Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a severe frequent disease with lack of specific symptoms and represents a major diagnostic challenge. In the past few years, single-slice spiral CT angiography has gained acceptance as a minimally invasive method of evaluating patients with suspicion of PE. The main limitation of single-slice spiral CT resides in the poor detection of subsegmental or more distal PE. This limited detection is not explained by an insufficient vascular distension during spiral CT acquisition but probably by an insufficient spatial resolution. Moreover, in some situations spiral CT is penalized by pulmonary angiography which is an imperfect gold standard. Today Multislice CT can acquire 2 up to 64 slices in a single rotation with isotropic resolution. This technique can cover the entire chest in 1-mm slice thickness or less, in one short breath-hold and allows a better analysis of peripheral pulmonary arteries with a better depiction of sub-segmental and peripheral clots. It also reduces or eliminates artefacts produced by patient movement and decreases the x-ray tube heating that can constrain singleslice scanning parameters. Acquisition of the lower extremities can be performed after chest CT, allowing detection of deep vein thrombosis and one stop shopping of the venous thromboembolic disease. The diagnostic accuracy of multislice CT is probably similar or superior to pulmonary angiography with an inferior delivered radiation dose, a better detection of alternative diagnoses and a continuous decrease of contrast medium injected. Last refinements in CT technology opens new frontiers for a functional approach of PE and predict its prognosis. For all the above-mentioned reasons, it seems obvious that multislice CT will definitively replace pulmonary angiography for diagnostic purposes and will represent a superb tool to better understand the physiopathology of this frequent and potentially life-threatening disorder.

Le but de notre travail a été d’évaluer l’effet de la réduction de la dose d’irradiation en TDM multibarrette quant à la performance diagnostique, la confiance de l’observateur dans le diagnostic proposé, la capacité à suggérer un diagnostic alternatif dans quelques pathologies courantes et/ou caractérisées par des situations de faibles contrastes entre les structures anatomiques normales ou pathologiques. Nous avons donc comparé ces paramètres entre des TDM à doses réduites et à doses standard telles que couramment rapportées dans la littérature dans les circonstances suivantes : • La suspicion clinique de colique néphrétique: le contraste naturel élevé du calcium avec les structures voisines suggère de pouvoir réduire fortement la dose, dans une pathologie potentiellement récidivante et qui intéresse des patients jeunes dont le pronostic est excellent. Notre étude a montré qu’une dose 10 fois inférieure à celle générée par des examens TDM courants permet des performances diagnostiques semblables à la TDM à dose conventionnelle. • La suspicion clinique de sinusite chronique: le contraste naturel élevé entre l’air des cavités sinusales, la muqueuse nasale et les os de la face permet de réduire fortement la dose, dans cette pathologie potentiellement récidivante et qui intéresse des patients jeunes dont le pronostic est excellent. Notre étude a montré qu’une dose 10 à 25 fois inférieure à celle générée par des examens TDM courants, et dès lors inférieure à celle générée par quatre incidences radiographiques, permet des performances diagnostiques semblables à la TDM à dose conventionnelle. • La suspicion clinique d’appendicite aiguë: L’appendice est situé dans une atmosphère anatomique caractérisée par un faible contraste entre les structures. Néanmoins, comme l’appendicite est une pathologie qui concerne l’adolescent et l’adulte jeune, nous avons tenté de réduire la dose des TDM dans ce contexte. Notre étude a montré qu’une dose 3 à 10 fois inférieure à celle générée par des examens TDM courants, et dès lors inférieure à celle générée par trois incidences radiographiques, permet des performances diagnostiques semblables à la TDM à dose conventionnelle. • La suspicion clinique de diverticulite aiguë du colon: la diverticulite aiguë du colon est également caractérisée par une atmosphère anatomique de faible contraste entre les structures. Néanmoins, comme cette pathologie peut concerner l’adulte jeune et récidiver, nous avons tenté de réduire la dose des TDM dans ce contexte. Notre étude a montré qu’une dose 3 à 10 fois inférieure à celle générée par des examens TDM courants, permet des performances diagnostiques semblables à la TDM à dose conventionnelle. • Le diagnostic d’embolie pulmonaire aiguë: la TDM spiralée occupe une position centrale dans le diagnostic d’embolie pulmonaire aiguë mais impose l’injection intraveineuse de produit de contraste iodé. La comparaison d’images obtenues à des doses variables d’irradiation a nécessité leur traitement à posteriori pour simuler la réduction de dose. Notre étude a montré qu’une dose 9 fois inférieure à celle générée par des examens TDM conventionnels permet des performances diagnostiques semblables. Ces investigations ont été complétées par l’investigation de l’influence du genre, de l’indice de masse corporelle et de l’âge sur la modulation automatique du courant au tube radiogène (6). Cette investigation a montré que la modulation automatique ne réduit la dose d’irradiation que d’au plus 20% avec peu ou pas de différence en fonction du genre, de l’âge ou de l’indice de masse corporel des patients ; indiquant ainsi qu’elle ne pouvait pas remplacer la réduction de la charge volontaire de l’opérateur.

Submitted by Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontologia Saúde (mestrodo@ufba.br) on 2017-04-04T13:34:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE COMPLETA.pdf: 6740473 bytes, checksum: e46e487e77f50e424239dfad9be11c29 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Delba Rosa (delba@ufba.br) on 2017-07-06T13:01:04Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE COMPLETA.pdf: 6740473 bytes, checksum: e46e487e77f50e424239dfad9be11c29 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-06T13:01:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE COMPLETA.pdf: 6740473 bytes, checksum: e46e487e77f50e424239dfad9be11c29 (MD5) / As lesões benignas presentes nos maxilares apresentam-se muito semelhantes nos exames de imagem bidimensionais, limitado assim, em muitos casos, o diagnóstico clínico - radiográfico. A tomografia computadorizada multislice pode apresentar-se como uma ferramenta útil no diagnóstico e avaliação destas lesões, uma vez que permite a avaliação e obtenção do coeficiente de atenuação, que representa a densidade dos tecidos. O presente estudo avaliou o padrão dos coeficientes de atenuação e volume de lesões uniloculares, através de medidas de imagens por tomografia computadorizada. Foram avaliadas 61 imagens de lesões diagnosticadas histopatologicamente e agrupadas em: Cisto Ósseo Traumático (n= 4), Cisto Odontogênico Glandular (n= 2), Cisto Radicular (n= 16), Cisto Dentígero (n=15), Tumor Odontogênico Queratocístico (n=15) e Ameloblastoma (n=9). Os Ameloblastomas foram divididos nos subtipos: Ameloblastoma Sólido (n=5) e Ameloblastoma Unicístico (n= 4) . Os coeficientes de atenuação e as medidas volumétricas das lesões foram obtidas através da utilização do programa Osirix, a partir da delimitação da lesão pela demarcação da região de interesse em cortes axiais. Para análise estatística foram usados testes não paramétricos Kruskal-Wallis, Dun e Mann-Whitney. Foram calculadas as médias e medianas do coeficiente de atenuação e volume da lesão. As médias e medianas do coeficiente de atenuação foram respectivamente: 34,75 ±10,51 e 35,94 para o Cisto Ósseo Traumático, 33,26 ± 2,29 e 33,26 para o Cisto Odontogênico Glandular, 44,47 ± 12,96 e 40,79 para o Cisto Radicular, 38,21±17,59 e 35,49 para o Cisto Dentígero, 36,73 ± 12,49 e 33,16 paro o Tumor Odontogênico Queratocístico e 37,83 ± 12,72 e 34,98 para o Ameloblastoma. Entre os subtipos do Ameloblastoma a diferença entre os coeficientes de atenuação foi significante sendo 33,09 ±8,25 e 32,76 no Ameloblastoma Unicístico e para o Ameloblastoma Sólido = 41,62 ±15,23 e 40,72. Os Cisto Radicular e o Ameloblastoma Sólido foram as lesões que apresentaram maior densidade, sendo também o Ameloblastoma Sólido a lesão que apresentou maior heterogeneidade. Em relação as medidas volumétricas a diferença entre a maxila e mandíbula foi estatisticamente significante (p=0,01) demonstrando maior volume das lesões na maxila. As lesões que apresentavam maiores volumes foram o Cisto Odontogênico Glandular e Ameloblastoma. Não foram observados resultados de significância estatística na relação do volume com idade e gênero. No caso dos Cistos Dentígeros e Ameloblastomas pode-se observar que nas lesões com maior volume os valores de Unidades Hounsfield foram menores. Contudo, não se observou diferenças significativas entre os valores do coeficiente de atenuação e volume entre as lesões estudadas. / Benign lesions of the jaws produce very similar two-dimensional images, a fact limiting in many cases the clinical and radiographic diagnosis. Multislice computed tomography is a useful tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of these lesions since it permits to obtain an attenuation coefficient that represents the density of tissues. This study evaluated the attenuation coefficients and volume of unilocular lesions measured on computed tomography images. Sixty-one images of the following histopathologically diagnosed lesions were analyzed: traumatic bone cyst (n=4), glandular odontogenic cyst (n=2), radicular cyst (n=16), dentigerous cyst (n=15), keratocystic odontogenic tumor (n=15), and ameloblastoma (n=9). The ameloblastomas were divided into subtypes: solid (n=5) and unicystic ameloblastoma (n=4). The attenuation coefficients and volume measurements of the lesions were obtained with the Osirix program by delimiting the region of interest in axial sections. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn and Mann-Whitney tests were used for statistical analysis. Means and medians of the attenuation coefficients and lesion volume were calculated. The mean and median attenuation coefficients were, respectively, 34.75 ± 10.51 and 35.94 for traumatic bone cysts, 33.26 ± 2.29 and 33.26 for glandular odontogenic cysts, 44.47 ± 12.96 and 40.79 for radicular cysts, 38.21±17.59 and 35.49 for dentigerous cysts, 36.73 ± 12.49 and 33.16 for keratocystic odontogenic tumors, and 37.83 ± 12.72 and 34.98 for ameloblastomas. The difference in the attenuation coefficient between ameloblastoma subtypes was significant (unicystic: 33.09 ± 8.25 and 32.76; solid: 41.62 ± 15.23 and 40.72). Radicular cysts and solid ameloblastomas exhibited the highest density and the latter were also more heterogenous. The difference in the volume measurements between the maxilla and mandible was statistically significant (p=0.01), with more voluminous lesions occurring in the maxilla. Glandular odontogenic cysts and ameloblastomas exhibited the highest volumes. No significant differences in volume were observed according to age or gender. In the case of dentigerous cysts and ameloblastomas, more voluminous lesions had less Hounsfield units. However, no significant differences were observed between the values of attenuation coefficient and volume between the studied lesions.

As fissuras de rebordo alveolar e palato duro estão entre as malformações mais frequentes do corpo humano, podendo causar extensas deformidades ósseas faciais, com implicações biopsíquico-sociais marcantes. A avaliação da extensão desses defeitos ósseos, através de exames por imagem, tem sido feita com o objetivo de diagnosticar e planejar a terapêutica reabilitadora dos pacientes. O presente estudo tem por objetivo desenvolver uma metodologia de pós-processamento de imagens tomográficas para avaliação volumétrica de defeitos ósseos confeccionados em palato duro e rebordo alveolar de crânios macerados, mimetizando fissuras trans-forâmens unilaterais, e verificar a aplicabilidade clínica do Tomógrafo Computadorizado espiral Multislice e do tomógrafo computadorizado por feixe cônico na análise desses defeitos. Para tanto, nove crânios provenientes da Faculdade Cathedral, da cidade de Boa Vista- RR, foram escaneados em um Tomógrafo Computadorizado Multislice pertencente ao Hospital Geral de Roraima e em um tomógrafo computadorizado por feixe cônico de uma clínica privada, na cidade de Fortaleza-CE. As imagens foram, posteriormente, encaminhadas para análise ao Laboratório em Terceira Dimensão(LAB-3D) da Faculdade de Odontologia da USP, utilizando-se uma estação de trabalho independente e aplicando-se programas específicos de computação gráfica. Todas as imagens foram analisadas por dois examinadores, individualmente e em tempos distintos, por duas vezes, com o objetivo de processarmos análises intra e interexaminadores. Para a análise da metodologia de processamento de imagens, comparamos os resultados obtidos pelo Tomógrafo multislice utilizando crânios sem cera e com cera de modelagem número 07, na região do defeito ósseo, para auxiliar no seu delineamento, durante o pós-processamento das imagens tomográficas. Foram também avaliados os resultados volumétricos obtidos nos dois tipos de tomógrafos,com o objetivo de verificar a aplicabilidade dessas tecnologias na avaliação volumétrica dos defeitos ósseos fissurais e de comparar os resultados obtidos por cada uma delas. Todos os resultados foram comparados com os valores estabelecidos pelo padrão - ouro de nossa análise, que foram obtidos através do princípio de Arquimedes de deslocamento de água dos modelos de cera que foram utilizados. Os resultados estatísticos demonstraram que a metodologia de processamento das imagens tomográficas apresentou uma eficácia bastante elevada (p=0,995), sendo considerada eficiente na avaliação volumétrica de defeitos ósseos fissurais. Com relação aos tomógrafos utilizados, observamos que tanto o multislice como o por feixe cônico também apresentaram resultados satisfatórios, apresentando grande confiabilidade para o estudo do volume dos defeitos ósseos fissurais (p=0,997 e p=0,981, respectivamente), não havendo diferença nos resultados encontrados por eles. As análises intra e interobservadores nos dois tipos de tomógrafos não demonstraram diferença estatisticamente significativa. Os resultados evidenciaram que, independente do tipo de tomógrafo utilizado e do avaliador, as medidas obtidas são estatisticamente iguais às conseguidas pelo padrão-ouro de nossa análise. A aplicabilidade clínica de nossa pesquisa demonstrou ser direta e imediata, sendo importante no processo diagnóstico/terapêutico dos pacientes portadores de fissuras de rebordo alveolar e palato duro. / Oral clefts are one of the most frequent malformations of the human body, causing extensive facial bone deformities, compromising biological, psychic and social the individuals affected. Multislice CT and CBCT have been used to assess the volume of bone defect with the goal of diagnosis and rehabilitative therapy planning of the patients. The aim of this study were to develop a methodology for post-processing of tomographic images for volumetric assessment of bone defects made in the hard palate and alveolar ridge of dry skulls, mimicking unilateral trans-foramen clefts; and to determine the clinical applicability of multislice spiral computed tomography, and cone beam computed tomography in the analysis of these defects. Nine dry skulls from the Cathedral College in Boa Vista-RR were scanned on a multislice CT scanner at the Hospital Geral de Roraima and a cone beam computed tomography in a private clinic in Fortaleza-CE. The images were sent for analysis at Three Dimensional Laboratory (LAD-3D) of the Dentistry School, São Paulo University, using an independent workstation and implementing specific computer graphics programs. All images were analyzed by two examiners at different times and twice to proceed the intra and inter-examiners analysis. For analysis the methodology of image processing, we compared the results obtained by multislice CT using skulls with and without wax model in the region of bone defect. It was also analyzed the same images in both types of CT scanners in order to determine the applicability of these radiographic techniques in assessing volume of the clefts and to compare the results. All results were compared with the gold standard of our analysis, which was obtained by Archimedes principle of water displacement of wax models. The statistical results showed that the post processing methodology of tomographic images showed a high efficiency (p = 0.995) and was considered an efficient method for volumetric assessment of fissure bone defects. It was also observed that both multislice CT and cone beam CT showed excellent results with high reliability in the study of the volume of bone defects (p = 0.997 and p = 0.981, respectively), with no difference in performance between them. Analysis of intra-and inter-observer in the two types of CT scanners showed no statistically significant difference. The results demonstrate that independent of the type of CT scanner and the appraiser, the measurements are statistically equal to the gold standard obtained by our analysis. The clinical applicability of our research has shown to be immediate and direct, and it is important for the diagnostic and therapeutic process of patients with oral cleft.

As fissuras de rebordo alveolar e palato duro estão entre as malformações mais frequentes do corpo humano, podendo causar extensas deformidades ósseas faciais, com implicações biopsíquico-sociais marcantes. A avaliação da extensão desses defeitos ósseos, através de exames por imagem, tem sido feita com o objetivo de diagnosticar e planejar a terapêutica reabilitadora dos pacientes. O presente estudo tem por objetivo desenvolver uma metodologia de pós-processamento de imagens tomográficas para avaliação volumétrica de defeitos ósseos confeccionados em palato duro e rebordo alveolar de crânios macerados, mimetizando fissuras trans-forâmens unilaterais, e verificar a aplicabilidade clínica do Tomógrafo Computadorizado espiral Multislice e do tomógrafo computadorizado por feixe cônico na análise desses defeitos. Para tanto, nove crânios provenientes da Faculdade Cathedral, da cidade de Boa Vista- RR, foram escaneados em um Tomógrafo Computadorizado Multislice pertencente ao Hospital Geral de Roraima e em um tomógrafo computadorizado por feixe cônico de uma clínica privada, na cidade de Fortaleza-CE. As imagens foram, posteriormente, encaminhadas para análise ao Laboratório em Terceira Dimensão(LAB-3D) da Faculdade de Odontologia da USP, utilizando-se uma estação de trabalho independente e aplicando-se programas específicos de computação gráfica. Todas as imagens foram analisadas por dois examinadores, individualmente e em tempos distintos, por duas vezes, com o objetivo de processarmos análises intra e interexaminadores. Para a análise da metodologia de processamento de imagens, comparamos os resultados obtidos pelo Tomógrafo multislice utilizando crânios sem cera e com cera de modelagem número 07, na região do defeito ósseo, para auxiliar no seu delineamento, durante o pós-processamento das imagens tomográficas. Foram também avaliados os resultados volumétricos obtidos nos dois tipos de tomógrafos,com o objetivo de verificar a aplicabilidade dessas tecnologias na avaliação volumétrica dos defeitos ósseos fissurais e de comparar os resultados obtidos por cada uma delas. Todos os resultados foram comparados com os valores estabelecidos pelo padrão - ouro de nossa análise, que foram obtidos através do princípio de Arquimedes de deslocamento de água dos modelos de cera que foram utilizados. Os resultados estatísticos demonstraram que a metodologia de processamento das imagens tomográficas apresentou uma eficácia bastante elevada (p=0,995), sendo considerada eficiente na avaliação volumétrica de defeitos ósseos fissurais. Com relação aos tomógrafos utilizados, observamos que tanto o multislice como o por feixe cônico também apresentaram resultados satisfatórios, apresentando grande confiabilidade para o estudo do volume dos defeitos ósseos fissurais (p=0,997 e p=0,981, respectivamente), não havendo diferença nos resultados encontrados por eles. As análises intra e interobservadores nos dois tipos de tomógrafos não demonstraram diferença estatisticamente significativa. Os resultados evidenciaram que, independente do tipo de tomógrafo utilizado e do avaliador, as medidas obtidas são estatisticamente iguais às conseguidas pelo padrão-ouro de nossa análise. A aplicabilidade clínica de nossa pesquisa demonstrou ser direta e imediata, sendo importante no processo diagnóstico/terapêutico dos pacientes portadores de fissuras de rebordo alveolar e palato duro. / Oral clefts are one of the most frequent malformations of the human body, causing extensive facial bone deformities, compromising biological, psychic and social the individuals affected. Multislice CT and CBCT have been used to assess the volume of bone defect with the goal of diagnosis and rehabilitative therapy planning of the patients. The aim of this study were to develop a methodology for post-processing of tomographic images for volumetric assessment of bone defects made in the hard palate and alveolar ridge of dry skulls, mimicking unilateral trans-foramen clefts; and to determine the clinical applicability of multislice spiral computed tomography, and cone beam computed tomography in the analysis of these defects. Nine dry skulls from the Cathedral College in Boa Vista-RR were scanned on a multislice CT scanner at the Hospital Geral de Roraima and a cone beam computed tomography in a private clinic in Fortaleza-CE. The images were sent for analysis at Three Dimensional Laboratory (LAD-3D) of the Dentistry School, São Paulo University, using an independent workstation and implementing specific computer graphics programs. All images were analyzed by two examiners at different times and twice to proceed the intra and inter-examiners analysis. For analysis the methodology of image processing, we compared the results obtained by multislice CT using skulls with and without wax model in the region of bone defect. It was also analyzed the same images in both types of CT scanners in order to determine the applicability of these radiographic techniques in assessing volume of the clefts and to compare the results. All results were compared with the gold standard of our analysis, which was obtained by Archimedes principle of water displacement of wax models. The statistical results showed that the post processing methodology of tomographic images showed a high efficiency (p = 0.995) and was considered an efficient method for volumetric assessment of fissure bone defects. It was also observed that both multislice CT and cone beam CT showed excellent results with high reliability in the study of the volume of bone defects (p = 0.997 and p = 0.981, respectively), with no difference in performance between them. Analysis of intra-and inter-observer in the two types of CT scanners showed no statistically significant difference. The results demonstrate that independent of the type of CT scanner and the appraiser, the measurements are statistically equal to the gold standard obtained by our analysis. The clinical applicability of our research has shown to be immediate and direct, and it is important for the diagnostic and therapeutic process of patients with oral cleft.

Objetivos: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a influência de artefatos metálicos dentários em medidas lineares (altura e espessura) realizadas em cortes seccionais parassagitais do rebordo alveolar, na região do forame mentual, utilizando-se duas técnicas de tomografia computadorizada: tomografia computadorizada multislice (TCMS), e tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC). Materiais e Métodos: Dez mandíbulas humanas secas foram selecionadas e escaneadas em dois momentos por cada técnica de tomografia computadorizada, sendo um deles na presença e o segundo na ausência de artefatos metálicos dentários. No segundo escaneamento, restaurações metálicas foram colocadas no topo da crista óssea alveolar, numa posição coronária e adjacente à região do forame mentual, para simular a presença dos artefatos. Imagens de cortes parassagitais foram obtidas e medidas lineares (altura e espessura) foram realizadas no rebordo alveolar na região do forame mentual por um único observador previamente treinado e calibrado, por meio do software Imaging Studio ®, e esse também realizou a análise descritiva se a presença dos artefatos interferiu ou não na identificação de estruturas anatômicas. Todas as mandíbulas foram analisadas na região do forame mentual dos lados direito e esquerdo. Resultados: Para a TCMS, a presença do artefato metálico aumentou a espessura óssea em 5% e houve uma redução de 6% na altura óssea, entretanto, diferenças em relação à altura e espessura óssea não foram estatisticamente significativas (p>0,05).. Para a TCFC, a presença dos artefatos metálicos produziu um aumento de 6% na espessura óssea e uma redução de 0,68% na altura óssea. Não houve diferenças significantes (p>0,05) ao comparar medidas lineares com e sem artefatos metálicos dentários. Nas imagens com artefatos metálicos, houve uma perda de continuidade da crista óssea alveolar para ambas as técnicas. Conclusão: A presença de artefatos metálicos dentários não alterou as medidas lineares em ambas as técnicas, embora a presença dos artefatos tenha dificultado a localização da crista óssea alveolar. / Objective: The objective was to evaluate the influence of dental metallic artefacts on linear measurements (height and thickness) performed in parassagital sections at the alveolar ridge at the mentual foramen region using multislice and cone-beam computed tomography techniques. Materials and Methods: Ten dried human mandibles were scanned twice by each technique, with and without dental metallic artefacts. Metallic restorations were placed at the top of the alveolar ridge, adjacent and coronary to the mental foramen region for the second scanning, in order to simulate dental metallic artefacts. Parassagital images were obtained and linear measurements were performed using the Imaging Studio ® software, by a single examiner previously trained and calibrated. The observer also analyzed if the presence of the artefacts could jeopardize the identification of anatomic structures at the image. All mandibles were analyzed at both the right and the left mental foramen regions. Results: For the multislice technique, dental metallic artefacts produced an increase of 5% in bone thickness and a reduction of 6% in bone height, although these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). With respect to the cone-beam technique, dental metallic artefacts produced an increase of 6% in bone thickness and a reduction of 0.68% in bone height. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed when comparing measurements performed with and without metallic artefacts. At the images with artefacts, the alveolar bone identification was jeopardized at both techniques. Conclusion: the presence of dental metallic artefacts did not alter the linear measurements obtained with both techniques, although its presence made the location of the alveolar bone crest more difficult.

Objetivos: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a influência de artefatos metálicos dentários em medidas lineares (altura e espessura) realizadas em cortes seccionais parassagitais do rebordo alveolar, na região do forame mentual, utilizando-se duas técnicas de tomografia computadorizada: tomografia computadorizada multislice (TCMS), e tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC). Materiais e Métodos: Dez mandíbulas humanas secas foram selecionadas e escaneadas em dois momentos por cada técnica de tomografia computadorizada, sendo um deles na presença e o segundo na ausência de artefatos metálicos dentários. No segundo escaneamento, restaurações metálicas foram colocadas no topo da crista óssea alveolar, numa posição coronária e adjacente à região do forame mentual, para simular a presença dos artefatos. Imagens de cortes parassagitais foram obtidas e medidas lineares (altura e espessura) foram realizadas no rebordo alveolar na região do forame mentual por um único observador previamente treinado e calibrado, por meio do software Imaging Studio ®, e esse também realizou a análise descritiva se a presença dos artefatos interferiu ou não na identificação de estruturas anatômicas. Todas as mandíbulas foram analisadas na região do forame mentual dos lados direito e esquerdo. Resultados: Para a TCMS, a presença do artefato metálico aumentou a espessura óssea em 5% e houve uma redução de 6% na altura óssea, entretanto, diferenças em relação à altura e espessura óssea não foram estatisticamente significativas (p>0,05).. Para a TCFC, a presença dos artefatos metálicos produziu um aumento de 6% na espessura óssea e uma redução de 0,68% na altura óssea. Não houve diferenças significantes (p>0,05) ao comparar medidas lineares com e sem artefatos metálicos dentários. Nas imagens com artefatos metálicos, houve uma perda de continuidade da crista óssea alveolar para ambas as técnicas. Conclusão: A presença de artefatos metálicos dentários não alterou as medidas lineares em ambas as técnicas, embora a presença dos artefatos tenha dificultado a localização da crista óssea alveolar. / Objective: The objective was to evaluate the influence of dental metallic artefacts on linear measurements (height and thickness) performed in parassagital sections at the alveolar ridge at the mentual foramen region using multislice and cone-beam computed tomography techniques. Materials and Methods: Ten dried human mandibles were scanned twice by each technique, with and without dental metallic artefacts. Metallic restorations were placed at the top of the alveolar ridge, adjacent and coronary to the mental foramen region for the second scanning, in order to simulate dental metallic artefacts. Parassagital images were obtained and linear measurements were performed using the Imaging Studio ® software, by a single examiner previously trained and calibrated. The observer also analyzed if the presence of the artefacts could jeopardize the identification of anatomic structures at the image. All mandibles were analyzed at both the right and the left mental foramen regions. Results: For the multislice technique, dental metallic artefacts produced an increase of 5% in bone thickness and a reduction of 6% in bone height, although these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). With respect to the cone-beam technique, dental metallic artefacts produced an increase of 6% in bone thickness and a reduction of 0.68% in bone height. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed when comparing measurements performed with and without metallic artefacts. At the images with artefacts, the alveolar bone identification was jeopardized at both techniques. Conclusion: the presence of dental metallic artefacts did not alter the linear measurements obtained with both techniques, although its presence made the location of the alveolar bone crest more difficult.

MultiDetector-row Computed Tomography (MDCT) or MultiSlice Computed Tomography (MSCT) has undergone remarkable progress since its first introduction at the end of the 1990s. Given that CT examinations are generally recognized as a relatively high-dose procedure, concern has been expressed at the associated increase in doses. The International Committee on Radiation Protection (ICRP) noted in their report No.87 that absorbed doses in tissues from CT are among the highest observed in diagnostic radiology (i.e. 10–100 mGy). Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to calculate the dosimetric quantities for brain, chest, and abdomen-pelvis examinations that were carried out using Philips Brilliance 16 and Brilliance 64 CT Scanners of the University General Hospital “Attikon”, as well as to perform their intercomparison. For brain examinations, axial technique was utilized. However, for chest and abdomen-pelvis examinations, spiral technique was applied. The effect of overranging (or overscanning) is connected with spiral mode and its contribution to patient dose is really important in case of MSCT scanners. Therefore, the contribution of the overrange effect for body examinations carried out was calculated. In the framework of this thesis, the contribution of overrange to the effective dose received by patients submitted to the forementioned examinations is calculated. Additionally, dose measurements were carried out in order to estimate the radiation burden to the eye lenses and the thyroid during the typical brain examination, both when eye lenses are inside and outside the irradiation field. / Οι Υπολογιστικοί Τομογράφοι (ΥΤ) πολλαπλών τομών έχουν σημειώσει μεγάλη πρόοδο από την κλινική εφαρμογή τους στις αρχές του 1990. Λαμβάνοντας υπ’ όψιν ότι οι εξετάσεις ΥΤ συνεπάγονται υψηλή ακτινική επιβάρυνση του ασθενή, η μελέτη τους έχει συγκεντρώσει το ερευνητικό ενδιαφέρον της επιστημονικής κοινότητας. Η Διεθνής Επιτροπή Ακτινοπροστασίας (ICRP) επισημαίνει στην αναφορά Νο 87 ότι η απορροφούμενη δόση στους ιστούς από εξετάσεις ΥΤ είναι από τις υψηλότερες στη διαγνωστική ακτινολογία (10-100 mGy). Συνεπώς, σκοπός της παρούσας διπλωματικής εργασίας είναι ο υπολογισμός των δοσιμετρικών μεγεθών για τις συνήθεις εξετάσεις εγκεφάλου, θώρακος και άνω-κάτω κοιλίας, οι οποίες πραγματοποιούνται με τους ΥΤ πολλαπλών τομών Brilliance 16 και Βrilliance 64 της Philips στο Π.Γ.Ν “ΑΤΤΙΚΟΝ ”,καθώς επίσης και η σύγκριση των αντίστοιχων δόσεων μεταξύ των συγκεκριμένων ΥΤ. Οι ασθενείς που υποβάλλονται σε εξετάσεις θώρακος και άνω-κάτω κοιλίας που πραγματοποιούνται με ελικοειδή τεχνική λαμβάνουν επιπλέον δόση (overscan) που οφείλεται στην τεχνική αυτή. Η συνεισφορά του “overscan” είναι ιδιαίτερα σημαντική στους ΥΤ πολλαπλών τομών, οπότε επιπλέον στόχος αυτής της διπλωματικής είναι ο υπολογισμός της. Τέλος, πραγματοποιήθηκαν μετρήσεις της δόσης του θυρεοειδή και των φακών των οφθαλμών κατά την υποβολή ασθενών στη συνήθη εξέταση εγκεφάλου, τόσο στην περίπτωση παρουσίας των οφθαλμών εντός όσο και εκτός πεδίου ακτινοβόλησης.

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Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) is a reliable tool for chemical and structural studies of nanostructured systems. The shape, size and volumes of nanoparticles on surfaces play an important role in surface chemistry. As nanostructured surfaces become increasingly important for catalysis, protective coatings, optical properties, detection of specific molecules, and many other applications, different techniques of TEM can be used to characterize the properties of nanoparticles on surfaces to provide a path for predictability and control of these systems. This dissertation aims to provide fundamental understanding of the surface chemistry of Electroless Metallization onto Polymeric Surfaces (EMPS) through characterization with TEM. The research focuses on a single EMPS system: deposition of Ag onto the cross-linked epoxide "SU8", where Au nanoparticles act as nucleation sites for the growth of Ag nanoparticles on the polymer surface. TEM cross sections were analyzed to investigate the morphology of the Au nanoparticles and to determine the thicknesses of the Ag nanoparticles and of the Ag layers. A method for the direct measurement of the volume and thickness of nanomaterials has been developed in the project using High-Angle Annular Dark-Field (HAADF) Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM). The morphology of Au and Ag NPs has been studied to provide reliable statistics for 3-D characterization. Deposition rates have been obtained as a function of metallization conditions by measuring the composition and thickness of the metal for EMPS. In the present work a calibration method was used to quantify the sensitivity of the HAADF detector. For thin samples a linear relationship of the HAADF signal with the thickness of a material is found. Cross-sections of multilayered samples provided by Triquint Semiconductors, FL, were analyzed as calibration standards with known composition in a TECNAI F30 transmission electron microscope to study the dependence of the HAADF detector signal on sample thickness and temperature. Dynamical diffraction processes play an important role in electron scattering for larger sample thicknesses. The HAADF detector intensity is not linearly dependent on sample thicknesses for thick samples. This phenomenon involves several excitation processes including Thermal Diffuse Scattering (TDS) which depends on temperature-dependent absorption coefficients. Multislice simulations have been carried out by Python programming using the scattering parameters (2) available in the literature. These simulations were compared with experimental results. Wedge-shaped Focused Ion Beam (FIB) samples were prepared for quantitative HAADF-STEM intensity measurements for several samples and compared with these simulations. The discrepancies between the simulated and experimental results were explained and new sets of absorptive parameters were calculated which correctly account for the HAADF-STEM contrasts. A database of several pure elements is compiled to illustrate the absorption coefficients and fractions of scattered electrons per nanometer of the sample. In addition, the wedge-shaped FIB samples were used for studying the HAADF-STEM contrasts at an interface of a high- and a low-density material. The use of thick samples reveals an increased signal at the interfaces of high- and low-density materials. This effect can be explained by the transfer of scattered electrons from the high density material across the interface into the less-absorbing low-density material. A ballistic scattering model is proposed here for the HAADF-STEM contrasts at interfaces of thick materials using Python. The simulated HAADF-STEM signal is compared with experimental data to showcase the above phenomenon. A detailed understanding of the atomic number contrast in thick samples is developed based on the combination of experimental quantitative HAADF-STEM and simulated scattering. This approach is used to describe the observed features for Ag deposition on SU8 polymers.