Effect of saline pushing after contrast material injection in abdominal multidetector computed tomography with the use of different iodine concentrations.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether saline pushing after contrast material improves hepatic vascular and parenchymal enhancement, and to determine whether this technique permits decreased contrast material concentration.


METHODS
120 patients who underwent hepatic multidetector computed tomography were divided randomly into four groups (Groups A-D): receiving 100 ml of contrast material (300 mgI/ml) only (A) or with 50 ml of saline solution (B); or 100 ml of contrast material (350 mgI/ml) only (C) or with 50 ml of saline solution (D). Computed tomography (CT) values of the aorta in the arterial phase, the portal vein in the portal venous inflow phase, and the liver in the hepatic phase were measured. Visualization of the hepatic artery and the portal vein by 3D CT angiography was evaluated as well.


RESULTS
Although the enhancement values of the aorta were not improved significantly with saline pushing, they continued at a high level to the latter slices with saline pushing. The enhancement value of the portal vein increased significantly and CT portography was improved with saline pushing. The enhancement value of the liver was not improved significantly using saline pushing. In a comparison between groups B and C, the enhancement values of the aorta and portal vein and the visualization of CT arteriography and portography were not statistically different.


CONCLUSIONS
The saline pushing technique can contribute to a decrease in contrast material concentration for 3D CT arteriography and portography.
Tatsugami
F
F
Department of Radiology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki City, Osaka, Japan. sa104@rg8.so-net.ne.jp
Matsuki
M
M
Kani
H
H
Tanikake
M
M
Miyao
M
M
Yoshikawa
S
S
Narabayashi
I
I
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007479:Iopamidol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media; C057937:iomeprol; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D007479:Iopamidol