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European Radiology

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01-09-2010 | Chest

Optimisation of contrast medium volume and injection-related factors in CT pulmonary angiography: 64-slice CT study

Authors: Selma Uysal Ramadan, Pınar Kosar, Iclal Sonmez, Sevilay Karahan, Ugur Kosar

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 9/2010

Abstract

Objective

To compare the image quality of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) obtained with the injection of various low doses of contrast medium (CM) with different injection-related factors.

Methods

A total of 90 patients (42 females, 48 males; 54.3 ± 18.6 years) undergoing CTPA were included. Three CM protocols, each containing 30 patients, were created. Protocols 1, 2 and 3 consisted of a CM of 60 ml, 55 ml and 50 ml, and a bolus trigger level of 120 HU, 90 HU and 75 HU, respectively. Injection was uniphasic for protocols 1 and 2 (flow rate 5 ml/s), and biphasic for protocol 3 (flow rates 5 and 4 ml/s); with saline flushing afterwards. Enhancement was measured in three central and six peripheral pulmonary arteries.

Results

The mean attenuation value for pulmonary arteries was over 250 HU for all protocols. There was no difference between the attenuation levels with the protocols (p > 0.05). The percentage of pulmonary arteries exceeding optimal attenuation (≥250 HU) showed that protocols 2 and 3 were 90–100% successful (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The use of proper injection-related factors during CTPA, such as a low trigger level and a high flow rate with saline injection following a decreased CM volume (55 ml or 50 ml), will enable adequate pulmonary artery contrast enhancement.

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Title: Optimisation of contrast medium volume and injection-related factors in CT pulmonary angiography: 64-slice CT study
Authors: Selma Uysal Ramadan
Pınar Kosar
Iclal Sonmez
Sevilay Karahan
Ugur Kosar
Publication date: 01-09-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 9/2010
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-010-1782-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Optimisation of contrast medium volume and injection-related factors in CT pulmonary angiography: 64-slice CT study

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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