Technical optimization of spiral CT for depiction of renal artery stenosis: In vitro analysis

James A. Brink, John T. Lim, Ge Wang, Jay P. Heiken, Lane A. Deyoe, Michael W. Vannier

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

97 Scopus citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine empirically the effect of scan parameters and postprocessing techniques on depiction accuracy of renal artery stenosis with spiral computed tomographic angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Critical (85%) and noncritical (45%) stenoses in the coronal plane were modeled in vitro and scanned with 12 combinations of collimation (1, 2, or 3 mm), table increment (pitch = 1-2), and reconstruction interval (0.5 or 1.0 mm). Five test images were generated for each spiral scanning technique: multiplanar reformation (MPR), maximum-intensity projections (MIPs: coronal MIP [MIPcor], coronal MIP targeted to phantom vessel and surrounding fat [target MIPcor], transaxial imaging, and transaxial MIP. RESULTS: With 3-mm collimation, critical stenosis was overestimated to the point of occlusion on MIPcor images and underestimated on MPR and target MIPcor images. A 0.5-mm reconstruction interval was marginally beneficial for 1- and 2-mm collimation, but noise was prohibitive with 1-mm collimation. CONCLUSION: Critical renal artery stenosis is best depicted with 2-mm collimation, 2-4- mm tablet increment, and 1-mm reconstruction interval.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)157-163
Number of pages7
JournalRadiology
Volume194
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1995

Keywords

  • Computed tomography (CT), helical
  • Renal arteries, stenosis or obstruction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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