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Biomedical subjects

G A Carlsson

Publications and source records attributed to G A Carlsson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Bone mineral density and bone structure parameters as predictors of bone strength: an analysis using computerized microtomography and gastrectomy-induced osteopenia in the rat.

In this study the relationships of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone structure parameters calculated from 2D microtomography images to bone strength were investigated. Femurs from 21 male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, computerized microtomography (CmicroT) and either three-point cantilever bending (femoral shaft) or two-point bending compression (femoral neck). Gastrectomy was performed on 12 animals and 9 were sham operated. From the tomograms bone structure analysis was performed using a software routine based on grey level run-length method. Correlations of BMD and bone structure parameters to mechanical parameters were investigated as were differences between the gastrectomized and the control samples. The reductions of BMD between the groups were 21 and 27% in the femoral neck and shaft, respectively. For the shaft, the correlations of BMD to all mechanical parameters were significant and BMD was a consistent predictor of bone strength for cortical bone. However, in the femoral neck where cancellous bone predominates, BMD was weakly correlated only to deflection. A significant correlation between trabecular thickness and neck bone strength was found. Hence, compared to trabecular thickness, BMD was of limited value in predicting bone strength in the femoral neck.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Fast neutron absorbed dose distributions in the energy range 0.5-80 meV--a Monte Carlo study.

Neutron pencil-beam absorbed dose distributions in phantoms of bone, ICRU soft tissue, muscle, adipose and the tissue substitutes water, A-150 (plastic) and PMMA (acrylic) have been calculated using the Monte Carlo code FLUKA in the energy range 0.5 to 80 MeV. For neutrons of energies < or = 20 MeV, the results were compared to those obtained using the Monte Carlo code MCNP4B. Broad-beam depth doses and lateral dose distributions were derived. Broad-beam dose distributions in various materials were compared using two kinds of scaling factor: a depth-scaling factor and a dose-scaling factor. Build-up factors due to scattered neutrons and photons were derived and the appropriate choice of phantom material for determining dose distributions in soft tissue examined. Water was found to be a good substitute for soft tissue even at neutron energies as high as 80 MeV. The relative absorbed doses due to photons ranged from 2% to 15% for neutron energies 10-80 MeV depending on phantom material and depth. For neutron energies below 10 MeV the depth dose distributions derived with MCNP4B and FLUKA differed significantly, the difference being probably due to the use of multigroup transport of low energy (< 19.6 MeV) neutrons in FLUKA. Agreement improved with increasing neutron energies up to 20 MeV. At energies > 20 MeV, MCNP4B fails to describe dose build-up at the phantom interface and penumbra at the edge of the beam because it does not transport secondary charged particles. The penumbra width, defined as the distance between the 80% and 20% iso-dose levels at 5 cm depth and for a 10 x 10 cm2 field, was between 0.9 mm and 7.2 mm for neutron energies 10-80 MeV.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2000

Monte Carlo-aided dosimetry of the Symmetra model I25.S06 125I, interstitial brachytherapy seed.

A dosimetric study of a new 125I seed for permanent prostate implant, the Symmetra 1251 Seed model I25.S06, has been undertaken utilizing Monte Carlo photon transport calculations. All dosimetric quantities recommended by the AAPM Task Group 43 (TG-43) report have been calculated. Quantities determined are dose rate constant, radial dose function, anisotropy function, anisotropy factor, and anisotropy constant. The recently (January 1999) revised NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) 1251 standard for air kerma strength calibration was taken into account as well as updated interaction cross-section data. Calculations were done for the competing model 6702 source for the purpose of comparison. The calculated dose-rate constants for the two seeds are 1.010 and 1.016 cGyh(-1)U(-1) for the Symmetra and model 6702 seeds, respectively. The latter value deviates from the value, 1.039 cGyh(-1)U(-1), recommended in the TG-43 report. The calculated radial dose function for the Symmetra new seed is more penetrating than that of the model 6711 seed (by 20% at 5 cm distance) but agrees closely (within statistical errors) with that of the model 6702 seed up to distances of 10 cm. The anisotropy function for the seed is also close to that for the 6702 seed with a tendency of somewhat more pronounced anisotropy (lower values at small angles from the longitudinal axis). Compared to the model 6711 seed, the Symmetra new seed is more isotropic. The anisotropy constants (the anisotropy function averaged with respect to angle and distance) for the three seed models are within 2%.

Air↗
PubMed2000

Influence of anode/filter material and tube potential on contrast, signal-to-noise ratio and average absorbed dose in mammography: a Monte Carlo study.

The comparative performance of mammographic X-ray systems that use different anode/filter combinations has been assessed for screen-film and digital imaging. Monte Carlo techniques have been used to calculate average glandular dose as well as contrast and signal-to-noise ratio for imaging two test details. Five anode/filter combinations have been studied to establish the potential for dose saving or image quality improvement. For screen-film mammography, it was found that little benefit is gained by changing from a standard 28 kV molybdenum/molybdenum spectrum for breasts up to 6 cm thick. For thicker breasts, where the tube potential for the standard technique might be increased, 20% improvement in contrast can be achieved without dose penalty using molybdenum/rhodium or rhodium/rhodium spectra, whereas dose savings of more than 50% can be attained whilst maintaining contrast using tungsten/rhodium or rhodium/aluminium spectra. In digital mammography, a molybdenum/molybdenum spectrum delivers the lowest dose for a 2 cm breast, but gives the highest dose for thicker breasts. Tungsten/rhodium or rhodium/aluminium spectra provide the lowest doses at greater thicknesses. It is concluded that for screen-film mammography, molybdenum/molybdenum is the spectrum of choice for all but the thickest or most glandular breasts. In digital mammography, an alternative spectrum is preferable for breasts thicker than 2 cm.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1999

Breast dosimetry.

The estimation of the absorbed dose to the breast is an important part of the quality control of the mammographic examination. Knowledge of breast dose is essential for the design and performance assessment of mammographic imaging systems. This review gives a historical introduction to the measurement of breast dose. The mean glandular dose (MGD) is introduced as an appropriate measure of breast dose. MGD can be estimated from measurements of the incident air kerma at the surface of the breast and the application of an appropriate conversion factor. Methods of calculating and measuring this conversion factor are described and the results discussed. The incident air kerma itself may be measured for patients or for a test phantom simulating the breast. In each case the dose may be determined using TLD measurements, or known exposure parameters and measurements of tube output. The methodology appropriate to each case is considered and the results from sample surveys of breast dose are presented. Finally the various national protocols for breast dosimetry are compared.

Breast↗
PubMed1999

Use of the concept of energy imparted in diagnostic radiology.

The concept of energy imparted by ionizing radiation to the matter in a volume is analyzed and methods to determine the energy imparted epsilon to the patient are reviewed, in particular, determinations based on measurements of the air kerma integrated over beam area [the kerma-area-product (KAP)] and calculations needed to derive conversion factors epsilon/KAP. The energy imparted to the image receptor, epsilon rec, including the statistical aspects of the concept, and the effect of epsilon rec on image quality and patient dose are also analysed. Finally, use of the energy imparted to the patient as a risk indicator is discussed.

Humans↗
PubMed1999

A simple model for estimating the particle size dependence of absolute efficiency of fluorescent screens.

The absolute efficiency of a phosphor screen is the ratio of the light energy per unit area at the screen surface to the incident x-ray energy fluence. Particle size is a critical factor in determining the absolute efficiency, but in most models its influence is not accounted for. To allow derivation of the particle size dependence, a model is proposed that describes the optical properties of the screen by means of a single parameter, the light extinction factor, xi, and assumes that the intrinsic efficiency (light energy/energy imparted to the phosphor material) is independent of particle size. The value of xi depends on the type of screen (phosphor, reflective backing, coating and binder) and has to be determined from measurements on at least two screens with known particle size and thickness. The absolute efficiency can then be calculated for an extended range of particle sizes and/or screen thicknesses. To test the model, experimental data from the literature were used to derive values of xi for screens of La2O2S:Tb, LaOBr:Tm and ZnCdS:Ag. The extinction factor was found to vary between -6 and +20%. The non-physical negative value for xi, found from one set of experiments on La2O2S:Tb screens, may be explained as resulting from a lack of accurate knowledge of the actual tube potential, influencing calculated values of the energy imparted to the screen. The results are promising but further well-controlled experiments (including improved dosimetric calculations to account forescape of K-radiation from the screen) are needed to confirm the model.

Biophysical Phenomena↗
PubMed1999

Sensitivity of coefficients for converting entrance surface dose and kerma-area product to effective dose and energy imparted to the patient.

We investigate the sensitivity of the conversions from entrance surface dose (ESD) or kerma-area product (KAP) to effective dose (E) or to energy imparted to the patient (epsilon) to the likely variations in tube potential, field size, patient size and sex which occur in clinical work. As part of a factorial design study for chest and lumbar spine examinations, the tube potentials were varied to be +/-10% of the typical values for the examinations while field sizes and the positions of the field centres were varied to be representative of values drawn from measurements on patient images. Variation over sex and patient size was based on anthropomorphic phantoms representing males and females of ages 15 years (small adult) and 21 years (reference adult). All the conversion coefficients were estimated using a mathematical phantom programmed with the Monte Carlo code EGS4 for all factor combinations and analysed statistically to derive factor effects. In general, the factors studied behaved independently in the sense that interaction of the physical factors generally gave no more than a 5% variation in a conversion coefficient. Taken together, variation of patient size, sex, field size and field position can lead to significant variation of E/KAP by up to a factor of 2, of E/ESD by up to a factor of 3, of epsilon/KAP by a factor of 1.3 and of epsilon/ESD by up to a factor of 2. While KAP is preferred to determine epsilon, the results show no strong preference of KAP over ESD in determining E. The mean absorbed dose D in the patient obtained by dividing epsilon (determined using KAP) by the patient's mass was found to be the most robust measure of E.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Ionization chambers for measuring air kerma integrated over beam area. Deviations in calibration values using simplified calibration methods.

Calibrations of kerma-area product meters (KAP meters) are often performed using simplified methods. The accuracy thus obtained can be insufficient, especially when the KAP meters are used for optimizing radiological procedures. The deviations between the best available calibration factor (k) and the simplified calibration factor (ks) were measured at different clinical x-ray installations. Depending on the type of x-ray installation and calibration method, the quotient ks/k ranged from 0.83 to 1.19, reflecting the error made in practice using these methods. A simple alternative calibration method based on comparison with a KAP meter calibrated by the best available method is described. Depending on tube potential and the stability of the electrometers, the uncertainty in the calibration factor derived with this method was between 3.8% and 5.6% (at 95% confidence level).

Air↗
PubMed1997

Scatter rejection by air gaps in diagnostic radiology. Calculations using a Monte Carlo collision density method and consideration of molecular interference in coherent scattering.

The air gap technique is an old method for scatter rejection. It is still used in lung examinations and may be reconsidered for use in digital radiography. Using magnification techniques, for example in mammography, the air gap thereby introduced simultaneously yields scatter rejection. A Monte Carlo collision density method is exploited to investigate the physical parameters relevant to this technique. Radiation quantities of scattered photons at points behind a water slab both on and laterally displaced from the central axis are calculated and their dependence on field area, slab thickness, air gap length and detector type is derived. Values of 'scatter-to-primary' ratios of the plane energy fluence (the energy imparted to a totally absorbing detector) are given for perpendicularly incident 30, 70 and 130 kV energy spectra, slab thicknesses of 0.05 and 0.2 m (30 kV: 0.05 m), air gaps of length 0.002-1.0 m and field areas from 8 x 10(-5) to 0.3 m2. Contrast degradation factors are derived for both totally absorbing and thin detectors. The influence on the scatter-to-primary ratios of using divergent instead of parallel beams and of neglecting molecular interference in coherent scattering is analysed.

Air↗
PubMed1997

The use of carbon fibre material in radiographic cassettes: estimation of the dose and contrast advantages.

A Monte Carlo simulation has been used to estimate the dose and contrast advantages of replacing radiographic cassette fronts fabricated from aluminium with cassette fronts fabricated from low atomic number material (carbon fibre). The simulation used a realistic imaging geometry and calculations were made both with and without an anti-scatter grid. Account was taken of the scatter generated in the cassette front and the effect of beam hardening on primary contrast. Dose and contrast were evaluated for a range of cassette front thicknesses and tube potentials (60-150 kV) as well as for four examinations representative of situations with varying amounts of scatter. The results with an anti-scatter grid show a clear dose and contrast advantage in all cases when an aluminium cassette front is replaced with a low attenuation cassette front. The contrast advantage is dependent upon the examination and is generally greater for imaging bony structures than for imaging soft tissue. If a 1.74 mm aluminium cassette front is compared with a 1.1 mm carbon fibre cassette front, then the dose advantages are 16%, 9%, 8% and 6% and the contrast advantages are 10%, 7%, 4% and 5% for the AP paediatric pelvis examination at 60 kV, the anteroposterior (AP) lumbar spine examination at 80 kV, the lateral lumbar spine examination at 100 kV and the posteroanterior (PA) chest examination at 150 kV, respectively. The results without an anti-scatter grid show an increased dose advantage when a low attenuation cassette front is used, but the contrast advantage is small and in some situations negative.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1996

Transmission ionization chambers for measurements of air collision kerma integrated over beam area. Factors limiting the accuracy of calibration.

Kerma-area product meters (KAP meters) are frequently used in diagnostic radiology to measure the integral of air-collision kerma over an area A (integral of A Kc,air dA) perpendicular to the x-ray beam. In this work, a precise method for calibrating a KAP meter to measure integral of A Kc,air dA is described and calibration factors determined for a broad range of tube potentials (40-200 kV). The integral is determined using a large number of TL dosimeters spread over and outside the nominal field area defined as the area within 50% of maximum Kc,air. The method is compared to a simplified calibration method which approximates the integral by multiplying the kerma in the centre of the field by the nominal field area Anom. While the calibration factor using the precise method is independent of field area and distance from the source, that using the simplified method depends on both. This can be accounted for by field inhomogeneities caused by the heel effect, extrafocal radiation and scattered radiation from the KAP meter. The deviations between the calibration factors were as large as +/- 15% for collimator apertures of 5-100 cm2 and distances from the source of 50-160 cm. The uncertainty in the calibration factor using the precise method was carefully evaluated and the expanded relative uncertainty estimated to be +/- 3% with a confidence level of 95%.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed1995

Methodologic aspects of computed microtomography to monitor the development of osteoporosis in gastrectomized rats.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We investigated the methodologic development of computed microtomography (CMT) for monitoring the development of osteoporosis in male Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS: Eight rats were gastrectomized and eight rats were sham operated. Femurs, tibias, and tails were prepared, and CMT scans with spatial resolutions of 5-500 microns were made. Bone diameters, bone areas, and moments of inertia were determined from the CMT scans. Optimal slice position and the need for spatial resolution and energy optimization for future in vivo applications were investigated. RESULTS: Gastrectomy caused dramatic changes in the bone architecture of the tibia and the femur. The main features were vacuolization of the bone and reduced amounts of compact bone. Although the outer diameters of tubular bones (femur and tibia) were largely unaffected, their inner diameters were greatly increased following gastrectomy. Relative bone area and moment of inertia were greatly reduced. The optimal photon energy was 12 keV. CONCLUSION: It is possible to monitor gastrectomy-evoked changes in bone morphology at various sites in rats using CMT scanning. The changes are suggestive of osteoporosis. By optimizing the energy spectrum and spatial resolution, as well as choosing the proper slice position, it should be possible to keep absorbed doses low enough to avoid acute radiation injury in repeated in vivo measurements.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

The physical performance of different x-ray contrast agents: calculations using a Monte Carlo model of the imaging chain.

A Monte Carlo computational model of the imaging chain has been used to investigate the performance of x-ray contrast agents with atomic number, Z, 53 < or = Z < or = 90 with respect to physical image quality descriptors (contrast and signal to noise ratio, SNR) and patient mean absorbed dose. Contrast agents of equal molar concentrations were used within a water slab (simulating the patient). The imaging conditions were chosen to represent adult and paediatric examinations. For all tube potentials studied (40-140 kV), the contrast agents with the highest atomic numbers (bismuth and thorium) gave the highest contrast. In analogue screen-film imaging, several other contrast agents could produce a higher image contrast than iodine in a limited range of tube potentials. This advantage could alternatively be effected as a reduced amount of administered contrast agent, or as a reduced mean absorbed dose in the patient. In digital imaging, a lower mean absorbed dose for a constant SNR than that with iodine can be achieved for ranges of tube potentials and contrast agents. Bismuth and thorium yield a lower dose than iodine at all studied tube potentials. Gadolinium and erbium could alternatively be used at a broad range of tube potentials above 90 kV with a dose penalty of only 5-20%.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Shaping X-ray spectra with filters in X-ray diagnostics.

The influence on image contrast, tube load and patient mean absorbed dose of different ways of shaping diagnostic X-ray spectra by placing filters in the beam is derived fro two radiographic models (abdominal screen-film radiography and intra-oral, dental radiography) using a computational model. The filters are compared at either equal tube load (keeping tube potential constant) or equal contrast (adjusting the tube potential with the different filters), but always at equal energy imparted per unit area to the image receptor. Compared at equal tube load and relative to standard aluminum filtration, reductions in the mean absorbed dose in the patient of 15-25% can be achieved using filters of Cu, Ti, W and Au (increasing the tube load by 30-40% compared with standard aluminium filtration). However, contrast is also reduced by 7%. Compared at equal contrast, the dose reductions are smaller, about 10%. Filters of copper are generally recommended, as are filters of aluminium. The use of bandpass filters (K-edge filters) should be restricted to examinations where the need for substantial variation in tube potential from patient to patient is small. The benefit of using thicker filters than those commonly used today (increasing tube load by factors of 1.4-2.0 compared with no added filter) is small as the dose reduction is most rapid for small initial values of added filters, and the increase in tube load increases steadily with increasing filter thickness.

Humans↗
PubMed1994

A Monte Carlo program for the calculation of contrast, noise and absorbed dose in diagnostic radiology.

A Monte Carlo computer program has been developed for the simulation of X-ray photon transport in diagnostic X-ray examinations. The simulation takes account of the incident photon energy spectrum and includes a phantom (representing the patient), an anti-scatter grid and an image receptor. The primary objective for developing the program was to study and optimise the design of anti-scatter grids. The program estimates image quality in terms of contrast and signal-to-noise ratio, and radiation risk in terms of mean absorbed dose in the patient. It therefore serves as a tool for the optimisation of the radiographic procedure. A description is given of the program and the variance-reduction techniques used. The computational method was validated by comparison with measurements and other Monte Carlo simulations.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed1994

A Monte Carlo study of grid performance in diagnostic radiology: task-dependent optimization for digital imaging.

A Monte Carlo computational model has been used to optimize grid design in digital radiography. The optimization strategy involved finding grid designs that, for a constant signal-to-noise ratio, resulted in the lowest mean absorbed dose in the patient. Different examinations were simulated to explore the dependence of the optimal scatter-rejection technique on the imaging situation. A large range of grid designs was studied, including grids with both aluminium and fibre interspaces and covers, and compared to a 20 cm air gap. The results show that the optimal tube potential in each examination does not depend strongly on the scatter-rejection technique. There is a significant dose reduction associated with the use of fibre-interspaced grids, particularly in paediatric radiography. The optimal grid ratio and strip width increase with increasing scattering volume. With increasing strip density, the optimal strip width decreases, and the optimal grid ratio increases. Optimal grid ratios are higher than those used today, particularly for grids with large strip density. It is, however, possible to identify grids of good performance for a range of strip densities and grid ratios provided the strip width is selected accordingly. The computational method has been validated by comparison with measurements with a caesium iodide image receptor.

Algorithms↗