@phdthesis{Laqua2024, author = {Laqua, Caroline}, title = {Association of myocardial tissue characteristics and functional outcome in biopsy-verified myocarditis assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-36390}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-363903}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {The relation between LV function and cardiac MRI tissue characteristics in separate myocardial segments and their change over time has yet to be explored in myocarditis. Thus, our research aimed to investigate possible associations between global and regional myocardial T1 and T2 times and peak strain in patients with suspected myocarditis. From 2012 to 2015, 129 patients with clinically suspected myocarditis of the prospective, observational MyoRacer-Trial underwent systematic biventricular EMB at baseline and cardiac MRI at baseline and after three months as a follow-up. We divided the LV myocardium into 17 segments and estimated the segmental myocardial strain using FT. We registered T1 and T2 maps to the cine sequences and transferred the segmentations used for FT to ensure conformity of the myocardial segments. Multi-level multivariable linear mixed effects regression was applied to investigate the relation of segmental myocardial strain to relaxation times and their respective change from baseline to follow-up. We found a significant improvement in myocardial peak strain from baseline to follow-up (p < 0.001; all p-values given for likelihood ratio tests) and significant associations between higher T1 and T2 times and lower segmental myocardial peak strain (p ranging from < 0.001 to 0.049). E.g., regression coefficient (Reg. coef.) for segmental radial peak strain in short axis view (SRPS_SAX) and T1 time: -1.9, 95\% CI (-2.6;-1.2) \%/100 ms, p < 0.001. A decrease in T1 and T2 times from baseline to follow-up was also significantly related to a recovery of segmental peak strains (p ranging from < 0.001 to 0.050). E.g., Reg. coef. for SRPS_SAX per ΔT1: -1.8, 95\% CI (-2.5;-1.0) \%/100 ms, p < 0.001. Moreover, the higher the baseline T1 time, the more substantial the functional recovery from baseline to follow-up (p ranging from 0.004 to 0.042, e.g., for SRPS_SAX: Reg. coef. 1.3, 95\% CI (0.4;2.1) \%/100 ms, p 0.004). We did not find an effect modification by the presence of myocarditis in the EMB (p > 0.1). Our cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses provide evidence of dose-dependent correlations between T1 and T2 relaxation times and myocardial peak strain in patients with clinical presentation of myocarditis, regardless of the EMB result. Thus, assessing strain values and mapping relaxation times helps estimate the functional prognosis in patients with clinically suspected myocarditis.}, subject = {Myokarditis}, language = {en} } @article{KosmalaGruschwitzVeldhoenetal.2020, author = {Kosmala, Aleksander and Gruschwitz, Philipp and Veldhoen, Simon and Weng, Andreas Max and Krauss, Bernhard and Bley, Thorsten Alexander and Petritsch, Bernhard}, title = {Dual-energy CT angiography in suspected pulmonary embolism: influence of injection protocols on image quality and perfused blood volume}, series = {The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging}, volume = {36}, journal = {The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging}, number = {10}, issn = {1569-5794}, doi = {10.1007/s10554-020-01911-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-314739}, pages = {2051-2059}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Abstract To compare intravenous contrast material (CM) injection protocols for dual-energy CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism with regard to image quality and pulmonary perfused blood volume (PBV) values. A total of 198 studies performed with four CM injection protocols varying in CM volume and iodine delivery rates (IDR) were retrospectively included: (A) 60 ml at 5 ml/s (IDR = 1.75gI/s), (B) 50 ml at 5 ml/s (IDR = 1.75gI/s), (C) 50 ml at 4 ml/s (IDR = 1.40gI/s), (D) 40 ml at 3 ml/s (IDR = 1.05gI/s). Image quality and PBV values at different resolution settings were compared. Pulmonary arterial tract attenuation was highest for protocol A (397 ± 110 HU; p vs. B = 0.13; vs. C = 0.02; vs. D < 0.001). CTPA image quality of protocol A was rated superior compared to protocols B and D by reader 1 (p = 0.01; < 0.001), and superior to protocols B, C and D by reader 2 (p < 0.001; 0.02; < 0.001). Otherwise, there were no significant differences in CTPA quality ratings. Subjective iodine map ratings did not vary significantly between protocols A, B, and C. Both readers rated protocol D inferior to all other protocols (p < 0.05). PBV values did not vary significantly between protocols A and B at resolution settings of 1, 4 and 10 (p = 0.10; 0.10; 0.09), while otherwise PBV values displayed a decreasing trend from protocol A to D (p < 0.05). Higher CM volume and IDR are associated with superior CTPA and iodine map quality and higher absolute PBV values.}, language = {en} } @misc{KosmalaGruschwitzVeldhoenetal.2022, author = {Kosmala, Aleksander and Gruschwitz, Philipp and Veldhoen, Simon and Weng, Andreas Max and Krauss, Bernhard and Bley, Thorsten Alexander and Petritsch, Bernhard}, title = {Correction to: Dual-energy CT angiography in suspected pulmonary embolism: infuence of injection protocols on image quality and perfused blood volume}, series = {The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging}, volume = {38}, journal = {The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1007/s10554-021-02439-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-350830}, pages = {707}, year = {2022}, abstract = {No abstract available.}, language = {en} } @article{EwaldFuchsBoegeleinetal.2023, author = {Ewald, Andrea and Fuchs, Andreas and Boegelein, Lasse and Grunz, Jan-Peter and Kneist, Karl and Gbureck, Uwe and Hoelscher-Doht, Stefanie}, title = {Degradation and bone-contact biocompatibility of two drillable magnesium phosphate bone cements in an in vivo rabbit bone defect model}, series = {Materials}, volume = {16}, journal = {Materials}, number = {13}, issn = {1996-1944}, doi = {10.3390/ma16134650}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-362824}, year = {2023}, abstract = {The use of bone-cement-enforced osteosynthesis is a growing topic in trauma surgery. In this context, drillability is a desirable feature for cements that can improve fracture stability, which most of the available cement systems lack. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated a resorbable and drillable magnesium-phosphate (MgP)-based cement paste considering degradation behavior and biocompatibility in vivo. Two different magnesium-phosphate-based cement (MPC) pastes with different amounts of phytic acid (IP 6) as setting retarder (MPC 22.5 and MPC 25) were implanted in an orthotopic defect model of the lateral femoral condyle of New Zealand white rabbits for 6 weeks. After explantation, their resorption behavior and material characteristics were evaluated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), porosimetry measurement, histological staining, peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and biomechanical load-to-failure tests. Both cement pastes displayed comparable results in mechanical strength and resorption kinetics. Bone-contact biocompatibility was excellent without any signs of inflammation. Initial resorption and bone remodeling could be observed. MPC pastes with IP 6 as setting retardant have the potential to be a valuable alternative in distinct fracture patterns. Drillability, promising resorption potential and high mechanical strength confirm their suitability for use in clinical routine.}, language = {en} } @article{ElsnerKunzWagneretal.2023, author = {Elsner, Clara and Kunz, Andreas Steven and Wagner, Nicole and Huflage, Henner and H{\"u}bner, Stefan and Luetkens, Karsten Sebastian and Bley, Thorsten Alexander and Schmitt, Rainer and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Grunz, Jan-Peter}, title = {MRI-based evaluation of the flexor digitorum superficialis anatomy: investigating the prevalence and morphometry of the "chiasma antebrachii"}, series = {Diagnostics}, volume = {13}, journal = {Diagnostics}, number = {14}, issn = {2075-4418}, doi = {10.3390/diagnostics13142406}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-362631}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Recent dissection studies resulted in the introduction of the term "chiasma antebrachii", which represents an intersection of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendons for digits 2 and 3 in the distal third of the forearm. This retrospective investigation aimed to provide an MRI-based morphologic analysis of the chiasma antebrachii. In 89 patients (41 women, 39.3 ± 21.3 years), MRI examinations of the forearm (2010-2021) were reviewed by two radiologists, who evaluated all studies for the presence and length of the chiasma as well as its distance from the distal radioulnar and elbow joint. The chiasma antebrachii was identified in the distal third of the forearm in 88 patients (98.9\%), while one intersection was located more proximally in the middle part. The chiasma had a median length of 28 mm (interquartile range: 24-35 mm). Its distances to the distal radioulnar and elbow joint were 16 mm (8-25 mm) and 215 mm (187-227 mm), respectively. T1-weighted post-contrast sequences were found to be superior to T2- or proton-density-weighted sequences in 71 cases (79.8\%). To conclude, the chiasma antebrachii is part of the standard FDS anatomy. Knowledge of its morphology is important, e.g., in targeted injections of therapeutics or reconstructive surgery.}, language = {en} } @article{LuetkensGrunzKunzetal.2023, author = {Luetkens, Karsten Sebastian and Grunz, Jan-Peter and Kunz, Andreas Steven and Huflage, Henner and Weißenberger, Manuel and Hartung, Viktor and Patzer, Theresa Sophie and Gruschwitz, Philipp and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Bley, Thorsten Alexander and Feldle, Philipp}, title = {Ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT arthrography of the ankle: a feasibility study}, series = {Diagnostics}, volume = {13}, journal = {Diagnostics}, number = {13}, issn = {2075-4418}, doi = {10.3390/diagnostics13132201}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-362622}, year = {2023}, abstract = {This study was designed to investigate the image quality of ultra-high-resolution ankle arthrography employing a photon-counting detector CT. Bilateral arthrograms were acquired in four cadaveric specimens with full-dose (10 mGy) and low-dose (3 mGy) scan protocols. Three convolution kernels with different spatial frequencies were utilized for image reconstruction (ρ\(_{50}\); Br98: 39.0, Br84: 22.6, Br76: 16.5 lp/cm). Seven radiologists subjectively assessed the image quality regarding the depiction of bone, hyaline cartilage, and ligaments. An additional quantitative assessment comprised the measurement of noise and the computation of contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR). While an optimal depiction of bone tissue was achieved with the ultra-sharp Br98 kernel (S ≤ 0.043), the visualization of cartilage improved with lower modulation transfer functions at each dose level (p ≤ 0.014). The interrater reliability ranged from good to excellent for all assessed tissues (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.805). The noise levels in subcutaneous fat decreased with reduced spatial frequency (p \< 0.001). Notably, the low-dose Br76 matched the CNR of the full-dose Br84 (p 0.999) and superseded Br98 (p \< 0.001) in all tissues. Based on the reported results, a photon-counting detector CT arthrography of the ankle with an ultra-high-resolution collimation offers stellar image quality and tissue assessability, improving the evaluation of miniscule anatomical structures. While bone depiction was superior in combination with an ultra-sharp convolution kernel, soft tissue evaluation benefited from employing a lower spatial frequency.}, language = {en} } @article{GrunzKunzBaumannetal.2023, author = {Grunz, Jan-Peter and Kunz, Andreas Steven and Baumann, Freerk T. and Hasenclever, Dirk and Sieren, Malte Maria and Heldmann, Stefan and Bley, Thorsten Alexander and Einsele, Hermann and Knop, Stefan and Jundt, Franziska}, title = {Assessing osteolytic lesion size on sequential CT scans is a reliable study endpoint for bone remineralization in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma}, series = {Cancers}, volume = {15}, journal = {Cancers}, number = {15}, issn = {2072-6694}, doi = {10.3390/cancers15154008}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-362526}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Multiple myeloma (MM) frequently induces persisting osteolytic manifestations despite hematologic treatment response. This study aimed to establish a biometrically valid study endpoint for bone remineralization through quantitative and qualitative analyses in sequential CT scans. Twenty patients (seven women, 58 ± 8 years) with newly diagnosed MM received standardized induction therapy comprising the anti-SLAMF7 antibody elotuzumab, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (E-KRd). All patients underwent whole-body low-dose CT scans before and after six cycles of E-KRd. Two radiologists independently recorded osteolytic lesion sizes, as well as the presence of cortical destruction, pathologic fractures, rim and trabecular sclerosis. Bland-Altman analyses and Krippendorff's α were employed to assess inter-reader reliability, which was high for lesion size measurement (standard error 1.2 mm) and all qualitative criteria assessed (α ≥ 0.74). After six cycles of E-KRd induction, osteolytic lesion size decreased by 22\% (p \< 0.001). While lesion size response did not correlate with the initial lesion size at baseline imaging (Pearson's r = 0.144), logistic regression analysis revealed that the majority of responding osteolyses exhibited trabecular sclerosis (p \< 0.001). The sum of osteolytic lesion sizes on sequential CT scans defines a reliable study endpoint to characterize bone remineralization. Patient level response is strongly associated with the presence of trabecular sclerosis.}, language = {en} } @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{GruschwitzHartungKleefeldtetal.2023, author = {Gruschwitz, Philipp and Hartung, Viktor and Kleefeldt, Florian and Peter, Dominik and Lichthardt, Sven and Huflage, Henner and Grunz, Jan-Peter and Augustin, Anne Marie and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Bley, Thorsten Alexander and Petritsch, Bernhard}, title = {Continuous extracorporeal femoral perfusion model for intravascular ultrasound, computed tomography and digital subtraction angiography}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {18}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {5}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0285810}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-350136}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Objectives We developed a novel human cadaveric perfusion model with continuous extracorporeal femoral perfusion suitable for performing intra-individual comparison studies, training of interventional procedures and preclinical testing of endovascular devices. Objective of this study was to introduce the techniques and evaluate the feasibility for realistic computed tomography angiography (CTA), digital subtraction angiography (DSA) including vascular interventions, and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Methods The establishment of the extracorporeal perfusion was attempted using one formalin-fixed and five fresh-frozen human cadavers. In all specimens, the common femoral and popliteal arteries were prepared, introducer sheaths inserted, and perfusion established by a peristaltic pump. Subsequently, we performed CTA and bilateral DSA in five cadavers and IVUS on both legs of four donors. Examination time without unintentional interruption was measured both with and without non-contrast planning CT. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting was performed by two interventional radiologists on nine extremities (five donors) using a broad spectrum of different intravascular devices. Results The perfusion of the upper leg arteries was successfully established in all fresh-frozen but not in the formalin-fixed cadaver. The experimental setup generated a stable circulation in each procedure (ten upper legs) for a period of more than six hours. Images acquired with CT, DSA and IVUS offered a realistic impression and enabled the sufficient visualization of all examined vessel segments. Arterial cannulating, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty as well as stent deployment were feasible in a way that is comparable to a vascular intervention in vivo. The perfusion model allowed for introduction and testing of previously not used devices. Conclusions The continuous femoral perfusion model can be established with moderate effort, works stable, and is utilizable for medical imaging of the peripheral arterial system using CTA, DSA and IVUS. Therefore, it appears suitable for research studies, developing skills in interventional procedures and testing of new or unfamiliar vascular devices.}, language = {en} } @article{HeinzMellerLuetkensetal.2023, author = {Heinz, Tizian and Meller, Felix and Luetkens, Karsten Sebastian and Anderson, Philip Mark and Stratos, Ioannis and Horas, Konstantin and Rudert, Maximilian and Reppenhagen, Stephan and Weißenberger, Manuel}, title = {The AMADEUS score is not a sufficient predictor for functional outcome after high tibial osteotomy}, series = {Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics}, volume = {10}, journal = {Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics}, doi = {10.1186/s40634-023-00575-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-357765}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Purpose The Area Measurement And Depth Underlying Structures (AMADEUS) classification system has been proposed as a valuable tool for magnetic resonance (MR)-based grading of preoperatively encountered chondral defects of the knee joint. However, the potential relationship of this novel score with clinical data was yet to determine. It was the primary intention of this study to assess the correlative relationship of the AMADEUS with patient reported outcome scores in patients undergoing medial open-wedge high tibial valgus osteotomy (HTO). Furthermore, the arthroscopic ICRS (International Cartilage Repair Society) grade evaluation was tested for correlation with the AMADEUS classification system. Methods This retrospective, monocentric study found a total of 70 individuals that were indicated for HTO due to degenerative chondral defects of the medial compartment between 2008 and 2019. A preoperative MR image as well as a pre-osteotomy diagnostic arthroscopy for ICRS grade evaluation was mandatory for all patients. The Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) including its five subscale scores (KOOS-ADL, KOOS-QOL, KOOS-Sports, KOOS-Pain, KOOS-Symptoms) was obtained preoperatively and at a mean follow-up of 41.2 ± 26.3 months. Preoperative chondral defects were evaluated using the AMADEUS classification system and the final AMADEUS scores were correlated with the pre- and postoperative KOOS subscale sores. Furthermore, arthroscopic ICRS defect severity was correlated with the AMADEUS classification system. Results There was a statistically significant correlation between the AMADEUS BME (bone marrow edema) subscore and the KOOS Symptoms subscore at the preoperative visit (r = 0.25, p = 0.04). No statistically significant monotonic association between the AMADEUS total score and the AMADEUS grade with pre- and postoperative KOOS subscale scores were found. Intraoperatively obtained ICRS grade did reveal a moderate correlative relation with the AMADEUS total score and the AMADEUS grade (r = 0.28, p = 0.02). Conclusions The novel AMADEUS classification system largely lacks correlative capacity with patient reported outcome measures in patients undergoing HTO. The MR tomographic appearance of bone marrow edema is the only parameter predictive of the clinical outcome at the preoperative visit.}, language = {en} } @article{WoznickiLaquaAlHajetal.2023, author = {Woznicki, Piotr and Laqua, Fabian Christopher and Al-Haj, Adam and Bley, Thorsten and Baeßler, Bettina}, title = {Addressing challenges in radiomics research: systematic review and repository of open-access cancer imaging datasets}, series = {Insights into Imaging}, volume = {14}, journal = {Insights into Imaging}, issn = {1869-4101}, doi = {10.1186/s13244-023-01556-w}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-357936}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Objectives Open-access cancer imaging datasets have become integral for evaluating novel AI approaches in radiology. However, their use in quantitative analysis with radiomics features presents unique challenges, such as incomplete documentation, low visibility, non-uniform data formats, data inhomogeneity, and complex preprocessing. These issues may cause problems with reproducibility and standardization in radiomics studies. Methods We systematically reviewed imaging datasets with public copyright licenses, published up to March 2023 across four large online cancer imaging archives. We included only datasets with tomographic images (CT, MRI, or PET), segmentations, and clinical annotations, specifically identifying those suitable for radiomics research. Reproducible preprocessing and feature extraction were performed for each dataset to enable their easy reuse. Results We discovered 29 datasets with corresponding segmentations and labels in the form of health outcomes, tumor pathology, staging, imaging-based scores, genetic markers, or repeated imaging. We compiled a repository encompassing 10,354 patients and 49,515 scans. Of the 29 datasets, 15 were licensed under Creative Commons licenses, allowing both non-commercial and commercial usage and redistribution, while others featured custom or restricted licenses. Studies spanned from the early 1990s to 2021, with the majority concluding after 2013. Seven different formats were used for the imaging data. Preprocessing and feature extraction were successfully performed for each dataset. Conclusion RadiomicsHub is a comprehensive public repository with radiomics features derived from a systematic review of public cancer imaging datasets. By converting all datasets to a standardized format and ensuring reproducible and traceable processing, RadiomicsHub addresses key reproducibility and standardization challenges in radiomics. Critical relevance statement This study critically addresses the challenges associated with locating, preprocessing, and extracting quantitative features from open-access datasets, to facilitate more robust and reliable evaluations of radiomics models. Key points - Through a systematic review, we identified 29 cancer imaging datasets suitable for radiomics research. - A public repository with collection overview and radiomics features, encompassing 10,354 patients and 49,515 scans, was compiled. - Most datasets can be shared, used, and built upon freely under a Creative Commons license. - All 29 identified datasets have been converted into a common format to enable reproducible radiomics feature extraction.}, language = {en} } @article{HennesHuflageGrunzetal.2023, author = {Hennes, Jan-Lucca and Huflage, Henner and Grunz, Jan-Peter and Hartung, Viktor and Augustin, Anne Marie and Patzer, Theresa Sophie and Pannenbecker, Pauline and Petritsch, Bernhard and Bley, Thorsten Alexander and Gruschwitz, Philipp}, title = {An intra-individual comparison of low-keV photon-counting CT versus energy-integrating-detector CT angiography of the aorta}, series = {Diagnostics}, volume = {13}, journal = {Diagnostics}, number = {24}, issn = {2075-4418}, doi = {10.3390/diagnostics13243645}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-355568}, year = {2023}, abstract = {This retrospective study aims to provide an intra-individual comparison of aortic CT angiographies (CTAs) using first-generation photon-counting-detector CT (PCD-CT) and third-generation energy-integrating-detector CT (EID-CT). High-pitch CTAs were performed with both scanners and equal contrast-agent protocols. EID-CT employed automatic tube voltage selection (90/100 kVp) with reference tube current of 434/350 mAs, whereas multi-energy PCD-CT scans were generated with fixed tube voltage (120 kVp), image quality level of 64, and reconstructed as 55 keV monoenergetic images. For image quality assessment, contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated, and subjective evaluation (overall quality, luminal contrast, vessel sharpness, blooming, and beam hardening) was performed independently by three radiologists. Fifty-seven patients (12 women, 45 men) were included with a median interval between examinations of 12.7 months (interquartile range 11.1 months). Using manufacturer-recommended scan protocols resulted in a substantially lower radiation dose in PCD-CT (size-specific dose estimate: 4.88 ± 0.48 versus 6.28 ± 0.50 mGy, p < 0.001), while CNR was approximately 50\% higher (41.11 ± 8.68 versus 27.05 ± 6.73, p < 0.001). Overall image quality and luminal contrast were deemed superior in PCD-CT (p < 0.001). Notably, EID-CT allowed for comparable vessel sharpness (p = 0.439) and less pronounced blooming and beam hardening (p < 0.001). Inter-rater agreement was good to excellent (0.58-0.87). Concluding, aortic PCD-CTAs facilitate increased image quality with significantly lower radiation dose compared to EID-CTAs}, language = {en} } @article{SchreiberLohrBaltesetal.2023, author = {Schreiber, Laura M. and Lohr, David and Baltes, Steffen and Vogel, Ulrich and Elabyad, Ibrahim A. and Bille, Maya and Reiter, Theresa and Kosmala, Aleksander and Gassenmaier, Tobias and Stefanescu, Maria R. and Kollmann, Alena and Aures, Julia and Schnitter, Florian and Pali, Mihaela and Ueda, Yuichiro and Williams, Tatiana and Christa, Martin and Hofmann, Ulrich and Bauer, Wolfgang and Gerull, Brenda and Zernecke, Alma and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Terekhov, Maxim}, title = {Ultra-high field cardiac MRI in large animals and humans for translational cardiovascular research}, series = {Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine}, issn = {2297-055X}, doi = {10.3389/fcvm.2023.1068390}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-317398}, year = {2023}, abstract = {A key step in translational cardiovascular research is the use of large animal models to better understand normal and abnormal physiology, to test drugs or interventions, or to perform studies which would be considered unethical in human subjects. Ultrahigh field magnetic resonance imaging (UHF-MRI) at 7 T field strength is becoming increasingly available for imaging of the heart and, when compared to clinically established field strengths, promises better image quality and image information content, more precise functional analysis, potentially new image contrasts, and as all in-vivo imaging techniques, a reduction of the number of animals per study because of the possibility to scan every animal repeatedly. We present here a solution to the dual use problem of whole-body UHF-MRI systems, which are typically installed in clinical environments, to both UHF-MRI in large animals and humans. Moreover, we provide evidence that in such a research infrastructure UHF-MRI, and ideally combined with a standard small-bore UHF-MRI system, can contribute to a variety of spatial scales in translational cardiovascular research: from cardiac organoids, Zebra fish and rodent hearts to large animal models such as pigs and humans. We present pilot data from serial CINE, late gadolinium enhancement, and susceptibility weighted UHF-MRI in a myocardial infarction model over eight weeks. In 14 pigs which were delivered from a breeding facility in a national SARS-CoV-2 hotspot, we found no infection in the incoming pigs. Human scanning using CINE and phase contrast flow measurements provided good image quality of the left and right ventricle. Agreement of functional analysis between CINE and phase contrast MRI was excellent. MRI in arrested hearts or excised vascular tissue for MRI-based histologic imaging, structural imaging of myofiber and vascular smooth muscle cell architecture using high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging, and UHF-MRI for monitoring free radicals as a surrogate for MRI of reactive oxygen species in studies of oxidative stress are demonstrated. We conclude that UHF-MRI has the potential to become an important precision imaging modality in translational cardiovascular research.}, language = {en} } @article{KraemerBeckerBleyetal.2022, author = {Kraemer, Markus and Becker, Jana and Bley, Thorsten Alexander and Steinbrecher, Andreas and Minnerup, Jens and Hellmich, Bernhard}, title = {Diagnostik und Therapie der Riesenzellarteriitis}, series = {Der Nervenarzt}, volume = {93}, journal = {Der Nervenarzt}, number = {8}, issn = {0028-2804}, doi = {10.1007/s00115-021-01216-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-307771}, pages = {819-827}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Die Riesenzellarteriitis (RZA) ist in der Altersgruppe der {\"u}ber 50-J{\"a}hrigen die h{\"a}ufigste idiopathische systemische Vaskulitis. Die Erkrankung bedarf einer zeitnahen Diagnostik und Therapie, um schwere Komplikationen wie eine Erblindung oder einen Schlaganfall zu vermeiden. Die Rezidivneigung erfordert eine mehrj{\"a}hrige, zum Teil lebenslange Glukokortikoid(GC)-Therapie, was das Risiko GC-induzierter Langzeitnebenwirkungen erh{\"o}ht. Daher wird bei der Mehrzahl der Patienten eine additive GC-einsparende Therapie empfohlen. Hierzu steht der Anti-IL-6-Rezeptor-Antik{\"o}rper Tocilizumab in subkutaner Applikation als zugelassene Substanz zur Verf{\"u}gung, alternativ kann Methotrexat (MTX) eingesetzt werden (off-label).}, language = {de} } @article{GruschwitzHartungKleefeldtetal.2023, author = {Gruschwitz, Philipp and Hartung, Viktor and Kleefeldt, Florian and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Lichthardt, Sven and Huflage, Henner and Hendel, Robin and Kunz, Andreas Steven and Pannenbecker, Pauline and Kuhl, Philipp Josef and Augustin, Anne Marie and Bley, Thorsten Alexander and Petritsch, Bernhard and Grunz, Jan-Peter}, title = {Standardized assessment of vascular reconstruction kernels in photon-counting CT angiographies of the leg using a continuous extracorporeal perfusion model}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {13}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-023-39063-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-357912}, year = {2023}, abstract = {This study evaluated the influence of different vascular reconstruction kernels on the image quality of CT angiographies of the lower extremity runoff using a 1st-generation photon-counting-detector CT (PCD-CT) compared with dose-matched examinations on a 3rd-generation energy-integrating-detector CT (EID-CT). Inducing continuous extracorporeal perfusion in a human cadaveric model, we performed CT angiographies of eight upper leg arterial runoffs with radiation dose-equivalent 120 kVp acquisition protocols (CTDIvol 5 mGy). Reconstructions were executed with different vascular kernels, matching the individual modulation transfer functions between scanners. Signal-to-noise-ratios (SNR) and contrast-to-noise-ratios (CNR) were computed to assess objective image quality. Six radiologists evaluated image quality subjectively using a forced-choice pairwise comparison tool. Interrater agreement was determined by calculating Kendall's concordance coefficient (W). The intraluminal attenuation of PCD-CT images was significantly higher than of EID-CT (414.7 ± 27.3 HU vs. 329.3 ± 24.5 HU; p < 0.001). Using comparable kernels, image noise with PCD-CT was significantly lower than with EID-CT (p ≤ 0.044). Correspondingly, SNR and CNR were approximately twofold higher for PCD-CT (p < 0.001). Increasing the spatial frequency for PCD-CT reconstructions by one level resulted in similar metrics compared to EID-CT (CNRfat; EID-CT Bv49: 21.7 ± 3.7 versus PCD-CT Bv60: 21.4 ± 3.5). Overall image quality of PCD-CTA achieved ratings superior to EID-CTA irrespective of the used reconstruction kernels (best: PCD-CT Bv60; worst: EID-CT Bv40; p < 0.001). Interrater agreement was good (W = 0.78). Concluding, PCD-CT offers superior intraluminal attenuation, SNR, and CNR compared to EID-CT in angiographies of the upper leg arterial runoff. Combined with improved subjective image quality, PCD-CT facilitates the use of sharper convolution kernels and ultimately bears the potential of improved vascular structure assessability.}, language = {en} } @article{VogelRueckertGreineretal.2023, author = {Vogel, P. and R{\"u}ckert, M. A. and Greiner, C. and G{\"u}nther, J. and Reichl, T. and Kampf, T. and Bley, T. A. and Behr, V. C. and Herz, S.}, title = {iMPI: portable human-sized magnetic particle imaging scanner for real-time endovascular interventions}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {13}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-023-37351-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-357794}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Minimally invasive endovascular interventions have become an important tool for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic heart disease, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. X-ray fluoroscopy and digital subtraction angiography are used to precisely guide these procedures, but they are associated with radiation exposure for patients and clinical staff. Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is an emerging imaging technology using time-varying magnetic fields combined with magnetic nanoparticle tracers for fast and highly sensitive imaging. In recent years, basic experiments have shown that MPI has great potential for cardiovascular applications. However, commercially available MPI scanners were too large and expensive and had a small field of view (FOV) designed for rodents, which limited further translational research. The first human-sized MPI scanner designed specifically for brain imaging showed promising results but had limitations in gradient strength, acquisition time and portability. Here, we present a portable interventional MPI (iMPI) system dedicated for real-time endovascular interventions free of ionizing radiation. It uses a novel field generator approach with a very large FOV and an application-oriented open design enabling hybrid approaches with conventional X-ray-based angiography. The feasibility of a real-time iMPI-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is shown in a realistic dynamic human-sized leg model.}, language = {en} } @article{PatzerKunzHuflageetal.2023, author = {Patzer, Theresa Sophie and Kunz, Andreas Steven and Huflage, Henner and Luetkens, Karsten Sebastian and Conrads, Nora and Gruschwitz, Philipp and Pannenbecker, Pauline and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Bley, Thorsten Alexander and Grunz, Jan-Peter}, title = {Quantitative and qualitative image quality assessment in shoulder examinations with a first-generation photon-counting detector CT}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {13}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-023-35367-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-357925}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Photon-counting detector (PCD) CT allows for ultra-high-resolution (UHR) examinations of the shoulder without requiring an additional post-patient comb filter to narrow the detector aperture. This study was designed to compare the PCD performance with a high-end energy-integrating detector (EID) CT. Sixteen cadaveric shoulders were examined with both scanners using dose-matched 120 kVp acquisition protocols (low-dose/full-dose: CTDI\(_{vol}\) = 5.0/10.0 mGy). Specimens were scanned in UHR mode with the PCD-CT, whereas EID-CT examinations were conducted in accordance with the clinical standard as "non-UHR". Reconstruction of EID data employed the sharpest kernel available for standard-resolution scans (ρ\(_{50}\) = 12.3 lp/cm), while PCD data were reconstructed with both a comparable kernel (11.8 lp/cm) and a sharper dedicated bone kernel (16.5 lp/cm). Six radiologists with 2-9 years of experience in musculoskeletal imaging rated image quality subjectively. Interrater agreement was analyzed by calculation of the intraclass correlation coefficient in a two-way random effects model. Quantitative analyses comprised noise recording and calculating signal-to-noise ratios based on attenuation measurements in bone and soft tissue. Subjective image quality was higher in UHR-PCD-CT than in EID-CT and non-UHR-PCD-CT datasets (all p < 0.001). While low-dose UHR-PCD-CT was considered superior to full-dose non-UHR studies on either scanner (all p < 0.001), ratings of low-dose non-UHR-PCD-CT and full-dose EID-CT examinations did not differ (p > 0.99). Interrater reliability was moderate, indicated by a single measures intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.66 (95\% confidence interval: 0.58-0.73; p < 0.001). Image noise was lowest and signal-to-noise ratios were highest in non-UHR-PCD-CT reconstructions at either dose level (p < 0.001). This investigation demonstrates that superior depiction of trabecular microstructure and considerable denoising can be realized without additional radiation dose by employing a PCD for shoulder CT imaging. Allowing for UHR scans without dose penalty, PCD-CT appears as a promising alternative to EID-CT for shoulder trauma assessment in clinical routine.}, language = {en} } @article{LinzBrandsKertelsetal.2021, author = {Linz, Christian and Brands, Roman C. and Kertels, Olivia and Dierks, Alexander and Brumberg, Joachim and Gerhard-Hartmann, Elena and Hartmann, Stefan and Schirbel, Andreas and Serfling, Sebastian and Zhi, Yingjun and Buck, Andreas K. and K{\"u}bler, Alexander and Hohm, Julian and Lapa, Constantin and Kircher, Malte}, title = {Targeting fibroblast activation protein in newly diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity - initial experience and comparison to [\(^{18}\)F]FDG PET/CT and MRI}, series = {European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging}, volume = {48}, journal = {European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging}, number = {12}, issn = {1619-7070}, doi = {10.1007/s00259-021-05422-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-307246}, pages = {3951-3960}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Purpose While [\(^{18}\)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose ([\(^{18}\)F]FDG) is the standard for positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), diagnostic specificity is hampered by uptake in inflammatory cells such as neutrophils or macrophages. Recently, molecular imaging probes targeting fibroblast activation protein α (FAP), which is overexpressed in a variety of cancer-associated fibroblasts, have become available and might constitute a feasible alternative to FDG PET/CT. Methods Ten consecutive, treatment-na{\"i}ve patients (8 males, 2 females; mean age, 62 ± 9 years) with biopsy-proven OSCC underwent both whole-body [\(^{18}\)F]FDG and [\(^{68}\)Ga]FAPI-04 (FAP-directed) PET/CT for primary staging prior to tumor resection and cervical lymph node dissection. Detection of the primary tumor, as well as the presence and number of lymph node and distant metastases was analysed. Intensity of tracer accumulation was assessed by means of maximum (SUV\(_{max}\)) and peak (SUV\(_{peak}\) standardized uptake values. Histological work-up including immunohistochemical staining for FAP served as standard of reference. Results [\(^{18}\)F]FDG and FAP-directed PET/CT detected all primary tumors with a SUVmax of 25.5 ± 13.2 (FDG) and 20.5 ± 6.4 (FAP-directed) and a SUVpeak of 16.1 ± 10.3 ([\(^{18}\)F]FDG) and 13.8 ± 3.9 (FAP-directed), respectively. Regarding cervical lymph node metastases, FAP-directed PET/CT demonstrated comparable sensitivity (81.3\% vs. 87.5\%; P = 0.32) and specificity (93.3\% vs. 81.3\%; P = 0.16) to [\(^{18}\)F]FDG PET/CT. FAP expression on the cell surface of cancer-associated fibroblasts in both primary lesions as well as lymph nodes metastases was confirmed in all samples. Conclusion FAP-directed PET/CT in OSCC seems feasible. Future research to investigate its potential to improve patient staging is highly warranted.}, language = {en} } @article{PennigHoyerKrauskopfetal.2021, author = {Pennig, Lenhard and Hoyer, Ulrike Cornelia Isabel and Krauskopf, Alexandra and Shahzad, Rahil and J{\"u}nger, Stephanie T. and Thiele, Frank and Laukamp, Kai Roman and Grunz, Jan-Peter and Perkuhn, Michael and Schlamann, Marc and Kabbasch, Christoph and Borggrefe, Jan and Goertz, Lukas}, title = {Deep learning assistance increases the detection sensitivity of radiologists for secondary intracranial aneurysms in subarachnoid hemorrhage}, series = {Neuroradiology}, volume = {63}, journal = {Neuroradiology}, number = {12}, issn = {0028-3940}, doi = {10.1007/s00234-021-02697-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-308117}, pages = {1985-1994}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Purpose To evaluate whether a deep learning model (DLM) could increase the detection sensitivity of radiologists for intracranial aneurysms on CT angiography (CTA) in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods Three different DLMs were trained on CTA datasets of 68 aSAH patients with 79 aneurysms with their outputs being combined applying ensemble learning (DLM-Ens). The DLM-Ens was evaluated on an independent test set of 104 aSAH patients with 126 aneuryms (mean volume 129.2 ± 185.4 mm3, 13.0\% at the posterior circulation), which were determined by two radiologists and one neurosurgeon in consensus using CTA and digital subtraction angiography scans. CTA scans of the test set were then presented to three blinded radiologists (reader 1: 13, reader 2: 4, and reader 3: 3 years of experience in diagnostic neuroradiology), who assessed them individually for aneurysms. Detection sensitivities for aneurysms of the readers with and without the assistance of the DLM were compared. Results In the test set, the detection sensitivity of the DLM-Ens (85.7\%) was comparable to the radiologists (reader 1: 91.2\%, reader 2: 86.5\%, and reader 3: 86.5\%; Fleiss κ of 0.502). DLM-assistance significantly increased the detection sensitivity (reader 1: 97.6\%, reader 2: 97.6\%,and reader 3: 96.0\%; overall P=.024; Fleiss κ of 0.878), especially for secondary aneurysms (88.2\% of the additional aneurysms provided by the DLM). Conclusion Deep learning significantly improved the detection sensitivity of radiologists for aneurysms in aSAH, especially for secondary aneurysms. It therefore represents a valuable adjunct for physicians to establish an accurate diagnosis in order to optimize patient treatment.}, language = {en} } @article{DornHerzberg2021, author = {Dorn, Franziska and Herzberg, Moriz}, title = {Response to Letter to the Editor "Keeping Late Thrombectomy Imaging Protocols Simple to Avoid Analysis Paralysis"}, series = {Clinical Neuroradiology}, volume = {31}, journal = {Clinical Neuroradiology}, number = {3}, issn = {1869-1439}, doi = {10.1007/s00062-021-01091-5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-307023}, pages = {813-814}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Dietrich2024, author = {Dietrich, Philipp}, title = {Traveling Wave Magnetic Particle Imaging: Visuelle Stenosequantifizierung und Perkutane Transluminale Angioplastie im Gef{\"a}ßmodell}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-35251}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-352517}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) ist ein innovatives tomographisches Bildgebungs­verfahren, mit dem Tracerpartikel {\"a}ußerst sensitiv und schnell mehrdimensional abgebildet werden k{\"o}nnen. Die Methode basiert auf der nichtlinearen Magnetisierungs­antwort superparamagnetischer Eisenoxidnanopartikel (SPION) in einem Messpunkt, welcher ein Messvolumen rastert. In vorliegender Arbeit wurde das sog. Traveling Wave MPI (TWMPI) Verfahren eingesetzt, wodurch im Vergleich zu konventionellen MPI-Scannern ein gr{\"o}ßeres Field of View (FOV) und eine geringere Latenz bis zur Bildanzeige erreicht werden konnte. TWMPI weist einige f{\"u}r medizinische Zwecke vielversprechende Eigenschaften auf: Es liefert zwei- und dreidimensionale Bildrekonstruktionen in Echtzeit mit hoher zeitlicher und r{\"a}umlicher Aufl{\"o}sung. Dabei ist die Bildgebung von Grund auf hintergrundfrei und erfordert keinerlei ionisierende Strahlung. Zudem ist die Technik {\"a}ußerst sensitiv und kann SPION-Tracer noch in mikromolaren Konzentrationen detektieren. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es daher zu untersuchen, inwiefern es mittels TWMPI m{\"o}glich ist, k{\"u}nstliche Stenosen im Gef{\"a}ßmodell visuell in Echtzeit darzustellen und quantitativ zu beurteilen sowie {\"u}berdies eine perkutane transluminale Angioplastie (PTA) im Gef{\"a}ßmodell unter TWMPI-Echtzeit-Bildgebung durchzuf{\"u}hren. Alle Experimente wurden in einem speziell angefertigten TWMPI-Scanner durchgef{\"u}hrt (JMU W{\"u}rzburg, Experimentelle Physik V (Biophysik), FOV: 65 x 29 x 29 mm³, Aufl{\"o}sung: ca. 1.5 - 2 mm). Die Lumen-Darstellungen erfolgten mittels des SPION-Tracers Ferucarbotran in einer Verd{\"u}nnung von 1 : 50 (entspr. 10 mmol [Fe]/l). Das PTA-Instrumentarium wurde mit eigens hergestelltem ferucarbotran­haltigem Lack (100 mmol [Fe]/l) markiert. F{\"u}r die verschiedenen Teilexperimente wurden den jeweiligen speziellen Anforderungen entsprechend mehrere Gef{\"a}ßmodelle handgefertigt. F{\"u}r die visuelle Stenosequantifizierung wurden f{\"u}nf starre Stenosephantome unterschiedlicher Stenosierung (0\%, 25\%, 50\%, 75\%, 100\%) aus Polyoxymethylen her­gestellt (l: 40 mm, ID: 8 mm). Die Gef{\"a}ßmodelle wurden mehrfach zentral im FOV platz­iert und das stenosierte Lumen mittels sog. Slice-Scanning Modus (SSM, Einzel­aufnahme inkl. 10 Mittelungen: 200 ms, Bildfrequenz: 5 Bilder pro Sekunde, Latenz: ca. 100 ms) als zweidimensionale Quasi-Projektionen abgebildet. Diese Aufnahmen (n = 80, 16 je Phantom) wurden mit einer ein­heitlichen Grauskalierung versehen und anschließend entsprechend den NASCET-Kriterien visuell ausgewertet. Alle achtzig Aufnahmen waren unabh{\"a}ngig vom Stenosegrad aufgrund einheitlicher Fensterung sowie konstanter Scannerparameter untereinander gut vergleichbar. Niedrig­gradige Stenosen konnten insgesamt genauer abgebildet werden als h{\"o}hergradige, was sich neben der subjektiven Bildqualit{\"a}t auch in geringeren Standardabweichungen zeigte (0\%: 3.70 \% ± 2.71, 25\%: 18.64 \% ± 1.84, 50\%: 52.82 \% ± 3.66, 75\%: 77.84 \% ± 14.77, 100\%: 100 \% ± 0). Mit zunehmendem Stenosegrad kam es vermehrt zu geometrischen Ver­zerrungen im Zentrum, sodass bei den 75\%-Stenosen eine breitere Streuung der Messwerte mit einer h{\"o}heren Standardabweichung von 14.77\% einherging. Leichte, randst{\"a}ndige Artefakte konnten bei allen Datens{\"a}tzen beobachtet werden. F{\"u}r die PTA wurden drei interaktive Gef{\"a}ßmodelle aus Polyvinylchlorid (l: 100 mm, ID: 8 mm) mit zu- und abf{\"u}hrendem Schlauchsystem entwickelt, welche mittels Kabelband von außen hochgradig eingeengt werden konnten. Analog zu einer konventionellen PTA mittels r{\"o}ntgenbasierter digitaler Subtraktionsangiographie (DSA), wurden alle erforder­lichen Arbeitsschritte (Gef{\"a}ßdarstellung, Drahtpassage, Ballonplatzierung, Angioplastie, Erfolgskontrolle) unter (TW)MPI-Echtzeit-Bildgebung (Framerate: 2 - 4 FPS, Latenz: ca. 100 ms) abgebildet bzw. durchgef{\"u}hrt. Im Rahmen der PTA war eine Echtzeit-Visualisierung der Stenose im Gef{\"a}ßmodell durch Tracer-Bolusgabe sowie die F{\"u}hrung des markierten Instrumentariums zum Zielort m{\"o}glich. Die Markierung der Instrumente hielt der Beanspruchung w{\"a}hrend der Prozedur stand und erm{\"o}glichte eine genaue Platzierung des Ballonkatheters. Die Stenose konnte mittels Angioplastie-Ballons unter Echtzeit-Darstellung gesprengt werden und der Interventionserfolg im Anschluss durch erneute Visualisierung des Lumens validiert werden. Insgesamt zeigt sich MPI somit als ad{\"a}quate Bildgebungstechnik f{\"u}r die beiden in der Fragestellung bzw. Zielsetzung definierten experimentellen Anwendungen. Stenosen im Gef{\"a}ßmodell konnten erfolgreich in Echtzeit visualisiert und bildmorphologisch nach NASCET-Kriterien quantifiziert werden. Ebenso war eine PTA im Gef{\"a}ßmodell unter TWMPI-Echtzeit-Bildgebung machbar. Diese Ergebnisse unter­streichen das grundlegende Potenzial von MPI f{\"u}r medizinische Zwecke. Um zu den bereits etablierten Bildgebungsmethoden aufzuschließen, ist jedoch weitere Forschung im Bereich der Scanner-Hard- und -Software sowie bez{\"u}glich SPION-Tracern n{\"o}tig.}, subject = {Medizinische Radiologie}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Pannenbecker2024, author = {Pannenbecker, Pauline Luisa}, title = {Vergleich von Dual- und Single-Source Dual-Energy CT in der Diagnostik der akuten Lungenarterienembolie hinsichtlich Bildqualit{\"a}t und Strahlendosis}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-35206}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-352064}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Hintergrund: Die CT-Pulmonalisangiographie (CTPA) ist diagnostischer Goldstandard der Diagnostik der Lungenarterienembolie (LAE). Durch Dual-Energy CT (DECT) k{\"o}nnen mithilfe von Joddistributionskarten LAEs auf Segment- und Subsegmentebene besser detektiert werden. Neben der etablierten Dual-Source-Technik erm{\"o}glicht ein Split-Filter eine DECT-Akquisition mit Single-Source-Scannern. Ein solcher SF-DECT-Scanner sollte hinsichtlich der Bildqualit{\"a}t sowie der Strahlendosis mit einem etabliertem DS-DECT-Ger{\"a}t verglichen werden. Material und Methoden: Insgesamt wurden 135 Patienten eingeschlossen, die eine CTPA erhielten: 68 erhielten einen DS-DECT-Scan mit 90/Sn150 kV und 67 einen SF-DECT-Scan mit Au/Sn120 kV. F{\"u}r beide Protokolle wurden farbkodierte Joddistributionskarten erstellt. Die objektive (CT-Abschw{\"a}chung in relevanten Gef{\"a}ßen in HU, Signal-Rausch-Verh{\"a}ltnis (SNR), Kontrast-Rausch-Verh{\"a}ltnis (CNR), perfused blood volume (PBV)) und subjektive Bildqualit{\"a}t (2 Befunder (B), 5-Punkte-Likert-Skala) sowie Dosisparameter wurden erhoben und verglichen. Ergebnisse: Alle CTPAs waren von diagnostischer Qualit{\"a}t. Ihre subjektive Bildqualit{\"a}t wurde in 80,9/82,4\% (B1/B2) der DS-DECT und in 77,6/76,1\% der SF-DECT als exzellent oder gut bewertet. Die subjektive Bildqualit{\"a}t der Joddistributionskarten der SF-DECT wurde von beiden Befundern als schlechter beurteilt. Die HU-Werte der relevanten Gef{\"a}ße unterschieden sich nicht signifikant (p>0.05), SNR und CNR der SF-Gruppe waren in zentralen Gef{\"a}ßen jedoch h{\"o}her (p<0.05); die PBV-Werte der SF-Gruppe waren teils h{\"o}her (p<0.05). Alle erhobenen Dosisparameter waren in der SF-Gruppe h{\"o}her (p<0,05). Konklusion: In der diagnostischen Abkl{\"a}rung eines V.a. eine akute LAE erm{\"o}glicht der Einsatz eines Split-Filters an einem Single-Source-CT-Scanner eine Dual-Energy-Untersuchung. Dies geht im Vergleich zu etablierten DS-Scannern jedoch mit einer schlechteren Qualit{\"a}t der Joddistributionskarten und einer h{\"o}heren Strahlendosis einher.}, subject = {Lungenembolie}, language = {de} } @article{AugustinLuciusThurneretal.2022, author = {Augustin, Anne Marie and Lucius, Leonie Johanna and Thurner, Annette and Kickuth, Ralph}, title = {Malignant obstruction of the inferior vena cava: clinical experience with the self-expanding Sinus-XL stent system}, series = {Abdominal Radiology}, volume = {47}, journal = {Abdominal Radiology}, number = {10}, doi = {10.1007/s00261-022-03587-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-324951}, pages = {3604-3614}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Purpose To evaluate the technical and clinical outcome of Sinus-XL stent placement in patients with malignant obstruction syndrome of the inferior vena cava. Methods Between October 2010 and January 2021, 21 patients with different malignant primary disease causing inferior vena cava obstruction were treated with Sinus-XL stent implantation. Procedural data, technical and clinical outcome parameters were retrospectively analyzed. Results Technical success was 100\%. Analysis of available manometry data revealed a significant reduction of the mean translesional pressure gradient following the procedure (p = 0.008). Reintervention rate was 4.8\% (1/21). The available follow-up imaging studies showed primary and primary-assisted stent patency rates of 93\% (13/14) and 100\% (14/14), respectively. Major complications did not occur. The clinical success regarding lower extremity edema was 82.4\% (14/17) for the first and 85.7\% (18/21) for the last follow-up. Longer lengths of IVC obstruction were associated with reduced clinical improvement after the procedure (p = 0.025). Improvement of intraprocedural manometry results and lower extremity edema revealed only minor correlation. Ascites and anasarca were not significantly positively affected by the procedure. Conclusion Sinus-XL stent placement in patients with malignant inferior vena cava obstruction showed high technical success and low complication rates. Regarding the clinical outcome, significant symptom improvement could be achieved in lower extremity edema, whereas ascites and anasarca lacked satisfying symptom relief. Based on our results, this procedure should be considered as a suitable therapy in a palliative care setting for patients with advanced malignant disease.}, 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} } @article{AugustinKertelsWiegeringetal.2022, author = {Augustin, Anne Marie and Kertels, Olivia and Wiegering, Verena and Thurner, Annette and Kickuth, Ralph}, title = {Percutaneous implantation of peripherally inserted totally implantable venous access systems in the forearm in adolescent patients}, series = {Pediatric Radiology}, volume = {52}, journal = {Pediatric Radiology}, number = {8}, doi = {10.1007/s00247-022-05321-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-324947}, pages = {1550-1558}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background Children with different underlying malignant diseases require long-term central venous access. As for port systems in a pectoral position, peripherally implanted port systems in the forearm revealed high levels of technical and clinical success in adult cohorts. Objective To investigate the technical and clinical outcomes of percutaneous central venous port implantation in the forearm in adolescents. Materials and methods Between April 2010 and August 2020, 32 children ages 9 to 17 years with underlying malignancy received 35 totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) in the forearm. All venous port systems were peripherally inserted under ultrasound guidance. Correct catheter placement was controlled by fluoroscopy. As primary endpoints, the technical success, rate of complications and catheter maintenance were analyzed. Secondary endpoints were the side of implantation, vein of catheter access, laboratory results on the day of the procedure, procedural radiation exposure, amount of contrast agent and reasons for port device removal. Results Percutaneous TIVAP placement under sonographic guidance was technically successful in 34 of 35 procedures (97.1\%). Procedure-related complications did not occur. During the follow-up, 13,684 catheter days were analyzed, revealing 11 complications (0.8 per 1,000 catheter-duration days), Of these 11 complications, 7 were major and 10 occurred late. In seven cases, the port device had to be removed; removal-related complications did not occur. Conclusion Peripheral TIVAP placement in the forearms of children is a feasible, effective and safe technique with good midterm outcome. As results are comparable with standard access routes, this technique may be offered as an alternative when intermittent venous access is required.}, language = {en} } @article{SchmidLoisMetzetal.2022, author = {Schmid, Andrea and Lois, Anna-Maria and Metz, Corona and Grunz, Jan-Peter and Veldhoen, Simon}, title = {Not all that looks fractured is broken - multipartite humeral epicondyles in children}, series = {European Radiology}, volume = {32}, journal = {European Radiology}, number = {8}, doi = {10.1007/s00330-022-08670-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-324987}, pages = {5045-5052}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Objective Multipartite epicondyles may mimic fractures in the setting of pediatric elbow trauma. This study examines the prevalence of multipartite epicondyles during skeletal development and their association with pediatric elbow fractures. Materials and methods In this retrospective analysis, 4282 elbow radiographs of 1265 elbows of 1210 patients aged 0-17 years were reviewed. The radiographs were analyzed by two radiologists in consensus reading, and the number of visible portions of the medial and lateral epicondyles was noted. For elbows in which epicondylar ossification was not yet visible, the epicondyles were already fused with the humerus or could not be sufficiently evaluated due to projection issues or because osteosynthesis material was excluded. In total, 187 elbows were included for the lateral and 715 for the medial epicondyle analyses. Results No multipartite medial epicondyles were found in patients without history of elbow fracture, whereas 9\% of these patients had multipartite lateral epicondyles (p < 0.01). Current or previous elbow fractures increased the prevalence of multipartite epicondyles, with significant lateral predominance (medial epicondyle + 9\% vs. lateral + 24\%, p < 0.0001). Including all patients regardless of a history of elbow fracture, multipartite medial epicondyles were observed in 3\% and multipartite lateral epicondyles in 18\% (p < 0.0001). There was no gender difference in the prevalence of multipartition of either epicondyle, regardless of a trauma history. Conclusion Multipartite medial epicondyles occur in patients with current or previous elbow fractures only, whereas multipartite lateral epicondyles may be constitutional. Elbow fractures increase the prevalence of multipartite epicondyles on both sides, with significant lateral predominance. Key Points • Multipartite medial epicondyles should be considered of traumatic origin. • Multipartite lateral epicondyles may be constitutional. • Elbow fractures increase the prevalence of multipartite epicondyles on both sides with lateral predominance.}, language = {en} } @article{GuggenbergerVogtSongetal.2023, author = {Guggenberger, Konstanze V. and Vogt, Marius L. and Song, Jae W. and Weng, Andreas M. and Fr{\"o}hlich, Matthias and Schmalzing, Marc and Venhoff, Nils and Hillenkamp, Jost and Pham, Mirko and Meckel, Stephan and Bley, Thorsten A.}, title = {Intraorbital findings in giant cell arteritis on black blood MRI}, series = {European Radiology}, volume = {33}, journal = {European Radiology}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1007/s00330-022-09256-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-324978}, pages = {2529-2535}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Objective Blindness is a feared complication of giant cell arteritis (GCA). However, the spectrum of pathologic orbital imaging findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in GCA is not well understood. In this study, we assess inflammatory changes of intraorbital structures on black blood MRI (BB-MRI) in patients with GCA compared to age-matched controls. Methods In this multicenter case-control study, 106 subjects underwent BB-MRI. Fifty-six patients with clinically or histologically diagnosed GCA and 50 age-matched controls without clinical or laboratory evidence of vasculitis were included. All individuals were imaged on a 3-T MR scanner with a post-contrast compressed-sensing (CS) T1-weighted sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution (SPACE) BB-MRI sequence. Imaging results were correlated with available clinical symptoms. Results Eighteen of 56 GCA patients (32\%) showed inflammatory changes of at least one of the intraorbital structures. The most common finding was enhancement of at least one of the optic nerve sheaths (N = 13, 72\%). Vessel wall enhancement of the ophthalmic artery was unilateral in 8 and bilateral in 3 patients. Enhancement of the optic nerve was observed in one patient. There was no significant correlation between imaging features of inflammation and clinically reported orbital symptoms (p = 0.10). None of the age-matched control patients showed any inflammatory changes of intraorbital structures. Conclusions BB-MRI revealed inflammatory findings in the orbits in up to 32\% of patients with GCA. Optic nerve sheath enhancement was the most common intraorbital inflammatory change on BB-MRI. MRI findings were independent of clinically reported orbital symptoms. Key Points • Up to 32\% of GCA patients shows signs of inflammation of intraorbital structures on BB-MRI. • Enhancement of the optic nerve sheath is the most common intraorbital finding in GCA patients on BB-MRI. • Features of inflammation of intraorbital structures are independent of clinically reported symptoms.}, language = {en} } @article{PatzerKunzHuflageetal.2023, author = {Patzer, Theresa Sophie and Kunz, Andreas Steven and Huflage, Henner and Conrads, Nora and Luetkens, Karsten Sebastian and Pannenbecker, Pauline and Paul, Mila Marie and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Bley, Thorsten Alexander and Grunz, Jan-Peter}, title = {Ultrahigh-resolution photon-counting CT in cadaveric fracture models: spatial frequency is not everything}, series = {Diagnostics}, volume = {13}, journal = {Diagnostics}, number = {10}, issn = {2075-4418}, doi = {10.3390/diagnostics13101677}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-319281}, year = {2023}, abstract = {In this study, the impact of reconstruction sharpness on the visualization of the appendicular skeleton in ultrahigh-resolution (UHR) photon-counting detector (PCD) CT was investigated. Sixteen cadaveric extremities (eight fractured) were examined with a standardized 120 kVp scan protocol (CTDI\(_{vol}\) 10 mGy). Images were reconstructed with the sharpest non-UHR kernel (Br76) and all available UHR kernels (Br80 to Br96). Seven radiologists evaluated image quality and fracture assessability. Interrater agreement was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient. For quantitative comparisons, signal-to-noise-ratios (SNRs) were calculated. Subjective image quality was best for Br84 (median 1, interquartile range 1-3; p ≤ 0.003). Regarding fracture assessability, no significant difference was ascertained between Br76, Br80 and Br84 (p > 0.999), with inferior ratings for all sharper kernels (p < 0.001). Interrater agreement for image quality (0.795, 0.732-0.848; p < 0.001) and fracture assessability (0.880; 0.842-0.911; p < 0.001) was good. SNR was highest for Br76 (3.4, 3.0-3.9) with no significant difference to Br80 and Br84 (p > 0.999). Br76 and Br80 produced higher SNRs than all kernels sharper than Br84 (p ≤ 0.026). In conclusion, PCD-CT reconstructions with a moderate UHR kernel offer superior image quality for visualizing the appendicular skeleton. Fracture assessability benefits from sharp non-UHR and moderate UHR kernels, while ultra-sharp reconstructions incur augmented image noise.}, language = {en} } @article{HuflageKunzHendeletal.2023, author = {Huflage, Henner and Kunz, Andreas Steven and Hendel, Robin and Kraft, Johannes and Weick, Stefan and Razinskas, Gary and Sauer, Stephanie Tina and Pennig, Lenhard and Bley, Thorsten Alexander and Grunz, Jan-Peter}, title = {Obesity-related pitfalls of virtual versus true non-contrast imaging — an intraindividual comparison in 253 oncologic patients}, series = {Diagnostics}, volume = {13}, journal = {Diagnostics}, number = {9}, issn = {2075-4418}, doi = {10.3390/diagnostics13091558}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-313519}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Objectives: Dual-source dual-energy CT (DECT) facilitates reconstruction of virtual non-contrast images from contrast-enhanced scans within a limited field of view. This study evaluates the replacement of true non-contrast acquisition with virtual non-contrast reconstructions and investigates the limitations of dual-source DECT in obese patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 253 oncologic patients (153 women; age 64.5 ± 16.2 years; BMI 26.6 ± 5.1 kg/m\(^2\)) received both multi-phase single-energy CT (SECT) and DECT in sequential staging examinations with a third-generation dual-source scanner. Patients were allocated to one of three BMI clusters: non-obese: <25 kg/m\(^2\) (n = 110), pre-obese: 25-29.9 kg/m\(^2\) (n = 73), and obese: >30 kg/m\(^2\) (n = 70). Radiation dose and image quality were compared for each scan. DECT examinations were evaluated regarding liver coverage within the dual-energy field of view. Results: While arterial contrast phases in DECT were associated with a higher CTDI\(_{vol}\) than in SECT (11.1 vs. 8.1 mGy; p < 0.001), replacement of true with virtual non-contrast imaging resulted in a considerably lower overall dose-length product (312.6 vs. 475.3 mGy·cm; p < 0.001). The proportion of DLP variance predictable from patient BMI was substantial in DECT (R\(^2\) = 0.738) and SECT (R\(^2\) = 0.620); however, DLP of SECT showed a stronger increase in obese patients (p < 0.001). Incomplete coverage of the liver within the dual-energy field of view was most common in the obese subgroup (17.1\%) compared with non-obese (0\%) and pre-obese patients (4.1\%). Conclusion: DECT facilitates a 30.8\% dose reduction over SECT in abdominal oncologic staging examinations. Employing dual-source scanner architecture, the risk for incomplete liver coverage increases in obese patients.}, language = {en} } @article{LaquaWoznickiBleyetal.2023, author = {Laqua, Fabian Christopher and Woznicki, Piotr and Bley, Thorsten A. and Sch{\"o}neck, Mirjam and Rinneburger, Miriam and Weisthoff, Mathilda and Schmidt, Matthias and Persigehl, Thorsten and Iuga, Andra-Iza and Baeßler, Bettina}, title = {Transfer-learning deep radiomics and hand-crafted radiomics for classifying lymph nodes from contrast-enhanced computed tomography in lung cancer}, series = {Cancers}, volume = {15}, journal = {Cancers}, number = {10}, issn = {2072-6694}, doi = {10.3390/cancers15102850}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-319231}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Objectives: Positron emission tomography (PET) is currently considered the non-invasive reference standard for lymph node (N-)staging in lung cancer. However, not all patients can undergo this diagnostic procedure due to high costs, limited availability, and additional radiation exposure. The purpose of this study was to predict the PET result from traditional contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and to test different feature extraction strategies. Methods: In this study, 100 lung cancer patients underwent a contrast-enhanced \(^{18}\)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT scan between August 2012 and December 2019. We trained machine learning models to predict FDG uptake in the subsequent PET scan. Model inputs were composed of (i) traditional "hand-crafted" radiomics features from the segmented lymph nodes, (ii) deep features derived from a pretrained EfficientNet-CNN, and (iii) a hybrid approach combining (i) and (ii). Results: In total, 2734 lymph nodes [555 (20.3\%) PET-positive] from 100 patients [49\% female; mean age 65, SD: 14] with lung cancer (60\% adenocarcinoma, 21\% plate epithelial carcinoma, 8\% small-cell lung cancer) were included in this study. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) ranged from 0.79 to 0.87, and the scaled Brier score (SBS) ranged from 16 to 36\%. The random forest model (iii) yielded the best results [AUC 0.871 (0.865-0.878), SBS 35.8 (34.2-37.2)] and had significantly higher model performance than both approaches alone (AUC: p < 0.001, z = 8.8 and z = 22.4; SBS: p < 0.001, z = 11.4 and z = 26.6, against (i) and (ii), respectively). Conclusion: Both traditional radiomics features and transfer-learning deep radiomics features provide relevant and complementary information for non-invasive N-staging in lung cancer.}, language = {en} } @article{HabartaJordanMeffertetal., author = {Habarta, Johanna and Jordan, Martin and Meffert, Rainer and Huflage, Henner and Schmalzl, Jonas}, title = {Surgical management of a traumatic elbow dislocation with disruption of the brachial artery. Case report}, series = {Obere Extremit{\"a}t}, volume = {17}, journal = {Obere Extremit{\"a}t}, number = {4}, issn = {1862-6599}, doi = {10.1007/s11678-022-00686-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-323972}, pages = {267-271}, abstract = {Background Dislocations of the elbow are the second most common dislocations of humeral joints following the shoulder. Besides numerous possible concomitant injuries of the collateral ligaments or the extensor or flexor apparatus, an accompanying disruption of the brachial artery is a rare occurrence. In the following, such a case is presented and discussed. Method A 70-year-old woman sustained a closed posterior elbow dislocation with accompanying disruption of the brachial artery due to a fall in a domestic environment. Pulselessness of the radial artery led to a computed tomography angiography being performed, which confirmed the diagnosis. Direct operative vascular reconstruction with a vein insert was carried out. Due to strong swelling of the soft tissue, other examinations of the elbow could not be performed initially. A redislocation a few days later led to an operative stabilization of the elbow joint. Results The final consultation 4 months postoperatively showed a stable, centered elbow joint and a normal perfusion of the affected arm. The elbow function was good with a range of motion of 0/0/110° of extension/flexion. Conclusion An elbow dislocation is a complex injury. An accurate clinical examination of possible concomitant injuries is important and should be repeated in the first few days after the occurrence. Vascular reconstruction should be performed immediately. In the case of persistent joint instability, an operative stabilization is indicated and may be supported by a hinged external fixator.}, language = {en} } @article{DiessnerAndersHerbertetal.2023, author = {Diessner, Joachim and Anders, Laura and Herbert, Saskia and Kiesel, Matthias and Bley, Thorsten and Schlaiss, Tanja and Sauer, Stephanie and W{\"o}ckel, Achim and Bartmann, Catharina}, title = {Evaluation of different imaging modalities for axillary lymph node staging in breast cancer patients to provide a personalized and optimized therapy algorithm}, series = {Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology}, volume = {149}, journal = {Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology}, number = {7}, doi = {10.1007/s00432-022-04221-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-324047}, pages = {3457-3467}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Purpose The reliable detection of tumor-infiltrated axillary lymph nodes for breast cancer [BC] patients plays a decisive role in further therapy. We aimed to find out whether cross-sectional imaging techniques could improve sensitivity for pretherapeutic axillary staging in nodal-positive BC patients compared to conventional imaging such as mammography and sonography. Methods Data for breast cancer patients with tumor-infiltrated axillary lymph nodes having received surgery between 2014 and 2020 were included in this study. All examinations (sonography, mammography, computed tomography [CT] and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) were interpreted by board-certified specialists in radiology. The sensitivity of different imaging modalities was calculated, and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to detect variables influencing the detection of positive lymph nodes. Results All included 382 breast cancer patients had received conventional imaging, while 52.61\% of the patients had received cross-sectional imaging. The sensitivity of the combination of all imaging modalities was 68.89\%. The combination of MRI and CT showed 63.83\% and the combination of sonography and mammography showed 36.11\% sensitivity. Conclusion We could demonstrate that cross-sectional imaging can improve the sensitivity of the detection of tumor-infiltrated axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients. Only the safe detection of these lymph nodes at the time of diagnosis enables the evaluation of the response to neoadjuvant therapy, thereby allowing access to prognosis and improving new post-neoadjuvant therapies.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Kleineisel2024, author = {Kleineisel, Jonas}, title = {Variational networks in magnetic resonance imaging - Application to spiral cardiac MRI and investigations on image quality}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-34737}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-347370}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Acceleration is a central aim of clinical and technical research in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) today, with the potential to increase robustness, accessibility and patient comfort, reduce cost, and enable entirely new kinds of examinations. A key component in this endeavor is image reconstruction, as most modern approaches build on advanced signal and image processing. Here, deep learning (DL)-based methods have recently shown considerable potential, with numerous publications demonstrating benefits for MRI reconstruction. However, these methods often come at the cost of an increased risk for subtle yet critical errors. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to advance DL-based MRI reconstruction, while ensuring high quality and fidelity with measured data. A network architecture specifically suited for this purpose is the variational network (VN). To investigate the benefits these can bring to non-Cartesian cardiac imaging, the first part presents an application of VNs, which were specifically adapted to the reconstruction of accelerated spiral acquisitions. The proposed method is compared to a segmented exam, a U-Net and a compressed sensing (CS) model using qualitative and quantitative measures. While the U-Net performed poorly, the VN as well as the CS reconstruction showed good output quality. In functional cardiac imaging, the proposed real-time method with VN reconstruction substantially accelerates examinations over the gold-standard, from over 10 to just 1 minute. Clinical parameters agreed on average. Generally in MRI reconstruction, the assessment of image quality is complex, in particular for modern non-linear methods. Therefore, advanced techniques for precise evaluation of quality were subsequently demonstrated. With two distinct methods, resolution and amplification or suppression of noise are quantified locally in each pixel of a reconstruction. Using these, local maps of resolution and noise in parallel imaging (GRAPPA), CS, U-Net and VN reconstructions were determined for MR images of the brain. In the tested images, GRAPPA delivers uniform and ideal resolution, but amplifies noise noticeably. The other methods adapt their behavior to image structure, where different levels of local blurring were observed at edges compared to homogeneous areas, and noise was suppressed except at edges. Overall, VNs were found to combine a number of advantageous properties, including a good trade-off between resolution and noise, fast reconstruction times, and high overall image quality and fidelity of the produced output. Therefore, this network architecture seems highly promising for MRI reconstruction.}, subject = {Kernspintomografie}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Lucius2023, author = {Lucius, Leonie Johanna}, title = {Die endovaskul{\"a}re Therapie der malignen unteren Einflussstauung mit dem Sinus-XL® Stent}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-32669}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-326691}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Die interventionelle Radiologie hat sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten zunehmend auf palliativmedizinische sowie onkologische Bereiche ausgeweitet und kann durch minimal-invasive Therapieoptionen gerade in vulnerablen Patientenkollektiven attraktive Behandlungsm{\"o}glichkeiten zur Verf{\"u}gung stellen. Die tumorbedingte untere Einflussstauung ist ein seltenes Krankheitsbild und stellt eine schwere symptomatische Komplikation einer malignen Grunderkrankung dar. Dabei kommt es im Rahmen dieser Grunderkrankung durch die Prim{\"a}rtumormasse oder Metastasen zu extrinsischer Kompression der Vena cava inferior (VCI), Gef{\"a}ßinvasion oder Thrombusbildung. Ziel der Dissertationsarbeit ist es, den technischen und klinischen Erfolg der Sinus-XL ® Stentimplantation in die Vena cava inferior bei einer tumorbedingten unteren Einflussstauung zu untersuchen. Als technischer Erfolg wurde dabei die problemlose Stentimplantation mit anschließender Aufhebung der VCI-Stenose/Okklusion und Revaskularisation der VCI definiert. Bez{\"u}glich des klinischen Erfolges wurde der Frage nachgegangen, inwieweit die Stentimplantation die typischen Symptome einer unteren Einflussstauung ({\"O}deme der unteren Extremit{\"a}t, Aszites und Anasarka) lindern und bestenfalls eliminieren kann. In der vorliegenden Arbeit sind dazu retrospektiv die Daten von insgesamt 21 Patienten (11 Frauen, 10 M{\"a}nner) mit einem medianen Alter von 61 Jahren (19-92 Jahre), die zwischen Oktober 2010 und Januar 2021 aufgrund einer tumorbedingten unteren Einflussstauung mit einem Sinus-XL ® Stent endovaskul{\"a}r versorgt wurden, ausgewertet worden. Zur Quantifizierung der klinischen Symptomatik wurde f{\"u}r das jeweilige Symptom ein Scoring-System entwickelt bzw. modifiziert. Der technische Erfolg belief sich auf 100\% (21/21). Postinterventionell konnte zudem eine signifikante Reduktion des transstenotischen Druckgradienten (p = 0,008) und eine signifikante Aufweitung des Stenosendiameters (p < 0,001) erreicht werden. Die prim{\"a}re und prim{\"a}r-assistierte Stentoffenheit betrug 92,9 \% (13/14) und 100\% (14/14), die anatomische Stentoffenheit (< 50\% Restenose) belief sich auf 53,3 \% (8/15). Die Reinterventionsrate lag bei 4,8 \% (1/21). Schwerwiegende Komplikationen traten nicht auf. Der klinische Erfolg bez{\"u}glich der {\"O}deme der unteren Extremit{\"a}t belief sich auf 82,4 \% (14/17), 93,8 \% (15/16) sowie auf 85,7 \% (18/21) und zeigte in allen betrachteten Zeitintervallen eine signifikante Scorewertreduktion (p < 0,001). Das klinische Outcome bez{\"u}glich der {\"O}deme war bei k{\"u}rzeren Stenosen/Obstruktionen signifikant besser (p = 0,025). Bez{\"u}glich einer intrahepatischen Segmentbeteiligung, der transstenotischen Druckgradienten, der absoluten Gradientenreduktion sowie der {\"U}berlebenszeit nach der Intervention zeigten sich hingegen keine als klinisch relevant einzustufende Ergebnisse. Ein eindeutiger Effekt der Intervention auf die Symptome Anasarka und Aszites konnte nicht nachgewiesen werden. Diesbez{\"u}glich zeigten sich klinische Erfolgsraten von 42,9 \% (6/14) und 5,3 \% (1/19). Im postinterventionellen Verlauf konnten außerdem signifikante Reduktionen der pr{\"a}interventionellen Harnstoffwerte sowie des K{\"o}rpergewichtes der Patienten verzeichnet werden. Zusammenfassend zeigt die vorliegende Arbeit, dass die Sinus-XL ® Stentimplantation geeignet ist, eine tumorbedingte Vena cava inferior-Stenose/Obstruktion aufzuheben und eine Revaskularisation der VCI zu erreichen. Die klinischen Symptome einer unteren Einflussstauung - insbesondere bezogen auf die {\"O}deme der unteren Extremit{\"a}t und mit Einschr{\"a}nkungen bezogen auf die Symptome Aszites und Anasarka - k{\"o}nnen ebenfalls durch die Stentimplantation gelindert und teilweise sogar langanhaltend eliminiert werden. Die Sinus-XL ® Stentimplantation sollte daher stets als Therapieoption bei tumorbedingten unteren Einflussstauungen in Erw{\"a}gung gezogen werden. Nicht zuletzt stellt die Stentimplantation auch eine sichere und komplikationsarme Intervention dar. Weitere Studien, bestenfalls multizentrische Studien, sind jedoch notwendig, um die dargestellten Ergebnisse weiter zu untermauern.}, subject = {Vena cava inferior}, language = {de} } @article{WoźnickiLaquaMessmeretal.2022, author = {Wo{\'{z}}nicki, Piotr and Laqua, Fabian Christopher and Messmer, Katharina and Kunz, Wolfgang Gerhard and Stief, Christian and N{\"o}renberg, Dominik and Schreier, Andrea and W{\´o}jcik, Jan and Ruebenthaler, Johannes and Ingrisch, Michael and Ricke, Jens and Buchner, Alexander and Schulz, Gerald Bastian and Gresser, Eva}, title = {Radiomics for the prediction of overall survival in patients with bladder cancer prior to radical cystectomy}, series = {Cancers}, volume = {14}, journal = {Cancers}, number = {18}, issn = {2072-6694}, doi = {10.3390/cancers14184449}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-288098}, year = {2022}, abstract = {(1) Background: To evaluate radiomics features as well as a combined model with clinical parameters for predicting overall survival in patients with bladder cancer (BCa). (2) Methods: This retrospective study included 301 BCa patients who received radical cystectomy (RC) and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Radiomics features were extracted from the regions of the primary tumor and pelvic lymph nodes as well as the peritumoral regions in preoperative CT scans. Cross-validation was performed in the training cohort, and a Cox regression model with an elastic net penalty was trained using radiomics features and clinical parameters. The models were evaluated with the time-dependent area under the ROC curve (AUC), Brier score and calibration curves. (3) Results: The median follow-up time was 56 months (95\% CI: 48-74 months). In the follow-up period from 1 to 7 years after RC, radiomics models achieved comparable predictive performance to validated clinical parameters with an integrated AUC of 0.771 (95\% CI: 0.657-0.869) compared to an integrated AUC of 0.761 (95\% CI: 0.617-0.874) for the prediction of overall survival (p = 0.98). A combined clinical and radiomics model stratified patients into high-risk and low-risk groups with significantly different overall survival (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Radiomics features based on preoperative CT scans have prognostic value in predicting overall survival before RC. Therefore, radiomics may guide early clinical decision-making.}, language = {en} } @unpublished{HeidenreichGassenmaierAnkenbrandetal.2021, author = {Heidenreich, Julius F. and Gassenmaier, Tobias and Ankenbrand, Markus J. and Bley, Thorsten A. and Wech, Tobias}, title = {Self-configuring nnU-net pipeline enables fully automatic infarct segmentation in late enhancement MRI after myocardial infarction}, edition = {accepted version}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.109817}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-323418}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Purpose To fully automatically derive quantitative parameters from late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac MR (CMR) in patients with myocardial infarction and to investigate if phase sensitive or magnitude reconstructions or a combination of both results in best segmentation accuracy. Methods In this retrospective single center study, a convolutional neural network with a U-Net architecture with a self-configuring framework ("nnU-net") was trained for segmentation of left ventricular myocardium and infarct zone in LGE-CMR. A database of 170 examinations from 78 patients with history of myocardial infarction was assembled. Separate fitting of the model was performed, using phase sensitive inversion recovery, the magnitude reconstruction or both contrasts as input channels. Manual labelling served as ground truth. In a subset of 10 patients, the performance of the trained models was evaluated and quantitatively compared by determination of the S{\o}rensen-Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and volumes of the infarct zone compared with the manual ground truth using Pearson's r correlation and Bland-Altman analysis. Results The model achieved high similarity coefficients for myocardium and scar tissue. No significant difference was observed between using PSIR, magnitude reconstruction or both contrasts as input (PSIR and MAG; mean DSC: 0.83 ± 0.03 for myocardium and 0.72 ± 0.08 for scars). A strong correlation for volumes of infarct zone was observed between manual and model-based approach (r = 0.96), with a significant underestimation of the volumes obtained from the neural network. Conclusion The self-configuring nnU-net achieves predictions with strong agreement compared to manual segmentation, proving the potential as a promising tool to provide fully automatic quantitative evaluation of LGE-CMR.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Steingrueber2023, author = {Steingr{\"u}ber, Marcus}, title = {Die perkutane transluminale Zangenbiopsie bili{\"a}rer Strikturen: Eine neuartige Methode}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-32172}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-321721}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Das Ziel der Studie bestand darin, die Durchf{\"u}hrbarkeit, Effizienz und Sicherheit der perkutanen transluminalen Zangenbiopsie bei bili{\"a}ren Strikturen nach „Cross and push" Technik am Universit{\"a}tsklinikum W{\"u}rzburg zu evaluieren. Die Gewinnung der Zangenbiopsie bei den insgesamt 17 Patienten erfolgte an den baugleichen Angiographieeinheiten der interventionellen radiologischen Abteilung. Die Schaffung des bili{\"a}ren Zugangsweges wurde per Feinnadelpunktion oder {\"u}ber einen bereits einliegenden Drainagekatheter durchgef{\"u}hrt. Nach Vordirigieren einer armierten F{\"u}hrungsschleuse bis unmittelbar vor die Stenose wurden die Gewebeproben mittels Biopsiezange entnommen. Auf diese Weise sollte ein Abknicken des Instrumentariums durch die fibrotische Beschaffenheit der Striktur vermieden und so die Gewebegewinnung erleichtert werden. Im Anschluss folgten die PTCD-Neuanlage bzw. der Katheterwechsel sowie die histologische Auswertung der Zangenbiopsie. Die Dokumentation umfasste den technischen Erfolg, die Biopsieanzahl sowie -gr{\"o}ße, die Untersuchungs- und die Fluoroskopiezeit, das Dosisfl{\"a}chenprodukt, die Repr{\"a}sentativit{\"a}t der Biopsien und die Komplikationsrate. Die technische Erfolgsrate lag bei 100 \%. Bei zehn Patienten und Patientinnen (58,8 \%) wurde in der Zangenbiopsie ein Malignom best{\"a}tigt. Bei sieben Betroffenen (41,2 \%) ergab die Zangenbiopsie einen benignen Befund, wobei dieser in zwei F{\"a}llen (11,8 \%) falsch negativ war. Die Kriterien der Repr{\"a}sentativit{\"a}t wurden bei elf Patienten und Patientinnen (64,7 \%) erf{\"u}llt. Die mediane Biopsiezahl betrug 4 und die Biopsiegr{\"o}ße war 1 - 2 mm. Bei einer medianen Untersuchungszeit von 24 min bemaß sich die mediane Fluoroskopiezeit auf 7,6 min. Das mediane DAP f{\"u}r alle Interventionen betrug 2.593 μGym2. Zu einer Majorkomplikation kam es bei einer Patientin (5,9 \%). Bei der perkutanen transluminalen Zangenbiopsie nach „Cross and push" Technik handelt es sich um ein effektives und sicheres Verfahren zur histologischen Beurteilung bili{\"a}rer Strikturen mit einer moderaten Komplikationsrate. Die Anwendung sollte besonders bei proximalen Strikturen in Betracht gezogen werden, wenn die ERCP oder alternative Verfahren nicht erfolgreich waren und parallel eine Entlastung der Cholestase via PTCD intendiert oder bereits vorhanden ist. Zur weiteren Evaluation der Methode ist zuk{\"u}nftig die Betrachtung eines gr{\"o}ßeren Patientenkollektives n{\"o}tig. Um das Verfahren mit Alternativmethoden vergleichen zu k{\"o}nnen, bedarf es randomisierter kontrollierter Studien.}, language = {de} } @article{RascheKumarGershneretal.2019, author = {Rasche, Leo and Kumar, Manoj and Gershner, Grant and Samant, Rohan and Van Hemert, Rudy and Heidemeier, Anke and Lapa, Constantin and Bley, Thorsten and Buck, Andreas and McDonald, James and Hillengass, Jens and Epstein, Joshua and Thanendrarajan, Sharmilan and Schinke, Carolina and van Rhee, Frits and Zangari, Maurizio and Barlogie, Bart and Davies, Faith E. and Morgan, Gareth J. and Weinhold, Niels}, title = {Lack of Spleen Signal on Diffusion Weighted MRI is associated with High Tumor Burden and Poor Prognosis in Multiple Myeloma: A Link to Extramedullary Hematopoiesis?}, series = {Theranostics}, volume = {9}, journal = {Theranostics}, number = {16}, doi = {10.7150/thno.33289}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-224982}, pages = {4756-4763}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Due to the low frequency of abnormalities affecting the spleen, this organ is often overlooked during radiological examinations. Here, we report on the unexpected finding, that the spleen signal on diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) is associated with clinical parameters in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias. Methods: We investigated the spleen signal on DW-MRI together with clinical and molecular parameters in 295 transplant-eligible newly diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM) patients and in 72 cases with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Results: Usually, the spleen is the abdominal organ with the highest intensities on DW-MRI. Yet, significant signal loss on DW-MRI images was seen in 71 of 295 (24\%) NDMM patients. This phenomenon was associated with the level of bone marrow plasmacytosis (P=1x10(-10)) and International Staging System 3 (P=0.0001) but not with gain(1q), and del(17p) or plasma cell gene signatures. The signal was preserved in 72 individuals with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and generally re-appeared in MM patients responding to treatment, suggesting that lack of signal reflects increased tumor burden. While absence of spleen signal in MM patients with high risk disease defined a subgroup with very poor outcome, re-appearance of the spleen signal after autologous stem cell transplantation was seen in patients with improved outcome. Our preliminary observation suggests that extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen is a factor that modifies the DW-MRI signal of this organ. Conclusions: The DW-MRI spleen signal is a promising marker for tumor load and provides prognostic information in MM.}, language = {en} } @article{ZhouDierksKertelsetal.2020, author = {Zhou, Xiang and Dierks, Alexander and Kertels, Olivia and Kircher, Malte and Schirbel, Andreas and Samnick, Samuel and Buck, Andreas K. and Knorz, Sebastian and B{\"o}ckle, David and Scheller, Lukas and Messerschmidt, Janin and Barakat, Mohammad and Kort{\"u}m, K. Martin and Rasche, Leo and Einsele, Hermann and Lapa, Constantin}, title = {18F-FDG, 11C-Methionine, and 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT in patients with smoldering multiple myeloma: imaging pattern and clinical features}, series = {Cancers}, volume = {12}, journal = {Cancers}, number = {8}, issn = {2072-6694}, doi = {10.3390/cancers12082333}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-211240}, year = {2020}, abstract = {This study aimed to explore the correlation between imaging patterns and clinical features in patients with smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) who simultaneously underwent 18F-FDG, 11C-Methionine, and 68Ga-Pentixafor positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). We retrieved and analyzed clinical characteristics and PET imaging data of 10 patients with SMM. We found a significant correlation between bone marrow (BM) plasma cell (PC) infiltration and mean standardized uptake values (SUV\(_{mean}\)) of lumbar vertebrae L2-L4 on 11C-Methionine PET/CT scans (r = 0.676, p = 0.031) and 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT scans (r = 0.839, p = 0.002). However, there was no significant correlation between BM involvement and SUV\(_{mean}\) of lumbar vertebrae L2-L4 on 18F-FDG PET/CT scans (r = 0.558, p = 0.093). Similarly, mean target-to-background ratios (TBR\(_{mean}\)) of lumbar vertebrae L2-L4 also correlated with bone marrow plasma cell (BMPC) infiltration in 11C-Methionine PET/CT (r = 0.789, p = 0.007) and 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT (r = 0.724, p = 0.018) PET/CT. In contrast, we did not observe a significant correlation between BMPC infiltration rate and TBR\(_{mean}\) in 18F-FDG PET/CT (r = 0.355, p = 0.313). Additionally, on 11C-Methionine PET/CT scans, we found a significant correlation between BMPC infiltration and TBR\(_{max}\) of lumbar vertebrae L2-L4 (r = 0.642, p = 0.045). In conclusion, 11C-Methionine and 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT demonstrate higher sensitivity than 18F-FDG PET/CT in detecting BM involvement in SMM.}, language = {en} } @article{HerzStefanescuLohretal.2022, author = {Herz, Stefan and Stefanescu, Maria R. and Lohr, David and Vogel, Patrick and Kosmala, Aleksander and Terekhov, Maxim and Weng, Andreas M. and Grunz, Jan-Peter and Bley, Thorsten A. and Schreiber, Laura M.}, title = {Effects of image homogeneity on stenosis visualization at 7 T in a coronary artery phantom study: With and without B1-shimming and parallel transmission}, series = {PloS One}, volume = {17}, journal = {PloS One}, number = {6}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0270689}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-300129}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background To investigate the effects of B\(_1\)-shimming and radiofrequency (RF) parallel transmission (pTX) on the visualization and quantification of the degree of stenosis in a coronary artery phantom using 7 Tesla (7 T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods Stenosis phantoms with different grades of stenosis (0\%, 20\%, 40\%, 60\%, 80\%, and 100\%; 5 mm inner vessel diameter) were produced using 3D printing (clear resin). Phantoms were imaged with four different concentrations of diluted Gd-DOTA representing established arterial concentrations after intravenous injection in humans. Samples were centrally positioned in a thorax phantom of 30 cm diameter filled with a custom-made liquid featuring dielectric properties of muscle tissue. MRI was performed on a 7 T whole-body system. 2D-gradient-echo sequences were acquired with an 8-channel transmit 16-channel receive (8 Tx / 16 Rx) cardiac array prototype coil with and without pTX mode. Measurements were compared to those obtained with identical scan parameters using a commercially available 1 Tx / 16 Rx single transmit coil (sTX). To assess reproducibility, measurements (n = 15) were repeated at different horizontal angles with respect to the B0-field. Results B\(_1\)-shimming and pTX markedly improved flip angle homogeneity across the thorax phantom yielding a distinctly increased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) averaged over a whole slice relative to non-manipulated RF fields. Images without B\(_1\)-shimming showed shading artifacts due to local B\(_1\)\(^+\)-field inhomogeneities, which hampered stenosis quantification in severe cases. In contrast, B\(_1\)-shimming and pTX provided superior image homogeneity. Compared with a conventional sTX coil higher grade stenoses (60\% and 80\%) were graded significantly (p<0.01) more precise. Mild to moderate grade stenoses did not show significant differences. Overall, SNR was distinctly higher with B\(_1\)-shimming and pTX than with the conventional sTX coil (inside the stenosis phantoms 14\%, outside the phantoms 32\%). Both full and half concentration (10.2 mM and 5.1 mM) of a conventional Gd-DOTA dose for humans were equally suitable for stenosis evaluation in this phantom study. Conclusions B\(_1\)-shimming and pTX at 7 T can distinctly improve image homogeneity and therefore provide considerably more accurate MR image analysis, which is beneficial for imaging of small vessel structures.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{KlinnertVlachopoulou2023, author = {Klinnert Vlachopoulou, Cristina Maria}, title = {Comparison between Dual-Energy-CT perfusion imaging and perfusion-weighted SElf-gated Non-Contrast-Enhanced FUnctional MR imaging of the lung in patients with pulmonary artery embolism}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-31303}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-313034}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Pulmonary artery embolism (PE) is a common condition and an even more common clinical suspect. The computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) is the main medical imaging tool used to diagnose a suspected case of PE. To gain a better impression of the effects of a PE on the perfusion and hence the gas exchange, a functional imaging method is beneficial. One approach for functional imaging using radiation exposure is the generation of color-coded iodine perfusion maps acquired by Dual-Energy Computed Tomography (DECT), which enable the detection of perfusion defects in the pulmonary parenchyma. In contrast to the existing approach of DECT with iodine color-coded maps, the SElf-gated Non-Contrast-Enhanced FUnctional Lung (SENCEFUL) MRI technique offers the possibility to interpret perfusion maps without any radiation exposure or application of contrast agents. The measurement in SENCEFUL MRI can be performed during conditions of free breathing and without electrocardiogram triggering. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PE can be diagnosed on the basis of visible perfusion defects in the perfusion maps of SENCEFUL MRI and in the iodine-coded maps of DECT and to compare the diagnostic performance of these methods. Both SENCEFUL-MRI and iodine distribution maps from DECT have been compared with the CTPA of ten patients with PE. Additionally, the functional images were compared with each other on a per-patient basis. The iodine perfusion maps of DECT had a sensitivity of 84.2 \% and specificity of 65.2 \% for the diagnosis of PE. The SENCEFUL technique in MRI showed a sensitivity of 78.9 \% and a specificity of 26.1 \%. When comparing the whole lung depicted in both series of functional images, the main perfusion defect location matched in four of ten patients (40 \%). In conclusion, this work found that DECT iodine maps have higher sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism compared with SENCEFUL MRI.}, subject = {Lungenembolie}, language = {en} } @article{ThurnerAugustinBleyetal.2022, author = {Thurner, Annette and Augustin, Anne Marie and Bley, Thorsten Alexander and Kickuth, Ralph}, title = {2D-perfusion angiography for intra-procedural endovascular treatment response assessment in chronic mesenteric ischemia: a feasibility study}, series = {BMC Medical Imaging}, volume = {22}, journal = {BMC Medical Imaging}, doi = {10.1186/s12880-022-00820-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-301131}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background Endovascular revascularization has become the first-line treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). The qualitative visual analysis of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is dependent on observer experience and prone to interpretation errors. We evaluate the feasibility of 2D-Perfusion Angiography (2D-PA) for objective, quantitative treatment response assessment in CMI. Methods 49 revascularizations in 39 patients with imaging based evidence of mesenteric vascular occlusive disease and clinical signs of CMI were included in this retrospective study. To assess perfusion changes by 2D-PA, DSA-series were post-processed using a dedicated, commercially available software. Regions of interest (ROI) were placed in the pre- and post-stenotic artery segment. In aorto-ostial disease, the inflow ROI was positioned at the mesenteric artery orifice. The ratios outflow to inflow ROI for peak density (PD), time to peak and area-under-the-curve (AUC) were computed and compared pre- and post-interventionally. We graded motion artifacts by means of a four-point scale. Feasibility of 2D-PA and changes of flow parameters were evaluated. Results Motion artifacts due to a mobile vessel location beneath the diaphragm or within the mesenteric root, branch vessel superimposition and inadequate contrast enhancement at the inflow ROI during manually conducted DSA-series via selective catheters owing to steep vessel angulation, necessitated exclusion of 26 measurements from quantitative flow evaluation. The feasibility rate was 47\%. In 23 technically feasible assessments, PD\(_{outflow}\)/PD\(_{inflow}\) increased by 65\% (p < 0.001) and AUC\(_{outflow}\)/AUC\(_{inflow}\) increased by 85\% (p < 0.001). The time to peak density values in the outflow ROI accelerated only minimally without reaching statistical significance. Age, BMI, target vessel (celiac trunk, SMA or IMA), stenosis location (ostial or truncal), calcification severity, plaque composition or the presence of a complex stenosis did not reach statistical significance in their distribution among the feasible and non-feasible group (p > 0.05). Conclusions Compared to other vascular territories and indications, the feasibility of 2D-PA in mesenteric revascularization for CMI was limited. Unfavorable anatomic conditions contributed to a high rate of inconclusive 2D-PA results.}, language = {en} } @article{TraubGrondeyGassenmaieretal.2022, author = {Traub, Jan and Grondey, Katja and Gassenmaier, Tobias and Schmitt, Dominik and Fette, Georg and Frantz, Stefan and Boivin-Jahns, Val{\´e}rie and Jahns, Roland and St{\"o}rk, Stefan and Stoll, Guido and Reiter, Theresa and Hofmann, Ulrich and Weber, Martin S. and Frey, Anna}, title = {Sustained increase in serum glial fibrillary acidic protein after first ST-elevation myocardial infarction}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {23}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {18}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms231810304}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-288261}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Acute ischemic cardiac injury predisposes one to cognitive impairment, dementia, and depression. Pathophysiologically, recent positron emission tomography data suggest astroglial activation after experimental myocardial infarction (MI). We analyzed peripheral surrogate markers of glial (and neuronal) damage serially within 12 months after the first ST-elevation MI (STEMI). Serum levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were quantified using ultra-sensitive molecular immunoassays. Sufficient biomaterial was available from 45 STEMI patients (aged 28 to 78 years, median 56 years, 11\% female). The median (quartiles) of GFAP was 63.8 (47.0, 89.9) pg/mL and of NfL 10.6 (7.2, 14.8) pg/mL at study entry 0-4 days after STEMI. GFAP after STEMI increased in the first 3 months, with a median change of +7.8 (0.4, 19.4) pg/mL (p = 0.007). It remained elevated without further relevant increases after 6 months (+11.7 (0.6, 23.5) pg/mL; p = 0.015), and 12 months (+10.3 (1.5, 22.7) pg/mL; p = 0.010) compared to the baseline. Larger relative infarction size was associated with a higher increase in GFAP (ρ = 0.41; p = 0.009). In contrast, NfL remained unaltered in the course of one year. Our findings support the idea of central nervous system involvement after MI, with GFAP as a potential peripheral biomarker of chronic glial damage as one pathophysiologic pathway.}, language = {en} } @article{WoznickiLaquaBleyetal.2022, author = {Woznicki, Piotr and Laqua, Fabian and Bley, Thorsten and Baeßler, Bettina}, title = {AutoRadiomics: a framework for reproducible radiomics research}, series = {Frontiers in Radiology}, volume = {2}, journal = {Frontiers in Radiology}, issn = {2673-8740}, doi = {10.3389/fradi.2022.919133}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-284813}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Purpose Machine learning based on radiomics features has seen huge success in a variety of clinical applications. However, the need for standardization and reproducibility has been increasingly recognized as a necessary step for future clinical translation. We developed a novel, intuitive open-source framework to facilitate all data analysis steps of a radiomics workflow in an easy and reproducible manner and evaluated it by reproducing classification results in eight available open-source datasets from different clinical entities. Methods The framework performs image preprocessing, feature extraction, feature selection, modeling, and model evaluation, and can automatically choose the optimal parameters for a given task. All analysis steps can be reproduced with a web application, which offers an interactive user interface and does not require programming skills. We evaluated our method in seven different clinical applications using eight public datasets: six datasets from the recently published WORC database, and two prostate MRI datasets—Prostate MRI and Ultrasound With Pathology and Coordinates of Tracked Biopsy (Prostate-UCLA) and PROSTATEx. Results In the analyzed datasets, AutoRadiomics successfully created and optimized models using radiomics features. For WORC datasets, we achieved AUCs ranging from 0.56 for lung melanoma metastases detection to 0.93 for liposarcoma detection and thereby managed to replicate the previously reported results. No significant overfitting between training and test sets was observed. For the prostate cancer detection task, results were better in the PROSTATEx dataset (AUC = 0.73 for prostate and 0.72 for lesion mask) than in the Prostate-UCLA dataset (AUC 0.61 for prostate and 0.65 for lesion mask), with external validation results varying from AUC = 0.51 to AUC = 0.77. Conclusion AutoRadiomics is a robust tool for radiomic studies, which can be used as a comprehensive solution, one of the analysis steps, or an exploratory tool. Its wide applicability was confirmed by the results obtained in the diverse analyzed datasets. The framework, as well as code for this analysis, are publicly available under https://github.com/pwoznicki/AutoRadiomics.}, language = {en} } @article{HerzbergDornTrummetal.2022, author = {Herzberg, Moriz and Dorn, Franziska and Trumm, Christoph and Kellert, Lars and Tiedt, Steffen and Feil, Katharina and K{\"u}pper, Clemens and Wollenweber, Frank and Liebig, Thomas and Zimmermann, Hanna}, title = {Middle cerebral artery M2 thrombectomy: safety and technical considerations in the German Stroke Registry (GSR)}, series = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, volume = {11}, journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, number = {15}, issn = {2077-0383}, doi = {10.3390/jcm11154619}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-286052}, year = {2022}, abstract = {There is ongoing debate concerning the safety and efficacy of various mechanical thrombectomy (MT) approaches for M2 occlusions. We compared these for MT in M2 versus M1 occlusions. Subgroup analyses of different technical approaches within the M2 MT cohort were also performed. Patients were included from the German Stroke Registry (GSR), a multicenter registry of consecutive MT patients. Primary outcomes were reperfusion success events. Secondary outcomes were early clinical improvement (improvement in NIHSS score > 4) and independent survival at 90 days (mRS 0-2). Out of 3804 patients, 2689 presented with M1 (71\%) and 1115 with isolated M2 occlusions (29\%). The mean age was 76 (CI 65-82) and 77 (CI 66-83) years, respectively. Except for baseline NIHSS (15 (CI 10-18) vs. 11 (CI 6-16), p < 0.001) and ASPECTS (9 (CI 7-10) vs. 9 (CI 8-10, p < 0.001), baseline demographics were balanced. Apart from a more frequent use of dedicated small vessel stent retrievers (svSR) in M2 (17.4\% vs. 3.0; p < 0.001), intraprocedural aspects were balanced. There was no difference in ICH at 24 h (11\%; p = 1.0), adverse events (14.4\% vs. 18.1\%; p = 0.63), clinical improvement (62.5\% vs. 61.4 \%; p = 0.57), mortality (26.9\% vs. 22.9\%; p = 0.23). In M2 MT, conventional stent retriever (cSR) achieved higher rates of mTICI3 (54.0\% vs. 37.7-42.0\%; p < 0.001), requiring more MT-maneuvers (7, CI 2-8) vs. 2 (CI 2-7)/(CI 2-2); p < 0.001) and without impact on efficacy and outcome. Real-life MT in M2 can be performed with equal safety and efficacy as in M1 occlusions. Different recanalization techniques including the use of svSR did not result in significant differences regarding safety, efficacy and outcome.}, language = {en} } @article{KippnichDuempertSchorscheretal.2022, author = {Kippnich, Maximilian and Duempert, Maximilian and Schorscher, Nora and Jordan, Martin C. and Kunz, Andreas S. and Meybohm, Patrick and Wurmb, Thomas}, title = {Simultaneous treatment of trauma patients in a dual room trauma suite with integrated movable sliding gantry CT system: an observational study}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {12}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-022-20491-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-299695}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The trauma center of the University Hospital Wuerzburg has developed an advanced trauma pathway based on a dual-room trauma suite with an integrated movable sliding gantry CT-system. This enables simultaneous CT-diagnostics and treatment of two trauma patients. The focus of this study was to investigate the quality of the concept based on defined outcome criteria in this specific setting (time from arrival to initiation of CT scan: tCT; time from arrival to initiation of emergency surgery: tES). We analyzed all trauma patients admitted to the hospital's trauma suite from 1st May 2019 through 29th April 2020. Two subgroups were defined: trauma patients, who were treated without a second trauma patient present (group 1) and patients, who were treated simultaneously with another trauma patient (group 2). Simultaneous treatment was defined as parallel arrival within a period of 20 min. Of 423 included trauma patients, 46 patients (10.9\%) were treated simultaneously. Car accidents were the predominant trauma mechanism in this group (19.6\% vs. 47.8\%, p < 0.05). Prehospital life-saving procedures were performed with comparable frequency in both groups (intubation 43.5\% vs. 39\%, p = 0.572); pleural drainage 3.2\% vs. 2.2\%, p = 0.708; cardiopulmonary resuscitation 5\% vs. 2.2\%, p = 0.387). At hospital admission, patients in group 2 suffered significantly more pain (E-problem according to Advanced Trauma Life Support principles©; 29.2\% vs. 45.7\%, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the clinical treatment (emergency procedures, vasopressor and coagulant therapy, and transfusion of red blood cells). tCT was 6 (4-10) minutes (median and IQR) in group 1 and 8 (5-15.5) minutes in group 2 (p = 0.280). tES was 90 (78-106) minutes in group 1 and 99 (97-108) minutes in group 2 (p = 0.081). The simultaneous treatment of two trauma patients in a dual-room trauma suite with an integrated movable sliding gantry CT-system requires a medical, organizational, and technical concept adapted to this special setting. Despite the oftentimes serious and life-threatening injuries, optimal diagnostic and therapeutic procedures can be guaranteed for two simultaneous trauma patients at an individual medical level in consistent quality.}, language = {en} } @article{JordanBroeerFischeretal.2022, author = {Jordan, Martin C. and Br{\"o}er, David and Fischer, Christian and Heilig, Philipp and Gilbert, Fabian and H{\"o}lscher-Doht, Stefanie and Kalogirou, Charis and Popp, Kevin and Grunz, Jan-Peter and Huflage, Henner and Jakubietz, Rafael G. and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Meffert, Rainer H.}, title = {Development and preclinical evaluation of a cable-clamp fixation device for a disrupted pubic symphysis}, series = {Communications Medicine}, volume = {2}, journal = {Communications Medicine}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1038/s43856-022-00227-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-299800}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background Traumatic separation of the pubic symphysis can destabilize the pelvis and require surgical fixation to reduce symphyseal gapping. The traditional approach involves open reduction and the implantation of a steel symphyseal plate (SP) on the pubic bone to hold the reposition. Despite its widespread use, SP-fixation is often associated with implant failure caused by screw loosening or breakage. Methods To address the need for a more reliable surgical intervention, we developed and tested two titanium cable-clamp implants. The cable served as tensioning device while the clamp secured the cable to the bone. The first implant design included a steel cable anterior to the pubic symphysis to simplify its placement outside the pelvis, and the second design included a cable encircling the pubic symphysis to stabilize the anterior pelvic ring. Using highly reproducible synthetic bone models and a limited number of cadaver specimens, we performed a comprehensive biomechanical study of implant stability and evaluated surgical feasibility. Results We were able to demonstrate that the cable-clamp implants provide stability equivalent to that of a traditional SP-fixation but without the same risks of implant failure. We also provide detailed ex vivo evaluations of the safety and feasibility of a trans-obturator surgical approach required for those kind of fixation. Conclusion We propose that the developed cable-clamp fixation devices may be of clinical value in treating pubic symphysis separation.}, language = {en} } @article{HeinzMellerLuetkensetal.2022, author = {Heinz, Tizian and Meller, Felix and Luetkens, Karsten Sebastian and Horas, Konstantin and Sch{\"a}fer, Thomas and Rudert, Maximilian and Reppenhagen, Stephan and Weißenberger, Manuel}, title = {Can the MRI based AMADEUS score accurately assess pre-surgery chondral defect severity according to the ICRS arthroscopic classification system?}, series = {Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics}, volume = {9}, journal = {Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics}, number = {1}, issn = {2197-1153}, doi = {10.1186/s40634-022-00511-w}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-300781}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Purpose The AMADEUS (Area Measurement And DEpth and Underlying Structures) scoring and grading system has been proposed for the MRI based evaluation of untreated focal chondral defects around the knee. The clinical practicability, its correlation with arthroscopically assessed grading systems (ICRS - International Cartilage Repair Society) and thereby its clinical value in terms of decision making and guiding prognosis was yet to determine. Methods From 2008 to 2019 a total of 89 individuals were indicated for high tibial valgus osteotomy (HTO) due to tibial varus deformity and concomitant chondral defects of the medial compartment of the knee. All patients received a preoperative MRI (1.5 Tesla or 3.0 Tesla) and pre-osteotomy diagnostic arthroscopy. Chondral defects of the medial compartment were scored and graded with the MRI based AMADEUS by three independent raters and compared to arthroscopic defect grading by the ICRS system. Interrater and intrarater reliability as well as correlation analysis with the ICRS classification system were assessed. Results Intraclass correlation coefficients for the various subscores of the AMADEUS showed an overall good to excellent interrater agreement (min: 0.26, max: 0.80). Intrarater agreement turned out to be substantially inferior (min: 0.08, max: 0.53). Spearman correlation revealed an overall moderate correlative association of the AMADEUS subscores with the ICRS classification system, apart from the defect area subscore. Sensitivity of the AMADEUS to accurately identify defect severity according to the ICRS was 0.7 (0.69 for 3.0 Tesla MRI, 0.67 for 1.5 Tesla MRI). The mean AMADEUS grade was 2.60 ± 0.81 and the mean ICRS score 2.90 ± 0.63. Conclusions Overall, the AMADEUS with all its subscores shows moderate correlation with the arthroscopic chondral grading system according to ICRS. This suggests that chondral defect grading by means of the MRI based AMADEUS is well capable of influencing and guiding treatment decisions. Interrater reliability shows overall good agreement.}, language = {en} } @article{GrunzSailerLangetal.2022, author = {Grunz, Jan-Peter and Sailer, Lukas and Lang, Patricia and Sch{\"u}le, Simone and Kunz, Andreas Steven and Beer, Meinrad and Hackenbroch, Carsten}, title = {Dual-energy CT in sacral fragility fractures: defining a cut-off Hounsfield unit value for the presence of traumatic bone marrow edema in patients with osteoporosis}, series = {BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders}, volume = {23}, journal = {BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1186/s12891-022-05690-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-301125}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background Demographic change entails an increasing incidence of fragility fractures. Dual-energy CT (DECT) with virtual non-calcium (VNCa) reconstructions has been introduced as a promising diagnostic method for evaluating bone microarchitecture and marrow simultaneously. This study aims to define the most accurate cut-off value in Hounsfield units (HU) for discriminating the presence and absence of bone marrow edema (BME) in sacral fragility fractures. Methods Forty-six patients (40 women, 6 men; 79.7 ± 9.2 years) with suspected fragility fractures of the sacrum underwent both DECT (90 kVp / 150 kVp with tin prefiltration) and MRI. Nine regions-of-interest were placed in each sacrum on DECT-VNCa images. The resulting 414 HU measurements were stratified into "edema" (n = 80) and "no edema" groups (n = 334) based on reference BME detection in T2-weighted MRI sequences. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to determine the desired cut-off value and an associated conspicuity range for edema detection. Results The mean density within the "edema" group of measurements (+ 3.1 ± 8.3 HU) was substantially higher compared to the "no edema" group (-51.7 ± 21.8 HU; p < 0.010). Analysis in DECT-VNCa images suggested a cut-off value of -12.9 HU that enabled sensitivity and specificity of 100\% for BME detection compared to MRI. A range of HU values between -14.0 and + 20.0 is considered indicative of BME in the sacrum. Conclusions Quantitative analysis of DECT-VNCa with a cut-off of -12.9 HU allows for excellent diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of sacral fragility fractures with associated BME. A diagnostic "one-stop-shop" approach without additional MRI is feasible.}, language = {en} } @article{GietzenKunzLuetkensetal.2022, author = {Gietzen, Carsten Herbert and Kunz, Andreas Steven and Luetkens, Karsten Sebastian and Huflage, Henner and Christopoulos, Georgios and van Schoonhoven, J{\"o}rg and Bley, Thorsten Alexander and Schmitt, Rainer and Grunz, Jan-Peter}, title = {Evaluation of prestyloid recess morphology and ulnar-sided contrast leakage in CT arthrography of the wrist}, series = {BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders}, volume = {23}, journal = {BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1186/s12891-022-05241-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-301113}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background In wrist arthrograms, aberrant contrast material is frequently seen extending into the soft tissue adjacent to the ulnar styloid process. Since the prestyloid recess can mimic contrast leakage in CT arthrography, this study aims to provide a detailed analysis of its morphologic variability, while investigating whether actual ulnar-sided leakage is associated with injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Methods Eighty-six patients with positive wrist trauma history underwent multi-compartment CT arthrography (40 women, median age 44.5 years). Studies were reviewed by two board-certified radiologists, who documented the morphology of the prestyloid recess regarding size, opening type, shape and position, as well as the presence or absence of ulnar-sided contrast leakage. Correlations between leakage and the presence of TFCC injuries were assessed using the mean square contingency coefficient (r\(_{ɸ}\)). Results The most common configuration of the prestyloid recess included a narrow opening (73.26\%; width 2.26 ± 1.43 mm), saccular shape (66.28\%), and palmar position compared to the styloid process (55.81\%). Its mean length and anterior-posterior diameter were 6.89 ± 2.36 and 5.05 ± 1.97 mm, respectively. Ulnar-sided contrast leakage was reported in 29 patients (33.72\%) with a mean extent of 12.30 ± 5.31 mm. Leakage occurred more often in patients with ulnar-sided TFCC injuries (r\(_{ɸ}\) = 0.480; p < 0.001), whereas no association was found for lesions of the central articular disc (r\(_{ɸ}\) = 0.172; p = 0.111). Conclusions Since ulnar-sided contrast leakage is more common in patients with peripheral TFCC injuries, distinction between an atypical configuration of the prestyloid recess and actual leakage is important in CT arthrography of the wrist.}, language = {en} }