Feasibility of low-dose contrast media in run-off CT angiography on dual-layer spectral detector CT
Haiyan Ren, Yanhua Zhen, Zheng Gong, Chuanzhuo Wang, Zhihui Chang, Jiahe Zheng
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of applying low-dose contrast media (CM), and to explore the optimal virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) in run-off computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA) on dual-layer spectral detector CT (SDCT). METHODS: Forty patients were randomly assigned into a control group using routine volume CM (group A) and an experimental group using half-volume CM (group B). In groups A and B, 120 kVp polychromatic conventional images were generated via hybrid iterative reconstruction algorithm defined as A1 and B1, respectively. Additionally, in group B, VMIs (range, 40-120 keV) were reconstructed via a spectral reconstruction algorithm defined as B2-B10. Vascular attenuation, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and radiation dose were evaluated. Subjective evaluation was performed using a 5-point scale. RESULTS: 5 [4, 5], P>0.05}. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to perform run-off CTA using low-dose CM with VMI on SDCT. The VMIs at 40-50 keV were the optimal choice and did not compromise IQ.