AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of a low-dose contrast medium protocol for 64-detector row computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the neck using a low-tube-voltage/high-tube-current setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phantom study was performed using 64-detector row spiral CT at multiple tube voltage and current settings. Iodine contrast medium attenuation curves were acquired by processing and used to select the best contrast medium-to-noise ratio (CNR). A prospective clinical study was then performed on 84 patients requiring neck CTA. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 42. Group A was examined using the conventional imaging protocol (120 kV, 400 mAs) and group B was examined at 80 kV and 600 mAs along with a 50% reduction in contrast medium dose. The CT dose index-volume (CTDI(vol)), background noise (BN), and CNR were measured and statistically analysed. Various image quality criteria were evaluated by two senior radiologists using a qualitative five-point scale. RESULTS: Comparing group B with A, CTDIvol decreased by 54% (B: 27.48 mGy, A: 59.11 mGy), however, the CNR increased by 50%. The mean attenuation, which was caused by venous streak artefacts, was significantly lower in group B than A. Qualitative image analysis found that all criteria were significantly better for group B than A. CONCLUSION: At 64-detector row spiral CT, the low-tube-voltage/high-tube-current with low-dose contrast medium protocol was superior to the conventional protocol regarding radiation dose, venous streak artefacts, and image quality, and is feasible for CTA of the neck.
RCT Entities:
AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of a low-dose contrast medium protocol for 64-detector row computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the neck using a low-tube-voltage/high-tube-current setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phantom study was performed using 64-detector row spiral CT at multiple tube voltage and current settings. Iodine contrast medium attenuation curves were acquired by processing and used to select the best contrast medium-to-noise ratio (CNR). A prospective clinical study was then performed on 84 patients requiring neck CTA. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 42. Group A was examined using the conventional imaging protocol (120 kV, 400 mAs) and group B was examined at 80 kV and 600 mAs along with a 50% reduction in contrast medium dose. The CT dose index-volume (CTDI(vol)), background noise (BN), and CNR were measured and statistically analysed. Various image quality criteria were evaluated by two senior radiologists using a qualitative five-point scale. RESULTS: Comparing group B with A, CTDIvol decreased by 54% (B: 27.48 mGy, A: 59.11 mGy), however, the CNR increased by 50%. The mean attenuation, which was caused by venous streak artefacts, was significantly lower in group B than A. Qualitative image analysis found that all criteria were significantly better for group B than A. CONCLUSION: At 64-detector row spiral CT, the low-tube-voltage/high-tube-current with low-dose contrast medium protocol was superior to the conventional protocol regarding radiation dose, venous streak artefacts, and image quality, and is feasible for CTA of the neck.
Authors: J L Wichmann; J Kraft; E-M Nöske; B Bodelle; I Burck; J-E Scholtz; C Frellesen; J Wagenblast; J M Kerl; R W Bauer; T Lehnert; T J Vogl; B Schulz Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2014-08-07 Impact factor: 3.825
Authors: Jan-Erik Scholtz; Moritz Kaup; Johannes Kraft; Eva-Maria Nöske; Friedrich Scheerer; Boris Schulz; Iris Burck; Jens Wagenblast; J Matthias Kerl; Ralf W Bauer; Thomas Lehnert; Thomas J Vogl; Julian L Wichmann Journal: Neuroradiology Date: 2015-03-26 Impact factor: 2.804
Authors: Madeleine Kok; Jakub Turek; Casper Mihl; Sebastian D Reinartz; Robin F Gohmann; Estelle C Nijssen; Suzanne Kats; Vincent G van Ommen; Bas L J H Kietselaer; Joachim E Wildberger; Marco Das Journal: Eur Radiol Date: 2015-11-11 Impact factor: 5.315
Authors: Marcel T H Oei; Frederick J A Meijer; Willem-Jan van der Woude; Ewoud J Smit; Bram van Ginneken; Rashindra Manniesing; Mathias Prokop Journal: Eur Radiol Date: 2016-09-21 Impact factor: 5.315