Dual-source CT angiography in aortic stent grafting: An in vitro aorta phantom study of image noise and radiation dose.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to investigate the optimal protocols of dual-source computed tomography (CT) angiography in aortic stent grafting in terms of image noise and radiation dose, based on an in vitro phantom study.


METHODS
A series of helical CT cans were performed on a human aorta phantom using a dual-source CT scanner with kVp of 100, 120, and 140, corresponding mAs of 180, 150, and 100; slice thickness of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm; and pitch value of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5, respectively. Image quality was determined by measuring the standard deviation (SD) on three-dimensional virtual intravascular endoscopy (VIE) images. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured on two-dimensional (2D) axial images at superior mesenteric artery (SMA), renal arteries, and aneurysm. Effective dose was determined based on dose-length product.


RESULTS
SD measured on VIE images was independent of kVp and pitch values but was determined by the slice thickness (P < .05) at the SMA and renal arteries. SNR and CNR measured on 2D images showed significant differences between variable kVp values and slice thicknesses (P < .05), but were independent of pitch values. The mean estimated effective dose for 120 kVp and 140 kVp protocols were 2.66 +/- 0.21 mSv and 2.68 +/- 0.18 mSv, respectively. The mean estimated effective dose for 100 kVp protocol was significantly lower (1.97 +/- 0.07 mSv, P < .0001). This indicates a reduction of 26.5% radiation dose when the kVp was lowered from 140 to 100.


CONCLUSIONS
A scanning protocol of 1.5-mm slice thickness, pitch 1.5 with 100 kVp, and 180 mAs is recommended for a dual-source CT angiography in aortic stent grafting as it leads to significant reduction of radiation dose while achieving diagnostic images.
Sun
Zhonghua
Z
Department of Imaging and Applied Physics, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. z.sun@curtin.edu.au <z.sun@curtin.edu.au>
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Curtise
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D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D001011:Aorta / Q000601:surgery*; D001027:Aortography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016477:Artifacts; D006801:Humans; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D015607:Stents; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*