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01-10-2016 | Cardiac

Automated tube voltage selection for radiation dose and contrast medium reduction at coronary CT angiography using 3^rd generation dual-source CT

Authors: Stefanie Mangold, Julian L. Wichmann, U. Joseph Schoepf, Zachary B. Poole, Christian Canstein, Akos Varga-Szemes, Damiano Caruso, Fabian Bamberg, Konstantin Nikolaou, Carlo N. De Cecco

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 10/2016

Abstract

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between automated tube voltage selection (ATVS) and body mass index (BMI) and its effect on image quality and radiation dose of coronary CT angiography (CCTA).

Methods

We evaluated 272 patients who underwent CCTA with 3^rd generation dual-source CT (DSCT). Prospectively ECG-triggered spiral acquisition was performed with automated tube current selection and advanced iterative reconstruction. Tube voltages were selected by ATVS (70-120 kV). BMI, effective dose (ED), and vascular attenuation in the coronary arteries were recorded. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. Five-point scales were used for subjective image quality analysis.

Results

Image quality was rated good to excellent in 98.9 % of examinations without significant differences for proximal and distal attenuation (all p ≥ .0516), whereas image noise was rated significantly higher at 70 kV compared to ≥100 kV (all p < .0266). However, no significant differences were observed in SNR or CNR at 70–120 kV (all p ≥ .0829). Mean ED at 70-120 kV was 1.5 ± 1.2 mSv, 2.4 ± 1.5 mSv, 3.6 ± 2.7 mSv, 5.9 ± 4.0 mSv, 7.9 ± 4.2 mSv, and 10.7 ± 4.1 mSv, respectively (all p ≤ .0414). Correlation analysis showed a moderate association between tube voltage and BMI (r = .639).

Conclusion

ATVS allows individual tube voltage adaptation for CCTA performed with 3^rd generation DSCT, resulting in significantly decreased radiation exposure while maintaining image quality.

Key Points

• Automated tube voltage selection allows an individual tube voltage adaption in CCTA.

• A tube voltage-based reduction of contrast medium volume is feasible.

• Image quality was maintained while radiation exposure was significantly decreased.

• A moderate association between tube voltage and body mass index was found.

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Title: Automated tube voltage selection for radiation dose and contrast medium reduction at coronary CT angiography using 3rd generation dual-source CT
Authors: Stefanie Mangold
Julian L. Wichmann
U. Joseph Schoepf
Zachary B. Poole
Christian Canstein
Akos Varga-Szemes
Damiano Caruso
Fabian Bamberg
Konstantin Nikolaou
Carlo N. De Cecco
Publication date: 01-10-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 10/2016
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-015-4191-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Automated tube voltage selection for radiation dose and contrast medium reduction at coronary CT angiography using 3^rd generation dual-source CT

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

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