OBJECTIVE: To compare abdominal computed tomography (CT) scout views with conventional radiography regarding radiation dose and delineation of drug packages in a porcine body-packer model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine samples of illicit drugs packed in ovoid plastic containers were consecutively placed in the rectum of a 121.5 kg pig cadaver. Antero-posterior and lateral scout views were obtained at 120 kVp and 80 mA, 150 mA and 200 mA, respectively, using a 64-row MDCT. Scout views were compared with conventional abdominal antero-posterior radiographs (77 kV and 106 ± 13 mAs). Visibility of three body pack characteristics (wrapping, content, shape) was rated independently by two radiologists and summarized to a delineation score ranging from 0 to 9 with a score ≥ 6 representing sufficient delineation. Mean delineation scores were calculated for each conventional radiography and single plane scout view separately and for a combined rating of antero-posterior and lateral scout views. RESULTS: Even the lowest single plane scout view delineation score (5.3 ± 2.0 for 80 mA lateral; 0.4 mSv; sensitivity=44%) was significantly higher than for conventional radiographs (3.1 ± 2.5, p<0.001; 2.4 ± 0.3 mSv; sensitivity=11%). Combined reading of antero-posterior and lateral scout views 80 mA yielded sufficient delineation (6.2 ± 1.4; 0.8 mSv; sensitivity=56%). CONCLUSIONS: All CT scout views showed significantly better delineation ratings and sensitivity than conventional radiographs. Scout views in two planes at 80 mA provided a sufficient level of delineation and a sensitivity five times higher than conventional radiography at less than one third of the radiation dose. In case of diagnostic insecurity, CT can be performed without additional logistical effort.
OBJECTIVE: To compare abdominal computed tomography (CT) scout views with conventional radiography regarding radiation dose and delineation of drug packages in a porcine body-packer model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine samples of illicit drugs packed in ovoid plastic containers were consecutively placed in the rectum of a 121.5 kg pig cadaver. Antero-posterior and lateral scout views were obtained at 120 kVp and 80 mA, 150 mA and 200 mA, respectively, using a 64-row MDCT. Scout views were compared with conventional abdominal antero-posterior radiographs (77 kV and 106 ± 13 mAs). Visibility of three body pack characteristics (wrapping, content, shape) was rated independently by two radiologists and summarized to a delineation score ranging from 0 to 9 with a score ≥ 6 representing sufficient delineation. Mean delineation scores were calculated for each conventional radiography and single plane scout view separately and for a combined rating of antero-posterior and lateral scout views. RESULTS: Even the lowest single plane scout view delineation score (5.3 ± 2.0 for 80 mA lateral; 0.4 mSv; sensitivity=44%) was significantly higher than for conventional radiographs (3.1 ± 2.5, p<0.001; 2.4 ± 0.3 mSv; sensitivity=11%). Combined reading of antero-posterior and lateral scout views 80 mA yielded sufficient delineation (6.2 ± 1.4; 0.8 mSv; sensitivity=56%). CONCLUSIONS: All CT scout views showed significantly better delineation ratings and sensitivity than conventional radiographs. Scout views in two planes at 80 mA provided a sufficient level of delineation and a sensitivity five times higher than conventional radiography at less than one third of the radiation dose. In case of diagnostic insecurity, CT can be performed without additional logistical effort.
Authors: Jochen Grimm; Ramona Wudy; Edvard Ziegeler; Stefan Wirth; Michael Uhl; Maximilian F Reiser; Michael Scherr Journal: Int J Legal Med Date: 2014-02-28 Impact factor: 2.686
Authors: A Pinto; A Reginelli; F Pinto; G Sica; M Scaglione; F H Berger; L Romano; L Brunese Journal: Br J Radiol Date: 2014-02-03 Impact factor: 3.039
Authors: S N Abdul Rashid; S B Mohamad Saini; S Abdul Hamid; S J Muhammad; R Mahmud; M J Thali; P M Flach Journal: Br J Radiol Date: 2014-02-03 Impact factor: 3.039
Authors: Michael K Scherr; Oliver Peschel; Jochen M Grimm; Edvard Ziegeler; Michael Uhl; Lucas L Geyer; Maximilian F Reiser; Stefan Wirth Journal: Forensic Sci Med Pathol Date: 2014-01-18 Impact factor: 2.007