Iodixanol in multidetector-row computed tomography angiography (MDCTA): diagnostic accuracy for abdominal aorta and abdominal aortic major-branch diseases using four-, eight- and 16-detector-row CT scanners.
OBJECTIVE
To compare iodixanol-enhanced multidetector-row computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) with digital subtraction angiography (DSA), perioperative angiography, or surgical findings in the evaluation of the abdominal aorta and its main branches.


METHODS
173 patients with known or suspected aortic aneurysms or stenosis/occlusion of the abdominal aorta or its major branches were enrolled. The iso-osmolar contrast medium iodixanol (320 mg Iota/ml) was used, and data were acquired using four-, eight-, or 16-active-detector-row scanners. Reference diagnoses were provided by surgical findings, interventional findings, or DSA. Diagnostic accuracy was estimated with reference to surgery or interventional arteriography or DSA. Image quality was assessed as excellent, good, sufficient, or insufficient, and correlations were made with attenuation values in the aortic lumen. Tolerability of iodixanol was monitored during the injection for discomfort and other adverse events, and for 72 hours after contrast injection.


RESULTS
In 132 of 136 evaluable cases, MDCTA diagnosis matched the reference diagnosis, yielding an agreement rate of 97.1% (95% CI 92.6-99.2%). The quality of most MDCTA scans (147/173) was rated as excellent. Overall mean attenuation was 305.7 HU. MDCTA appeared more accurate than DSA for identification of lesion calcification, thrombus, irregularity, and ulceration. Tolerability of iodixanol was good, and no serious adverse events were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
MDCTA using iodixanol is a promising, noninvasive alternative for evaluating patients with abdominal aortic disease.
Nonent
M
M
Department of Radiology and Groupe d'Etude de la Thrombose de Bretagne Occidentale, GETBO, University Hospital, 29609 Brest cedex, France. michel.nonent@chu-brest.fr
Thouveny
F
F
Simons
P
P
Cappeliez
O
O
Reiser
M F
MF
Duddalwar
V
V
Bonomo
L
L
Liessi
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction / Q000379:methods; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects
D003287:Contrast Media; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids; C044834:iodixanol