Eller A, Wiesmüller M, Wüst W, Heiß R, Kopp M, Saake M, Brand M, Uder M, May M (2019)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2019
Book Volume: 40
Pages Range: 1374-1382
Journal Issue: 8
DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.A6108
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: CTA is the imaging modality of choice in many institutions for the evaluation of the supraaortic vessels, but radiation exposure remains a matter of concern. Our aim was to evaluate a 70-kV protocol for CT angiography of the carotid arteries with respect to image quality and radiation exposure compared with automated tube voltage adaption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 consecutive patients were included in this prospective study and randomized to the study group (n = 45, 70 kV) or control group (n = 45, automated tube voltage adaptation). Volume CT dose indices and dose-length products were recorded in the examination protocol. Image quality was assessed as arterial vessel contrast, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio in reference to the radiation dose. Subjective overall image-quality analysis, image-artifact analysis, and diagnostic evaluation were performed by 2 observers by using a 4-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Radiation exposure was significantly lower in the study group (volume CT dose index reduced by 22%, dose-length product reduction by 20%; each P < .001). Contrast (P = .15), SNR (P = .4), and contrast-to-noise ratio (P = .5) did not show significant differences between the groups. The contrast-to-noise ratio in reference to the radiation dose was not significantly increased using the study protocol (P = .2). Subjective image quality and visualization of pathologic findings did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid CTA using the lowest available voltage (70 kV) is feasible at very-low-dose levels, while overall image quality is comparable with protocols using automated tube voltage selection.
APA:
Eller, A., Wiesmüller, M., Wüst, W., Heiß, R., Kopp, M., Saake, M.,... May, M. (2019). Carotid CTA at the Lowest Tube Voltage (70 kV) in Comparison with Automated Tube Voltage Adaption. American Journal of Neuroradiology, 40(8), 1374-1382. https://doi.org/10.3174/ajnr.A6108
MLA:
Eller, A., et al. "Carotid CTA at the Lowest Tube Voltage (70 kV) in Comparison with Automated Tube Voltage Adaption." American Journal of Neuroradiology 40.8 (2019): 1374-1382.
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