Feasibility of contrast material volume reduction in coronary artery imaging using 320-slice volume CT.
OBJECTIVE
To assess reduced volumes of contrast agent on image quality for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) by using single-beat cardiac imaging with 320-slice CT.


METHODS
Forty consecutive male patients (mean age: 55.8 years) undergoing CCTA with body weight <or=85 kg, heart rate <or=65 bpm, and ejection fraction >or=55% were included. Image acquisition protocol was standardized (120 kV, 400 mA, and prospective ECG-triggered single-beat nonspiral CCTA). Patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups (G1: received 40 ml, G2: 50 ml, G3: 60 ml, G4: 70 ml). Groups were compared with respect to aortic attenuation, image noise, and image quality.


RESULTS
CT values (mean +/- standard deviation) in the aortic root were measured as 423 +/- 38 HU in G1, and 471 +/- 68, 463 +/- 60, and 476 +/- 78 HU in G2-4, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in attenuation among the groups (P > 0.068). All 40 CT datasets were rated diagnostic, and image noise and image quality were not statistically different among groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Using 320-slice volume CT, diagnostic image quality can be achieved with 40 ml of contrast material in CCTA in patients with normal body weight, cardiac function, and low heart rate.
Hein
Patrick A
PA
Department of Radiology, Charité-University Hospital, Campus Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany. patrick.hein@charite.de
May
Juliane
J
Rogalla
Patrik
P
Butler
Craig
C
Hamm
Bernd
B
Lembcke
Alexander
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007472:Iohexol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; C093233:iobitridol; D007472:Iohexol