Improvement of image quality of multislice spiral CT scans of the head and neck region using a raw data-based multidimensional adaptive filtering (MAF) technique

Abstract Objectives Conventional perfusion-weighted MRI sequences often provide poor spatial or temporal resolution. We aimed to overcome this problem in head and neck protocols using a golden-angle radial sparse parallel (GRASP) sequence. Methods We prospectively included 58 patients for examination on a 3.0-T MRI using a study protocol. GRASP (A) was applied to a volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) with 135 reconstructed pictures and high temporal (2.5 s) and spatial resolution (0.94 × 0.94 × 3.00 mm). Additional sequences of matching temporal resolution (B: 2.5 s, 1.88 × 1.88 × 3.00 mm), with a compromise between temporal and spatial resolution (C: 7.0 s, 1.30 × 1.30 × 3.00 mm) and with matching spatial resolution (D: 145 s, 0.94 × 0.94 × 3.00 mm), were subsequently without GRASP. Instant inline-image reconstructions (E) provided one additional series of averaged contrast information throughout the entire acquisition duration of A. Overall diagnostic image quality, edge sharpness and contrast of soft tissues, vessels and lesions were subjectively rated using 5-point Likert scales. Objective image quality was measured as contrast-to-noise ratio in D and E. Results Overall, the anatomic and pathologic image quality was substantially better with the GRASP sequence for the temporally (A/B/C, all p < 0.001) and spatially resolved comparisons (D/E, all p < 0.002 except lesion edge sharpness with p = 0.291). Image artefacts were also less likely to occur with GRASP. Differences in motion, aliasing and truncation were mainly significant, but pulsation and fat suppression were comparable. In addition, the contrast-to-noise ratio of E was significantly better than that of D (pD-E < 0.001). Conclusions High temporal and spatial resolution can be obtained synchronously using a GRASP-VIBE technique for perfusion evaluation in head and neck MRI. Key Points • Golden-angle radial sparse parallel (GRASP) sampling allows for temporally resolved dynamic acquisitions with a very high image quality. • Very low-contrast structures in the head and neck region can benefit from using the GRASP sequence. • Inline-image reconstruction of dynamic and static series from one single acquisition can replace the conventional combination of two acquisitions, thereby saving examination time.

Download Full-text

The Applications of Medical Tattooing in the Head and Neck Region

Facial Plastic Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0039-1688842 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (03) ◽

pp. 256-259

Author(s):

Zhe Hou ◽

Patrick K. Lee

Keyword(s):

Head And Neck ◽

Neck Region ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Medical Setting ◽

Technical Requirement ◽

Head And Neck Region ◽

Congenital Vascular Malformation ◽

Color Fading ◽

Cutaneous Reactions

AbstractMedical tattooing has been used in various circumstances. In this review, the authors focus on the utilization of medical tattooing in the head and neck region as a minimally invasive alternative to corrective surgeries. It is mostly used to camouflage noticeable surgical scars on scalp, face, and perioral areas. Its use has also been described in cases of concealing depigmentation or hypopigmentation, hair loss, postirradiation telangiectasia, and congenital vascular malformation. These procedures are well-tolerated and safe. Its effects are long-lasting and satisfactory, leading to improvement in self-esteem and increased quality of life in treated patients. The limitations of medical tattooing in such uses include high technical requirement, color fading and alteration, unpredictable outcomes in scarred tissue, and potential cutaneous reactions. It also carries a risk of infection, albeit very low due to standardized sterilization process in a medical setting. The authors conclude that medical tattooing in the head and neck region may serve as an excellent option for patients who seek for cosmetic improvement in their deformities and/or discoloration but would prefer to avoid surgery.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of image quality for different kV cone-beam CT acquisition and reconstruction methods in the head and neck region

Acta Oncologica ◽

10.3109/0284186x.2011.590525 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 50 (6) ◽

pp. 908-917 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Ulrik V. Elstrøm ◽

Ludvig P. Muren ◽

Jørgen B. B. Petersen ◽

Cai Grau

Keyword(s):

Image Quality ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Cone Beam Ct ◽

Neck Region ◽

Cone Beam ◽

Head And Neck Region ◽

Reconstruction Methods

Download Full-text

Sarcoma of the Maxillofacial/Head and Neck Region

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for the Clinician ◽

10.1007/978-981-15-1346-6_83 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1893-1902

Author(s):

D’ Souza Jacob ◽

Boyapati Raghu

Keyword(s):

Head And Neck ◽

Neck Region ◽

Response To Treatment ◽

Surgical Ablation ◽

Head And Neck Region ◽

Complex Anatomy ◽

Adults And Children ◽

Poor Outcomes ◽

Reconstructive Techniques

AbstractSarcomas are malignant mesenchymal tumours. They are relatively uncommon in the head and neck region. They are diverse affecting both soft and hard tissues. Multiple histological subtypes are recognised. There is considerable variation in their behaviour and response to treatment, both in adults and children. Historically, poor outcomes are due to multiple reasons such as paucity of standardised treatment approaches and the complex anatomy of the head and neck region. Nevertheless, surgery plays a key part in the management of sarcomas, both from an ablative and reconstructive viewpoint. The modern reconstructive techniques have improved quality of life for those undergoing surgical ablation.

Download Full-text

The long term effects of firearm injuries on special senses

Archives of Otolaryngology & Rhinology ◽

10.17352/2455-1759.000104 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 083-087

Author(s):

Chavan Shrinivas

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Neck Region ◽

Standard Protocol ◽

Sense Organs ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Head And Neck Region ◽

Firearm Injuries

Introduction: Special senses are group of sensory organs that help us to connect with external environment by various modes of elements like sound, sight, touch and smell. Any damage to these organs though may not be physically handicapping but can affect the quality of life of any individual. Bullet injuries to the head and neck region are life-threatening and demand a detailed clinical examination and meticulous operative management due to the complexity of craniofacial anatomy. Head and neck region also house sense organs, but most of the time their functions are not properly assessed during the primary care provided in firearm injuries. The main aim of this study was – To study the long term effects of firearm injuries on special senses. To study the impact of these injuries on facial visage causing impairment on quality of life. To set a standard protocol that can be applied in such injuries for a bedside evaluation of sense organs of victims. Materials and Methods: The following study was conducted by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Forensic Medicine and Department of Community Medicine, at Grant Government Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals. A retrospective study of 532 patients who were victims of various firearm injuries in isolated civil incidents and terrorist attacks in Mumbai between January 1990 to July 2018. Institutional ethical clearance was obtained prior to initiating the study. Data regarding the patients were obtained from hospital records. Results: The age group which was most affected was between 20- 40 years i.e.; the working population of the country. Most of the patients were of the male gender, nearly 70.3%. The sense organ to be affected the most in these incidents was ear(55.2%) ,followed by eyes(39.3%) . Facial scar caused a significant social impact on the quality of life among females. Conclusion: This study aims to set a standard protocol in the post-critical phase in firearm injuries; giving priority to functions of sense organs and facial visage to ensure a good quality of life in the post-trauma period.

Download Full-text