Honda Minoru, Sugimoto Hideharu, Obuchi Masao, Narisawa Takashi
Department of Radiology, Showa University Hospital, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Tokyo, Japan.
Radiat Med. 2006 May;24(4):239-46. doi: 10.1007/s11604-005-1473-9.
The aim of this study was to determine the best of three protocols for the depiction of arteries in the pelvis and lower extremities by computed tomographic angiography (CTA) with a multidetector row helical scanner.
CTA was performed in five asymptomatic volunteers using a four-channel multidetector row helical scanner. Low-osmolar iodinated contrast material was injected at the flow rate of 3 ml/s using three protocols: 100 ml of 300 mg I/ml, 150 ml of 300 mg I/ml, and 100 ml of 350 mg I/ml. The CT number of opacified blood was measured at six levels. Three doctors independently assessed the degree of depiction of arteries on CTA images without knowing the protocol using a 3-point scale.
CT numbers at the level of the popliteal artery on the protocol of 150 ml of 300 mg I/ml were significantly greater than the others. The mean score for the depiction of trifurcation on the protocol of 150 ml of 300 mg I/ml was significantly greater than those in the others.
The protocol of 150 ml of 300 mg I/ml was the best for depicting arteries in the pelvis and lower extremities by CTA.
