PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the best of three protocols for the depiction of arteries in the pelvis and lower extremities by computed tomographic angiography (CTA) with a multidetector row helical scanner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CTA was performed in five asymptomatic volunteers using a four-channel multidetector row helical scanner. Low-osmolar iodinated contrast material was injected at the flow rate of 3 ml/s using three protocols: 100 ml of 300 mg I/ml, 150 ml of 300 mg I/ml, and 100 ml of 350 mg I/ml. The CT number of opacified blood was measured at six levels. Three doctors independently assessed the degree of depiction of arteries on CTA images without knowing the protocol using a 3-point scale. RESULTS: CT numbers at the level of the popliteal artery on the protocol of 150 ml of 300 mg I/ml were significantly greater than the others. The mean score for the depiction of trifurcation on the protocol of 150 ml of 300 mg I/ml was significantly greater than those in the others. CONCLUSION: The protocol of 150 ml of 300 mg I/ml was the best for depicting arteries in the pelvis and lower extremities by CTA.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the best of three protocols for the depiction of arteries in the pelvis and lower extremities by computed tomographic angiography (CTA) with a multidetector row helical scanner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CTA was performed in five asymptomatic volunteers using a four-channel multidetector row helical scanner. Low-osmolar iodinated contrast material was injected at the flow rate of 3 ml/s using three protocols: 100 ml of 300 mg I/ml, 150 ml of 300 mg I/ml, and 100 ml of 350 mg I/ml. The CT number of opacified blood was measured at six levels. Three doctors independently assessed the degree of depiction of arteries on CTA images without knowing the protocol using a 3-point scale. RESULTS: CT numbers at the level of the popliteal artery on the protocol of 150 ml of 300 mg I/ml were significantly greater than the others. The mean score for the depiction of trifurcation on the protocol of 150 ml of 300 mg I/ml was significantly greater than those in the others. CONCLUSION: The protocol of 150 ml of 300 mg I/ml was the best for depicting arteries in the pelvis and lower extremities by CTA.
Authors: Daniel T Boll; Jonathan S Lewin; Thorsten R Fleiter; Jeffrey L Duerk; Elmar M Merkle Journal: J Endovasc Ther Date: 2004-04 Impact factor: 3.487