Sunit Sebastian MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Mannudeep Karanvirsingh Kalra MD, Abstract Co-Author: Research grant, General Electric Company

Pardeep K Mittal MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sanjay Saini MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

William Clark Small MD,PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To assess whether independent evaluation of coronal MPR can replace transverse images for interpretation of MDCT of abdomen and pelvis performed for gastrointestinal tract indications.

IRB approved HIPAA-compliant study protocol;informed consent waived. We reviewed 100 consecutive patients referred for MDCT for gastrointestinal tract indications. All patients scanned on 64 slice-MDCT (Lightspeed VCT, GE Healthcare Technologies. Transverse images of 5 mm thickness reconstructed at CT console to obtain 0.625 mm batch MPR images, form which 3 mm coronal reformats were generated. Two abdominal radiologists underwent a training session of 50 separate examinations to overcome learning curve associated with viewing coronal images. Initially, each reader reviewed only the coronal reformats of all patients. After 3 weeks, transverse images were reviewed. Each radiologist noted number of lesions,location, size of smallest lesion, and probable diagnosis.Image quality(5 point scale)and confidence for interpretation(3 point scale)was noted.Total time required for interpretation was noted. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test.

Both readers detected additional findings(n=62,n=55 for each reader)on independent review of coronal reformats than with transverse images alone(p0.05). Retroperitoneal,mesenteric lymphadenopathy,terminal ileal,appendiceal pathologies and vascular anatomy variants were better delineated and identified on coronal reformats.Good interobserver agreement between the two readers noted.

Coronal multiplanar reformats alone can replace conventionally used transverse images for interpretation of MDCT of abdomen and pelvis for gastrointestinal tract indications.

Cornal MPR apt for primary reads

Sebastian, S, Kalra, M, Mittal, P, Saini, S, Small, W, Can Independent Coronal MPR Images Using 64 Slice Scanner Replace Transverse Images in Interpretation of MDCT of Abdomen and Pelvis Performed for Gastrointestinal Tract Indications?.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4439453.html