O propósito deste estudo foi avaliar a acurácia do exame de tomografia computadorizada multislice (TCM) e tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico (TCFC) na identificação de lesões simuladas em mandíbula, em situações com e sem a presença de artefatos metálicos, em diversos protocolos de observação. Foram realizados exames de TCM e TCFC de mandíbulas secas, nas quais foram executadas perfurações simulando lesões. As imagens foram realizadas em dois momentos: na presença e na ausência de restaurações dentárias metálicas. Dois observadores, previamente calibrados, observaram as imagens avaliando-as quanto à presença ou ausência de lesão, número de lojas das lesões e a existência ou não de invasão medular. Os mesmos utilizaram programas de manipulação de imagens instalados em estações de trabalho independentes, para reconstruir as imagens nos seguintes protocolos de avaliação: axial, sagital + coronal, 3D, conjunto (axial+sagital+coronal+3D) e parassagital. A sensibilidade e especificidade (validade) da tomografia computadorizada multislice (64 cortes) (TCM) e da tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico (TCFC) para diagnóstico de lesões ósseas (simuladas) em mandíbula, utilizando estação de trabalho independente foram demonstradas à medida que os valores encontrados foram superiores a 95% desde que com o protocolo de observação adequado. A influência de artefatos dentários metálicos foi pouco significativa na interpretação de lesões ósseas mandibulares, já que os valores de acurácia nas análises com e sem artefato foram bastante próximas. Os protocolos com aquisição por TCM sofreram mais influência dos artefatos do que os adquiridos por TCFC (valores sutilmente menores), exceto nas reconstruções em 3D, em que as originadas de aquisição por TCFC, apresentaram valores menores de acurácia. O melhor protocolo de pós processamento para interpretação de lesões ósseas simuladas foi o denominado RMP+3D. O protocolo que apresentou os piores resultados foi o que utilizou as reconstruções parassagitais. / The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in identification of simulated mandibular lesions in situations with and without metallic artifacts in several observation protocols. MSCT and CBCT examinations were performed in dry mandibles, in which holes were performed simulating lesions. The images were taken in two stages: in the presence and absence of metal dental restorations. Two observers, previously calibrated, observed the images by evaluating the images for the presence or absence of lesion, loci number and whether there were medullary invasion. Observers used image manipulation softwares, installed on independent workstations, to reconstruct the images in the following evaluation protocols: axial, sagittal + coronal, 3D, sets (axial+ coronal + sagittal + 3 D) and parasagittal. The sensitivity and specificity of MSCT (64 slices) and CBCT for diagnosis of simulated bone lesions in the mandible, using independent workstation were demonstrated as the values obtained were greater than 95% using the appropriate observation protocol. The influence of dental metallic artifacts was negligible in the interpretation of mandibular bone lesions, since the values of accuracy in the analysis with and without artifact were quite close. The images acquired with MCT suffered more influence of artifacts than the protocols acquired by TCFC, although the values were all high and quite close. Except for 3D reconstructions, which originated from the CBCT, showed the lowest accuracy. The best protocol for post-processing and interpretation of simulated bone lesions was called RMP +3 D. The protocol that showed the worst results was parasagital.

O sucesso da cirurgia ortognática está relacionado com diversos fatores como análise facial precisa e acurada, e exames de imagem com alta qualidade. Atualmente, diversos programas de imagens tridimensionais, comerciais e abertos, estão disponíveis no auxílio diagnóstico, elaboração do plano de tratamento e simulação do procedimento cirúrgico para correção das deformidades dentofaciais. Entretanto, estudos avaliando os diferentes métodos de mensuração linear empregados pelos programas de imagem por meio da reconstrução 3D no planejamento da osteotomia tipo Le Fort I são escassos e, maiores esclarecimentos sobre sua precisão e a acurácia são necessários. O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer: a) precisão e acurácia de medidas lineares tridimensionais para osteotomia tipo Le Fort I obtidas por meio da tomografia computadorizada multislice (TCMS) e feixe cônico (TCFC) e b) comparar a precisão e acurácia de medidas lineares para osteotomia tipo Le Fort I realizadas por meio de três programas de imagem utilizando a 3D-TCFC. A amostra foi constituída por onze crânios secos submetidos à TCMS 64 canais e TCFC. As reconstruções tridimensionais (3D-TC) foram geradas, e medidas lineares (n=11) baseadas em estruturas e pontos anatômicos de interesse à osteotomia tipo Le Fort I foram realizados independentemente, por dois radiologistas experientes, duas vezes cada, utilizando programa Vítrea 3.8.1 em reconstruções 3D-TCMS e 3D-TCFC e os programas OsiriX 1.2 64-bit e Dolphin Imaging versão 11.5.04.35 por meio da 3D-TCFC. Sequencialmente, um terceiro observador experiente e calibrado, que não participou da análise das imagens, realizou as medidas sobre os crânios secos utilizando paquímetro digital (padrão ouro) com quais as medidas foram comparadas. A análise intra e inter-observadores assim como as correlações individuais de cada medida foram realizadas utilizando o coeficiente de correlação intra-classe (CCI), sendo o intervalo de confiança adotado de 95%. Os resultados demonstraram na análise intra-observador, utilizando o programa Vítrea, correlação excelente para todas as medidas variando de 0,87 a 0,96 e 0,82 a 0,98 para os observadores 1 e 2 respectivamente utilizando a TCMS e de 0,84 a 0,98 e 0,80 a 0,98 utilizando a TCFC. A análise inter-observadores variou de 0,85 a 0,98 para a TCMS e de 0,80 a 0,99 para a TCFC. A análise intra-observador utilizando os diferentes programas de imagem na TCFC apresentou variações de 0,90 a 0,97 (Vítrea), 0,65 a 0,97 (OsiriX) e 0,51 a 0,94 (Dolphin). Na análise inter-obsevador obtivemos valores de 0,92 a 0,99 e 0,88 a 0,98 para os observadores 1 e 2 respectivamente utilizando o Vítrea, 0,58 a 0,90 e 0,48 a 0,85 para o programa OsiriX e de 0,80 a 0,96 e 0,57 a 0,92 com o programa Dolphin. O programa Vítrea não apresentou diferenças estatisticamente significante nas análises intra e inter-observador e medidas físicas utilizando a TCMS e TCFC. Em relação à análise dos programas, diferenças estatisticamente foram constatadas com o programa OsiriX e Dolphin em relação ao padrão ouro. / The success of orthognathic surgery depends on many factors as precise and accurate facial analysis and high quality imaging exams. Nowadays a lot of commercial and open-source three-dimensional software programs currently available to assist diagnosis, elaboration of treatment planning, and to predict outcomes related to orthognathic surgery. The aim of this study was to establish: a) the precision and accuracy of three-dimensional linear measurements for Le Fort I osteotomy, obtained from multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and b) compare the precision and accuracy of linear measurements for Le Fort I osteotomy performed by three different imaging software programs and obtained from 3D-CBCT images. The study population consisted of 11 dried skulls submitted to 64-row MSCT and CBCT scans. Three-dimensional reconstructed images (3D-CT) were generated, and linear measurements (n = 11) based on anatomical structures and landmarks of interest for Le Fort I osteotomy were performed independently by 2 oral and maxillofacial radiologists, twice each, using Vítrea 3.8.1 software for 3D-MSCT and 3D-CBCT and OsiriX 1.2 64-bit and Dolphin Imaging version 11.5.04.35 from 3D-CBCT. Subsequently, a third examiner expert in anatomical analysis and calibrated, who did not evaluate the images, performed measurements on dry skulls using a digital caliper (gold standard) with which the measurements were compared. The analyses of intra- and inter-observer as well as the individual correlations of each measurement were performed using the coefficient of intra-class correlation (ICC), with a confidence interval of 95 %. The intra-observer results showed that using the Vitrea program, excellent correlation for all measurements were reached with ICC values ranging from 0.87 to 0.96 and 0.82 0.98 for observers 1 and 2 respectively using the MSCT and 0.84 to 0.98 and 0.80 to 0.98 using CBCT. Inter-observer analysis ranged from 0.85 to 0.98 for MSCT and 0.80 to 0.99 for CBCT. The intra-observer analysis using the different programs using CBCT images varied from 0.90 to 0.97 for Vitrea, 0.65 to 0.97 for OsiriX and 0.51 to 0.94 using Dolphin. Inter-observer analysis demonstrated values ranging from 0.92 to 0.99 and 0.88 0.98 for observers 1 and 2 respectively using the Vitrea; 0.58 to 0.90 and 0.48 to 0.85 for OsiriX, and 0.80 to 0.96 and 0.57 to 0.92 using Dolphin. Vítrea software showed no statistically significant differences for intra-and inter-observer analysis and physical measurements using MSCT and CBCT. Regarding the analysis of softwares, statistical differences were found with the program OsiriX and Dolphin in comparison to gold standard.

Os dentes incisivos inferiores apresentam, em sua maioria, canal radicular único, que pode ter conformações distintas. De acordo com a literatura científica, a presença de um segundo canal radicular pode ser constatada em 10 a 40% dos casos. A não-detecção do segundo canal é um importante fator para o insucesso do tratamento endodôntico. Esta pesquisa foi realizada com os seguintes objetivos: 1) comparar a eficácia na identificação de padrões anatômicos internos em incisivos inferiores permanentes extraídos com uso de imagem radiográfica periapical digital e de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC); e 2) determinar a prevalência de 2 canais radiculares em incisivos inferiores em imagens de TCFC de um banco de dados de exames previamente realizados, associando com localização do dente, gênero e idade do paciente. Na primeira etapa da pesquisa, 40 dentes incisivos inferiores foram submetidos a escaneamento em microtomógrafo computadorizado da FOB-USP (Skyscan 1074) para estabelecer o padrão ouro do tipo anatômico interno de cada dente. Os dentes foram então classificados em: Tipo I (1 canal radicular regular, n=12), Tipo Ia (1 canal radicular oval, n=12) e Tipo III (2 canais radiculares, n=16). Em seguida, os dentes foram divididos em 10 grupos de 4 dentes e posicionados em alvéolos de uma mandíbula humana para exposição radiográfica periapical digital direta com duas tomadas variando o ângulo horizontal de incidência (Schick CDR) e para escaneamento em 3 tomógrafos (Kodak 9000 3D, Veraviewepocs 3De e NewTom 5G) da Universidade de Loma Linda, CA, EUA. Dois examinadores treinados classificaram o tipo anatômico de cada dente e suas respostas foram comparadas ao padrão ouro estabelecido por microtomografia. Para descrição dos resultados, utilizou-se a porcentagem (%) de respostas certas / erradas. Aplicou-se o teste do qui-quadrado (X2), com nível de significância estatística de 5%, para verificação da associação entre variáveis. As concordâncias inter e intraexaminador foram determinadas por teste de kappa. Na segunda etapa da pesquisa, foram interpretadas imagens de incisivos inferiores de 100 pacientes, cujos exames estavam disponíveis no banco de dados do tomógrafo i-CAT Classic da FOB-USP. Dois examinadores avaliaram a anatomia interna de incisivos inferiores, em reconstruções axiais, sagitais e coronais, classificando-a de acordo com o número de canais radiculares. A prevalência de 2 canais radiculares foi relacionada à localização do dente e ao gênero e idade do paciente. Para descrição dos dados coletados, utilizou-se a porcentagem (%). Para verificar a associação entre variáveis, utilizou-se o teste do qui-quadrado (X2), com nível de significância estatística de 5%. Para a concordância intra e interexaminador, utilizou-se o teste de kappa. Como resultado da primeira etapa da pesquisa, obteve-se alto índice de detecção de tipos anatômicos para todos os métodos avaliados (p <0,05). Para dentes com Tipo I (1 canal radicular regular), as imagens de TCFC foram superiores em comparação à radiografia periapical digital com dupla exposição (RP= 67% de acerto; TCFC= 98% de acerto, p <0,05). Considerando os 3 aparelhos de TCFC, não houve diferença estatística significante entre eles para identificação do Tipo I. Já para dentes com Tipo Ia (1 canal radicular oval), houve diferença estatística significante somente entre radiografia periapical digital com dupla exposição e o tomógrafo NewTom (RP= 44% de acerto; TCFC NewTom= 88% de acerto). Não houve diferença significante entre os outros 2 tomógrafos e radiografia periapical ou entre os 3 tomógrafos. Considerando dentes com Tipo III (2 canais radiculares), não houve diferença estatística significante entre nenhum dos métodos. Todos os métodos apresentaram números de respostas certas semelhantes para o Tipo III, sugerindo que a radiografia periapical com dupla angulação é suficiente para identificação de 2 canais radiculares em incisivos inferiores. A concordância intraexaminador para radiografia periapical foi regular (kappa=0,40 a 0,66) e de boa a excelente para os aparelhos de TCFC (kappa=0,62 a 0,85). A concordância interexaminador para radiografia periapical foi de ruim a regular (kappa=0,25 a 0,32) e de boa a excelente para os aparelhos de TCFC (kappa=0,62 a 0,92). Na segunda etapa da pesquisa, o total de 386 incisivos inferiores foi avaliado, sendo 192 incisivos centrais e 194 incisivos laterais. A prevalência de 2 canais radiculares constatada no total de dentes foi de 16,5%, sendo de 13% em incisivos centrais e de 20% nos incisivos laterais (p >0,05). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre gêneros e idades. A concordância intra e interexaminador foi regular (kappa intra=0,60; kappa inter=0,57). Como conclusão da primeira etapa da pesquisa, observou-se que a identificação do número de canais radiculares foi efetiva em todos os métodos. No entanto, limitações foram encontradas para a diferenciação da forma do canal radicular. Na segunda etapa da pesquisa, concluiuse que a presença de 2 canais radiculares em incisivos inferiores de pacientes da região de Bauru é de aproximadamente 20% e não depende da localização do dente ou de gênero e idade do paciente. / Mandibular incisors most commonly have a single root canal, which can present with different anatomic configurations. According to the literature, the presence of a second root canal can be observed in 10 - 40% of the teeth. Difficulty in detecting the second root canal is an important factor for the endodontic treatment failure. The aim of this research was: 1) to compare the efficacy of digital periapical radiography (PA) with double exposure and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the identification of internal anatomic patterns in mandibular incisors, and 2) to determine the prevalence of 2 root canals in mandibular incisors using cone beam computed tomographic images of a patient database, comparing to tooth position and patients gender and age. In the first part of this research, 40 extracted mandibular incisors underwent microcomputed tomographic (micro-CT) scanning (Skyscan 1074) in order to establish the gold standard for internal anatomic pattern. The teeth were classified according to: Type I (1 regular root canal, n=12), Type Ia (1 oval root canal, n=12), and Type III (2 root canals, n=16). Then, the teeth were divided into 10 groups of 4 teeth and placed in a preserved human mandible for direct digital periapical radiographic double exposure (Schick CDR) and CBCT scans using Kodak 9000 3D, Veraviewepocs 3De and NewTom 5G. Two blinded examiners classified the anatomic pattern of each tooth and their answers were compared to the gold standard (microtomographic images). Percentage (%) of right / wrong answers was used for the statistical analysis of the results. Chi-square test (X2) was used to verify the association between variables (p <.05). Inter and intraexaminer agreements were determined using kappa values. In the second part of this research, CBCT images of a 100 patients database from FOB-USP were examined. Two examiners assessed the internal anatomy of mandibular incisors in axial, sagittal and coronal reconstructions and classified the teeth according to the number of root canals. The prevalence of 2 root canals was related to the tooth location and patients gender and age. Percentage (%) was used to describe the collected data. Chi-square test (X2) was used to verify the association between variables (p <.05). Inter and intraexaminer agreements were determined using kappa values. The results of the first part of the research showed a high level of identification of anatomic patterns for all the methods (p <0.05). Considering Type I (1 regular root canal), CBCT images were better in comparison to PA (PA= 67%; CBCT= 98%, p <0.05). There was no significant difference between the 3 CBCT scanners. For Type Ia (1 oval root canal), there was a significant difference between PA and CBCT imaging using the NewTom unit only (PA= 44%, NewTom CBCT= 88%). No significant differences were found between the other 2 CBCT units and PA or between the 3 CBCT units. Considering Type III (2 root canals), there was no significant difference between the various methods. All the methods presented similar corrected answers index for Type III, which may suggest that PA with double exposure is sufficient for the identification of 2 root canals in mandibular incisors. The intraexaminer agreement was fair for PA (kappa=0.40 to 0.66) and good to very good for the CBCT units (kappa=0.62 to 0.85). The interexaminer agreement was poor to fair for PA (kappa=0.25 to 0.32) and good to very good for CBCT units (kappa=0.62 to 0.92). In the second part of this research, the total amount of 386 mandibular incisors was assessed in CBCT images (192 mandibular central incisors and 194 mandibular lateral incisors). The overall prevalence of 2 root canals was 16.5%, and 13% in mandibular central incisors and 20% in mandibular lateral incisors (p >0.05). There was no significant difference between gender and age. The intra and interexaminer agreement was fair (kappa intra=0.60; kappa inter=0.57). For the first part of this research, it is possible to conclude that the identification of the number of root canals was effective using all the methods. However, limitations were found in differentiating the shape of the root canal. As a conclusion of the second part of this research, the presence of 2 root canals in mandibular incisors of Bauru region patients is approximately 20% and it does not depend on tooth location or patients gender and age.

Law Tsui Ying. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 64-70). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgments --- p.ii / Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Structure of Bronchus --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2 --- Existing Systems --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Virtual Endoscope System (VES) --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Virtual Reality Surgical Simulator --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Automated Virtual Colonoscopy (AVC) --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- QUICKSEE --- p.5 / Chapter 1.3 --- Organization of Thesis --- p.6 / Chapter 2 --- Three Dimensional Visualization in Medicine --- p.7 / Chapter 2.1 --- Acquisition --- p.8 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Computed Tomography --- p.8 / Chapter 2.2 --- Resampling --- p.9 / Chapter 2.3 --- Segmentation and Classification --- p.9 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Segmentation by Thresholding --- p.10 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Segmentation by Texture Analysis --- p.10 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Segmentation by Region Growing --- p.10 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Segmentation by Edge Detection --- p.11 / Chapter 2.4 --- Rendering --- p.12 / Chapter 2.5 --- Display --- p.13 / Chapter 2.6 --- Hazards of Visualization --- p.13 / Chapter 2.6.1 --- Adding Visual Richness and Obscuring Important Detail --- p.14 / Chapter 2.6.2 --- Enhancing Details Incorrectly --- p.14 / Chapter 2.6.3 --- The Picture is not the Patient --- p.14 / Chapter 2.6.4 --- Pictures-'R'-Us --- p.14 / Chapter 3 --- Overview of Advanced Segmentation Methodologies --- p.15 / Chapter 3.1 --- Mathematical Morphology --- p.15 / Chapter 3.2 --- Recursive Region Search --- p.16 / Chapter 3.3 --- Active Region Models --- p.17 / Chapter 4 --- Overview of Centerline Methodologies --- p.18 / Chapter 4.1 --- Thinning Approach --- p.18 / Chapter 4.2 --- Volume Growing Approach --- p.21 / Chapter 4.3 --- Combination of Mathematical Morphology and Region Growing Schemes --- p.22 / Chapter 4.4 --- Simultaneous Borders Identification Approach --- p.23 / Chapter 4.5 --- Tracking Approach --- p.24 / Chapter 4.6 --- Distance Transform Approach --- p.25 / Chapter 5 --- Automated Extraction of Bronchus Area --- p.27 / Chapter 5.1 --- Basic Idea --- p.27 / Chapter 5.2 --- Outline of the Automated Extraction Algorithm --- p.28 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Selection of a Start Point --- p.28 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Three Dimensional Region Growing Method --- p.29 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Optimization of the Threshold Value --- p.29 / Chapter 5.3 --- Retrieval of Start Point Algorithm Using Genetic Algorithm --- p.29 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Introduction to Genetic Algorithm --- p.30 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Problem Modeling --- p.31 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Algorithm for Determining a Start Point --- p.33 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Genetic Operators --- p.33 / Chapter 5.4 --- Three Dimensional Painting Algorithm --- p.34 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Outline of the Three Dimensional Painting Algorithm --- p.34 / Chapter 5.5 --- Optimization of the Threshold Value --- p.36 / Chapter 6 --- Automatic Centerline Determination Algorithm --- p.38 / Chapter 6.1 --- Distance Transformations --- p.38 / Chapter 6.2 --- End Points Retrieval --- p.41 / Chapter 6.3 --- Graph Based Centerline Algorithm --- p.44 / Chapter 7 --- Experiments and Discussion --- p.48 / Chapter 7.1 --- Experiment of Automated Determination of Bronchus Algorithm --- p.48 / Chapter 7.2 --- Experiment of Automatic Centerline Determination Algorithm --- p.54 / Chapter 8 --- Conclusion --- p.62 / Bibliography --- p.63

O propósito deste estudo foi avaliar a acurácia do exame de tomografia computadorizada multislice (TCM) e tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico (TCFC) na identificação de lesões simuladas em mandíbula, em situações com e sem a presença de artefatos metálicos, em diversos protocolos de observação. Foram realizados exames de TCM e TCFC de mandíbulas secas, nas quais foram executadas perfurações simulando lesões. As imagens foram realizadas em dois momentos: na presença e na ausência de restaurações dentárias metálicas. Dois observadores, previamente calibrados, observaram as imagens avaliando-as quanto à presença ou ausência de lesão, número de lojas das lesões e a existência ou não de invasão medular. Os mesmos utilizaram programas de manipulação de imagens instalados em estações de trabalho independentes, para reconstruir as imagens nos seguintes protocolos de avaliação: axial, sagital + coronal, 3D, conjunto (axial+sagital+coronal+3D) e parassagital. A sensibilidade e especificidade (validade) da tomografia computadorizada multislice (64 cortes) (TCM) e da tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico (TCFC) para diagnóstico de lesões ósseas (simuladas) em mandíbula, utilizando estação de trabalho independente foram demonstradas à medida que os valores encontrados foram superiores a 95% desde que com o protocolo de observação adequado. A influência de artefatos dentários metálicos foi pouco significativa na interpretação de lesões ósseas mandibulares, já que os valores de acurácia nas análises com e sem artefato foram bastante próximas. Os protocolos com aquisição por TCM sofreram mais influência dos artefatos do que os adquiridos por TCFC (valores sutilmente menores), exceto nas reconstruções em 3D, em que as originadas de aquisição por TCFC, apresentaram valores menores de acurácia. O melhor protocolo de pós processamento para interpretação de lesões ósseas simuladas foi o denominado RMP+3D. O protocolo que apresentou os piores resultados foi o que utilizou as reconstruções parassagitais. / The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in identification of simulated mandibular lesions in situations with and without metallic artifacts in several observation protocols. MSCT and CBCT examinations were performed in dry mandibles, in which holes were performed simulating lesions. The images were taken in two stages: in the presence and absence of metal dental restorations. Two observers, previously calibrated, observed the images by evaluating the images for the presence or absence of lesion, loci number and whether there were medullary invasion. Observers used image manipulation softwares, installed on independent workstations, to reconstruct the images in the following evaluation protocols: axial, sagittal + coronal, 3D, sets (axial+ coronal + sagittal + 3 D) and parasagittal. The sensitivity and specificity of MSCT (64 slices) and CBCT for diagnosis of simulated bone lesions in the mandible, using independent workstation were demonstrated as the values obtained were greater than 95% using the appropriate observation protocol. The influence of dental metallic artifacts was negligible in the interpretation of mandibular bone lesions, since the values of accuracy in the analysis with and without artifact were quite close. The images acquired with MCT suffered more influence of artifacts than the protocols acquired by TCFC, although the values were all high and quite close. Except for 3D reconstructions, which originated from the CBCT, showed the lowest accuracy. The best protocol for post-processing and interpretation of simulated bone lesions was called RMP +3 D. The protocol that showed the worst results was parasagital.

La tomographie par rayons X multi-énergétiques (MECT) permet d'obtenir plus d'information concernant la structure interne de l'objet par rapport au scanner CT classique. Un de ses intérêts dans l’imagerie médicale est d'obtenir les images de fractions d’eau et d’os. Dans l'état de l'art, les intérêts de MECT n'est pas encore découvert largement. Les approches de reconstruction existantes sont très limitées dans leurs performances. L'objectif principal de ce travail est de proposer des approches de reconstruction de haute qualité qui pourront être utilisés dans la MECT afin d’améliorer la qualité d’imagerie.Ce travail propose deux approches de reconstruction bayésiennes. La première est adaptée au système avec un détecteur discriminant en énergie. Dans cette approche, nous considérons que les polychromaticités de faisceaux sont négligeables. En utilisant le modèle linéaire de la variance et la méthode d'estimation maximum à postériori (MAP), l'approche que nous avons proposé permets de prendre en compte les différents niveaux de bruit présentés sur les mesures multi-énergétiques. Les résultats des simulations montrent que, dans l'imagerie médicale, les mesures biénergies sont suffisantes pour obtenir les fractions de l'eau et de l'os en utilisant l'approche proposée. Des mesures à la troisième énergie est nécessaire uniquement lorsque l'objet contient des matériaux lourdes. Par exemple, l’acier et l'iode. La deuxième approche est proposée pour les systèmes où les mesures multi-énergétiques sont obtenues avec des faisceaux polychromatiques. C'est effectivement la plupart des cas dans l'état actuel du practice. Cette approche est basée sur un modèle direct non-linéaire et un modèle bruit gaussien où la variance est inconnue. En utilisant l’inférence bayésienne, les fractions de matériaux de base et de la variance d'observation pourraient être estimées à l'aide de l'estimateur conjoint de MAP. Sous réserve à un modèle a priori Dirac attribué à la variance, le problème d'estimation conjointe est transformé en un problème d'optimisation avec une fonction du coût non-quadratique. Pour le résoudre, l'utilisation d'un algorithme de gradient conjugué non-linéaire avec le pas de descente quasi-optimale est proposée.La performance de l'approche proposée est analysée avec des données simulées et expérimentales. Les résultats montrent que l'approche proposée est robuste au bruit et aux matériaux. Par rapport aux approches existantes, l'approche proposée présente des avantages sur la qualité de reconstruction. / Multi-Energy Computed Tomography (MECT) makes it possible to get multiple fractions of basis materials without segmentation. In medical application, one is the soft-tissue equivalent water fraction and the other is the hard-matter equivalent bone fraction. Practical MECT measurements are usually obtained with polychromatic X-ray beams. Existing reconstruction approaches based on linear forward models without counting the beam polychromaticity fail to estimate the correct decomposition fractions and result in Beam-Hardening Artifacts (BHA). The existing BHA correction approaches either need to refer to calibration measurements or suffer from the noise amplification caused by the negative-log pre-processing and the water and bone separation problem. To overcome these problems, statistical DECT reconstruction approaches based on non-linear forward models counting the beam polychromaticity show great potential for giving accurate fraction images.This work proposes a full-spectral Bayesian reconstruction approach which allows the reconstruction of high quality fraction images from ordinary polychromatic measurements. This approach is based on a Gaussian noise model with unknown variance assigned directly to the projections without taking negative-log. Referring to Bayesian inferences, the decomposition fractions and observation variance are estimated by using the joint Maximum A Posteriori (MAP) estimation method. Subject to an adaptive prior model assigned to the variance, the joint estimation problem is then simplified into a single estimation problem. It transforms the joint MAP estimation problem into a minimization problem with a non-quadratic cost function. To solve it, the use of a monotone Conjugate Gradient (CG) algorithm with suboptimal descent steps is proposed.The performances of the proposed approach are analyzed with both simulated and experimental data. The results show that the proposed Bayesian approach is robust to noise and materials. It is also necessary to have the accurate spectrum information about the source-detector system. When dealing with experimental data, the spectrum can be predicted by a Monte Carlo simulator. For a variety of materials, less than 5% estimation errors are observed on their average decomposition fractions.The proposed approach is a statistical reconstruction approach based on a non-linear forward model counting the full beam polychromaticity and applied directly to the projections without taking negative-log. Compared to the approaches based on linear forward models and the BHA correction approaches, it has advantages in noise robustness and reconstruction accuracy.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os tomógrafos multidetectores (TCMD) aumentaram a sensibilidade na detecção do tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP). Observa-se, no entanto, um substancial aumento no número de imagens e, conseqüentemente, no tempo de análise pelo radiologista. Uma possível solução, para este problema, é a realização de reconstruções em projeção de intensidade máxima (MIP) que reduz o número de imagens para análise. Existe ainda uma nova modalidade de imagem utilizando reconstrução MIP em planos rotacionais sobre um eixo horizontal ao nível dos hilos pulmonares (reformatação em pás de roda moinho, PRM), que tem demonstrado melhor a continuidade dos ramos arteriais que irradiam dos hilos. No entanto, estudos são necessários para determinar se o uso de reformatações MIP pode reduzir o número de imagens a serem analisadas, sem perda significativa de informações, e se a adição de reformatação PRM pode melhorar o diagnóstico de TEP. OBJETIVOS: Testar a hipótese de que imagens utilizando reconstruções em projeção de intensidade máxima de 2,0 mm e 4,0 mm de espessura, multiplanares, têm o mesmo valor diagnóstico para detecção de TEP nas grandes e pequenas artérias pulmonares, quando comparadas a imagens multiplanares de 1 mm, realizadas em TCMD de 10 e 16 fileiras de detectores. Avaliar se há influência no valor diagnóstico de TEP o acréscimo de reformatações PRM, nas imagens reconstruídas em MIP de 2 mm. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta pacientes com suspeita diagnóstica de TEP (30 com TEP positivo e 20 com TEP negativo, detectados no exame tomográfico), realizaram tomografia computadorizada do tórax para avaliação das artérias pulmonares em TCMD com 16 e 10 fileiras de detectores (120 kV, 200 mAs e 1 mm de colimação). Cada exame foi reconstruído em 4 tipos de séries de imagens multiplanares: imagens multiplanares (MPR) de 1 mm e 3 tipos de reconstrução MIP, com espessuras de 2 mm, 4 mm e 2 mm acrescidas de reformatação PRM. Dois observadores avaliaram, independentemente, em estação de trabalho, a presença ou ausência de êmbolos nas artérias principais, lobares, segmentares e subsegmentares dos 50 pacientes em cada uma das reconstruções MIP, as quais foram comparadas usando-se a reformatação MPR de 1 mm como padrão de referência. RESULTADOS: As reconstruções MIP de 2 mm tiveram melhor acurácia, estatisticamente significativa, em relação a MIP de 4 mm, com valores de sensibilidade 100,0 e 100.0 para as artérias principais e lobares; 92,6 e 85,5 para as segmentares e 94,3 e 86,8 para as subsegmentares. Utilizando as imagens multiplanares de 1 mm como referência padrão. Todos pacientes com TEP foram detectados com imagens em MIP de 2 mm. Dois pacientes com TEP não foram diagnosticados com imagens em MIP de 4 mm. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre a reformatação MIP de 2 mm e 2 mm + PRM na detecção de êmbolos. CONCLUSÃO: Com um número de imagens equivalente a metade da reconstrução MPR de 1 mm, a reconstrução em MIP de 2 mm conseguiu detectar todos os pacientes com TEP positivo que foram diagnosticados pelas imagens multiplanares de 1 mm, com sensibilidade de 100,0 e 100,0 nas artérias principais e lobares, de 92,6 e 85,5 para as artérias segmentares e 94,3 e 86,8 para as artérias subsegmentares. O acréscimo de reformatações PRM às imagens em MIP de 2 mm não aumentou a acurácia na detecção de êmbolos, mas melhorou a visualização da continuidade dos êmbolos, principalmente, nas artérias centrais. / INTRODUCTION: Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has been making possible the increase of the sensibility in the detection of the pulmonary embolism (PE). It is observed, however, that there is a substantial increase in the number of images and, consequently, in the time of analysis for the radiologist. A possible solution to this problem is accomplishing a maximum intensity projection reconstruction (MIP) that reduces the number of images for analysis. Still, there is a new image modality using MIP reconstructions in rotational plans that pivot on a central horizontal axis between the lung hila (paddlewheel reformations, PDW). It provides a continuous display of branching arteries that radiate from both hila. However, studies are necessary to determine if the use of multiplan MIP reformation can reduce the number of images to be analyzed, without significant loss of information; and, if the addition of PDW reformation can improve the diagnosis of PE. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that images using maximum intensity projection reconstructions of 2,0 mm and 4,0 mm of thickness, multiplan, have the same diagnosis value for detection of pulmonary embolism in the big and small pulmonary arteries, when compared to multiplan images of 1 mm collimation, accomplished in 16 and 10 slice MDTC; and to evaluate if there is influence on the diagnosis value of PE the increment of PDW reformation, in the images rebuilt in MIP of 2 mm. CASUISTIC AND METHODS: Fifty patients suspected of having an acute PE (30 with positive PE and 20 with negative PE, detected during the tomography exam) accomplished computerized tomography of the thorax for evaluation of the pulmonary arteries by 16 and 10 slice MDTC (120 kV, 200 mAs and 1 mm collimation). Four kind of images series (1 mm thick multiplan images and 3 kinds of reconstructed images using the MIP tecnhnique with slab thicknesses of 2 mm, 4 mm and 2 mm added of PDW reformation) were obtained from each exam. Two observers independently evaluated, in work station, the presence or absence of emboli in the main and lobar, segmental and subsegmental arteries in the 50 patients in each one of the reconstructions in MIP, which they were compared using the reformation of 1 mm of thickness as reference pattern. RESULTS: The reconstructions in MIP of 2 mm had better accuracy than MIP of 4 mm, statistically significant with values of sensibility 100,0 and 100,0 for the main and lobar pulmonary arteries; 92,6 and 85,5 for the segmental and 94,3 and 86,8 for the subsegmental. The images in MPR of 1 mm were used as a reference pattern. All patients with PE were detected with images in MIP of 2 mm; two patients with PE were not diagnosed with images in MIP of 4 mm. There was not difference statisticament significant among reformation in MIP of 2 mm and 2 mm plus PDW in the detection of emboli. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction in MIP of 2 mm reduced the number of images for the half and it detected all patients with positive PE that were diagnosed by the multiplans images of 1 mm, with sensibility of 100,0 and 100,0 in the main and lobar arteries, of 92,6 and 85,5 and 79,2 for the segmental arteries and 94,3 and 86,8 for the subsegmental arteries. The increment of PDW reformation to the images in MIP of 2 mm didn\'t increase the accuracy in the detection of emboli, but it improved the visualization of the continuity of the emboli, mainly, in the central arteries.

In this study we design a succession of three increasingly adept diffuse optical devices towards the simultaneous 3D imaging of blood flow and fluorescence contrasts in relatively deep tissues. These metrics together can provide future insights into the relationship between blood flow distributions and fluorescent or fluorescently tagged agents. A noncontact diffuse correlation tomography (ncDCT) device was firstly developed to recover flow by mechanically scanning a lens-based apparatus across the sample. The novel flow reconstruction technique and measuring boundary curvature were advanced in tandem. The establishment of CCD camera detection with a high sampling density and flow recovery by speckle contrast followed with the next instrument, termed speckle contrast diffuse correlation tomography (scDCT). In scDCT, an optical switch sequenced coherent near-infrared light into contact-based source fibers around the sample surface. A fully noncontact reflectance mode device finalized improvements by combining noncontact scDCT (nc_scDCT) and diffuse fluorescence tomography (DFT) techniques. In the combined device, a galvo-mirror directed polarized light to the sample surface. Filters and a cross polarizer in stackable tubes promoted extracting flow indices, absorption coefficients, and fluorescence concentrations (indocyanine green, ICG). The scDCT instrumentation was validated through detection of a cubical solid tissue-like phantom heterogeneity beneath a liquid phantom (background) surface where recovery of its center and dimensions agreed with the known values. The combined nc_scDCT/DFT identified both a cubical solid phantom and a tube of stepwise varying ICG concentration (absorption and fluorescence contrast). The tube imaged by nc_scDCT/DFT exhibited expected trends in absorption and fluorescence. The tube shape, orientation, and localization were recovered in general agreement with actuality. The flow heterogeneity localization was successfully extracted and its average relative flow values in agreement with previous studies. Increasing ICG concentrations induced notable disturbances in the tube region (≥ 0.25 μM/1 μM for 785 nm/830 nm) suggesting the graduating absorption (320% increase at 785 nm) introduced errors. We observe that 830 nm is lower in the ICG absorption spectrum and the correspondingly measured flow encountered less influence than 785 nm. From these results we anticipate the best practice in future studies to be utilization of a laser source with wavelength in a low region of the ICG absorption spectrum (e.g., 830 nm) or to only monitor flow prior to ICG injection or post-clearance. In addition, ncDCT was initially tested in a mouse tumor model to examine tumor size and averaged flow changes over a four-day interval. The next steps in forwarding the combined device development include the straightforward automation of data acquisition and filter rotation and applying it to in vivo tumor studies. These animal/clinical models may seek information such as simultaneous detection of tumor flow, fluorescence, and absorption contrasts or analyzing the relationship between variably sized fluorescently tagged nanoparticles and their tumor deposition relationship to flow distributions.

Measurement of tissue hemodynamics provides vital information for the assessment of tissue viability. This thesis reports three noninvasive near-infrared diffuse optical systems for spectroscopic measurements and tomographic imaging of tissue hemodynamics in vulnerable tissues with the goal of disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring. A hybrid near-infrared spectroscopy/diffuse correlation spectroscopy (NIRS/DCS) instrument with a contact fiber-optic probe was developed and utilized for simultaneous and continuous monitoring of blood flow (BF), blood oxygenation, and oxidative metabolism in exercising gastrocnemius. Results measured by the hybrid NIRS/DCS instrument in 37 subjects (mean age: 67 ± 6) indicated that vitamin D supplement plus aerobic training improved muscle metabolic function in older population. To reduce the interference and potential infection risk on vulnerable tissues caused by the contact measurement, a noncontact diffuse correlation spectroscopy/tomography (ncDCS/ncDCT) system was then developed. The ncDCS/ncDCT system employed optical lenses to project limited numbers of sources and detectors on the tissue surface. A motor-driven noncontact probe scanned over a region of interest to collect boundary data for three dimensional (3D) tomographic imaging of blood flow distribution. The ncDCS was tested for BF measurements in mastectomy skin flaps. Nineteen (19) patients underwent mastectomy and implant-based breast reconstruction were measured before and immediately after mastectomy. The BF index after mastectomy in each patient was normalized to its baseline value before surgery to get relative BF (rBF). Since rBF values in the patients with necrosis (n = 4) were significantly lower than those without necrosis (n = 15), rBF levels can be used to predict mastectomy skin flap necrosis. The ncDCT was tested for 3D imaging of BF distributions in chronic wounds of 5 patients. Spatial variations in BF contrasts over the wounded tissues were observed, indicating the capability of ncDCT in detecting tissue hemodynamic heterogeneities. To improve temporal/spatial resolution and avoid motion artifacts due to a long mechanical scanning of ncDCT, an electron-multiplying charge-coupled device based noncontact speckle contrast diffuse correlation tomography (scDCT) was developed. Validation of scDCT was done by imaging both high and low BF contrasts in tissue-like phantoms and human forearms. In a wound imaging study using scDCT, significant lower BF values were observed in the burned areas/volumes compared to surrounding normal tissues in two patients with burn. One limitation in this study was the potential influence of other unknown tissue optical properties such as tissue absorption coefficient (µa) on BF measurements. A new algorithm was then developed to extract both µa and BF using light intensities and speckle contrasts measured by scDCT at multiple source-detector distances. The new algorithm was validated using tissue-like liquid phantoms with varied values of µa and BF index. In-vivo validation and application of the innovative scDCT technique with the new algorithm is the subject of future work.

<p>The most important aspects of nuclear medicine imaging systems such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) are the spatial resolution and the sensitivity (detector efficiency in combination with the geometric efficiency). Considerable efforts have been spent during the last two decades in improving the resolution and the efficiency by developing new detectors. Our proposed improvement technique is focused on the readout and electronics. Instead of using traditional pulse height analysis techniques we propose using free running digital sampling by replacing the analog readout and acquisition electronics with fully digital programmable systems.</p><p>This thesis describes a fully digital data acquisition system for KS/SU SPECT, new algorithms for high resolution timing for PET, and modular FPGA based decentralized data acquisition system with optimal timing and energy. The necessary signal processing algorithms for energy assessment and high resolution timing are developed and evaluated. The implementation of the algorithms in field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and digital signal processors (DSP) is also covered. Finally, modular decentralized digital data acquisition systems based on FPGAs and Ethernet are described.</p>