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Purpose: The present study was performed to evaluate the utility of axial, coronal and sagittal multiplanar reformations (MPR) and maximum intensity projections (MIP) in the detection of pulmonary nodules as compared to axial standard reconstructions (SR). Materials and Methods: 103 patients with suspicion or evidence of pulmonary nodules underwent multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT; Somatom plus 4 Volume Zoom, Siemens, Germany) of the chest in a single-breath-hold technique. The raw data were acquired with a collimation of 1 mm and a pitch of 6 and underwent reconstruction with 0.6mm increment. MPR and MIP in three planes [5 mm slice thickness (SL), 4 mm increment] were calculated from the raw data and compared to axial SR (5 mm SL). Three blinded observers evaluated the number, size and the quality of depiction of pulmonary nodules according to a 3-point confidence scale (1 = certain, 2 = probable , 3 = uncertain). Four patient groups were formed using the axial SR. Group 1 presenting no nodules, group 2 presenting probable nodules and group 3 presenting definitively lung nodules. Patients with more than 7 pulmonary nodules (group 4) were not included in the study. The 1 mm slice was used as the gold standard. Results: Inter-observer correlation was good at r=0.77. MIP were superior in the depiction of pulmonary nodules at a statistically significant level of p

Purpose: Assessment of 3 different rectal contrast agents (water, methylcellulose, ultrasound gel) for their suitability for colorectal imaging in multislice CT (MS-CT). Methods: 115 patients with colorectal diseases underwent MS-CT with varying, rectal contrast agents in a prospective study. Images were assessed by 2 independent CT-experienced radiologists. 6 criterias were evaluated, using a 5-point scale. Results: Methylcellulose (MC) proved to be significantly superior to ultrasound gel (US). Especially, differentiation of healthy and diseased bowel and bowel wall and lumen were aided, which was proven by quantitative analysis of attenuation values. Rectal distension is greater using MC or US than for water. More proximal parts of the colon could be better distended with water. The interobserver correlation was good (kappa 0.76). Conclusions: Rectal filling with MC significantly improves diagnostic confidence in colorectal examinations. Ease of administration and lack of problems suggest its use as a clinical routine tool.

PURPOSE To compare softcopy and hardcopy reading of chest radiographs a software tool was designed for creating lesions with clearly defined size, location and contrast. METHOD An ROC study was performed using a set of chest radiographs with 300 simulated small nodules and linear details displayed on film and on a 1 K monitor. Six observers participated in the study. ROC curves were generated on the basis of 7200 decisions. RESULTS There was no significant difference in observer performance overall (AUC = Area under curve). Monitor: 0.84 +/- 0.08 vs. AUC, Film: 0.84 +/- 0.08). Slight, but not statistical significant differences were found in the detection of low-contrast lung nodules and of linear lung details. CONCLUSION Soft-copy reading using a high quality 1 K CRT display provides the same accuracy for the detection of subtle computer-simulated lesions as hardcopy reading. A software tool could be used for assigning optimal characteristics of CRT- and hardcopy displays using clearly defined lesions as a gold standard.

Purpose Comparison of radiation doses in pulsed and continuous fluoroscopy to quantify the dose reduction by pulsed fluoroscopy. Further, the applicability of pulsed fluoroscopy in clinical routine has been evaluated. Materials and methods In a human pelvic phantom, the radiation dose (skin entry dose in cGycm2) was measured at two pulses per second (pps), 3 pps, 6 pps, 12 pps and continuous fluoroscopy mode, respectively, using image-intensifier entries of 38 cm, 25 cm, and 17 cm. 300 examinations were carried out, and the results of the different fluoroscopy modes were registered. Results Dose reduction depends on the image-intensifier entry. Compared to the radiation dose in continuous fluoroscopy, with 12 pps fluoroscopy the radiation dose can be reduced at a minimum of 51%, with 6 pps fluoroscopy to 40%, with 3 pps fluoroscopy to 20%, and with 2 pps fluoroscopy to a minimum of 14.5%. Clinical routine has shown that 78% of all examinations can be performed with 2 or 3 pps fluoroscopy mode. In 12.7% of the cases pulsed fluoroscopy of diverse frequencies was used, in an additional 2% combined with continuous fluoroscopy. Exclusively, continuous fluoroscopy has been employed in 2% of the cases. Conclusions Using pulsed fluoroscopy, an 80% reduction of the radiation dose compared to continuous fluoroscopy is possible. About 96% of all examinations can be performed with pulsed fluoroscopy of different pulse rate and without using continuous fluoroscopy.