Additional coronal images using low-milliamperage multidetector-row computed tomography: effectiveness in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of additional coronal images using low-milliamperage multidetector-row computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis.


METHODS
Helical volumetric CT scans (120 kVp, 70 mA, 2.5-mm collimation, table speed of 15 mm/s, table rotation time of 1 second) using low-milliamperage multidetector-row CT were obtained through the thorax in 110 patients who were suspected of bronchiectasis. Both axial (2.5-mm section thickness) and coronal (1.3-2.0-mm section thickness) reformatted images were made and sent to picture archiving and communication system (PACS) monitors. Two independent observers assessed CT scans twice; with axial images only and with both axial and coronal images. The detection rates of bronchiectasis were compared between readings with axial images only and with both axial and coronal images by using a nonparametric method of clustered data. Confidence grades were given to the distribution and type of bronchiectasis.


RESULTS
With axial images only, the detection rates of bronchiectasis on a per-patient basis were 97% (213/220 patients, kappa = 0.888) whereas with both axial and coronal images, the detection rates were 100% (220/220 patients, kappa = 1.000) (P = 0.0001). Confidence to the distribution of bronchiectasis was greater with both axial and coronal images than with axial images only (P = 0.008).


CONCLUSIONS
Additional coronal images using low-milliamperage multidetector-row CT are effective in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis by providing enhanced detection rates and confidence to the distribution of lesions.
Sung
Yon Mi
YM
Department of Radiology, Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Ilwon-Dong, Kangnam-Ku, Seoul 135-710, Korea.
Lee
Kyung Soo
KS
Yi
Chin A
CA
Yoon
Young Cheol
YC
Kim
Tae Sung
TS
Kim
Seonwoo
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001987:Bronchiectasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*