Radiology Commons^™

Imaging Features Characterizing The Continuum Of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis, Dale E. Fournier

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Problem: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a common musculoskeletal condition yet its etiology, early and progressive disease features, and clinical implications are poorly understood. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the imaging features associated with the continuum of DISH.

Methods: A retrospective study design was used to evaluate thoracic computed tomography scans from a population in Minnesota, United States. Female and male individuals ≥20 years of age were examined for imaging features of DISH and early-phase DISH. The extent of ectopic bridging between each vertebrae was scored. Subsequently, the individuals with repeated computed tomography scans of the …

Sarcopenia In Head And Neck Cancer: A Prognostic Analysis, Nedeljko Jovanovic

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Introduction: In head and neck cancer (HNC), loss of skeletal muscle mass (SMM), or sarcopenia, is a strong prognostic factor for outcomes. However, inconsistencies in its assessment limit our understanding of the relationship between sarcopenia and nutrition-related outcomes. This project evaluated the significance of sarcopenia as described in the literature and as demonstrated in a cohort of HNC patients.

Methods: A scoping review was first conducted followed by a retrospective cohort study with data collected from 194 oropharyngeal carcinoma patients treated with definitive radiation/chemoradiation. Sarcopenia was assessed from computed tomography (CT) imaging at the third cervical vertebra (C3) and the …

Improving The Reliability And Accessibility Of Ct Perfusion Imaging In Acute Ischemic Stroke, Kevin J. Chung

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

CT perfusion (CTP) imaging is a validated treatment decision support tool in acute ischemic stroke. Automated analysis of CTP cerebral blood flow (CBF) and Tmax maps produces estimates of ischemic core and penumbra volumes used to determine target mismatch profiles for treatment. However, availability and utilization of CTP is low due to diagnostic variability between CTP software and technical, logistical, and radiation dose considerations that may limit its routine adoption. The objective of this doctoral research was to improve the reliability and accessibility of CTP by (1) improving diagnostic agreement between CTP software, (2) enabling perfusion imaging with standard acute …