Abstract:
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Purpose: To develop volume data acquisition and 3-D post-processing techniques in spiral CT venography (CTV) for varicose veins in the lower extremity and to evaluate its clinical usefulness
Methods and Materials: In 100 patients with varicose veins in their lower extremities, CTV was performed with multi-detector-row spiral CT scanners with scanning parameters of 2.5-3.2 slice thickness and 1.25-1.6 reconstruction interval. Contrast enhancement was performed by injecting a total of 150 mL of nonionic contrast material via antecubital veins at a rate of 2.5 mL/sec. Scan delay time was set at 3 minutes after initiating the injection of contrast material. The acquired volume data were transferred and loaded into a PC-based 3-D reconstruction software. We analyzed the quality of CTV images in depicting deep, superficial and perforating veins, suitable 3-D reconstruction techniques and 3-D display functions facilitating image interpretation. Thereafter, in comparison with Doppler ultrasound, the advantages and disadvantages of CTV and the response from our vascular surgeons in clinical practice were investigated.
Results: The quality of CTV images in depicting deep, superficial and perforating veins were good enough for the diagnosis in 95% of patients. Volume-rendered images after noise reduction process clearly depicted all of the major superficial and meaningful varicose and perforating veins. 3-D display functions for real-time interactive adjustment of opacity transfer function and real-time interactive correlation between 3-D volume-rendered images and 2-D images were necessary for rapid and accurate localization of perforating veins. The primary advantages of CTV over Doppler ultrasound were the objective and comprehensive morphologic evaluation of the entire venous system and possible 3-D overview of the disease. Vascular surgeons reported high satisfaction of themselves and their patients.
Conclusion: CTV provides objective and comprehensive 3-D overview of varicose veins consistently. Despite of absent hemodynamic informations, CTV can be an excellent complementary examination for varicose veins in the lower extremity.
Questions about this event email: chungjw@radcom.snu.ac.kr
Chung MD, J,
Three-dimensional Spiral CT Venography for Varicose Veins in the Lower Extremity: Technical Developments and Clinical Feasibility. Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3108583.html
