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Biomedical subjects

C R Becker

Publications and source records attributed to C R Becker.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Direct observation of the Aharonov-Casher phase.

Ring structures fabricated from HgTe/HgCdTe quantum wells have been used to study Aharonov-Bohm type conductance oscillations as a function of Rashba spin-orbit splitting strength. We observe nonmonotonic phase changes indicating that an additional phase factor modifies the electron wave function. We associate these observations with the Aharonov-Casher effect. This is confirmed by comparison with numerical calculations of the magnetoconductance for a multichannel ring structure within the Landauer-Büttiker formalism.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Dose reduction and image quality in MDCT colonography using tube current modulation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the dose reduction potential of combined online (x- and y-axes) and topogram-based (l) X-ray tube current modulation in CT colonography in a screening population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty asymptomatic individuals underwent CT colonography screening for colon polyps. A 16-MDCT scanner (Somatom Sensation 16) was used. Forty patients were examined at 120 kVp and 120 effective mAs (supine) and 40 effective mAs (prone) using online x- and y-axis tube current modulation. Another 40 patients were scanned using combined x-, y-, and z-axis tube current modulation. Individual patient radiation exposure was determined using the dose-length product. Image noise was determined by Hounsfield unit measurements in the colonic lumen at four anatomic levels. Image quality was rated on a 5-point confidence scale by two independent reviewers. The unpaired Student's t test (for radiation dose, image noise) and Wilcoxon's test (for image quality) were used to test for statistically significant differences between these values. RESULTS: Radiation dose was significantly lower in the patient group scanned with x-, y-, and z-axis tube current modulation than in the group scanned with x- and y-axis tube current modulation (supine: 4.24 vs 6.50 mSv, p < 0.0001; prone: 1.61 vs 2.38 mSv, p < 0.0001). Radiation dose was reduced by 35% (supine) and 33% (prone). No statistically significant difference was seen in overall image noise (supine: 15.9 vs 16.3 H, p = 0.13; prone: 23.5 vs 24.8 H, p = 0.44) or image quality (supine: 4.6 vs 4.5, p = 0.62; prone: 3.5 vs 3.6, p = 0.54). CONCLUSION: Combined x-, y-, and z-axis tube current modulation leads to a significant reduction of radiation exposure in CT colonography without loss of image quality.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

[Detection and characterization of atherosclerotic coronary plaques with multislice spiral computed tomography].

Provided that adequate image quality is achieved, contrast-enhanced multislice spiral computed tomography enables the identification and characterisation of calcified and non-calcified coronary plaques. This is a major advance in the non-invasive assessment of coronary atherosclerosis that promises to open up new opportunities for a better understanding and risk stratification of this condition, with visualization of non-calcified hypodense lesions in particular appearing to be of prognostic importance. Current limitations of the technique relating mainly to temporal and spatial resolution may be eliminated by the introduction of a new generation of scanners enabling 64 slices and more.

Angina Pectoris↗
PubMed2004

[Evaluating multislice computed tomography for imaging coronary atherosclerosis].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was the evaluation of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) for the assessment of atherosclerotic coronary artery vessel wall changes. METHODS: In an ex vivo study, 17 human hearts were scanned with MDCT and results were compared to histopathology. Morphologic imaging criteria of MDCT for various plaque-types were developed. In a following in vivo study, 94 coronary MDCT angiograms (MDCTA) of patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) were reviewed retrospectively, assessing the diagnostic value of the coronary MDCTA, and determining the number and correlations of the various plaques types as described in the ex vivo study. Additionally, volumetry of calcified and noncalcified plaque components was performed. RESULTS: In the ex vivo study, MDCT showed a high sensitivity for calcified and non-calcified plaques. Comparing the results with histopathology, characteristic image criteria could be determined for lipid-rich, fibrous and calcified plaque components. Reviewing the contrastenhanced in-vivo MDCT coronary angiographies, presence of noncalcified plaques was proven in 38% of the patients. In 5 patients with a calcium score of 0, presence of coronary atherosclerosis was proven in the contrastenhanced scan. CONCLUSIONS: MDCT is able to differentiate various plaque components in an ex vivo setting as well as invivo. Contrastenhanced MDCT of the coronary arteries allows for the detection of noncalcified plaques. In vivo volumetry of noncalcified plaques is feasible.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Indications for multislice CT angiography of coronary arteries].

INTRODUCTION: The newest generation of 16-detector-row CT allows displaying the anatomy and assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) when slow regular sinus rhythm is present. METHODS: For morphological assessment of cardiac structures by using Multi-detector row CT a dedicated scan protocol is obligatory. The indication for coronary CT angiography (CTA) is currently under investigation by several study groups. RESULTS: Because of the limited spatial and temporal resolution and coronary calcium artefacts, it is not possible with multislice CT angiography to assess coronary arteries in patients with established coronary artery disease. The anatomy of the coronary arteries can well be displayed with this technique. CONCLUSION: The high negative predictive value of coronary CTA may justify the investigation of symptomatic patients with intermediate pretest probability of CAD. Moreover coronary CTA is suitable for patients for displaying the origin and course of abnormal coronary arteries.

Artifacts↗
PubMed2004

[ECG-gated bypass CT angiography--application in imaging arterial bypasses].

Nowadays coronary artery bypass grafting is increasingly performed using arterial grafts. Purpose of the study was the evaluation of a appropriate 16 detector-row CT angiography protocol in patients after predominantly arterial bypass grafting. Fourteen patients after bypass grafting were including into the study and CT angiography carried out in the early postoperative period using a 16 detector-row CT system. To reduce cardiac pulsation artifacts data acquisition was implemented using ECG-gating algorithms. Overall 43 grafts (37 arterial, 6 venous) were examined. In 13 patients surgery had been performed using composite grafts with T or TY configuration. The mean heart rate was 74.1 bpm and showed a negative correlation to the image quality (r=-0.65; p=0.01). However, all data sets were diagnostic. Contrast injection protocol allowed for a homogeneous opacification throughout the vessels of interest. All non-delineationable grafts (5) showed a close proximity to the heart (T or Y grafts). Cardiac surgery is increasingly focusing on arterial revascularisation in bypass grafting and therefore leading to new demands for non-invasive bypass graft imaging. 16 detector-row CT allows a reliable visualization of even composite arterial grafts. However, for detection of grafts in the proximity of the heart a reduction of the heart rate (<65-70) still seems to be necessary.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

[PET-CT interventional tumour therapy].

Multifocal metastatic spread of solid tumours is often a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Those patients often cannot undergo curative surgery. Since several years, various types of interventional tumour therapy have been introduced, which may represent a promising option in those cases. In some cases morphological imaging is not able to assess the viability of a previously treated lesion. The combination of computed tomography and positron emission tomography has the potential to ease planning and guiding of interventional procedures and to improve postinterventional control. Due to its higher sensitivity and specificity, PET/CT enables for a more precise selection of patients for interventional tumor therapy. The success of a particular therapy could be assessed with greater accuracy using PET/CT as compared with the separate modalities. PET/CT was also able to improve planning and guiding interventional therapy. As of yet, no data are available concerning the success rate and long-term survival of PET/CT associated interventional procedures.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Value of electron beam tomography (EBT)].

Electron beam tomography (EBT) has been scientifically evaluated to a much lesser degree for non-cardiac indications than for cardiac purposes. Therefore, four groups of investigators in Berlin (2), Mannheim and Munchen, which were supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), included applications outside the heart in their evaluation of EBT technology. EBT has proven useful to look for pulmonary embolism and to assess other vessels (aorta, aortic branches, and intracranial arteries). Imaging of the lung parenchyma benefits from its intrinsic high contrast and from the fast data acquisition of EBT. Limited photon efficiency, higher radiation exposure, increased noise levels and other artifacts, however, markedly reduce the value of EBT for imaging of low contrast objects compared to conventional spiral CT and multislice CT (MSCT), compromising, in particular, the morphologic depiction of parenchymal abdominal organs and the brain. Consequently, scientific studies to further evaluate EBT for scanning of the brain and parenchymal abdominal organs were not pursued. Radiation exposure for non-cardiac EBT studies is up to three times higher than that for respective spiral CT studies, and in children EBT can only be advocated in select cases. Radiation exposure for the various prospectively triggered cardiac examination protocols of EBT is lower than that for conventional coronary angiography. Radiation exposure in cardiac multislice CT exceeds severalfold that of EBT, but the dose efficiency of EBT and MSCT are similar due to higher spatial resolution and less image noise of MSCT. In addition, modifications of MSCT (ECG pulsing) can further reduce radiation exposure to the level of EBT. Technical improvements of the EBT successor scanner "e-Speed" enable faster data acquisition at higher spatial resolution. Within comparative studies, the "e-Speed" will have to prove its value and competitiveness, particularly in comparison with multislice CT. After profound scientific assessment in a multicenter evaluation supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and regardless of the specific suitability of electron beam tomography for various cardiac and some non-cardiac indications, the investigators unanimously find the electron beam tomograph Evolution C150 XP not suitable as a whole body CT scanner.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2004

[Diagnostic value of electron-beam computed tomography (EBT). I. Cardiac applications].

Electron beam tomography (EBT) directly competes with other non-invasive imaging modalities, such as multislice computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiography, in the diagnostic assessment of cardiac diseases. EBT is the gold standard for the detection and quantification of coronary calcium as a preclinical sign of coronary artery disease (CAD). Its standardized examination protocols and the broad experience with this method favor EBT. First results with multislice CT indicate that this new technology may be equivalent to EBT for coronary calcium studies. The principal value of CT-based coronary calcium measurements continues to be an issue of controversy amongst radiologists and cardiologists due to lack of prospective randomized trials. Coronary angiography with EBT is characterized by a high negative predictive value and, in addition, may be indicated in some patients with manifest CAD. It remains to be shown whether coronary angiography with multislice CT is reliable and accurate enough to be introduced into the routine work-up, to replace some of the many strictly diagnostic coronary catheterizations in Germany and elsewhere. Assessment of coronary stent patency with EBT is associated with several problems and in our opinion cannot be advocated as a routine procedure. EBT may be recommended for the evaluation of coronary bypasses to look for bypass occlusions and significant stenoses, which, however, can be equally well achieved with multislice CT. Quantification of myocardial perfusion with EBT could not replace MRI or other modalities in this field. EBT has proven to be accurate, reliable and in some instances equivalent to MRI, which is the gold standard for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of cardiac function. Some disadvantages, not the least of which is the limited distribution of electron beam scanners, favor MRI for functional assessment of the heart.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Voltage-controlled spin selection in a magnetic resonant tunneling diode.

We have fabricated all II-VI semiconductor resonant tunneling diodes based on the (Zn,Mn,Be)Se material system, containing dilute magnetic material in the quantum well, and studied their current-voltage characteristics. When subjected to an external magnetic field the resulting spin splitting of the levels in the quantum well leads to a splitting of the transmission resonance into two separate peaks. This is interpreted as evidence of tunneling transport through spin polarized levels, and could be the first step towards a voltage controlled spin filter.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Reproducibility of coronary calcium quantification in repeat examinations with retrospectively ECG-gated multisection spiral CT.

High reproducibility is a key requirement for coronary calcium scoring in follow-up examinations. We investigated the inter-examination reproducibility of calcium scoring with retrospectively ECG-gated multisection spiral CT (MSCT). Fifty patients were examined twice with MSCT. Slices were reconstructed with retrospective ECG gating in the diastolic phase with 3-mm slice width and up to 125-ms temporal resolution. We calculated the Agatston score, calcium volume with and without isotropic interpolation, and calcium mass, and derived the mean and median variability. We investigated the change of variability with use of 3-mm non-overlapping and overlapping increments (2, 1.5, 1 mm). Use of overlapping increment results in considerably reduced interscan variability. We observed a minimum mean variability of 12% and a minimum median variability of 9% for the Agatston score. For volume and mass quantification we obtained a minimum mean variability of 7.5% and a minimum median variability of 5%. Multisection spiral CT enables coronary calcium quantification with high reproducibility in follow-up examinations mainly founded on image data with reduced partial-volume errors due to overlapping increment.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[CT angiography of the coronary arteries with a 16-row spiral tomograph. Effect of spatial resolution on image quality].

PURPOSE: To evaluate image quality of coronary CT angiography with retrospectively ECG-gated 16 multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT), reconstructed with 0.75 mm slice thickness for optimal spatial resolution and with 1.3 mm slice thickness, to produce spatial resolution comparable to a 4-MSCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients underwent coronary CT angiography with a 16-MSCT (Siemens Sensation 16, Forchheim, Germany) with 0.75 mm detector collimation. Raw helical CT data were retrospectively reconstructed using two different settings. Setting A: B20f smooth kernel, axial MPR with 1.3 mm slice thickness and 0.7 mm increment. Setting B: B35f "HeartView" medium-smooth kernel, 0.75 mm slice thickness, 0.5 mm increment. In the axial slices two regions of interest (ROIs) were placed in the area of the aortic root (AR) and more caudal in the area of the left ventricle (LV). Image noise was determined by the standard deviation of the CT numbers.Two readers determined visibility of coronary arteries by standardized maximum intensity projections (MIP) post-processing in left, right anterior and left anterior oblique projection plane from setting A and B. Each projection was rated on a five point rating scale concerning plaque delineation. Points determined for each data set were summed up and used for comparison. RESULTS: No significant difference between the CT-numbers was found for setting A and B (A: 283.0 in AR/295.9 in LV and B: 282,9 in AR/297.2 in LV; p >0.2). However, the image noise was significantly different for setting A and B (A: 4.46 in AR/1.67 in LV and B: 8.16 in AR/7.38 in LV; p <0.01). Better delineation of the coronary arteries and atherosclerotic lesions could be achieved from MIP projections in setting B compared to setting A. CONCLUSION: Higher image noise is present in coronary 16-MSCT with thin-slice reconstruction compared to simulated 4-MSCT. However the MIP-reconstructions benefit most from the higher spatial resolution.

Coronary Angiography↗
PubMed2002

[Radiation dose and dose reduction in multidetector row CT (MDCT)].

Since its introduction a few years ago, multidetector row CT (MDCT) has become a widely used diagnostic procedure and has been proven to be a valuable tool for various indications. A major issue using this new modality is the inherent risk of applying increased radiation exposure, when compared to single-slice CT or other imaging modalities.However, MDCT offers some valuable options to save radiation exposure, such as choosing optimized exposure parameters or its superior dose efficiency in comparison to single-slice CT. Multi-phasic examinations should be restricted to indications where definitely necessary. Modern scanners offer intelligent tools for further reduction of radiation dose, such as ECG- or bodyshape-based realtime dose modulation. A new field of applications is the low-dose CT for early detection of diseases. While acquiring thin slices with high spatial resolution, the dose can be reduced to similar values as in conventional radiography, especially when examining under high-contrast conditions. Using all these various options available, radiation exposure can sometimes even be lower than using a conventional single-slice helical CT.

Artificial Intelligence↗
PubMed2002

[New abdominal CT angiography protocol on a 16 detector-row CT scanner - first results].

PURPOSE: Purpose of this study was the implementation of a new abdominal CT angiography protocol on a 16 detector-row CT scanner and the comparison to selective catheter angiography. METHODS: 76 patients with various vascular disorders underwent abdominal CT angiography on a recently developed 16 detector-row CT scanner using submillimeter slice collimation (16 x 0.75 mm). Results were compared with mesenteric and/or hepatic angiography in 17 patients performed during tumor embolization. Opacification was provided using individually tailored contrast application with a test bolus setting. To evaluate the contrast injection protocol density measurements within the vessel lumen were performed. RESULTS: Diagnostic image quality was achieved in all patients with angiographic comparison (n = 17). Within the hepatic and mesenteric vasculature up to 4th generation vessels could be identified. Compared to selective angiography CT angiography provided equivalent morphologic information up to the detectable vessel generation. With the applied contrast application regimen there were no significant differences in vessel enhancement along the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries. CONCLUSION: 16 detector-row CT enables whole abdominal angiographic studies with submillimeter resolution in a single breath-hold. The improved spatial resolution enables for high quality 3D visualization. Compared to invasive angiography, 16 detector-row CT reveals equivalent morphologic information.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2001

Femtosecond silicon K alpha pulses from laser-produced plasmas.

Ultrashort bursts of silicon K alpha x-ray radiation from femtosecond-laser-produced plasmas have been generated. A cross-correlation measurement employing a laser-triggered ultrafast structural change of a CdTe crystal layer (320 nm) shows a K alpha pulse duration between 200 fs and 640 fs. This result is corroborated by particle in cell simulations combined with a Monte-Carlo electron stopping code and calculations on the structural changes of the crystal lattice.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Usefulness of calcium scoring using electron beam computed tomography and noninvasive coronary angiography in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of calcium scoring (CS) and electron beam computed tomographic angiography (EBCTA) as a noninvasive tool in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD): 93 consecutive patients (aged 59 +/- 9 years) with symptoms suspicious for CAD underwent CS. In 87 of these subjects, an additional EBCTA investigation was performed. Using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, we determined a calcium score cut point providing an overall sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 72% in detecting patients with CAD. For clinical purposes the use of cut points is difficult. We therefore determined score ranges providing >80% specificity (high score range) and >85% sensitivity (low score range) and determined the scores between these ranges as equivocal borderline scores. Calculated on a per-segment basis in assessable proximal and midcoronary segments, the sensitivity for detecting coronary stenoses >50% was 78%, and the specificity was 93%. Thus, 32 of 44 patients with significant CAD and 24 of 49 patients without CAD were correctly classified. The combination of CS and EBCTA predicted CAD in 77% (72 of 93) of patients. No or low calcium scores provided high specificity for ruling out CAD. The addition of EBCTA in those patients improved sensitivity. In patients with high calcium scores, accuracy of EBCTA was not significantly different from CS alone (72% vs 83%), whereas in patients with borderline scores it was significantly superior (80% vs 58%, p <0.03). Thus, the complementary use of CS and EBCTA appears beneficial, particularly in patients with borderline scores, and could improve sensitivity in the low score range. In the presence of high scores, no major diagnostic gain from an additional EBCTA versus CS alone could be observed.

Calcinosis↗