Huang, M. Sellars, P. Sidhu | Monday, March 11, 14:00 – 15:30 / Room G/H
Purpose: The use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has extended beyond traditional uses, and the possibility to delineate percutaneous tubes and drains is achievable. We have compared the traditional fluoroscopic nephrostogram using iodinated contrast agents with CEUS nephrostogram to ascertain the accuracy, utility and convenience of the CEUS nephrostogram.
Methods and Materials: The standard conventional nephrostogram was performed immediately prior to the CEUS nephrostogram. The CEUS nephrostogram technique involved diluting 0.2ml of SonoVue with 40 ml of normal saline and introduced into the renal collecting system via the nephrostomy tube. Digital cine-clips and still images were recorded to allow accurate retrospective comparison by two independent reviewers to the reference standard.
Results: Twelve nephrostomies in 10 patients (median age 64 yrs, range 29-91 yrs, 6 females and 4 males) were performed and reviewed. The renal pelvicalyceal system was visualised in both CEUS and fluoroscopic nephrostograms in 11/12 (92%) with one nephrostomy tube identified as being misplaced. The entire ureter was visualised in 6/12 (50%) with a CEUS nephrostogram compared with 8/12 (75%) using traditional nephrostogram. Fluoroscopic nephrostogram showed drainage of contrast into the bladder in 10/12 (83%) cases compared with 9/12 (75%) using CEUS.
Conclusion: Preliminary results suggest that CEUS nephrostogram is a feasible method to confirm the correct positioning of the nephrostomy tube, image the ureters and determine if there is satisfactory drainage into the bladder. CEUS nephrostogram is a suitable alternative for the traditional nephrostogram in patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast agents or if the procedure needs to be performed at the bedside.
B-0687 Does the adjunct of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) increase inter-reader reproducibility of two-dimensional digital mammography (2D-DM)?
G. Di Leo, L.A. Carbonaro, M. Bazzocchi, V. Londero, A. Dal Col, R.M. Trimboli, F. Sardanelli | Sunday, March 10, 10:30 – 12:00 / Room F2
Purpose: To estimate the inter-reader reproducibility of DBT added to 2D-DM in comparison to that of 2D-DM alone.
Methods and Materials: A series of 65 breasts (65 women, aged 58±9 years) underwent DBT (Giotto, IMS, Italy) as an adjunct to 2D-DM. After an agreement on how to report 2D-DM and DBT, 3 independent readers (R1, R2, R3) with >6 years of experience in 2D-DM and >1 year of experience in DBT evaluated all studies. Each reader evaluated the breast density and assigned a BI-RADS score using only 2D-DM. After 30 days, they repeated the evaluation adding DBT to 2D-DM. The inter-reader reproducibility was estimated using the quadratically weighted Cohen’s kappa.
Results: The breast density reported at 2D-DM by the most experienced reader was: 75 % in 1 (1%). Considering the B1, B2, B3, B4, and B5 BI-RADS scores, the same reader assigned the followings: 25, 0, 10, 20, and 10 using 2D-DM; 31, 1, 7, 13, and 13 using 2D-DM plus DBT. For each pair of readers, 2D-DM plus DBT resulted in a higher inter-reader reproducibility than that of 2D-DM alone: kappa value for 2D-DM ranged from 0.418 to 0.566 while that for 2D-DM plus DBT ranged from 0.656 to 0.758.
Conclusion: While the inter-reader reproducibility of 2D-DM resulted only moderate, the adjunction of DBT allowed to reach a substantial reproducibility. The use of DBT added to 2D-DM can reduce inter-reader variability and allow for more reliable readings from different radiologists.
A-149 Chairman’s introduction
V.N. Cassar-Pullicino | Friday, March 8, 16:00 – 17:30 / Room C
In this New Horizon session dedicated to cartilage imaging, the audience will learn of new advances in imaging the normal and abnormal cartilage matrix and understand the basic techniques used in this assessment. It is hoped that these new techniques which are currently in the research field would very soon be translated into clinical application. Early detection of cartilage disease may lead to novel therapies which can help reverse and repair the degenerative process.
B-0118 Determination of the vascular input function using magnitude or phase-based MRI: influence on dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI model parameters in carotid plaques
R.H.M. van Hoof, M.T.B. Truijman, E. Hermeling, R.J. van Oostenbrugge, R.J. van der Geest, M.J.A.P. Daemen, J.E. Wildberger, W.H. Backes, M.E. Kooi | Thursday, March 7, 10:30 – 12:00 / Room N/O
Purpose: A reliable vascular input function (VIF) is important for quantitative analysis of atherosclerotic carotid plaque microvasculature using dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI. In tumour imaging and brain perfusion studies, it has been demonstrated that a phase-based VIF (ph-VIF) is less sensitive to flow artefacts compared to magnitude-based VIF (m-VIF). The purpose is (1) to compare m-VIF and ph-VIF and (2) to investigate the influence of different VIFs on DCE MRI model parameters in carotid plaques.
Methods and Materials: 21 patients with 30-99% carotid stenosis underwent 3 T DCE MRI. Data from four patients, scanned with a high temporal resolution were used to construct group-averaged m-VIF and ph-VIF of the jugular vein. The other 17 patients were used for calculating Ktrans (measure of plaque microvasculature) using m-VIF and ph-VIF. The effect of neglecting flow on the m-VIF was estimated using the Bloch equations.
Results: Peak concentrations of m-VIFs were on average 4-fold lower than for ph-VIFs (p<0.001). Despite these differences, strong and significant correlation between Ktrans determined using group averaged m-VIF and ph-VIF was found (Pearson’s correlation 0.91, p<0.001). Taking into account a theoretical flow of 8 cm/sec, the discrepancy in peak concentration of m-VIF and ph-VIF disappeared.
Conclusion: Our data suggest a strong influence of flow when calculating m-VIF of the jugular vein. Despite this, strong correlation between Ktransparameters determined using m-VIF and ph-VIF was found. It is expected that a phase-based VIF results in a quantitative more realistic value of Ktrans.
A-285 The Spanish radiographer’s role in advanced MRI research
E. Alfayate Sáez | Saturday, March 9, 14:00 – 15:30 / Room B
A Radiographer, as part of a MRI research team, is more than just a professional obtaining patient´s images for either the investigational studies or clinical trials. Being part of the team means participating and understanding the project as a whole. It means one must know the study’s objectives, collaborate in the protocol design and optimization, and inform the patient about the exam and steps to follow in order to maximize his cooperation. Personal data protection and individual privacy must be guaranteed through all the process; a written informed consent should be signed by the patient as well. Taking care of all these particular aspects is very important for a successful completion of each study/trial. Due to rapid technological advances, and the necessity to deal permanently with state-of-the-art scientific areas, Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for a Radiographer working in a research team is critical. The radiographer is part of a multidisciplinary team, where each professional performs a very specialized task, combining efforts is crucial in order to produce a work of excellence that can be shared with the scientific community. Thanks to the continuous investment in new technology, we have the opportunity, in our site, to conduct research in diverse areas, such as cardiology, traumatology, gynaecology, obstetrics and neurology. Through this presentation we will share some of the research we are working on, as well as the importance of the Radiographer role in a research centre.
A-451 Coronary artery imaging from a chest CT examination: when and how
R. Marano | Sunday, March 10, 14:00 – 15:30 / Room G/H
The continuous technological evolution of multi-detector CT scanner characterized by larger detector array with increased anatomical coverage per rotation, faster rotation and table speed, and shorter acquisition time have made reliable to perform chest imaging with reduced cardiac motion artifacts, improving the assessment of heart and contiguous structures in the course of routine thorax CT. Further, the larger anatomic coverage of detectors and the availability of scan protocols with lower radiation dose have also made reliable to apply ECG-synchronization to chest CT study, and therefore to couple cardiac/coronary imaging with chest imaging. Different clinical queries requiring a chest CT imaging may underlie cardiac or coronary source that is not clinically evident; similarly, patients scheduled for thoracic surgery, staging or studied in emergency setting may present unexpected heart or coronary artery findings that can be detected in the course of pre-operative CT or may change the treatment and prognosis. Therefore, the capability to perform the assessment of both the heart and chest by a single diagnostic tool is becoming progressively significant because the evaluation of the heart often can provide clinically relevant information in the course of routine or emergency chest CT that is not otherwise easily available.
A-549 A. Head and neck cancer
L. Oleaga Zufiría | Monday, March 11, 08:30 – 10:00 / Room E2
Identification of recurrent tumour in the post-therapy setting is often challenging. It is essential to have a baseline study for monitoring changes and evaluating possible recurrences. After surgery, there is distortion of the anatomy, the fat planes are lost, functional lymphadenectomy may be associated with muscle resection, resection of the jugular vein or grafting, therefore, it is essential to know this data to properly analyze the images. The immediate postoperative baseline study after surgery should be performed between 4 and 6 weeks after surgery. When radiotherapy is performed, there is loss of fat planes, significant edema in the mucosa and in subcutaneous tissue. The recommended baseline study should be obtained at 3 months after a completion of radiation therapy. The imaging methods used for the staging and follow-up of head and neck tumours varies between centres. CT is the most commonly used imaging technique, however, at some institutions MRI or PET are used to detect tumour recurrence after therapy, either surgery or chemo/radiation. Distinction between post-treatment changes and recurrent or residual tumor might be difficult to assess on imaging. A soft tissue mass present in the baseline study that decreases in size, should be considered treatment-related changes. If the mass increases in size, it is suggestive of persistent or recurrent tumor. A new onset mass in the follow-up study should be considered as recurrence. Late complications due to chemo/radiation include soft-tissue necrosis, osteochondronecrosis, carotid atherosclerosis, myelopathy, nerve paralysis secondary to fibrosis and sarcomas.
B-0105 The incidence of biological effects from 3.0 Tesla (T) MRI compared to 1.5 T: an observational study in 911 consecutive outpatients
F. Alghamdi, P. Bertrand, L. Barantin, M.A. Lauvin, X. Cazals, F. Domengie, R. Bibi, D. Herbreteau, J.-P. Cottier | Thursday, March 7, 10:30 – 12:00 / Room L/M
Purpose: To compare the acute biological effects of a 3.0 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to 1.5 T MRI
Methods and Materials: After MRI examination, 911 patients (449 with 3.0 T MRI and 462 with 1.5 T MRI) were presented with a verbal rating scale questionnaire consisting of 11 symptoms related to MRI examination. Chi-square tests were used to assess the relationship between the strength of the magnetic field (MF) and the incidence of the symptoms. A P value of <.05 was considered significant.
Results: There was no statistically significant relationship between the strength of the MF and the incidence of the symptoms related to static MF exposure, such as vertigo (P = .13), nausea (P = .35), headache (P = .21), and a metallic taste (P = .64). A warm feeling induced by radiofrequency (RF) was significantly higher in the 3.0 T MRI (P <.0001) with a significant correlation between the mean specific energy absorption rate (SAR) and a warm feeling in the 3.0 T MRI (P <.0001). Numbness/tingling related to the gradient MF was significantly higher in the 3.0 T MRI (P = .027).
Conclusion: The thermal effect induced by the RF and the numbness/tingling induced by the gradient field were significantly higher in the 3.0 T MRI than in the 1.5 T MRI. There was no statistically significant difference between the symptoms related to static MF exposure from the 3.0 T MRI and 1.5 T MRI.
B-0721 CT imaging in an emergency setting is not substantially delayed by iterative reconstruction
M.J. Willemink, A.M.R. Schilham, T. Leiner, W.P.T.M. Mali, P.A. de Jong, R.P.J. Budde | Sunday, March 10, 10:30 – 12:00 / Room N/O
Purpose: Iterative reconstruction (IR) is a promising noise reducing technique with the potential to reduce radiation-dose with preserved study interpretability or improve image-quality at similar radiation-dose. One of the major drawbacks of IR is a longer reconstruction time which may be problematic in the emergency setting. The purpose of the current study was to compare reconstruction time and speed of IR and filtered back-projection (FBP) in two commonly encountered emergency imaging scan-protocols: total body trauma CT and pulmonary CTA.
Methods and Materials: Fifteen patients underwent a total body CT after a traumatic event and twenty-five adults underwent a CTA for evaluation of pulmonary embolisms on a 256-slice CT-scanner. All data were reconstructed using FBP and two IR-levels (iDose4, Philips Healthcare). Quantification of reconstruction time and speed was done with a self-written plug-in for ImageJ (US National Institutes of Health).
Results: The mean delay in reconstruction time on total body trauma CTs was 44.4±8.1 and 44.9±7.0 seconds for iDose4-levels 1 and 6, respectively, and on pulmonary CTAs 10.1±9.6 and 12.0±11.8 seconds for iDose4-levels 2 and 4, respectively. The mean reconstruction time and speed for total body trauma CTs were 87.3±14.6, 131.7±16.7 and 132.2±17.9 seconds, and 20.1±1.6, 13.2±0.8 and 13.2±0.6 slices/s for FBP, iDose4-levels 1 and 6, respectively, and for pulmonary CTAs 25.5±7.0, 35.6±9.0 and 37.6±12.0 seconds, and 26.7±5.6, 18.7±2.3 and 18.0±2.8 slices/s for FBP, iDose4-levels 2 and 4, respectively.
Conclusion: CT image reconstruction in an emergency setting is not delayed substantially by IR. Furthermore, reconstruction time and speed did not differ substantially between different IR-levels.
MS 4 – Hepatocellular carcinoma
B. Sangro, A. Benito, J.I. Bilbao, F. Pardo | Friday, March 8, 08:30 – 10:00 / Room F1
A-075 Chairman’s introduction
A variety of options are available for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from liver transplantation or resection to percutaneous ablation by chemical or physical procedures, intraarterial injection of embolizing particles that may also serve as carriers of chemotherapeutic agents or radiation-emitting isotopes, or systemic delivery of molecularly targeted agents. Although large scale studies have identified groups of patients that may certainly benefit from some of these therapeutic tools, many areas of uncertainty still exist. Only by the coordinated action of HPB Oncology multidisciplinary teams may patients with HCC receive the best possible treatment.
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