@article{GruschwitzHartungErguenetal.2023, author = {Gruschwitz, Philipp and Hartung, Viktor and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Peter, Dominik and Lichthardt, Sven and Huflage, Henner and Hendel, Robin and Pannenbecker, Pauline and Augustin, Anne Marie and Kunz, Andreas Steven and Feldle, Philipp and Bley, Thorsten Alexander and Grunz, Jan-Peter}, title = {Comparison of ultrahigh and standard resolution photon-counting CT angiography of the femoral arteries in a continuously perfused in vitro model}, series = {European Radiology Experimental}, volume = {7}, journal = {European Radiology Experimental}, doi = {10.1186/s41747-023-00398-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-357905}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Background With the emergence of photon-counting CT, ultrahigh-resolution (UHR) imaging can be performed without dose penalty. This study aims to directly compare the image quality of UHR and standard resolution (SR) scan mode in femoral artery angiographies. Methods After establishing continuous extracorporeal perfusion in four fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens, photon-counting CT angiographies were performed with a radiation dose of 5 mGy and tube voltage of 120 kV in both SR and UHR mode. Images were reconstructed with dedicated convolution kernels (soft: Body-vascular (Bv)48; sharp: Bv60; ultrasharp: Bv76). Six radiologists evaluated the image quality by means of a pairwise forced-choice comparison tool. Kendall's concordance coefficient (W) was calculated to quantify interrater agreement. Image quality was further assessed by measuring intraluminal attenuation and image noise as well as by calculating signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR). Results UHR yielded lower noise than SR for identical reconstructions with kernels ≥ Bv60 (p < 0.001). UHR scans exhibited lower intraluminal attenuation compared to SR (Bv60: 406.4 ± 25.1 versus 418.1 ± 30.1 HU; p < 0.001). Irrespective of scan mode, SNR and CNR decreased while noise increased with sharper kernels but UHR scans were objectively superior to SR nonetheless (Bv60: SNR 25.9 ± 6.4 versus 20.9 ± 5.3; CNR 22.7 ± 5.8 versus 18.4 ± 4.8; p < 0.001). Notably, UHR scans were preferred in subjective assessment when images were reconstructed with the ultrasharp Bv76 kernel, whereas SR was rated superior for Bv60. Interrater agreement was high (W = 0.935). Conclusions Combinations of UHR scan mode and ultrasharp convolution kernel are able to exploit the full image quality potential in photon-counting CT angiography of the femoral arteries. Relevance statement The UHR scan mode offers improved image quality and may increase diagnostic accuracy in CT angiography of the peripheral arterial runoff when optimized reconstruction parameters are chosen. Key points • UHR photon-counting CT improves image quality in combination with ultrasharp convolution kernels. • UHR datasets display lower image noise compared with identically reconstructed standard resolution scans. • Scans in UHR mode show decreased intraluminal attenuation compared with standard resolution imaging.}, language = {en} } @article{ConradsGrunzHuflageetal.2023, author = {Conrads, Nora and Grunz, Jan-Peter and Huflage, Henner and Luetkens, Karsten Sebastian and Feldle, Philipp and Grunz, Katharina and K{\"o}hler, Stefan and Westermaier, Thomas}, title = {Accuracy of pedicle screw placement using neuronavigation based on intraoperative 3D rotational fluoroscopy in the thoracic and lumbar spine}, series = {Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery}, volume = {143}, journal = {Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery}, number = {6}, doi = {10.1007/s00402-022-04514-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-324966}, pages = {3007-3013}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Introduction In spinal surgery, precise instrumentation is essential. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of navigated, O-arm-controlled screw positioning in thoracic and lumbar spine instabilities. Materials and methods Posterior instrumentation procedures between 2010 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Pedicle screws were placed using 3D rotational fluoroscopy and neuronavigation. Accuracy of screw placement was assessed using a 6-grade scoring system. In addition, screw length was analyzed in relation to the vertebral body diameter. Intra- and postoperative revision rates were recorded. Results Thoracic and lumbar spine surgery was performed in 285 patients. Of 1704 pedicle screws, 1621 (95.1\%) showed excellent positioning in 3D rotational fluoroscopy imaging. The lateral rim of either pedicle or vertebral body was protruded in 25 (1.5\%) and 28 screws (1.6\%), while the midline of the vertebral body was crossed in 8 screws (0.5\%). Furthermore, 11 screws each (0.6\%) fulfilled the criteria of full lateral and medial displacement. The median relative screw length was 92.6\%. Intraoperative revision resulted in excellent positioning in 58 of 71 screws. Follow-up surgery due to missed primary malposition had to be performed for two screws in the same patient. Postsurgical symptom relief was reported in 82.1\% of patients, whereas neurological deterioration occurred in 8.9\% of cases with neurological follow-up. Conclusions Combination of neuronavigation and 3D rotational fluoroscopy control ensures excellent accuracy in pedicle screw positioning. As misplaced screws can be detected reliably and revised intraoperatively, repeated surgery for screw malposition is rarely required.}, language = {en} }