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

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.