title: Pulmonary CT angiography as first-line imaging for PE: image quality and radiation dose considerations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article reviews dose reduction techniques in pulmonary CT angiography (CTA) for imaging pulmonary embolism (PE). Dose reduction technologies covered include tube current modulation, kilovoltage modulation, scanning length modification, dynamic z-axis collimation, iterative reconstruction, and dual-energy CT. Age- and weight-specific imaging techniques are suggested.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pulmonary CTA plays a vital role in imaging PE. Using dose reduction technologies can provide high-quality diagnostic imaging with a significant reduction in patient dose.
authors: Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital, 899 West 12th Ave, Radiology Admin, Jim Pattison Pavilion South, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada. john.mayo@vch.ca
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Mayo
authors: Yogesh
authors: Y
authors: Thakur
mesh_terms: D000792:Angiography / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*