Radiology
-
Comparative Study
Sixteen-detector row CT of abdomen and pelvis: study for optimization of Z-axis modulation technique performed in 153 patients.
To retrospectively determine the optimal noise indexes required to obtain diagnostically acceptable computed tomographic (CT) images of the abdomen and pelvis with z-axis modulation. ⋯ Use of a 15.0-HU noise index at 75-380 mA results in acceptable subjective image noise and diagnostic acceptability but significantly greater objective image noise at routine abdominal-pelvic CT. For greater image quality demands, a noise index of 12.5 HU results in acceptable image quality and a 19.6% reduction in radiation exposure.
-
To determine whether diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings and conventional MR imaging findings correlate with initial Glasgow Coma Scale score and score on modified Rankin scale at discharge. ⋯ Volume of lesions on diffusion-weighted MR images provides the strongest correlation with a score of subacute on modified Rankin scale at discharge. Total lesion number also correlates well with modified Rankin score. In future, diffusion-weighted images may be useful in determining treatment strategies for acute head injury.