Biomedical subjects

H Lenzen

Publications and source records attributed to H Lenzen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

[Selenium-based digital radiography of the cervical spine: comparison with screen-film radiography for the depiction of anatomic details].

PURPOSE: To compare selenium-based digital radiography with conventional screen-film radiography of the cervical spine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective study X-ray images of the cervical spine were obtained in 25 patients using selenium- based digital radiography and conventional screen-film radiography. All images were clinically indicated. Selenium-based digital radiography and conventional screen-film radiography were used in a randomized order. Four radiologists independently evaluated all 50 examinations for the visibility of 76 anatomic details according to a five-level confidence scale (1 = not visible, 5 = very good visibility). From the evaluation of these anatomic details scores for the upper and middle cervical spine, the cervicothoracic junction and the cervical soft tissues were calculated. The scores for selenium-based digital radiography and conventional screen-film radiography were compared using Wilcoxon's signed rank test. RESULTS: From a total of 15,200 observations (608 per patient) the following scores were calculated for selenium-based digital radiography and for screen-film radiography, respectively: Upper cervical spine 3.88 and 3.94; middle cervical spine 4.60 and 4.48; cervico-thoracic junction 3.64 and 2.62; cervical soft tissue 4.47 and 3.46. The differences between the last two scores were statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of selenium-based digital radiography is superior to conventional screen-film radiography in the depiction of anatomic details of the cervicothoracic junction and the cervical soft tissues.

Cervical Vertebrae↗

PubMed2001

Abdominal spiral CT in children: which radiation exposure is required?

We decided to test to what extent dose reduction is possible in abdominal spiral computed tomography (CT) in young children without loss of anatomic diagnostic information. A retrospective study was performed of 30 abdominal CT examinations of children aged 3 months to 7 years. These were divided into two groups: group A with reduced radiation exposure (tube current 50 mA, CT dose index CTDIFDA < or =0.83 mGy) and group B with standard radiation exposure (tube current > or =100 mA, CTDIFDA > or =1.66 mGy). Image quality was assessed using a four-part scale ('excellent', 'good', 'sufficient', 'poor') on visual image impression and visibility of 32 anatomical details. Five experienced radiologists read the CT scans independently who were blinded to the examination parameters. Differences in ranked data were evaluated with Wilcoxon's rank sum test. No difference between groups A and B was observed in visual image impression. Detail visibility was significantly lower in group A, but the differences were limited to right upper quadrant structures (portal vein, common bile duct, pancreatic head, adrenals) and to arterial branches. Significant differences in visibility rated as 'poor' were only found for the hepatic, splenic and renal arteries; all other structures showed no difference between groups A and B. A protocol with reduced radiation exposure (50 mA, CTDIFDA < or =0.83 mGy) allowed the demonstration of most anatomic structures in abdominal spiral CT in young children. For the precise demonstration of small details (e.g. structures of the right upper quadrant), a protocol with standard radiation exposure (> or =100 mAs) was superior.

Child↗

PubMed2001

[Multi-slice spiral CT of the abdomen in oncological patients: influence of table support and detector configuration on image quality and radiation exposure].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the image quality and radiation exposure of different spiral CT scanning parameters for routine staging examination of the abdomen in oncologic patients using a multi-slice CT scanner. METHODS/MATERIALS: Examination of 40 patients in 4 groups on a multi-slice CT scanner (Somatom VolumeZoom, Siemens AG, Forchheim). Functional detector width (4 x 2.5, 4 x 5 mm) and pitch (table feed in relation to collimated slice width) were varied (3 and 5). Tube voltage (120 kV), effective tube current (160 mAs), slice-thickness (6 mm), increment (4 mm), kernel (B 30), and contrast injection parameters were kept constant. Axial images were assessed by three radiologists regarding delineation of anatomic structures, artifacts, and overall image quality. RESULTS: Significantly reduced image quality especially due to artifacts was observed using a 5 mm detector configuration with a pitch of 5 (scan time 9 sec). Image quality was rated best for a 2.5 mm detector configuration with a pitch of 3 and a scan time of 28 sec. The effective dose was independent of the pitch. However, the mean effective dose was 9% higher using the smaller detector configuration (9.9 mSv vs 10.9 mSv). CONCLUSIONS: For routine staging CT of the abdomen use of a 4 x 2.5 mm detector configuration with a pitch between 3 and 5 is recommended. A 4 x 5 mm detector configuration using overlapping data acquisition can also be recommended, but additional thin slice reformations are not possible.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

PubMed2000

Radiation exposure associated with imaging of the chest: comparison of different radiographic and computed tomography techniques.

Exposure to ionizing radiation due to radiologic examinations is associated with the risk of induction of malignancy. This has to be balanced against the potential benefits of detection of a malignant tumor with radiologic examinations. For comparison of radiation exposure levels from different sources, the concept of effective dose equivalent was developed, which is used to assess an individual's risk of developing malignancy. Effective dose equivalent ranges from 0.06 to 0.25 millisieverts (mSv) with chest radiography in 2 views, 3-27 mSv with computed tomography (CT) using conventional examination parameters, and 0.3-0.55 mSv using low dose CT settings. These values can be compared with radiation exposure levels from natural sources (on average 2.4 mSv per year in Germany). Based on considerations by the International Commission on Radiological Protection, it can be expected that radiation exposure with an effective dose equivalent of 1 mSv would lead to 5 additional malignancies in 100,000 individuals exposed.

Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation↗

PubMed2000

Screening for asymptomatic early bronchogenic carcinoma with low dose CT of the chest.

BACKGROUND: Survival of patients with lung carcinoma is very poor, particularly for patients with advanced disease. There are no early clinical symptoms, and screening with chest radiography has not been recommended. Computed tomography (CT) is superior to radiography for detection of pulmonary nodules but usually is associated with relatively high radiation exposure. Recently, accuracy of low dose CT has been shown to be similar to conventional dose CT. The goal of the current study was to assess the findings of low dose CT of the chest in heavy smokers. METHODS: More than 700 heavy smokers (> 20 pack years; age: > 40 years) underwent unenhanced low dose CT of the chest. Detected nodules were classified according to their density (soft tissue, calcified, fat) and size (< 6 mm, 6-10 mm, > 10 mm). In nodules larger than 10 mm with no CT features to suggest a benign lesion, histology was obtained. RESULTS: In approximately 40% of smokers, nodules smaller than or equal to 10 mm were detected. None was resected. In less than 3% of individuals, lesions larger than 10 mm were detected; 8 were bronchogenic carcinoma. All eight carcinomas were resectable. Lesions for which no histology was obtained were followed with low dose CT. CONCLUSIONS: Low dose CT detected 8 bronchogenic carcinomas in more than 700 heavy smokers. All eight were resectable. Pulmonary nodules measuring up to 10 mm were found in 40% of smokers. The significance of these small lesions has remained unclear.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

LDL cholesterol upregulates synthesis of asymmetrical dimethylarginine in human endothelial cells: involvement of S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferases.

Asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. It is formed by protein arginine N-methyltransferases (PRMTs), which utilize S-adenosylmethionine as methyl group donor. ADMA plasma concentration is elevated in hypercholesterolemia, leading to endothelial dysfunction and producing proatherogenic changes of endothelial cell function. Four different isoforms of human PRMTs have been identified. Because the release of ADMA from human endothelial cells is increased in the presence of native or oxidized LDL cholesterol, we investigated the potential involvement of PRMT activity and gene expression in this effect. We found that the production of ADMA by human endothelial cells is upregulated in the presence of methionine or homocysteine and inhibited by either of the methyltransferase inhibitors S-adenosylhomocysteine, adenosine dialdehyde, or cycloleucine. This effect is specific for ADMA but not symmetrical dimethylarginine. The upregulation of ADMA release by native and oxidized LDL is abolished by S-adenosylhomocysteine and by the antioxidant pyrrollidine dithiocarbamate. Furthermore, a methyl-(14)C label is transferred from S-adenosylmethionine to ADMA but not symmetrical dimethylarginine, in human endothelial cells. The expression of PRMTs is upregulated in the presence of native or oxidized LDL. Our data suggest that the production of ADMA by human endothelial cells is regulated by S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferases. This activity is upregulated by LDL cholesterol, which may be due in part to the enhanced gene expression of PRMTs. In concentrations reached by stimulation of methyltransferases (5 to 50 micromol/L), ADMA significantly inhibited the formation of (15)N-nitrite from L-[guanidino-(15)N(2)]arginine. These findings suggest a novel mechanism by which ADMA concentration is elevated in hypercholesterolemia, leading to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

Arginine↗

PubMed2000

Selenium-based digital radiography in the detection of bone lesions: preliminary experience with experimentally created defects.

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic performance of selenium-based digital radiography with that of conventional screen-film radiography and storage phosphor radiography for the detection of bone lesions simulating osteolyses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Artificial osseous lesions 1.0-3.0 mm in diameter were created in 80 of 160 predefined regions in 16 porcine femoral specimens. Specimens were enclosed in containers filled with paraffin to ensure accurate repositioning and to obtain an absorption condition comparable to that of a human extremity. Imaging was performed with a selenium-based digital radiography system, a conventional screen-film system, and a storage phosphor radiography system with an exposure identical to that used during clinical imaging. The presence of a lesion was assessed with a five-point confidence scale. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed for a total of 1,440 observations (480 per modality), and diagnostic performance was estimated with the area under the ROC curve (A(z)). Differences in diagnostic performance were assessed with the paired Student t test. RESULTS: ROC analysis results showed A(z) values of 0.656 for selenium-based digital radiography, 0.679 for storage phosphor radiography, and 0.680 for conventional screen-film radiography. Differences between the three modalities were not significant (P =.60-.93). CONCLUSION: Image quality with selenium-based digital radiography was comparable to that with conventional screen-film radiography and storage phosphor radiography.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

PACS: the silent revolution.

More than 15 years ago the idea of a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) and a filmless hospital was created. In a PACS environment images are acquired, read, communicated and stored digitally. After many years of unsuccessful attempts and prototype installations, the necessary hardware components for a successful PACS installation are now readily available. However, software development is still lagging behind. Only very recently, software developers have realized that it is not sufficient for PACS software to store, communicate and display images, but that PACS software should effectively support the radiologist in the task of interpreting and communicating imaging findings through context-dependent default display arrangements, work-flow management, radiological and hospital information systems integration, and computer-assisted diagnosis. This review examines hard- and software requirements for efficient PACS operation, analyses costs and benefits, and discusses future developments.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗

PubMed1999

[The texture-analysis of high-resolution computed tomograms as an additional procedure in osteoporosis diagnosis: in-vitro studies on vertebral segments].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to perform texture analysis of high-resolution CT images obtained from human vertebral specimens and to correlate these parameters with the biomechanical stability of the specimens. In addition, structure data were compared with bone mineral density (BMD) assessed by quantitative CT (QCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: High-resolution CT images and standard QCT sections were obtained in 36 vertebral motion segments, each consisting of two vertebrae with intact ligaments and intervertebral disc. The trabecular structure in the CT images was assessed using three texture analysis techniques: Trabecular threshold area ratio (TTAR), fractal dimension without thresholding (OTS) and fractal dimension with thresholding (ITS). Finally, the maximum compressive strength (MCS) was determined using a biomechanical testing device. RESULTS: A correlation of r = 0.76 (p < 0.01) was obtained for TTAR versus MCS, of r = 0.83 (p < 0.01) for ITS versus MCS, and of r = 0.35 (p > 0.01) for OTS versus MCS, while r = 0.76 (p < 0.01) was found for BMD versus MCS. Best results were obtained by combining structure measures and BMD (r = 0.85, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This in vitro study showed a significant correlation between structure measures and biomechanical strength, which was comparable to BMD and strength. However, best correlations were obtained by combining both measures. Using both BMD and structure measures therefore may improve the prediction of biomechanically determined bone strength.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Pulmonary nodules: experimental and clinical studies at low-dose CT.

PURPOSE: To compare the number of pulmonary nodules detected at helical low- and standard-dose computed tomography (CT) and to investigate the diagnostic value of low-dose CT with a radiation exposure equivalent to that used at chest radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two radiologists recorded pulmonary nodules at standard-dose (250 or 100 mA, pitch of 1; 200 mA, pitch of 2) or low-dose CT (50 or 25 mA, pitch of 1 or 2) in five postmortem specimens and 75 patients. Nodules were assessed by size (5 mm or smaller, 6-10 mm, or larger than 10 mm) and by diagnostic confidence ("definite nodule," "definite lesion, not classic nodule," or "questionable lesion, possibly representing a vessel") with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Artifacts depicted at low-dose CT were recorded. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the number of nodules detected at standard- or low-dose CT except in nodules 5 mm or smaller that were assessed as definite nodules at standard- or low-dose CT (25 mA, pitch of 2) (472 vs 397, P < .05). Artifacts that possibly interfered with nodule detection were observed exclusively at CT with 25 mA and a pitch of 2. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary nodules were detected reliably at CT with 50 mA and pitch of 2 or with 25 mA and a pitch of 1. However, further reduction of the dose to that used at chest radiography was associated with a significant decrease in the number of nodules 5 mm or smaller that were detected, possibly due to artifacts.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Is image selection a useful strategy to decrease the transmission time in teleradiology? A study using 100 emergency cranial CTs.

This study examines the suitability of working with a selection of images in a teleradiology consulting system in neurological or neurosurgical emergency situations. The teleradiology system was based on IBM-compatible personal computers, video digitization for data acquisition, and data transmission by Integrated System Digital Network. Forty normal and 60 abnormal emergency cranial computed tomograms were shown to a radiologist on call who presented all cases he regarded as pathologic to a neuroradiologic expert by teleradiology. To reduce transmission time, only a selection of images from the CT study was presented (up to four images per case). For each case the on-call radiologist's diagnosis (D(on-call)), the expert's diagnosis on the teleradiology screen (D(monitor)), and the expert's diagnosis on the original film (D(original)) was documented, together with an estimation of the agreement between those diagnoses. There was clinically relevant disagreement between the on-call radiologist's diagnosis and the neuroradiologist's diagnosis based on the image selection on the teleradiology monitor in 23% of cases. A clinically important discrepancy between the neuroradiologist's diagnosis based on the image selection and his diagnosis using the original films was found in 30% of cases. This was due to the presence of clinically relevant information on images not transferred by the on-call radiologist. Image quality of the transferred images was sufficient in all cases. Drastic selection of images from a complete CT study leads to a high rate of incorrect diagnoses and is not appropriate to reduce transmission time in teleradiology.

Humans↗

PubMed1998

[Medical cooperation on the internet].

Post-1999, the economically united EEC will pose new challenges to European business, industry and citizen. It is a key objective that in the domain of European "infostructure" these problems are challenged and overcome, and that "advanced communications technologies and services" (ACTS) become the cement which binds the Community together. Within ACTS, 130 different projects are building new services. The consortium Emerald develops a telemedicine platform, setting up teleworking with teleconference, computer supported co-operative work (cscw, joint editing), demonstration and teleteaching for radiology, cardiology, nuclear medicine and radio surgery working environments.

Computer Systems↗

PubMed1997

[Telemedicine. Possibilities and perspectives].

The discussion about the implementation of telemedicine and teleresourcing and its consequences has been under way for some time now. The rate at which telemedical applications are being developed, leaves little time for consideration of the economic, scientific and social aspects. There is a need for integration of all the existing fragments into one coherent telemedical concept. Different aspects of telemedical concepts are discussed.

Computer Communication Networks↗

PubMed1996

[Low dose computerized tomography of the thorax. Experimental and clinical studies].

INTRODUCTION: Computed tomography is a significant source of medical radiation exposure for populations in Europe. Reduced radiation exposure may be possible with modern CT scanners with an image quality that while less good than before remains acceptable for clinical purposes. The lung appears particularly well suited to investigation with low-dose CT owing to the high contrast between normal and diseased pulmonary parenchyma. METHODS: We analysed the diagnostic accuracy of different low-dose CT protocols for the detection of pulmonary nodules using inflation-fixed isolated postmortem lung specimens in a chest phantom. In a comparative patient study diagnostic accuracies of standard-dose CT (120 kV, 250 mAs; slice thickness 10 mm, pitch 1) and low-dose CT (120 or 140 kV, 50 mAs; slice thickness 5 or 10 mm, pitch 1 or 2) were assessed. RESULTS: Preliminary results suggest that low-dose CT protocols with radiation exposure of 10-20% of that with standard-dose CT an reliably depict soft tissue density pulmonary nodules with a diameter of more than 5 mm and can also demonstrate smaller nodules equally well is many cases. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose CT may frequently be an adequate imaging procedure in a given clinical setting, particularly in young patients with benign disease.

Humans↗

PubMed1996

[Radiation exposure in low dose computerized tomography of the thorax].

Computed tomography accounts for a high percentage of the populations exposure to radiation. Every possible means of reducing patient exposure must be considered. Exposure reduction will be most appropriate for organs with large absorption differences, since the accompanying decrease in signal-to-noise ratio will have a smaller effect. It has been shown in the literature that high-contrast details in the lung can be depicted, even with the lowest exposure rates. Therefore, experimental data are presented by means of thermoluminescence dosimetry and calculations using conversion factors to determine the technical parameters to be adopted for achieving the effective equivalent dose close to that of a conventional chest X-ray in two projections. With helical CT (pitch 2, 50 mAs, 120 kV, 5-mm slice thickness) it was possible to reduce the equivalent dose from 9.6 mSv to 0.6 mSv, which is comparable with the exposure in a conventional chest X-ray, measured to be 0.2 mSv.

Equipment Design↗

PubMed1996

[Phenomenology of pulmonary HRCT. Definitions, differential diagnosis and clinical relevance].

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has proved to be the imaging technique of choice for the lung in numerous studies, allowing precise depiction of normal pulmonary anatomy-including the lobular architecture-as well as relevant pathologic changes. Its sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in this respect are markedly superior, not only to chest radiography, but also to conventional CT. Guidelines for standardized assessment and interpretation of HRCT findings have not been established in the German literature. The purpose of this paper was to develop a systematic classification of pulmonary HRCT findings based on the appearance of morphologic abnormalities (descriptive classification) and their relationship to anatomic structures of pulmonary parenchyma (anatomic classification). Reticular, nodular, and non-reticular/non-nodular densities, as well as lucencies, can be differentiated. Abnormalities of the pleural space are discussed separately. Following the presentation of typical CT findings, morphologic correlation and differential diagnosis are discussed. In addition, we point out indications and specific features of the clinical value of the technique.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed1995

[Exposure of personnel in interventional radiology].

The surface dose at five typical positions around the patient couch was measured during transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic stent shunt (TIPSS) interventions for retrospective calculation of staff dose. Additionally, the surface dose was measured on three members of staff (two radiologists and one technician) by placing thermoluminescence (TL) dosimeters directly on the eyebrows, thyroid, sternum, gonads, hands, knees, and feet. The measured surface dose values and the TL dosimeter measurements are used for estimation of effective dose per examination received by personnel. The effective dose for the radiologists is calculated to 25-35 microSv. The maximum number of examinations allowed per year is calculated on the basis of a given yearly dose limit, by looking at organ dose and effective body dose.

Female↗

PubMed1994

[The value of the InSight HC asymmetric film-screen system in thoracic diagnosis].

The asymmetric film-screen system InSight HC represents a development to optimize chest imaging. The purpose of the study was to compare the exposure range and the image quality of this new system with a conventional film-screen system. The optical density of images in both techniques was measured and the image quality of 100 chest images from 50 intensive-care patients was evaluated. 4 observers graded the image quality of organic, non-organic and pathological structures. Statistical evaluation was performed by interobserver analysis. The asymmetric film-screen system shows a larger exposure range and a superior image quality in the mediastinal field. The image quality in the peripheral field must be judged critically and improved especially because of the poor recognizability of pneumothoraces.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗