Academic radiology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Low-concentration contrast medium for 128-slice dual-source CT coronary angiography at a very low radiation dose using prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral acquisition.
To assess the impact of low-concentration contrast medium on vascular enhancement, image quality, and radiation dose of coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography (CCTA) by using prospectively electrocardiography (ECG)-triggered high-pitch spiral acquisition with low tube voltage in combination with iterative reconstruction. ⋯ Combining IRT with high-pitch spiral acquisition mode and low-tube-voltage technique, a low-concentration contrast medium of 270 mg I/mL can still maintain the contrast enhancement in coronary arteries without impairing image quality and significantly lower the radiation dose.
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The longitudinal relationship between regional air trapping and emphysema remains unexplored. We have sought to demonstrate the utility of parametric response mapping (PRM), a computed tomography (CT)-based biomarker, for monitoring regional disease progression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, linking expiratory- and inspiratory-based CT metrics over time. ⋯ PRM of lung CT scans in COPD patients provides an opportunity to more precisely characterize underlying disease phenotypes, with the potential to monitor disease status and therapy response.