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Biomedical subjects

M E Noz

Publications and source records attributed to M E Noz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Fusion of radiostereometric analysis data into computed tomography space: application to the elbow joint.

Improvement of joint prostheses is dependent upon information concerning the biomechanical properties of the joint. Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) and electromagnetic techniques have been applied in previous cadaver and in vivo studies on the elbow joint to provide valuable information concerning joint motion axes. However, such information is limited to mathematically calculated positions of the axes according to an orthogonal coordinate system and is difficult to relate to individual skeletal anatomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo application of a new fusion method to provide three-dimensional (3D) visualization of flexion axes according to bony landmarks. In vivo RSA data of the elbow joint's flexion axes was combined with data obtained by 3D computed tomography (CT). Results were obtained from five healthy subjects after one was excluded due to an instable RSA marker. The median error between imported and transformed RSA marker coordinates and those obtained in the CT volume was 0.22 mm. Median maximal rotation error after transformation of the rigid RSA body to the CT volume was 0.003 degrees . Points of interception with a plane calculated in the RSA orthogonal coordinate system were imported into the CT volume, facilitating the 3D visualization of the flexion axes. This study demonstrates a successful fusion of RSA and CT data, without significant loss of RSA accuracy. The method could be used for relating individual motion axes to a 3D representation of relevant joint anatomy, thus providing important information for clinical applications such as the development of joint prostheses.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Assessing wear of the acetabular cup using computed tomography: an ex vivo study.

PURPOSE: To validate a clinically useful method for measuring acetabular cup wear using computed tomography (CT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight uncemented acetabular cups were scanned twice ex vivo using CT. The linear penetration depth of the femoral component head into the cup and the thickness of the remaining polyethylene liner were measured in the CT volumes using dedicated software. Two independent examiners twice assessed each volume. The CT measurements were compared to direct measurements using a coordinate measuring device and micrometer measurements. RESULTS: Accuracy of wear measurements expressed as penetration depth was +/-0.6 and +/- 1.0 mm for the two examiners, respectively, with no significant differences between examiners, trials, and CT scans. Accuracy of measurements of remaining polyethylene was +/- 1.3 and +/- 1.0 mm, respectively, for the two examiners. Systematic differences between examiners were found, but no significant differences between trials and CT scans. These differences were due to different interpretations of metal artifacts in the volumes. CONCLUSION: The proposed CT method for evaluating wear as head penetration depth allows for reliable wear detection at a clinically relevant level. Measurements of remaining polyethylene on CT volumes are not as reliable as wear measurements owing to metal artifacts.

Device Removal↗
PubMed2005

Standard orientation of the pelvis: validation on a model and ten patients.

PURPOSE: To validate an image post-processing method for re-orienting the pelvis in CT volumes to a standardized orientation in a model and in 10 patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four CT volumes of a pelvic model and 10 pairs of postoperative total hip arthroplasty (THA) patient CT scans were rotated to a defined pelvic standard orientation and the rotation was recorded. For precision, a test-retest procedure was used. For accuracy, three exactly represented coordinate points were used. For clinical application, the standard orientation was used for calculating the direction of acetabular cup migration from a previous model study. RESULTS: Precision of pelvic standard orientation, calculated as maximal directional error, was better than 1 degrees in the model study and better than 1.5 degrees in the patient study. Accuracy, expressed as angle between ideal and measured coordinate axes, was 0.1 degrees for x, y, z axes. No measurable systematic errors were found. When applied to acetabular cup migration in the model, standardization of pelvic orientation had no significant effect on the measurements. CONCLUSION: Reorienting the pelvis during image post-processing was shown to be accurate. It enables measurements relative to the pelvis and minimizes the dependency of patient positioning.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Evaluation of a semiautomatic 3D fusion technique applied to molecular imaging and MRI brain/frame volume data sets.

A generally applicable 3D fusion method was evaluated using molecular imaging and MRI volumetric data sets from 15 brain tumor patients with stereotactic frames attached to their skull. Point pairs, placed on the frame only, were chosen, polynomial warping coefficients were generated to map voxels from one coordinate space to the other. The MRI frame was considered the reference structure and the standard for "correct" registration. An ANOVA test (p > 0.05) confirmed the point pair choice to be consistent. The 95% confidence interval for the t-test showed the measured distance difference between the registered volumes was within one MRI voxel. A further experiment was conducted to independently evaluate the brain registration based on testing for consistency of randomly selected interior/exterior points. A t-test result (p < 0.05) showed that the consistency (i.e., both interior or both exterior) before and after volume registration were significantly different. This fusion method may be a viable alternative when other methods fail.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2003

Stability of acetabular axis after total hip arthroplasty, repeatability using CT and a semiautomated program for volume fusion.

PURPOSE: To validate a CT method for detecting changes in acetabular cup orientation after THA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 26 CT examinations were obtained from a pelvic model with an uncemented acetabular cup. The model position was altered between acquisitions, but the cup axis angle vis-à-vis the pelvis was maintained. Data sets were combined into 37 pairs, each containing a unique positioning error. The pelvi in different examinations were fused, creating transformed volumes. Landmarks corresponding to the cup before and after fusion were placed interactively by two independent examiners. The orientation of the acetabular axis was calculated for each volume and compared across volumes. RESULTS: Before fusion the mean angle error between the acetabular axes was 4.17 degrees (SD +/- 1.95 degrees ). After fusion the mean angle error was 0.36 degrees (SD +/- 0.17). The 95% repeatability limits were below 0.7 degrees. There was no significant interobserver difference. Analysis of the cup landmarking pattern by condition numbers and individual landmark errors showed stability. CONCLUSION: Non-invasive fusion of CT volumes and a stable landmarking pattern for the acetabular cup outperforms routine plain radiography in detecting changes in the orientation of the acetabular axis over time. The method delivers both visual and numerical output and could be used in clinical practice.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed2003

Model studies on acetabular component migration in total hip arthroplasty using CT and a semiautomated program for volume merging.

PURPOSE: Validation of a non-invasive CT method for detection of acetabular cup migration after total hip arthroplasty in a phantom study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 26 CT examinations were obtained of a pelvic model while altering the position of the acetabular cup. Using a previously described program for volume merging, the pelvi in different examinations were fused and the 3D alterations of the position of the acetabular cup were evaluated visually and numerically and correlated to direct measurements on the model. RESULTS: Visually, two independent examiners differentiated between 0, 1 and 2 to 3 mm migration with 100% specificity and sensitivity. Numerically, the mean error over all cases between model and CT measurements was 0.04 mm (SD +/- 0.33). The mean absolute error between model and CT data was 0.26 mm (SD +/- 0.19). Intra- and interobserver 95% accuracy and repeatability limits were below 0.5/0.7 mm, respectively. No significant interobserver difference occurred. The data were normally distributed and not dependent on observer. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of this non-invasive method out-performs routine plain radiography. The method gives both visual and numerical correlates to migration and can be used in clinical practice.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip↗
PubMed2003

Spatial component position in total hip arthroplasty. Accuracy and repeatability with a new CT method.

PURPOSE: 3D detection of centerpoints of prosthetic cup and head after total hip arthroplasty (THA) using CT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two CT examinations, 10 min apart, were obtained from each of 10 patients after THA. Two independent examiners placed landmarks in images of the prosthetic cup and head. All landmarking was repeated after 1 week. Centerpoints were calculated and compared. RESULTS: Within volumes, all measurements of centerpoints of cup and head fell, with a 95% confidence, within one CT-voxel of any other measurement of the same object. Across two volumes, the mean error of distance between center of cup and prosthetic head was 1.4 mm (SD 0.73). Intra- and interobserver 95% accuracy limit was below 2 mm within and below 3 mm across volumes. No difference between intra- and interobserver measurements occurred. A formula for converting finite sets of point landmarks in the radiolucent tread of the cup to a centerpoint was stable. The percent difference of the landmark distances from a calculated spherical surface was within one CT-voxel. This data was normally distributed and not dependent on observer or trial. CONCLUSION: The true 3D position of the centers of cup and prosthetic head can be detected using CT. Spatial relationship between the components can be analyzed visually and numerically.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip↗
PubMed2002

Acetabular component migration in total hip arthroplasty using CT and a semiautomated program for volume merging.

PURPOSE: To develop a non-invasive method for detection of acetabular cup migration after total hip arthroplasty (THA) with a higher degree of accuracy than routine plain radiography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two CT examinations, 10 min apart, were obtained from each of 10 patients that had undergone THA. Using an in-house developed semiautomated program for volume merging, the pelves in the two examinations were fused and the acetabular cup was visually and numerically evaluated to test the method's accuracy in detecting migration. RESULTS: In the visual evaluation of the best match a 1-mm translation of the cup was detectable. The numerical evaluation, comparing landmarks placed in the images of the acetabular cup and the head of the femur component in the two examinations, showed the mean difference in orientation of acetabular axes to be 2.5 degrees, the mean distance between centre of cup face to be 2.5 mm and the mean distance between centre of the head of the prosthetic femoral component to be 1 mm. CONCLUSION: This method has a significantly higher accuracy than routine plain radiography in detecting acetabular cup migration and could be used in clinical practice. It gives both a visual and a numerical correlate to migration.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2001

A versatile functional-anatomic image fusion method for volume data sets.

We describe and validate a volumetric three-dimensional registration method, and compare it to our previously validated two-dimensional/three-dimensional method. CT/MRI and SPECT data from 14 patients were interactively fused using a polynomial warping technique. Registration accuracy was confirmed visually and by a nonsignificant F value from multivariate analysis of the transformed landmarks, a significant difference of the squared sum of intensity differences between the transformed/untransformed and the reference volume both at the 0.05 (p > 0.05) confidence level and an average 31% improvement of the correlation coefficient and cross correlation. For the two-dimensional/three-dimensional method, ROI center-to-center distance ranged from 1.42 to 11.32 mm (for liver) with an average of 6.13 mm +/- 3.09 mm. The average ROI overlap was 92.51% with a 95% confidence interval of 90.20-96.88%. The new method is superior because it operates on the true three-dimensional volume. Both methods give good registration results, take 10 to 30 min, and require anatomic knowledge.

Humans↗
PubMed1999

Wigner rotations and Iwasawa decompositions in polarization optics.

Wigner rotations and Iwasawa decompositions are manifestations of the internal space-time symmetries of massive and massless particles, respectively. It is shown to be possible to produce combinations of optical filters which exhibit transformations corresponding to Wigner rotations and Iwasawa decompositions. This is possible because the combined effects of rotation, phase-shift, and attenuation filters lead to transformation matrices of the six-parameter Lorentz group applicable to Jones vectors and Stokes parameters for polarized light waves. The symmetry transformations in special relativity lead to a set of experiments which can be performed in optics laboratories.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Initial clinical evaluation of radiolabeled MX-DTPA humanized BrE-3 antibody in patients with advanced breast cancer.

To evaluate radiometal-labeled humanized BrE-3 (huBrE-3) monoclonal antibody as a radioimmunolocalization and therapeutic agent in breast cancer patients, tumor localization, pharmacokinetics, radiation dosimetry, and immunogenicity of (111)In-labeled combined 1-p-isothiocyanatobenzyl 3-methyl- and 1-p-isothiocyanatobenzyl 4-methyldiethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (MX-DTPA) huBrE-3 were studied. Seven women with BrE-3 antigen-positive, metastatic breast carcinoma underwent (111)In huBrE-3 infusion (5 mCi; 50 mg), followed by serial gamma camera imaging and plasma sampling. Region of interest analysis of images was used to make radiation absorbed dose estimates for (111)In huBrE-3. Data were extrapolated to 90Y huBrE-3. Human anti-human antibody (HAHA) response was measured in serum samples obtained up to 3 months after infusion. Patients tolerated infusions well. Seventy-six percent of 105 known sites of disease were identified on planar and single-photon emission computed tomography scans. For six of seven patients, a biexponential model fit the plasma time-activity curve best with an average T1/2alpha=10.6+/-8.5 (SD) h and average T1/2beta=114.2+/-39.2 h. Radiation absorbed dose estimates for (111)In huBrE-3 for whole body averaged 0.53+/-.08 rads/mCi. Dose estimates for 90Y huBrE-3 for marrow averaged 8.4+/-11.9 rads/mCi, and for tumors, 70+/-31.5 rads/mCi. Liver radioactivity uptake averaged 19.7+/-8.8% injected dose at 24 h after infusion, translating into an average radiation absorbed dose 21.1+/-12 rads/90Y mCi administered. Only one of seven patients demonstrated a low level of HAHA response. Although the plasma half-lives are longer and marrow dose higher for radiolabeled huBrE-3 compared with the murine construct, the excellent tumor localization, good tumor dosimetry, and low immunogenicity support the use of 90Y-huBrE-3 antibody for radioimmunotherapy of breast cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Warping CT scans from nontreatment to treatment position.

This paper describes a cost-effective technique that optimally utilizes all available diagnostic studies for three-dimensional treatment planning. A simulator unit modified to produce cross-sectional images (simulator-CT unit) is used to create a reference data set with the patient in the treatment position. Registration software (qsh) brings other diagnostic studies into agreement with this reference data set. Two cases are presented as examples of the use of this technique. Registration of abdominal scans from the same patient demonstrates the warping of a nontreatment position study to the treatment position. The second case is based on paired data sets through the head, in which the diagnostic study was obtained by using a gantry tilt to follow the base of the skull and to avoid sections passing through the teeth. The registration software provides a method for combining diagnostic studies into a single "master" data set. The success of the transformation depends on the operator's ability to identify corresponding anatomic landmarks for different data sets and on the magnitude of the variation in the patient's position from one procedure to the next. Limitations in image quality and the number of cross-sections obtainable from a simulator-CT unit can be partially overcome by using the described technique. Thus, the information contained in nontreatment position diagnostic tests can be used accurately for treatment planning at limited cost.

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional↗
PubMed1997

Graphical 3D medical image registration and quantification.

We present a graphical three-dimensional method that facilitates image registration and fusion, and provides quantitative geometric and volume information. In particular it enhances the use of functional (radiopharmaceutical) imaging (SPECT, PET) which, though a powerful clinical tool, has the disadvantage of low spatial resolution and ill-defined boundaries. Registration between functional images and structural images (MRI, CT) can augment the anatomical context of these functional images.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1995

Fusion of immunoscintigraphy single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with CT of the chest in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accurate staging is critical in deciding between potentially curative surgery and palliative treatment. Image registration, or fusion, combines the unique functional information provided by SPECT imaging with the excellent anatomic detail offered by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging to better characterize the information provided by each separate modality. In this study, we explored the role of fusion of immunoscintigraphy SPECT with CT in the staging of NSCLC. We fused chest CT with 99mTc-labeled IMMU-4 anti-carcinoembryonic antigen Fab' antibody fragment SPECT in 14 patients with NSCLC using a landmark-based algorithm. The algorithm's accuracy was a measure from the center-to-center distance and the percentage overlap of two regions of interest: one drawn on CT and warped onto SPECT, the other drawn directly on the SPECT. We found that the average center-to-center distance was 1.3 +/- 0.8 pixels. Average overlap was 46 +/- 20%. CT-SPECT fusion helped differentiate tumor from normal blood pool, necrotic areas within viable tumor, tumor recurrence from scar, and malignant lymphadenopathy from hyperplasia. We conclude that fusion of CT and SPECT augments the information provided by each separate modality. Future clinical applications of fusion in NSCLC staging using immunoscintigraphy appear promising.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Radioimmunodetection of non-small cell lung cancer using technetium-99m-anticarcinoembryonic antigen IMMU-4 Fab' fragment. Preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Although computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have improved the staging and evaluation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), mediastinal staging lacks adequate specificity and sensitivity. Radioimmunodetection may augment computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The authors evaluated the ability of the technetium 99m-anticarcinoembryonic antigen IMMU-4 Fab' fragment to localize NSCLC in vivo, measured its pharmacokinetics, and estimated its radiation dose. METHODS: Seventeen patients with carcinoembryonic antigen-positive NSCLC received 16-30 mCi of technetium 99m IMMU-4 Fab'. Planar imaging was performed at 1-7 hours and 20-24 hours. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was performed within 8 hours after injection. In 10 patients, blood sampling, urine collection, and quantitative imaging were performed to determine blood and urine pharmacokinetics and radiation dose estimates. Human anti-mouse antibody response was measured for as long as 3 months after administration. RESULTS: Planar and/or SPECT imaging detected 72% of 32 known lesions. SPECT was more sensitive than planar imaging. T1/2 alpha averaged 0.18 +/- 0.33 hours; T1/2 beta averaged 8.02 +/- 5.53 hours. The mean concentration versus time value was 1.11 +/- 0.56 mg.h. The average whole body dose estimated for administration of 30 mCi was 0.45 +/- 0.08 rads. No human anti-mouse antibody responses were detected. CONCLUSION: The tumor detection rate was high, but the persistent blood pool at < 8 hours complicated image interpretation. An intermediate imaging time point (12-16 hours) might be preferable. SPECT is an important adjunct to imaging with this radioimmunoconjugate. The acceptable dosimetry estimated for 30 mCi Technetium 99m IMMU-4 Fab' and the lack of human anti-mouse antibody responses suggest this is a promising localizing tool for NSCLC:

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1994

An analysis of extradural dead space after fronto-orbital surgery.

This study was undertaken to evaluate several concerns regarding the extradural space resulting from elective fronto-orbital advancement or frontal sinus cranialization techniques. The questions are (1) Do infants undergoing these techniques have the potential to obliterate this space at an accelerated rate, e.g., within 1 or 2 days? (2) Do adults have any potential to obliterate the space? (3) Do children obliterate the space like infants or like adults? (4) What is the specific time sequence for dead-space obliteration? Twenty patients ranging in age from 6 months to 35 years were studied before and after fronto-orbital advancement. The patients were divided into three groups: (1) infants (up to 15 months), (2) children (up to 9 years), and (3) adults (9 years and beyond). Postoperative intracranial dead space was assessed by serial CT scans. Ten patients had CT scans more than 14 days after surgery. These data demonstrate that intracranial dead space in infants is obliterated in a delayed fashion. Children tend to obliterate intracranial dead space in a manner similar to that of infants. Adults are able to obliterate the space over a longer, but finite, period of time as compared with infants and children. Part of the mechanism responsible for obliteration of the postoperative space may be enlargement of the ventricular system.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

An integrated approach to biodistribution radiation absorbed dose estimates.

An integrated approach to existing methods of extracting biodistribution data, pharmacokinetics and radiation absorbed dose estimates from serial scintigraphic images is described. This approach employs a single computer-generated user interface to reformat planar scans into a standard file type, align conjugate (anterior and posterior) images, draw regions of interest (ROIs) over selected organs and lesions and generate count data for anterior and posterior views and calculated geometric means. Using standard correction methods, the fraction injected activity is obtained for all ROIs and total body. This methodology has been applied to the analysis of indium-III-labelled breast-cancer-directed antibodies and technetium-90m-labelled CEA-specific antibody fragments in non-small-cell lung cancer. It is anticipated that this approach will be useful for evaluating the dosimetry of other radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies, as well as other radiopharmaceuticals.

Breast Neoplasms↗