Journal of cardiovascular computed tomography
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J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr · Jul 2015
Multicenter Studyβ-Blocker premedication does not increase the frequency of allergic reactions from coronary CT angiography: Results from the Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Consortium.
β-Blockers are often used for heart rate control during coronary CT angiography (CTA). Increased frequency and severity of allergic reactions to radiocontrast media (RCM) have been reported with concomitant use of β-blockers. ⋯ β-Blocker pretreatment had no effect on the frequency or severity of allergic reaction in patients undergoing coronary CTA, even in patients with a past history of allergy to RCM.
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J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr · Jul 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyImage quality and radiation dose of a prospectively electrocardiography-triggered high-pitch data acquisition strategy for coronary CT angiography: The multicenter, randomized PROTECTION IV study.
Concerns have been raised about radiation dose of coronary CT angiography. Although high-pitch acquisition technique yields high potential for radiation dose savings, it is more vulnerable to artifacts, which impair diagnostic image quality. ⋯ In patients with a low and stable heart rate diagnostic image quality can be maintained with a high-pitch helical scan first strategy while 58% of radiation dose can be saved.