Cerebral CT angiography using a reduced dose of contrast material at high iodine concentration in combination with a saline flush.

摘要

AIM: To determine whether cerebral computed tomography (CT) angiography with a 16-detector row system can be performed using a reduced dose of contrast material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients were assigned to one of four protocols: A=50 ml of 350 mg I/ml with a saline flush (SF, 40 ml); B=75 ml of 350 mg I/ml with an SF; C=75 ml of 350 mg I/ml without an SF; and D=100ml of 300 mg I/ml without an SF. The attenuation of the internal carotid, middle cerebral, and anterior cerebral arteries were measured. The demonstration of vessels was also assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant attenuation differences of the arteries among the four groups, neither were any significant differences noted on the visual assessment. CONCLUSIONS: By using a reduced dose (50 ml) at higher iodine concentration (350 mg I/ml) with an SF, CT angiograms comparable with those acquired with a standard dose and concentration can be obtained.