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At least 1,387 records · Page 77Linked to original sources

A new computer-assisted method for the quantification of enhancing lesions in multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE: Our goal is to describe a new computerized method for the detection and quantification of enhanced multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. METHOD: Gd-DTPA-enhanced, thin section, T1-weighted images of seven patients (involving 336 slice images) with definite MS were analyzed using a new method based on the theory of "fuzzy connected components," developed and implemented on the 3DVIEWNIX software system. Four neuroradiologists selected "true" lesions from the computer-detected potential lesions with a yes/no response to the program query on 2 different days. The enhanced lesion volume and number of enhancing lesions for each image and each observer were subsequently computed. Additional studies involving 720 slices were conducted to determine lesions that were missed by the system. RESULTS: The intra- and interobserver variability in the system was 0%. It took approximately 1 min of operator time per 3D study. The system output has no false positives and a mean false-negative volume of 1.3%. CONCLUSION: The novel system calculates enhancing lesion volume and the number of enhancing lesions with very little operator time, inter- and intraoperator variability, or false-positive and false-negative volumes. Computer-based quantification of enhancing lesion volume is an important objective measure of the activity of MS. The system is now in routine use in clinical investigations that study the role of enhancing lesions in the MS disease.

Brain↗

Gradient correction and classification of CT lung images for the automated quantification of mosaic attenuation pattern.

PURPOSE: The detection of density differences, or "mosaic attenuation pattern," on CT images may be difficult when the regional inhomogeneity of the density of the lung parenchyma is subtle. The purpose of this work was to develop a fully automated method for the reproducible quantification of the underattenuated areas of the lung parenchyma. This technique may be useful in increasing the precision of investigation of structure/function relationships. METHOD: Anatomical segmentation was achieved by a structure-filtering operator based on mathematical morphology. To compensate for the density gradient visible on lung CT scans, a model-based iterative deconvolution filter and an adaptive clustering algorithm were developed. Validation was performed with CT images from a lung phantom, 15 patients with constrictive obliterative bronchiolitis, and 8 normal subjects. RESULTS: The accuracy of the estimate of the density gradient on phantom studies was 93.3%. The automated quantification of the areas of decreased attenuation on scans of constrictive obliterative bronchiolitis was within 8.2% from the average scoring of two experienced observers. CONCLUSION: The proposed technique is fully automated and can accurately correct for density gradient and classify areas of decreased attenuation on lung CT images.

Bronchiolitis Obliterans↗

A technique for using CT images in attenuation correction and quantification in SPECT.

A technique is described for using computed tomography (CT) images for attenuation correction and quantification in SPECT. The CT images are aligned with the corresponding SPECT slices and the Hounsfield units are converted to linear attenuation coefficient values for the SPECT radionuclide. The attenuation coefficient map thus produced is used to provide the attenuation correction required in the SPECT reconstruction. The technique has been evaluated in both a non-anatomical and an anatomical phantom giving a mean accuracy in quantifying activity of various features in the phantoms of 2.6% (range 0.3%-4.0%). The value of performing scatter correction prior to attenuation correction in obtaining accurate quantification is demonstrated. The practicalities of applying the technique in patient studies are discussed.

Abdomen↗

Quantification of central benzodiazepine receptor binding potential in the brain with 123I-iomazenil SPECT: technical and interobserver variability.

Factors contributing to the quantification of the central benzodiazepine receptor binding potential in vivo using 123I-iomazenil and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) were analysed in phantom studies and in volunteers. SPECT was performed with the SME810 multidetector system. The Hoffman three-dimensional brain phantom was used to investigate linearity and reproducibility of SPECT results using different 123I activity concentrations. Dynamic and multislice SPECT scans were performed in nine healthy volunteers between 0 and 270 min after injection of 110 MBq 123I-iomazenil. Displacement studies were performed in three volunteers using 1 mg flumazenil administered intravenously (i.v.) at 250 min postinjection (p.i.). Regions of interest (ROIs) over the cerebral cortex and various subcortical nuclei were either fixed areas based on a stereotaxic brain atlas, or manually drawn, based on 60% isocontour lines. Interobserver variability of the ROI data and ratios derived from those data were estimated for two independent observers. The brain phantom measurements showed linearity with respect to 123I concentration and good reproducibility. The interobserver study showed a reasonable interobserver reliability for the large fixed ROIs. The displacement study showed about 50% displacement in all ROIs. Concentrations of 123I-iomazenil in the brain can be measured reliably with the SME810. Large fixed ROIs based on a stereotaxic atlas may be used reliably for quantification. The level of 4 cm above the cantomeatal line does not provide a useful reference region with a very low central benzodiazepine receptor binding potential.

Adult↗

Interdependence between measures of extent and severity of myocardial perfusion defects provided by automatic quantification programs.

AIM: To evaluate the accuracy of the values of lesion extent and severity provided by the two automatic quantification programs AutoQUANT and 4D-MSPECT using myocardial perfusion images generated by Monte Carlo simulation of a digital phantom. The combination between a realistic computer phantom and an accurate scintillation camera simulation tool allows the generation of realistic single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images similar to those obtained in clinical patient studies. METHODS: The NCAT phantom and the SIMIND Monte Carlo program were used to simulate myocardial perfusion studies. Perfusion defects with sizes ranging from 5 to 17% of the left ventricular wall volume and reductions in tracer uptake of 20, 60 and 100% were simulated in three vascular territories. RESULTS: The values of the extent provided by the programs were dependent on the reduction in tracer uptake, i.e. the severity. Similarly, the measures of severity were dependent on the size of the lesions. The severity provided by AutoQUANT for different defects was not dependent on the location, whereas 4D-MSPECT presented different values depending on the location in the left ventricle. The measures of extent and severity of the defects with the same true extent and activity uptake reduction provided by the two programs were different. CONCLUSIONS: The NCAT phantom and the SIMIND Monte Carlo program were shown to be useful in simulating clinical myocardial SPECT studies. The quantification programs gave values of lesion extent that were dependent on the magnitude of the severity. Users should therefore consider this dependence when interpreting results from these programs.

Automation↗

Numerical evaluation of symptoms in cervical myelopathy by quantification theory III (Hayashi).

The authors applied Hayashi's quantification theory III, a mathematical approach for quantification of qualitative data to evaluate cervical myelopathy in 81 patients who had been surgically treated. More of these patients recovered from sensory disturbances than from motor disturbance. The size of the spinal canal was correlated with the severity of the preoperative symptoms of the myelopathy, but not with the surgical results. The surgical results were correlated with the duration of the disease but not with the age of the patient. The most predictable surgical result obtained by the use of multiple regression analysis was that of the leg motor symptom.

Adult↗

The quantification of low back disorder using motion measures. Methodology and validation.

STUDY DESIGN: Trunk angular motion features were used as a means to quantify the extent of a low back disorder in healthy people and patients with chronic low back disorders. OBJECTIVE: To refine and validate a previously reported means of quantifying the extent of a low back disorder. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND: Many assessment tools of low back disorder are subjective. A quantitative assessment tool would facilitate the tracking of the recovery and help document the appropriateness of treatments. METHODS: The trunk motion characteristics of 374 healthy people and 335 patients with chronic low back disorders of varying severity were documented as they flexed and extended their trunks in five different planes of motion. The trunk motion features were normalized as a function of age and gender. Four classification techniques were used to assess the ability of the quantitative motion measure to identify those with and without low back disorders. In addition, 31 patients were observed longitudinally to determine whether the motion measures agreed with observed changes in back pain symptoms. RESULTS: The quantitative trunk motion measure distinguished between people with low back disorders and healthy people between 88% and 94% of the time, depending on which classification system was used. Sensitivity and specificity varied between 83% and 97%. The quantitative measure also showed promise as a means to distinguish between muscle-based and structure-based low back disorders. Prospective findings indicated that the quantification system agreed well with clinical observations of progress. CONCLUSIONS: The quantification of trunk motion can serve as a measure of the extent of a low back disorder. When considered along with other clinical information, the ability to assess and treat low back disorders is enhanced.

Adult↗

Immunoassay reagents for psychoactive drugs. Part 3. Removal of phenothiazine interferences in the quantification of tricyclic antidepressants.

Phenothiazines and their metabolites are known to interfere in the quantification of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). A method for selective chemical modification of phenothiazines by chloramine-T in the presence of TCAs is described. This method allows for accurate quantification of the TCA analyte in a serum sample without interference from the modified phenothiazine.

Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic↗

High-performance liquid chromatographic method with diode array detection for identification and quantification of the eight new antidepressants and five of their active metabolites in plasma after overdose.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method is described for the determination of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram, mirtazapine), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (milnacipram, venlafaxine), a noradrenergic and specific serotoninergic antidepressant (mirtazapine), and five pharmacologically active metabolites (desmethylcitalopram, didesmethylcitalopram, norfluoxetine, O-desmethylvenlafaxine, desmethylmirtazapine). After a double-step liquid-liquid extraction, compounds are separated on a Symmetry C8 column eluted with a gradient of acetonitrile-phosphate buffer 10 mM pH 3.8 and detected at 230 nm and 290 nm. Calibration curves were linear in the range 25 to 500 ng/mL (100-2000 ng/mL for venlafaxine and its metabolite). The limit of quantification was 25 ng/mL (100 ng/mL for venlafaxine and its metabolite). For all quality controls good accuracy was achieved (93% to 99.5%) with intraday and interday variation coefficients less than 12%. This method allows simple and rapid (run time 18 min) identification and quantification of the eight new antidepressants and five of their active metabolites. This method can be used for toxicologic purpose.

Antidepressive Agents↗

Fully automated analytical method for mycophenolic acid quantification in human plasma using on-line solid phase extraction and high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection.

We have developed a new fully automated method for mycophenolic (MPA) acid quantification in plasma to optimize therapeutic drug monitoring of tranplant patients. This method involved solid-phase extraction on disposable extraction cartridges and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. Solid-phase extraction was performed automatically by an automated sample with extraction catridges system. After washing, MPA was eluted from the cartridge onto a Chromolith RP-18e column. MPA and the internal standard were detected at 306 nm. The retention time of MPA was 6.3 minutes. The developed method was linear from 0.2 to 20 microg/mL. The limit of quantification was 0.2 microg/mL. The method showed a good precision with intraday and interday variation coefficient less than 6%. The intraday accuracy ranged from 97.6% to 100.4% and the interday accuracy varied from 97.1% to 100.8%. The extraction efficiency was greater than 90%. This method is simple and shows a good specificity with respect to commonly co-prescripted drugs.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic↗

Quantification of liver iron overload by T2 quantitative magnetic resonance imaging in thalassemia: impact of chronic hepatitis C on measurements.

PURPOSE: Measurement of liver T2 values seems to be an accurate and sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method for the quantification of liver hemosiderosis in multiple transfused patients with thalassemia. Because many of these patients have coexistent chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the effect of inflammatory changes on liver T2 values was assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Liver MRI studies of 35 HCV+ and 17 HCV- patients with beta-thalassemia, 9 HCV+ patients without thalassemia, and 10 healthy controls of the same age range (13 to 32 years) were reviewed. Iron status was assessed by serum ferritin in all patients, and determination of liver iron concentration (LIC) was available in 16 HCV+ patients with thalassemia. Histologic activity index (HAI) and grades of siderosis were evaluated in all HCV+ patients with thalassemia. RESULTS: Patients with thalassemia had significantly lower T2 values (P < 0.0001) than subjects without thalassemia, whereas no difference existed between HCV+ patients without thalassemia and healthy controls. In HCV+ patients, LIC correlated more nearly with T2 values (r = 0.93) than with serum ferritin (r = 0.73). T2 values were not influenced by HAI score or fibrosis. CONCLUSION: Liver T2 values were found to be more accurate than serum ferritin in predicting liver iron overload and were not influenced by the presence of chronic hepatitis C. Therefore, MRI could serve as a noninvasive alternative to liver biopsy for the quantification of hemosiderosis in HCV+ patients with thalassemia.

Adolescent↗

Comparison of quantification of histochemical staining by hue-saturation-intensity (HSI) transformation and color-deconvolution.

We tested a recently developed flexible method of separation and quantification of immunohistochemical staining by means of color image analysis. An algorithm was recently developed to deconvolve the color information acquired with RGB cameras, to calculate the contribution of each of the applied stains, based on the stain-specific RGB absorption. The algorithm was tested using a set of lung-tumor samples labeled for the detection of Ki-67, an antigen expressed in proliferating cells, covering a wide range of staining levels. Quantification of the labeling was compared with HSI-based segmentation and manual analysis of the same samples. The recently developed deconvolution method performed significantly better than the HSI based system when compared to manual counting as gold standard. The deconvolution system showed significantly reduced variability in the LI determination, especially of highly labeled control samples. This resulted in significant increase in sensitivity of classification of samples with increased KI-67 labeling without changing the specificity, when compared to the HSI based method.

Algorithms↗

In vitro evaluation of the performance of Korean pulsatile ECLS (T-PLS) using precise quantification of pressure-flow waveforms.

The Twin-Pulse Life Support System (T-PLS) is a novel pulsatile extracorporeal life support system developed in Korea. It has been reported that the T-PLS achieves higher levels of tissue perfusion of the kidney during short-term extracorporeal circulation and provides more blood flow to coronary artery than nonpulsatile blood pumps. However, these results lack pulsatility quantifications and thus make it hard to analyze the effects of pulsatility upon hemodynamic performance. We have adopted the concepts of hemodynamic energy, energy equivalent pressure (EEP), and surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE) to evaluate pulsatility performance in the different circuit configurations of the T-PLS and a membrane oxygenator (MO) in vitro. In a mock system, three different circuits were constructed depending on the location of an MO: pump-MO-pump (serial), MO-pumps (parallel A), and pumps-MO (parallel B). In parallel A, a low-resistance MO was used to preserve the pulsatility from the pump. All circuits showed good pulsatility in terms of EEP (serial: 13.2% +/- 3.2%, parallel A: 10.0% +/- 1.6%, parallel B: 7.00% +/- 1.1%; change from aortic pressure to EEP; p < 0.003). The SHE levels were 17,404 +/- 3750 ergs/cm3, 13,170 +/- 1486 ergs/cm3, and 9192 +/- 1122 ergs/cm3 in each circuit setup (p < 0.001). Although EEP levels were somewhat lower, both parallel types provided higher pump output compared with the serial type (serial: 1.87 +/- 0.29 l/min, parallel A: 3.09 +/- 0.74 l/min, parallel B: 3.06 +/- 0.56 l/min; p < 0.003 except parallel A vs. parallel B, p = 0.90). Conclusively, the precise quantifications of pressure flow waveforms, EEP, and SHE are valuable tools for evaluating pulsatility of the mechanical circulatory devices, and are expected to be used as additional performance indexes of a blood pump. The pulsatility performances are different according to circuit setups. However, the parallel A circuit could achieve higher pump output and generate adequate pulsatility level. Thus, the parallel A circuit is suggested as the optimal configuration in T-PLS applications.

Aorta↗

Quantification of angiogenesis in otosclerosis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The determinants of clinical versus histologic otosclerosis are unknown, but angiogenesis is associated with active disease. We hypothesized that quantification of angiogenesis in otosclerotic human temporal bones could reveal significant differences between clinical and histologic cases. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed all otosclerosis specimens meeting criteria from the temporal bone collection of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and 10 normal controls. METHODS: Digital images were taken at predilection sites, followed by computer-assisted analysis. Canalicular area (CA), the aggregate of vascular spaces within bone, microvessel density (MVD), area, and depth were the main measures. Evidence of a direct connection between local vessels and the vasculature of the otosclerotic focus was also recorded for each specimen. RESULTS: The average area (mm) and depth (number of sections containing otosclerosis) of clinical lesions was significantly greater than histologic lesions. Total microvessel counts were significantly greater in clinical versus histologic lesions, and both clinical and histologic lesions contained significantly greater numbers of microvessels than the normal otic capsule. CA was also significantly higher in clinical lesions. MVD was slightly but not significantly higher in clinical lesions. Importantly, a direct connection between named vessels and the otosclerotic vasculature was significantly more frequent in clinical lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Computer-assisted quantification revealed significantly greater measures of angiogenesis in clinical versus histologic otosclerosis. Direct connection to adjacent vessels may support angiogenesis in this disease. Sustained angiogenesis may be an important determinant of clinical otosclerosis.

Aged↗

Automation of manual components and image quantification of direct dual label fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for HER2 gene amplification: A feasibility study.

Determination of HER2 status by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in breast carcinoma correlates well with response to targeted therapy and prognosis. However, manual time consuming methods and quantification aspects of the procedure may be challenging for some laboratories. We examined the feasibility of automating these components of the FISH assay using a tissue microarray (TMA-118 clinically annotated cases) and a series of 41 whole sections. An in situ hybridization automated staining workstation was used to automate a programmed overnight start, on line baking, deparaffinization, cell conditioning, protease digestion, and prehybridization buffer washing. Dual label probe/target codenaturation/hybridization and stringency washing were done off line. The HER2 and CEP17 spot counts were quantified, and the HER2/CEP17 ratio calculated, via an imaging workstation. Results were benchmarked against manual counts for whole sections, and bright field in situ hybridization [silver in situ hybridization (SISH)] for the TMA. Automated FISH results using whole sections correlated well with manual results: HER2/CEP17 ratio correlation coefficient r = 0.9154, r = 0.8380, P < 0.0001. Correlation between automated and manual TMA FISH results was also excellent, and disease-free survival was significantly shorter (P < 0.001) for the HER2 amplified cases. Automation of the laborious manual prehybridization and image quantification components of FISH using directly labeled probes is feasible. Operational gains and enhanced consistency are inherent in this automated approach to HER2 clinical FISH testing.

Automation↗

Quantification of metabolic differences in the frontal brain of depressive patients and controls obtained by 1H-MRS at 3 Tesla.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: This study compared metabolic differences in the frontal brain of depressed patients versus age- and sex-matched controls using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and absolute quantification of metabolites (NAA, Cr, Cho, mI) at 3 Tesla. METHODS: Short-echo-time stimulated echo acquisition mode (TE/TM/TR=20/30/6000 milliseconds) was applied in the prefrontal region of 17 depressed patients and 17 age- and sex-matched controls. Metabolic ratios, ie, N-acetyl-aspartate/creatine (Cr), choline/Cr, and myo-inositol/Cr, and absolute concentrations (using internal water as a reference together with LCModel-based spectra fitting) were calculated and compared between groups and published reference data. RESULTS: Metabolic ratios showed significantly lower N-acetyl-aspartate/Cr (P = 0.016/0.006, left/right), choline/Cr (P = n.s./0.016), and myo-inositol/Cr (P = 0.022/0.026) for depressive patients versus controls. However, depressive patients showed significantly higher absolute concentrations of Cr (P = 0.017/0.0004) compared with controls with no differences in all other metabolites estimated. CONCLUSIONS: The authors demonstrate that absolute quantification of metabolite concentration is essential in properly identifying pathologic differences of brain metabolites in depression.

Adult↗

Coronary calcium quantification using various calibration phantoms and scoring thresholds.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To compare scoring threshold and calibration method-dependent accuracy and variability of coronary calcium measurements by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). METHODS: Ninety-five subjects were scanned with MDCT. We calculated Agatston score and volume score. Mineral mass (MM) was calculated using patient-based and scanner-based calibration methods. Accuracy of calibration was validated using artificial calcium cylinders. RESULTS: Patient-based and scanner-based calibration permitted accurate quantification of artificial calcium cylinders (bias: 0 mg and -2 mg). In the subjects, the mean relative difference of MM measurements performed at 90 and 130 Hounsfield units threshold (59%) was lower than for Agatston score (94%) and volume score (109%; P < 0.05). Patient-based and scanner-based calibration yielded systematically different MM measurements (bias: 22%). CONCLUSIONS: MM lowers threshold-dependent variability of coronary calcium measurements. Patient-based and scanner-based calibration allows accurate calcium quantification ex vivo but reveal systematic differences in subjects. Patient-based calibration may better account for subject size and composition.

Aged↗

Evaluation of semiautomated internal carotid artery stenosis quantification from 3-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiograms.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The performance of a semiautomatic technique for internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis quantification of the internal carotid artery in contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The degree of stenosis of 52 ICAs was quantified by measuring the cross-sectional area along the center lumen line. This was performed both by 3 independent observers and the semiautomated method. The degree of stenosis was defined as the amount of cross-sectional lumen reduction. RESULTS: Agreement between the method and observers was good (weighted-kappa, kappaW = 0.89). Reproducibility of measurements of the semiautomated technique was better (kappaW = 0.97) than that of the observers (kappaW = 0.76), and the evaluated technique was considerably less time-consuming. CONCLUSIONS: Because the user interaction is limited, this technique can be used to replace an expert observer in 3-dimensional stenosis quantification of the ICA at CE-MRA in clinical practice.

Aged↗