Multidetector CT Angiography Using a Dual-Head Power Injector and Bolus Tracking for the Diagnosis of Aortic Aneurysms at Reduced Contrast Material Dosage

Rationale and Objectives

To establish the utility of multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography using dual-head power injector in the diagnosis of aortic diseases.

Methods

In a prospective study, 151 patients with aortic diseases were examined by four-detector CT. Scanning was performed using bolus tracking technique. In all patients nonionic contrast was injected at the rate of 1.5 mL/sec. One hundred one patients were examined with dual-head power injector using 0.6 mL/kg contrast flushed by 30 mL of saline solution (group D). Fifty patients were examined with single-head power injector using 1.0 mL/kg contrast only (group S). We evaluated CT values at descending aorta, upper abdominal aorta, abdominal aortic bifurcation, and bilateral common femoral arteries.

Results

There were no statistically significant difference of CT values at descending aorta, upper abdominal aorta, abdominal aortic bifurcation, and right common femoral artery. At left common femoral artery, CT values in group D were higher than those in group S with statistically difference (P < .05). In group D, about 40% dose reduction was achieved without reducing image qualities.

Conclusion

Multidetector CT angiography using dual-head power injector was valuable for the contrast dose reduction of aortic diseases.

Key Words:  Computed tomography , Aortic aneurysm , Dualhead power injector , Contrast material , Multidetector row CT , Volume rendering