Study on the effects of different image post-processing techniques on the detection rate of aortic dissection

ObjectiveTo study the effects of different image post-processing techniques on the detection rate of aortic dissection.

MethodsOne hundred and six patients with aortic dissection were detected using the multi-slice spiral CT.The maximum intenstity projection(MIP), volume rendering(VR), multiplanar reconstruction(MPR), curved planar reconstruction(CPR)and surface cover imaging(SSD)were used for image post-processing.

ResultsThe fracture detection rate of original horizontal axis images was 37.7%, and the detection rates of interlayer fracture of MIP, CPR, MPR, VR and SSD were 0.0%, 46.2%, 69.8%, 65.1% and 39.6%, respectively.The break in 97 cases could be clearly showed, and the detection rate of break was 91.5%.The poor show in 9 patients were identified due to the small diameter of the rupture, artifact of the ascending aortic root or complete thrombosis of pseudolumen.The detection rate of MPR, CPR and VR for fracture were significantly higher than that of SSD and MIP(P < 0.01).According to DeBakey type, 47 cases(44.3%)were type Ⅰ, 17 cases(16.0%)were type Ⅱ and 42 cases(39.6%)were type Ⅲ.The detection accuracy of MPR and VR for type Ⅰ and Ⅱ was better than those of MIP, CPR and SSD(P < 0.01), and the detection accuracy of CPR and MPR for type Ⅲ was better than that of MIP and SSD(P < 0.01).

ConclusionsThe CT scanning combined with image post-processing technique has certain advantages in showing the rupture of aortic dissection.Different image post-processing techniques have different advantages and disadvantages, and the MPR is simple to operate, and has strong displaying ability for interlayer fracture and accurate typing, and can be taken as the first choice.