Safety and effectiveness of gadolinium-enhanced multi-detector row spiral CT angiography of the chest: preliminary results in 37 patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast agents.

PURPOSE

To prospectively evaluate the safety and effectiveness of gadolinium-enhanced multi-detector row spiral computed tomographic (CT) angiography of the pulmonary circulation by using two gadolinium doses in patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study was approved by the Ethics Committee, and written informed consent was obtained. Thirty-seven patients (20 men, 17 women) with contraindications to iodinated contrast agents (allergic reactions, n = 27; impaired renal function, n = 10) underwent CT angiography of the pulmonary circulation in search of acute pulmonary embolism (n = 28) or for management of tumoral disease (n = 9). CT angiography was performed (a) with four-detector row (n = 19) or 16-detector row (n = 18) scanners; (b) at randomly assigned gadolinium doses of either 0.3 mmol per kilogram of body weight (n = 19) or 0.4 mmol/kg (n = 18); and (c) with a systematic evaluation of clinical and biologic tolerance of gadolinium. Comparison of percentages between group 1 and group 2 scans was performed with the chi2 or the Fisher exact test. An unpaired Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for numeric variables. P < .05 was considered to indicate a significant difference.

RESULTS

The mean (+/- standard deviation) volume of gadopentetate dimeglumine administered in the overall study group was 48 mL +/- 9.6 (range, 29-65 mL). The level of maximal enhancement in the pulmonary arteries was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (215.8 HU +/- 95 vs 141.3 HU +/- 44) (P = .02) and was maintained throughout the entire region of interest in a greater number of examinations in group 2 than in group 1 (n = 16 [89%] vs n = 2 [10.5%]) (P < .0001). The number of diagnostic CT angiograms was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (n = 17 [94%] vs n = 13 [68%]) (P = .007). Significant but transient reduction of creatinine clearance was observed in one patient with preexisting moderate chronic renal failure (0.3 mmol/kg gadolinium dose).

CONCLUSION

High-quality gadolinium-enhanced CT angiograms require the use of 16-detector row CT technology; the doses administered did not alter the renal function except transiently in one patient.