Biomedical subjects

James F Gruden

Publications and source records attributed to James F Gruden.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

MDCT pulmonary angiography: image processing tools.

The postprocessing of multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) data sets is best termed "volume interrogation." Most techniques are best applied as problem-solving tools rather than as preset protocols, and radiologist involvement is essential. The ability to interact with an isotropic or nearly isotropic data set in near real-time is a tremendous advance, but is one that radiologists must rapidly embrace and master. This review begins with a discussion of the basic postprocessing tools relevant to the analysis of the pulmonary vasculature and proceeds to illustrate the clinical application of these techniques to the MDCT of acute and chronic thromboembolic disease. It is clear that in the era of MDCT, axial image review alone is rapidly becoming not only impractical, but also suboptimal. Reformatted images are also beneficial as communication tools for our referring colleagues and can enhance the role of the radiologist as part of the clinical team.

Angiography↗

PubMed2005

Thoracic CT performance and interpretation in the multi-detector era.

Multi-detector CT (MDCT), in particular isotropic or nearly isotropic MDCT, changes the way in which imagers perform and interpret studies of the thorax. The speed of data acquisition enables new clinical applications of MDCT in the areas of angiography and dynamic perfusion. Cardiac gating software is available, and CT studies of the heart and coronary arteries are now feasible. This review, however, focuses on the impact of MDCT on the routine practice of thoracic imaging, rather than on newer specific MDCT applications. The topics of scan performance and interpretation are related, and MDCT changes each of these areas when compared with the era of axial CT.

Humans↗

PubMed2002

Incremental benefit of maximum-intensity-projection images on observer detection of small pulmonary nodules revealed by multidetector CT.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess the incremental effect of maximum-intensity-projection (MIP) image processing on the ability of various observers to detect small (<1 cm in diameter) central and peripheral lung nodules revealed by multidetector CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified 25 patients with metastatic disease, each having from two to nine nodules that were 3-9 mm in diameter. Two senior and three junior reviewers interpreted all images on a workstation. The observers first reviewed axial images (3.75-mm collimation, 3-mm reconstruction interval, multidetector acquisition) in cine and sequential fashion and recorded the size, lobe, and central or peripheral (within 1 cm of the edge of lung) location of each nodule. MIP images (10-mm slab, 8-mm interval) were then reviewed, and additional nodules detected were recorded. Final counts were established by consensus. RESULTS: The reviewers found 122 nodules (71 peripheral, 51 central) in the 25 patients. The addition of MIP slabs significantly enhanced reviewer detection of central nodules (p < 0.001) and junior reviewer detection of peripheral nodules (p < 0.001). MIP slabs also reduced the effects of reviewer experience, particularly for peripheral nodules. CONCLUSION: MIP processing reduces the number of overlooked small nodules, particularly in the central lung. Observer nodule detection remains imperfect even when lesions are clearly depicted on images.

Adult↗