ObjectiveTo compare the dosimetric differences among the double-arc volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), 7 field intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) techniques in treatment planning for cervical cancer as adjuvant radiotherapy. MethodFifteen patients who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy for cervical cancer between March 1st and September 30th, 2013 were chosen to be our study subjects through random sampling. Under Pinnacle 9.2 planning system, the same CT image was designed through three different techniques:VMAT, IMRT and 3D-CRT. We then compared target zone fitness index, evenness index, D98%, D2%, D50% among those different techniques. Monitor unit (MU) and treatment time were also analyzed. ResultsThree techniques showed similar target dose coverage. The IMRT and VMAT plans achieved better target dose conformity, which reduced the V20 of the pelvic, the V50 of the rectum and bladder, as well as the V40/50 of the small intestine (P<0.05). The VMAT technique showed few dosimetric advantages over the IMRT technique. VMAT technique had the advantages of less MU (P>0.05) and shorter overall treatment time (P<0.01) compared with IMRT technique. ConclusionsThe IMRT and VMAT plans achieve similar dose distribution to the target, and are superior to the 3D-CRT plans, in adjuvant radiotherapy for cervical cancer. VMAT technique has the advantages of less MU and shorter overall treatment time.
ObjectiveTo study the model to predict thymus volume with two-dimensional section diameters among fetuses. MethodsFrom September 2010 to March 2012, 210 singleton pregnant women suspected with fetal abnormality by prenatal ultrasonic testing were confirmed using MRI technology. Three two-dimensional section diameters of thymus were measured and the volume was calculated. No abnormal fetuses regarded as the standard, theoretical normal volume of fetal thymus was calculated. Paired t-test was used to compare the actual thymus volume with its corresponding theoretical normal value, and thus the fetuses were divided into two groups of normal and dysplasia so as to establish predictive model respectively. With two-dimensional section diameters as independent variables and thymus volume as dependent variable, the linear regression model was established. According to the model, the thymus volume was predicted and the error rate was calculated by formula: error rate=(predicted value-actual value) /actual value×100%. The Pearson correlation coefficient of error rate and fetal gestational age was calculated. ResultsThe models of normal and dysplasia groups to predict thymus volume were lnV=0.016d1+0.030d2+0.086d3+5.707+ε (R2=0.510) and lnV=0.048d1+0.036d2+0.016d3+6.011+ε (R2=0.447). The average absolute values of predicted error rate were 4.34% and 5.34% and decreased with fetal gestational age (normal r=-0.264, P=0.007; dysplasia r=-0.182, P=0.060). ConclusionThe prediction effects of above models are not so good and the model accuracy increases with fetal gestational age. Normal fetuses' model of different gestational age should be established to predict thymus volume by conducting large sample size study in the future. The modeling approach has certain practicability and clinical value and can be applied in ultrasonic technique.
ObjectiveTo investigate the risk factors of cement leakage in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). MethodsBetween March 2011 and March 2012, 98 patients with single level OVCF were treated by PVP, and the cl inical data were analyzed retrospectively. There were 13 males and 85 females, with a mean age of 77.2 years (range, 54-95 years). The mean disease duration was 43 days (range, 15-120 days), and the mean T score of bone mineral density (BMD) was-3.8 (range, -6.7--2.5). Bilateral transpedicular approach was used in all the patients. The patients were divided into cement leakage group and no cement leakage group by occurrence of cement leakage based on postoperative CT. Single factor analysis was used to analyze the difference between 2 groups in T score of BMD, operative level, preoperative anterior compression degree of operative vertebrae, preoperative middle compression degree of operative vertebrae, preoperative sagittal Cobb angle of operative vertebrae, preoperative vertebral body wall incompetence, cement volume, and volume ratio of intravertebral bone cement to vertebral body. All relevant factors were introduced to logistic regression analysis to analyze the risk factors of cement leakage. ResultsAll procedures were performed successfully. The mean operation time was 40 minutes (range, 30-50 minutes), and the mean volume ratio of intravertebral bone cement to vertebral body was 24.88% (range, 7.84%-38.99%). Back pain was alleviated significantly in all the patients postoperatively. All patients were followed up with a mean time of 8 months (range, 6-12 months). Cement leakage occurred in 49 patients. Single factor analysis showed that there were significant differences in the volume ratio of intravertebral bone cement to vertebral body and preoperative vertebral body wall incompetence between 2 groups (P < 0.05), while no significant difference in T score of BMD, operative level, preoperative anterior compression degree of operative vertebrae, preoperative middle compression degree of operative vertebrae, preoperative sagittal Cobb angle of operative vertebrae, and cement volume (P > 0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that the volume ratio of intravertebral bone cement to vertebral body (P < 0.05) and vertebral body wall incompetence (P < 0.05) were the risk factors for occurrence of cement leakage. ConclusionThe volume ratio of intravertebral bone cement to vertebral body and vertebral body wall incompetence are risk factors of cement leakage in PVP for OVCF. Cement leakage is easy to occur in operative level with vertebral body wall incompetence and high volume ratio of intravertebral bone cement to vertebral body.
Objective To compare the differences of flow and volume responses in patients with mild to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease（COPD） in bronchodilatation test. Methods The different changes of FEV1 and FVC in 217 patients with mild to very severe COPD（GOLD stage Ⅱ-Ⅳ） after inhaling salbutamol were analyzed retrospectively. Results FEV1 and FVC of the patients with COPD at stage Ⅱ-Ⅳ increased remarkably after inhaling β2 agonist，while there were significant differences between the changes of FEV1 and FVC. Increment of FEV1 and FVC (ΔFEV1 and ΔFVC)，representing flow and volume responses respectively，showed a normal distribution. The majority of patients fell in the range of ΔFEV1 from 0.00 to 0.04，0.05 to 0.09 and 0.10 to 0.14 liter，and ΔFVC from 0.00 to 0.09，0.10 to 0.19 and 0.20 to 0.29 liter. There was significant difference of ΔFEV1 among stage Ⅱ-Ⅳ patients with COPD （Plt;0.01），namely more severe the disease less ΔFEV1 got.In the other hand ΔFVC increased along with the progression of COPD，although no significant difference of ΔFVC among stage Ⅱ-Ⅳ patients with COPD was found. Though different changes of ΔFEV1 and ΔFVC were revealed，there was a positive correlation between ΔFEV1 and ΔFVC in patients at each GOLD stage and the correlation became more insignificant with the progression of COPD. Conclusions There are significant differences between post-bronchodilator flow and volume responses in patients with COPD.Flow response decreases remarkably along with the progression of COPD，whereas volume response increases along with the progression of COPD.
ObjectiveTo investigate the value of head boneless CT angiography (CTA) for surface shaded display (SSD) (hereinafter referred to as the SSD-CTA technology) and volume computed tomographic digital subtraction angiography (VCTDSA) in diagnosing intracranial aneurysms. MethodsWe collected the clinical data of 35 patients diagnosed to have intracranial aneurysm by VCTDSA between April 2013 and November 2014 from the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. The original data were imported into the CT workstation of the First People's Hospital of Chengdu. Then, SSD-CTA technology was performed for bone reconstruction. We compared the results of these two technologies. In addition, we selected another 27 patients diagnosed with intracranial aneurysm by SSDCTA and DSA examination at the same time between June 2012 and November 2014 in the First People's Hospital of Chengdu for comparison. ResultsThe quality score of SSD-CTA reconstructed image was lower than that of VCTDSA, but the diagnosis of the two technologies for intracranial aneurysm was not statistically different (P>0.05). Compared with DSA, the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis for intracranial aneurysms by SSD-CTA were both 100%. ConclusionSSD-CTA is valuable in diagnosing intracranial aneurysms.
Simulation of the human biological lung is a crucial method for medical professionals to learn and practice the use of new pulmonary interventional diagnostic and therapeutic devices. The study on ventilation effects of the simulation under positive pressure ventilation mode provide valuable guidance for clinical ventilation treatment. This study focused on establishing an electrical simulation ventilation model, which aims to address the complexities in parameter configuration and slow display of air pressure and airflow waveforms in simulating the human biological lung under positive pressure ventilation mode. A simulated ventilation experiment was conducted under pressure-regulated volume control (PRVC) positive pressure ventilation mode, and the resulting ventilation waveform was compared with that of normal adults. The experimental findings indicated that the average error of the main reference index moisture value was 9.8% under PRVC positive pressure ventilation mode, effectively simulating the ventilatory effect observed in normal adults. So the established electrical simulation ventilation model is feasible, and provides a foundation for further research on the simulation of human biological lung positive pressure ventilation experimental platform.
Objective To explore the correlation between liver volume variation of posthepatitic cirrhosis patients and the severity of the disease. Methods One hundred and eleven patients with normal livers and 74 posthepatitic cirrhosis patients underwent volume CT scan. The relation between normal liver volume and body height, body weight and body surface area was studied by linear regression and correlation method, the standard liver volume equation was deduced. The change ratio of liver volume in cirrhotic patients was calculated and compared with Child classification. Results The mean normal liver volume of Chinese adults was （1 225.15±216.23） cm3, there was a positive correlation between liver volume and body height, body weight 〔liver volume (cm3)=12.712×body weight (kg)+450.44〕 and body surface area 〔liver volume (cm3)=876.02×body surface area (m2)-297.17〕. The mean liver volume of Child A, B and C patients were （1 077.77±347.01） cm3, (1 016.35±348.60) cm3 and (805.73±208.85) cm3 respectively. The liver volume and liver volume index was significantly smaller in Child C patients than those in Child A and B patients (P＜0.05); while liver volume change ratio was higher in Child C patients (P＜0.05). Conclusion Liver volume variation of cirrhotic patients can be quantitatively assessed by 16 slices helical CT volume measurement and standard liver volume equation. The change of the liver volume is correlated with the severity of liver cirrhosis.
Objective To investigate the effect of bilevel ventilation mode on blood gas and hemodynamics of patients with acute lung injury (ALI) by pulse indicator continuous cardiac output(PiCCO), and the clinical effect of this new ventilation mode on patients with ALI as well as its influence degree of circulatory system so that the cure rate of ALI can be improved. Methods There were 42 patients with ALI, 27 male and 15 female aged 15-75 years. According to the order of hospitalization, 40 patients (2 patients did not complete the study) were divided into two groups with 20 patients in each group. Bilevel ventilation group included the first 20 admitted patients. They were given bilevel ventilation support, using Support/Time(S/T) mode. The initial set of end inspiratory pressure (IPAP) was 8-10 cm H2O gradually increased to 14-20 cm H2O, which should be comfortable and appropriate for patients. The initial set of end expiratory pressure (EPAP) was 3-5 cm H2O gradually increased to 8-12 cm H2O. Fraction of inspired oxygen(FiO2) unchanged. Control group included the rest 20 admitted patients. They were given respiratory support, using Auxiliary/Control(A/C) mode followed by an increased positive endexpiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5 cm H2O,10 cm H2O,15 cm H2O,20 cm H2O. Each pressure kept 30 min. FiO2 unchanged. Indexes such as cardiac output (CO), systemic vascular resistance (SVR) etc were observed in both groups. Results There were 13 deaths in two groups, including 5 in bilevel ventilation group and 8 in control group. Seven cases died of multiple organ failure, 3 died of septic shock and 3 died of circulatory failure. Endotracheal intubation time (2.9±0.8 d vs. 4.2±0.9 d, t=7.737, P=0.006) and hospital stay (17.2±4.5 d vs. 18.5±3.6 d, t=2.558, P=0.039) in bilevel ventilation group were significantly shorter than those in control group. In control group, when PEEP ranged from 5 cm H2O to 15 cm H2O, arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) gradually increased as PEEP increased (Plt;0.05); when PEEP increased to 20 cm H2O, CO decreased, SVR, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and airway peak pressure (PIP) increased than those in range of 515 cm H2O (Plt;0.05). In bilevel ventilation group, PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 gradually increased as EPAP increased. When EPAP increased to 10 cm H2O, PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 increased to the maximum (Plt;0.05); PIP was significantly lower than that in control group (t=7.831, .P.=.0.000). Conclusion Giving bilevel ventilation treatment to patients with ALI/acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS) can reduce the effects on respiratory and hemodynamic. PIP and the time of endotracheal intubation and hospital stay can be reduced without affecting hemodynamics.
ObjectiveTo compare the dosimetric differences among flattening filter free intensity modulated radiotherapy (3FIMRT), flattening filter free volumetric modulated arc therapy (3FVMAT), filter free intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and filter free volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for hyperthyroidism exophthalmus patients.MethodsComputed tomography (CT) scans of 29 patients, who were diagnosed with hyperthyroidism exophthalmus and treated with radiation therapy between September 2016 and September 2017, were selected for study. Four treatment plans with the same dose prescription and objective constrains were designed for each patient based on their images, consisting of IMRT, VMAT, 3FIMRT, and 3FVMAT. The target dosimetric distribution, normal tissue radiation dose, monitor units, and treatment time of each plan were evaluated.ResultsFour types of plans were all able to satisfy the clinical treatment requirements, and there were no significant differences in maximum dose, mean dose (Dmean), homogeneity index of the targets (P>0.05). For the parameters minimum dose, V50%, conformity index (CI), gradient index of the targets, statistically significant differences were observed among the four kinds of technologies (F=10.920, 35.860, 11.320, 17.790; P<0.05). The CI of IMRT and 3FIMRT were superior to those of VMAT and 3FVMAT, but there was no significant difference between IMRT and 3FIMRT. In terms of Lens Dmean and Brain Dmean, statistically significant differences were observed among the four kinds of technologies (F=5.054, 83.780; P<0.05). For Lens Dmean and Brain Dmean, 3FVMAT achieved better sparing effects when compared with the other three plans. The total monitor units and treatment time did not significantly differ between 3FVMAT and VMAT. The mean monitor units of 3FVMAT were 65.07% and 70.22% less than that of IMRT and 3FIMRT respectively. The mean treatment time of 3FVMAT were 48.1% and 35.24% less than that of IMRT and 3FIMRT respectively.Conclusion3FVMAT can bring more dosimetric advantages for hyperthyroidism exophthalmus radiation therapy when compared with IMRT, 3FIMRT, and VMAT.
Objective To investigate the consistency of regions of interest (ROI) volume among different radiological treatment planning systems (TPS) for the same group of patient data, and analyze the tendency and degree of differences caused by data transfer. Methods Between October 2010 and December 2013, the data of 10 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients treated in West China Hospital were transferred from Monaco TPS into various other treatment planning systems. Based on different ROI volumes, they were divided into 8 groups. We counted the volume differences between these TPS and Monaco TPS, and carried out the statistical analysis. Results For small ROI volume, the calculated difference reached up to 65% in our study. As a general trend, differences became less and less with the increasing of volumes. But for single ROI, the volume difference was likely to vary randomly. The percentage of ROI volumes which were smaller than that of Monaco TPS was 70% for Raystation TPS, 38.75% for Pinnacle TPS, 88.75% for Eclipse TPS, 97.5% for Masterplan TPS, and 83.13% for iPlan TPS. Conclusions ROI volume differences exist generally among different treatment planning systems when ROIs are transferred among them by DICOM protocol. The volume variations may be affected by multiple factors. The volume consistency should be evaluated before any direct comparison of dose volu me histogram parameters which are done between different systems.