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01-08-2016 | CARDIAC RADIOLOGY

320-row coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with automatic exposure control (AEC): effect of 100 kV versus 120 kV on image quality and dose exposure

Authors: Ernesto Di Cesare, Antonio Gennarelli, Alessandra Di Sibio, Valentina Felli, Marco Perri, Alessandra Splendiani, Giovanni Luca Gravina, Antonio Barile, Carlo Masciocchi

Published in: La radiologia medica | Issue 8/2016

Abstract

Purpose

To compare the impact of a 100 kV tube voltage protocol to 120 kV in terms of image quality and radiation dose by a 320 row coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with automatic exposure control (AEC).

Materials and methods

Using a propensity matched analysis we compared a group of 135 patients scanned using a 100 kV tube voltage protocol with a group of 135 subjects scanned employing a 120 kV tube voltage setting. In all subjects the heart rate (HR) was <65 bpm and all CT scans were acquired using a prospective ECG gating and AEC strategy. Mean effective radiation dose and subjective and objective (Noise or N, signal to noise ratio or SNR, contrast to noise ratio or CNR) image quality, were evaluated. Subjective quality was assessed by two experienced radiologists using a 5-point scale (0: non diagnostic—4: excellent) using the 15-segment American Heart Association (AHA) coronary artery classification.

Results

Mean effective dose and noise were non significantly different between the two groups: mean effective dose was 2.89 ± 0.7 mSv in the 100 kV group and 2.80 ± 0.57 mSv in the 120 kV group (p = 0.25) while noise was 28.9 ± 3.3 in the 120 kV group and 29.05 ± 3.6 in the 100 kV group (p = 0.72). Both SNR and CNR were significantly higher in the 100 kV group than in the 120 kV group. This data agrees with the evidence that subjective quality was significantly higher in the 100 kV group in the middle and distal segmental classes.

Conclusion

Our study shows that, in using a 320 row CCTA with AEC strategy it is better to employ a 100 kV tube voltage protocol because compared to 120 kV tube voltage setting, it appears to significantly improve both subjective and objective image quality without decreasing the mean effective radiation dose.

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Title: 320-row coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with automatic exposure control (AEC): effect of 100 kV versus 120 kV on image quality and dose exposure
Authors: Ernesto Di Cesare
Antonio Gennarelli
Alessandra Di Sibio
Valentina Felli
Marco Perri
Alessandra Splendiani
Giovanni Luca Gravina
Antonio Barile
Carlo Masciocchi
Publication date: 01-08-2016
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: La radiologia medica / Issue 8/2016
Print ISSN: 0033-8362
Electronic ISSN: 1826-6983
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-016-0643-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

320-row coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with automatic exposure control (AEC): effect of 100 kV versus 120 kV on image quality and dose exposure

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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