[Bolus tracking and NaCl bolus in biphasic spiral CT of the abdomen].
OBJECTIVE
To optimise injection parameters in helical CT of the abdomen with individual bolus tracking and subsequent NaCl bolus injection. To investigate the effect of bolus tracking on image quality in the abdomen.


METHODS
Patients were randomised into three examination protocols and underwent biphasic helical CT (Hi-Speed Advantage, GE). The effect of NaCl bolus on duration of aortic enhancement was investigated. Contrast enhancement in parenchyma and vessels was examined. The influence of body mass index, injection flow and contrast material volume on enhancement was evaluated.


RESULTS
Subsequent injection of NaCl provided significant extension of contrast enhancement in the aorta. Optimal image quality for pancreas and abdominal arteries was achieved in the arterial phase and for liver, spleen, kidneys and abdominal veins in the portal venous phase. Body mass index, injection flow and contrast material volume showed a significant influence on the time intervals resulting from bolus tracking.


CONCLUSIONS
Individual bolus tracking with subsequent injection of 20 ml NaCl bolus optimises intravenous contrast application.
Sadick
M
M
Institut für Klinische Radiologie, Fakultät für Klinische Medizin Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg.
Lehmann
K J
KJ
Diehl
S J
SJ
Wild
J
J
Georgi
M
M
D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010179:Pancreas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; D012965:Sodium Chloride