Abstract
PURPOSE: To assess the potential for reduction of contrast material dose in hepatic spiral computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred eighty-seven outpatients were randomized prospectively into nine biphasic and eight uniphasic injection protocols: 75, 100, or 125 mL of 240, 300, or 350 mg of iodine per milliliter of iohexol (18-44 grams of iodine). Protocols were compared according to the maximum hepatic enhancement (MAX) and the contrast enhancement index (CEI). RESULTS: Uniphasic injection was superior to biphasic injection for all protocols. No statistically significant difference in contrast enhancement was present for 38-44 grams of iodine with the uniphasic technique. Adequate enhancement thresholds (MAX > 50 HU, CEI at 30 HU > 300 HU x sec) were exceeded in more than 70% of heavy patients (>183 lb [83 kg]) with uniphasic injection of 38 g. For thin patients (<183 lb [83 kg]), uniphasic injection of 26 g produced adequate enhancement. CONCLUSION: Contrast material dose may be reduced by up to 40% in thin patients undergoing hepatic spiral CT after uniphasic injection of contrast material; this may result in substantial cost savings.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 83-88 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Radiology |
Volume | 197 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1995 |
Keywords
- Computed tomography (CT), contrast media
- Computed tomography (CT), helical
- Iohexol
- Liver, CT
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging