Dual-energy-CT

Die Dual-Energy-CT erlaubt die Charakterisierung und Analyse von Substanzen

Protokollparameter und Bildqualität

Wir unterscheiden 2 verschiedene Aufnahmeverfahren mit der Mehrzeilen-CT: Bilddaten können entweder a) mittels Spiral-CT oder b) sequenziell akquiriert werden. In diesem Kapitel werden Protokollparameter dieser Aufnahmeverfahren der Mehrzeilen-CT, wichtige Kenngrößen der Bildqualität sowie deren Zusammenhänge erläutert

An approach to the concept of tonic: Suggested definitions and historical aspects

In traditional medicine, especially CAM, the concept of (herbal) tonics has a long history in the different medical systems (TEN -- Traditional European Naturopathy; TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine). Nevertheless, the ideas concerning the function of a tonic differ, e.g., stimulation of body functions, strengthening of organ function, enhancement of adaption, and well-being. Although no exact pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic properties of tonics can be given, the following general definition, even in the transcultural comparison between European and Chinese concepts, seems meaningful: A tonic is an agent that has the capability to restore and/or maintain the physiological functioning of an organ system, leading to the subjective feeling of well-being of the patient treated with it

Volumetry - an alternative to assess therapy response for malignant pleural mesothelioma?

The purpose of this study was to assess robustness of volumetric measurement of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) before and after chemotherapy to modified RECIST. Thirty patients with digitally available chest CT scan before and after 3 cycles of chemotherapy were included. Three readers assessed independently tumour response using two different methods: Modified RECIST criteria and tumour volumetric approach using dedicated software (Myrian, Intrasense, France). Inter-rater reliability of uni-dimensional and volumetric measurements was assessed using intraclass correlation. tumour response classification for modified RECIST was compared to volumetric approach applying uni-dimensional RECIST volumetric equivalent criteria. The determination of uni-dimensional tumour measurement (RECIST) revealed a low inter-rater reliability (0.55) and a low interobserver agreement for tumour response classification (general kappa 0.33). Only 14 patients were classified equally. A high inter-rater reliability (0.99) and interobserver agreement (general kappa 0.9)) was found for absolute tumour volumes (volumetric measurements). 27 cases were classified equally. The number of cases classified as "stable disease" was higher for volumetric approach using tumour equivalent criteria compared to modified RECIST. Volumetric measurement of MPM on CT-scan using Myrian software is a reliable, reproducible and sensitive method to measure tumour volume and hence therapy response after induction chemotherapy