scholarly journals Evaluation of Low-kVp Low-Volume Iodinated Contrast Protocol for Coronary CT Angiography Using Retrospective ECG Gating

Author(s):  
Atul Kapoor ◽  
Goldaa Mahajan ◽  
Aprajita Kapoor

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of low peak kilovoltage (kVp) low-volume iodinated contrast protocol for performing coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography (CCTA) in patients using retrospective electrocardiogram (ECG) gating. Materials and Methods Hundred prospective patients undergoing CCTA were studied in two groups, A and B, using 70 kilovoltage (kV) and 120 kV protocols with half and standard intravenous volumes of injected iodinated contrast, respectively. All patients had heart rates less than 100 beats/min and body mass index (BMI) less than 31 kg/m2. Both the groups were evaluated for signal-to-noise (S/N) and contrast-to-noise (C/N) ratios along with radiation dose delivered in millisievert (mSv), and for image quality (IQ), on per patient and per segment basis. Results Patients with group A showed statistically reduced radiation dose of 1.86 mSv compared with 6.86 mSv in group B patients. Marked reduction in image noise with statistically improved S/N and C/N ratios in all coronary vessels was seen in group A. S/N ratios in group A were 20.25, 18.68, 19.04, 17.41, and 18.69 for aorta, left main, left anterior descending, right coronary, and left circumflex arteries while they were 13.34, 11.12, 10.96, 9.74, and 8.67 in group B patients. C/N ratios were also higher in all vessels in group A patients, that is, 19.48, 19.48, 19.04, 19.48, and 17.68, compared with group B patients, who had 12.43, 10.03, 9.23, 9.57, and 8.23 ratios (p < 0.0001). No significant difference in IQ per patient and per vessel was seen between both the groups. Discussion Retrospective ECG-gated low-kVp low-volume iodinated contrast protocol provides good diagnostic quality angiograms in patients with BMI up to 31 kg/m2 and with heart rates of less than 100 beats/min with three times reduced radiation dose. The reduced volume of contrast reduces the cost as well as the chance of contrast-induced nephropathy.

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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damiano Caruso ◽  
Domenico De Santis ◽  
Flaminia Rivosecchi ◽  
Marta Zerunian ◽  
Nicola Panvini ◽  
...  

Purpose. To prospectively compare the performance of James and Boer formula in contrast media (CM) administration, in terms of image quality and parenchymal enhancement in obese patients undergoing CT of the abdomen. Materials and Methods. Fifty-five patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 kg/m2 were prospectively included in the study. All patients underwent 64-row CT examination and were randomly divided in two groups: 26 patients in Group A and 29 patients in Group B. The amount of injected CM was computed according to the patient’s lean body weight (LBW), estimated using either Boer formula (Group A) or James formula (Group B). Patient’s characteristics, CM volume, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of liver, aorta and portal vein, and liver contrast enhancement index (CEI) were compared between the two groups. For subjective image analysis readers were asked to rate the enhancement of liver, kidneys, and pancreas based on a 5-point Likert scale. Results. Liver CNR, aortic CNR, and portal vein CNR showed no significant difference between Group A and Group B (all P≥0.177). Group A provided significantly higher CEI compared to Group B (P=0.007). Group A and Group B returned comparable overall subjective enhancement values (3.54 and vs 3.20, all P≥0.199). Conclusions. Boer formula should be the method of choice for LBW estimation in obese patients, leading to an accurate CM amount calculation and an optimal liver contrast enhancement in CT.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen J ◽  
◽  
Li M ◽  
Gao Z ◽  
Liu S ◽  
...  

Aim: This study was designed to investigate the application of whole-body low-dose computed tomography in the examination of multiple myeloma. Method: 40 patients with multiple myeloma admitted to our hospital were prospectively selected as the study subjects. All patients were pathologically confirmed and/or clinically diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (n=20) received whole-body lowdose CT scan with SAFIR iterative reconstruction algorithm; Group B (n=20) underwent whole body conventional dose CT scan combined with conventional reconstruction algorithm. The image quality was scored subjectively, and the objective evaluation indexes (including CT value and noise of neck, chest, abdomen, pelvic cavity and lower extremities, signal-to-noise ratio and image quality index) were measured and recorded, and the radiation dose was recorded. Mann-Whitney U test (to evaluate the subjective score) and t test (to evaluate the objective evaluation index and radiation dose) were used to compare the differences of the above indexes between group A and group B. Result: All the images met the diagnostic requirements. There was no statistical significance in the scores between group A and group B (P>0.05). Significant differences in CT value, noise and SNR of neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and lower extremities between group A and group B (P<0.05) were identified. For the image quality index (figure of merit, FOM), the FOM of chest, abdomen and pelvis was not statistically significantly changed (P<0.05). The radiation dose of group A decreased by 56.77% (3.06/5.39) compared to group B with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The Kappa values of subjective scores of the two groups showed no statistically significant difference (respectively, 0.68 and o.69, P>0.05). Conclusion: Compared to conventional CT examination, whole-body lowdose CT scan combined with SAFIR iterative reconstruction algorithm can effectively reduce noise, reduce X-ray radiation dose, and obtain ideal image quality in multiple myeloma examination, which has a certain application value.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (21;1) ◽  
pp. 243-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeetinder Kaur Makkar

Background: Epidural steroids injections (ESI) are frequently used to treat lumbar radicular pain. Although different volume have been used for interlaminar ESI in adults, there is no controlled trial comparing the effect of different volumes on pain relief for the same dose of steroid . Objective: To compare the effect of increase in volume of epidural drug on pain relief in lumbar ESI . Study design: Randomized double blind trial Settings: Pain OR of a tertiary care centre Methods: Sixty patients were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups: Group A (4 mL), Group B (6 mL), and Group C (8 mL). Pain was evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) and improvement in disability using modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire scores (MODQS) at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. Patients having less than 50% pain relief from baseline received an additional epidural injection of the same volume with a maximum of 3 injections at least 15 days apart. The primary objective of the study was incidence of patients attaining more than 50% pain relief at 6 months. Secondary outcome included MODQS and pattern of spread of iodinated contrast on fluoroscopy. Results: At the end of 6 months, there was no significant difference in the effective pain relief between the 3 groups (Group A-16/22 (72.7%), Group B-15/20 (75%), Group C-13/18 (72.2%); P = 0.98, chi- square test). All groups demonstrated a significant reduction in mean VAS scores. There was no significant intergroup difference in VAS sores and MODQS at all the time intervals. The pattern of contrast spread did not differ between the 3 groups. Limitation: Not a placebo controlled trial Conclusions: An increase in volume of the injectate from 4 mL to 8 mL did not increase the efficacy of interlaminar ESI. Key words: Epidural steroid, volume, low back pain, interlaminar:


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 133-139
Author(s):  
Yasser Hamdy ◽  
Mohammed Mahmoud Mostafa ◽  
Ahmed Elminshawy

Background: Functional tricuspid valve regurgitation secondary to left-sided valve disease is common. DeVega repair is simple, but residual regurgitation with subsequent impairment of the right ventricular function is a concern. This study aims to compare tricuspid valve repair using DeVega vs. ring annuloplasty and their impact on the right ventricle in the early postoperative period and after six months. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of 51 patients with rheumatic heart disease who underwent tricuspid valve repair for secondary severe tricuspid regurgitation. Patients were divided into two groups: group A; DeVega repair (n=34) and group B; ring annuloplasty repair (n=17). Patients were assessed clinically and by echocardiography before discharge and after six months for the degree of tricuspid regurgitation, right ventricular diameter and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). Results: Preoperative echocardiographic assessment showed no difference in left ventricular end-systolic diameter, end-diastolic diameter, ejection fraction and right ventricular diameter, however; group A had significantly better preoperative right ventricular function measured by TAPSE (1.96 ± 0.27 vs1.75 ± 0.31 cm; p=0.02). Group B had significantly longer cardiopulmonary bypass time (127.65 ± 13.56 vs. 111.74 ± 18.74 minutes; p= 0.003) and ischemic time (99.06 ± 11.80 vs. 87.15 ± 16.01 minutes; p= 0.009). Pre-discharge, there was no statistically significant difference in the degree of tricuspid regurgitation, but the right ventricular diameter was significantly lower in group B (2.66 ± 0.41 and 2.40 ± 0.48 cm; p=0.049). After six months of follow up, the degree of tricuspid regurgitation (p= 0.029) and the right ventricular diameter were significantly lower in the ring annuloplasty group (2.56 ± 0.39 and 2.29 ± 0.44 cm; p=0.029). Although there was a statistically significant difference in preoperative TAPSE, this difference disappeared after six months. Conclusion: Both DeVega and ring annuloplasty techniques were effective in the early postoperative period, ring annuloplasty was associated with lesser residual regurgitation and better right ventricular remodeling in severe functional tricuspid regurgitation than DeVega procedure after 6-months of follow up.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tayyaba Gul Malik ◽  
Hina Nadeem ◽  
Eiman Ayesha ◽  
Rabail Alam

Objective: To study the effect of short-term use of oral contraceptive pills on intra-ocular pressures of women of childbearing age.   Methods: It was a comparative observational study, conducted at Arif memorial teaching hospital and Allied hospital Faisalabad for a period of six months. Hundred female subjects were divided into two groups of 50 each. Group A, included females, who had been taking oral contraceptive pills (OCP) for more than 6 months and less than 36 months. Group B, included 50 age-matched controls, who had never used OCP. Ophthalmic and systemic history was taken. Careful Slit lamp examination was performed and intraocular pressures (IOP) were measured using Goldman Applanation tonometer. Fundus examination was done to rule out any posterior segment disease. After collection of data, we analyzed and compared the intra ocular pressures between the two groups by using ANOVA in SPSS version 21.   Results: Average duration of using OCP was 14.9 months. There was no significant difference of Cup to Disc ratios between the two groups (p= 0.109). However, significant difference was noted between the IOP of OCP group and controls. (p=0.000). Conclusion: OCP significantly increase IOP even when used for short time period.


Author(s):  
Rajendra Joshi ◽  
N. B. Mashetti ◽  
Rakesh Kumar Gujar

Dushta Vrana is a common and frequently encountered problem faced in surgical practice. The presence of Dushta Vrana worsens the condition of the patient with different complications and may become fatal. Local factors on wound like slough, infection and foreign body, affect the normal process of healing. A healthy wound in a normal body heals earlier with a minimum scar as compared to a contaminated wound. Therefore in this study all the efforts are made to make a Dushta Vrana into a Shuddha Vrana. Once the Vrana becomes Shuddha, Ropana of the Vrana will start. The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Jatyadi Taila and Jatyadi Ghrita in Dushta Vrana. Clinically diagnosed 60 Patients of Dushta Vrana were randomly divided into two groups, each consisting of 30 Patients. Group A were treated with the Jatyadi Taila and Group B was treated by Jatyadi Ghrita. The results observed was based on the relief obtained on the subjective and objective parameters taken for consideration for this study viz, size of ulcer, discharge, smell, pain, burning sensation, itching and granulation were found significant (P Lass Than 0.05). On the basis of assessment criteria and overall result of treatment, the patients of Jatyadi Taila group showed better results when compared to Jatyadi Ghrita group. Even though statistically there is no much significant difference between the two groups, but by seeing the effect on individual parameters (subjective and objective) and over all response, Jatyadi Taila seems to be effective when compared to Jatyadi Ghrita. It is having more Ropana qualities when compared to Shodhana.


Author(s):  
Patil Aniket ◽  
Dindore Pallavi ◽  
Arbar Aziz ◽  
Kadam Avinash ◽  
Saroch Vikas

The quest for excellence in mental and physical health is not new. We find various references and formulations in Ayurvedic classics meant for promoting mental and physical health of a child. Suvarna Prashan is one of the formulations explained in age old Ayurvedic classic Kashyap Samhita. This formulation is very widely used now days as a memory and immune booster for children. But there is very little systematic documented study which can be used to evaluate the efficacy of the formulation. Suvarna Bhasma was prepared in Ayurved Rasayani Pharmacy, Pune. Madhu and Ghrita were collected from KLE Ayurveda Pharmacy, Belgaum. Suvarna Bindu Prashan was prepared in KLE Ayurved pharmacy, Belgaum. It contains Suvarna Bhasma, Ghrita and Madhu. Twenty apparently healthy male and female children with age group of three to four years were ready to sign inform consent form were selected into two groups each. Subjects in Group A received Suvarna Bindu Prashan where as Group B (Control group) did not receive any treatment. Both the groups were observed for six months. Children in Suvarna Bindu Prashan group showed significant reduction in the scores of eating habits, behavior, mood, temperament and scores of event of illness. However there was no significant difference in the score of sleeping habit. There was significant increase in IQ percentage.


Author(s):  
Mohamed I. Refaat ◽  
Amr K. Elsamman ◽  
Adham Rabea ◽  
Mohamed I. A. Hewaidy

Abstract Background The quest for better patient outcomes is driving to the development of minimally invasive spine surgical techniques. There are several evidences on the use of microsurgical decompression surgery for degenerative lumbar spine stenosis; however, few of these studies compared their outcomes with the traditional laminectomy technique. Objectives The aim of our study was to compare outcomes following microsurgical decompression via unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (ULBD) of the spinal canal to the standard open laminectomy for cases with lumbar spinal stenosis. Subjects and methods Cases were divided in two groups. Group (A) cases were operated by conventional full laminectomy; Group (B) cases were operated by (ULBD) technique. Results from both groups were compared regarding duration of surgery, blood loss, perioperative complication, and postoperative outcome and patient satisfaction. Results There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the improvement of visual pain analogue, while improvement of neurogenic claudication outcome score was significant in group (B) than group (A). Seventy-three percent of group (A) cases and 80% of group (B) stated that surgery met their expectations and were satisfied from the outcome. Conclusion Comparing ULBD with traditional laminectomy showed the efficacy of the minimally invasive technique in obtaining good surgical outcome and patient satisfaction. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the occurrence of complications The ULBD technique was found to respect the posterior spinal integrity and musculature, accompanied with less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and shorter recovery periods than the open laminectomy technique.


Obesity Facts ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Serdar Sahin ◽  
Havva Sezer ◽  
Ebru Cicek ◽  
Yeliz Yagız Ozogul ◽  
Murat Yildirim ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The aim of this was to describe the predictors of mortality related to COVID-19 infection and to evaluate the association between overweight, obesity, and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We included the patients &#x3e;18 years of age, with at least one positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Patients were grouped according to body mass index values as normal weight &#x3c;25 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (Group A), overweight from 25 to &#x3c;30 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (Group B), Class I obesity 30 to &#x3c;35 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (Group C), and ≥35 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (Group D). Mortality, clinical outcomes, laboratory parameters, and comorbidities were compared among 4 groups. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There was no significant difference among study groups in terms of mortality. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation requirement was higher in group B and D than group A, while it was higher in Group D than Group C (Group B vs. Group A [<i>p</i> = 0.017], Group D vs. Group A [<i>p</i> = 0.001], and Group D vs. Group C [<i>p</i> = 0.016]). Lung involvement was less common in Group A, and presence of hypoxia was more common in Group D (Group B vs. Group A [<i>p</i> = 0.025], Group D vs. Group A [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001], Group D vs. Group B [<i>p</i> = 0.006], and Group D vs. Group C [<i>p</i> = 0.014]). The hospitalization rate was lower in Group A than in the other groups; in addition, patients in Group D have the highest rate of hospitalization (Group B vs. Group A [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001], Group C vs. Group A [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001], Group D vs. Group A [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001], Group D vs. Group B [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001], and Group D vs. Group C [<i>p</i> = 0.010]). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> COVID-19 patients with overweight and obesity presented with more severe clinical findings. Health-care providers should take into account that people living with overweight and obesity are at higher risk for COVID-19 and its complications.


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