High concentration (400mgI/mL) versus low concentration (320mgI/mL) iodinated contrast media in multi detector computed tomography of the liver: A randomized, single centre, non-inferiority study

Achieving low radiation dose and contrast agents dose in coronary CT angiography at 60-kVp ultra-low tube voltage

OBJECTIVES

To explore the feasibility of a one-beat protocol and ultra-low tube voltage of 60 kVp in coronary CT angiography (CCTA).

METHODS

This prospective study enrolled 107 patients (body mass index ≤ 26 kg/m2) undergoing CCTA examinations. Specifically, the conventional group (n = 52) underwent 100 kVp scanning with 45 ml iodine contrast agent and 4 ml/s injection rate, and the low-dose group (n = 55) underwent 60 kVp scanning with 28 ml iodine contrast agent and 2.5 ml/s injection rate. The CT value, signal-noise-ratio (SNR), contrast-noise-ratio (CNR) and subjective image quality score of two groups in aorta (AO), right coronary artery (RCA), left anterior descending (LAD) and left circumflex (LCX) are analyzed in this study. Three types of radiation doses [i.e., volume CT dose index (CTDIvol), dose length product (DLP), effective dose (ED)] of two groups are also compared.

RESULTS

The quantitative results indicated that the low-dose group achieved higher CT values, SNR and CNR results of the AO than the conventional group (P values < 0.001). Both groups had similar CT values, SNR and CNR results in RCA, LAD, and LCX (P values > 0.05). A good agreement is noted with respect to subjective image quality scores in both groups, while the Cohen's kappa value is 0.815 in the low-dose group and 0.825 in the conventional group, respectively. In addition, the radiation dose of the low-dose group is significantly lower than the conventional group in terms of CTDIvol, DLP and ED values, and the contrast dose in the low-dose group is also significantly reduced compared to the conventional group (P values < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

One-beat protocol with an ultra-low tube voltage of 60 kVp could provide improved coronary image quality, reduced radiation dose and reduced iodine contrast dose.

Feasibility Analysis of Individualized Low Flow Rate Abdominal Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography in Chemotherapy Patients: Dual-Source Computed Tomography With Low Tube Voltage

PURPOSE

The aim of the study is to investigate the feasibility of using dual-source computed tomography (CT) combined with low flow rate and low tube voltage for postchemotherapy image assessment in cancer patients.

METHODS

Ninety patients undergoing contrast-enhanced CT scans of the upper abdomen were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to groups A, B, and C (n = 30 each). In group A, patients underwent scans at 120 kVp with 448 mgI/kg. Patients in group B underwent scans at 100 kVp with 336 mgI/kg. Patient in group C underwent scans at 70 kVp with of 224 mgI/kg. Quantitative measurements including the CT number, standard deviation of CT number, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, subjective reader scores, and the volume and flow rate of contrast agent were evaluated for each group.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in the subjective image scores within the three groups except for the kidney (all P > 0.05). Group C showed significantly higher CT values, lower noise levels, and higher signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio values in the majority of the regions of interest compared to the other groups ( P < 0.05). In group C, the contrast agent dose was decreased by 46% compared to group A (79.48 ± 12.24 vs 42.7 ± 8.6, P < 0.01), and the contrast agent injection rate was reduced by 22% (2.7 ± 0.41 vs 2.1 ± 0.4, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of 70 kVp tube voltage combined with low iodine flow rates prove to be a more effective approach in solving the challenge of compromised blood vessels in postchemotherapy tumor patients, without reducing image quality and diagnostic confidence.

Computed tomography image quality in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma: intraindividual comparison of contrast agent concentrations

Objective

This study aimed to assess the impact of the different concentrations of iodine contrast agents used on the quality of computed tomography (CT) images obtained intraindividually in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Methods

In this retrospective study, data from a cohort of 29 patients diagnosed with primary hepatocellular carcinoma who had undergone two preoperative CT-enhanced examinations within a 3-month timeframe were analyzed. Each patient was randomly assigned to receive either a low-concentration contrast agent (300 mg I/mL iohexol) or a high-concentration contrast agent (350 mg I/mL iohexol) for the first scan and the alternative contrast agent for the second scan. CT images of different liver regions of each patient were compared between low-and high-concentration scans using their before-and-after control design. Subjective image quality scores for portal vein images were also assessed.

Results

The findings of this study indicate that patients in the high-concentration group presented significantly elevated CT values across various anatomical regions, including the liver parenchyma, abdominal aorta, and hepatic portal vein, compared to those in the low-concentration group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the high-concentration group demonstrated superior subjective image ratings (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant difference in the CT values observed in liver cancer parenchyma scans at different phases between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

In summary, using a high-concentration iodine contrast agent is efficient in enhancing the visual clarity of the liver parenchyma, the aorta, and the portal vein in individuals diagnosed with primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

Influence of Contrast Media Temperature and Concentration on Patient Comfort and Safety in Computed Tomography: CATCHY II Trial

BACKGROUND

Previous research on the necessity to reduce the viscosity of contrast media (CM) by either prewarming CM before injection during computed tomography (CT) or by using less concentrated CM has yielded conflicting results. In addition, there is limited evidence on patient comfort.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to examine if prewarming CM, with varying CM concentrations, is superior to CM at room temperature, with respect to patient comfort and safety in CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All elective patients scheduled for contrast-enhanced CT scans at Maastricht University Medical Center+ between October 27, 2021 and October 31, 2022 were eligible for inclusion when a questionnaire evaluating patient comfort was completed. This 1-year period was divided into 4 intervals (4 groups): group 1 (370 mg I/mL, 37°C), group 2 (370 mg I/mL, room temperature), group 3 (300 mg I/mL, 37°C), and group 4 (300 mg I/mL, room temperature). All CT scans were performed using state of the art equipment (Siemens Healthineers; SOMATOM Force and SOMATOM Definition AS, Forchheim, Germany). Contrast media injections were performed using a dual-head power injector (Stellant; Bayer Healthcare, Berlin, Germany) and individualized to body weight and/or tube voltage, depending on the CM protocols. After the CT scan, patients completed a questionnaire covering the primary outcomes comfort, pain, and adverse events such as feelings of heat, nausea, vomiting, itchiness, urticaria, difficulty breathing, dizziness, goosebumps, or an odd taste. Technicians were asked to report any adverse events, including extravasation and allergic-like reactions. The secondary outcome involved attenuation (in Hounsfield unit, HU), which was evaluated by assessing the HU of the coronary arteries for vascular CT, and liver enhancement in portal venous CT. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for continuous scale outcomes and χ 2 tests for examining adverse events.

RESULTS

Results showed no significant differences examining comfort score ( P = 0.054), pain sensation ( P = 0.469), extravasation ( P = 0.542), or allergic-like reaction ( P = 0.253). Significant differences among the 4 groups were found with respect to heat sensation and dizziness ( P = 0.005 and P = 0.047, respectively), showing small effect sizes. All other adverse effects showed no significant results. No significant differences were observed in coronary attenuation among the 4 groups in coronary CT angiography ( P = 0.113). When analyzing attenuation in portal venous CT scans, significant differences were found among the 4 groups ( P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Administrating prewarmed CM is nonsuperior compared with CM at room temperature in relation to patient comfort and safety, regardless of CM concentration. These findings suggest that prewarming CM before usage is unnecessary, which will improve the efficiency of daily clinical workflow and brings environmentally friendly benefits.

How young radiologists use contrast media and manage adverse reactions: an international survey

OBJECTIVES

To collect real-world data about the knowledge and self-perception of young radiologists concerning the use of contrast media (CM) and the management of adverse drug reactions (ADR).

METHODS

A survey (29 questions) was distributed to residents and board-certified radiologists younger than 40 years to investigate the current international situation in young radiology community regarding CM and ADRs. Descriptive statistics analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Out of 454 respondents from 48 countries (mean age: 31.7 ± 4 years, range 25-39), 271 (59.7%) were radiology residents and 183 (40.3%) were board-certified radiologists. The majority (349, 76.5%) felt they were adequately informed regarding the use of CM. However, only 141 (31.1%) received specific training on the use of CM and 82 (18.1%) about management ADR during their residency. Although 266 (58.6%) knew safety protocols for handling ADR, 69.6% (316) lacked confidence in their ability to manage CM-induced ADRs and 95.8% (435) expressed a desire to enhance their understanding of CM use and handling of CM-induced ADRs. Nearly 300 respondents (297; 65.4%) were aware of the benefits of contrast-enhanced ultrasound, but 249 (54.8%) of participants did not perform it. The preferred CM injection strategy in CT parenchymal examination and CT angiography examination was based on patient's lean body weight in 318 (70.0%) and 160 (35.2%), a predeterminate fixed amount in 79 (17.4%) and 116 (25.6%), iodine delivery rate in 26 (5.7%) and 122 (26.9%), and scan time in 31 (6.8%) and 56 (12.3%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Training in CM use and management ADR should be implemented in the training of radiology residents.

CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

We highlight the need for improvement in the education of young radiologists regarding contrast media; more attention from residency programs and scientific societies should be focused on training about contrast media use and the management of adverse drug reactions.

KEY POINTS

• This survey investigated training of young radiologists about use of contrast media and management adverse reactions. • Most young radiologists claimed they did not receive dedicated training. • An extreme heterogeneity of responses was observed about contrast media indications/contraindications and injection strategy.

A comparison of the use of contrast media with different iodine concentrations for enhanced computed tomography

Objective: In this study, we compared the enhancement of blood vessels and liver parenchyma on enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the upper abdomen with two concentrations of contrast media (400 and 300 mg I/mL) based on similar iodine delivery rate (IDR) of 0.88 and 0.9 g I/s and iodine load of 450 mg I/kg. Methods: We randomly assigned 160 patients into two groups: iomeprol 400 mg I/mL (A group) and iohexol 300 mg I/mL (B group). The CT attenuation values of the main anatomical structures in the two groups with different scanning phases were measured and the image quality of the two groups was analyzed and compared. The peak pressure and local discomfort (including fever and pain) during contrast medium injection were recorded. Results: The mean attenuation value of the abdominal aorta was 313.6 ± 29.6 in the A group and 322.4 ± 30.1 in the B group during the late arterial phase (p = 0.8). Meanwhile, the mean enhancement values of the portal vein were 176.2 ± 19.3 and 165.9 ± 24.5 in the A and B groups, respectively, during the portal venous phase (p = 0.6). The mean CT values of liver parenchyma were 117.1 ± 15.3 and 108.8 ± 18.7 in the A and B groups, respectively, during the portal venous phase (p = 0.9). There was no statistical difference in image quality, peak injection pressure (psi), and local discomfort between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: When a similar IDR and the same iodine load are used, CT images with different concentrations of contrast media have the same subjective and objective quality, and can meet the diagnostic needs.

Biphasic split-bolus injection protocol for routine contrast-enhanced chest CT: comparison with conventional early-phase single bolus technique

OBJECTIVES

To present a routine contrast-enhanced chest CT protocol with a split-bolus injection technique achieving combined early- and delayed phase images with a single aquisition, and to compare this technique with a conventional early-phase single-bolus chest CT protocol we formerly used at our institution, in terms of attenuation of great thoracic vessels, pleura, included hepatic and portal venous enhancement, contrast-related artifacts, and image quality.

METHODS

A total of 202 patients, who underwent routine contrast-enhanced chest CT examination aquired with either conventional early-phase single-bolus technique (group A,n = 102) or biphasic split-bolus protocol (group B,n = 100), were retrospectively included. Attenuation measurements were made by two radiologists independently on mediastinal window settings using a circular ROI at the following sites: main pulmonary artery (PA) at its bifurcation level, thoracal aorta (TA) at the level of MPA bifurcation,portal vein (PV) at porta hepatis, left and right hepatic lobe, and if present, thickened pleura (>2 mm) at the level with the most intense enhancement. Respective normalized enhancement values were also calculated. Contrast-related artifacts were graded and qualitative evaluation of mediastinal lymph nodes was performed by both reviewers independently. Background noise was measured and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of the liver and TA were calculated.

RESULTS

While enhancement of thoracic vessels and normalised MPA enhancement did not differ significantly between both groups (p > 0.05), enhancement and normalised enhancement of pleura, liver parenchyma and PV was significantly greater in group B (p < 0.001). Perivenous artifacts limiting evaluation were less frequent in group B than in A and mediastinal lymph nodes were judged to be evaluated worse in group A than in group B with an excellent agreement between both observers. No significant difference was detected in CNRTA (p = 0.633), whereas CNR liver was higher in group B (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our split-bolus chest CT injection protocol enables simultaneous enhancement for both vascular structures and soft tissues, and thus, might raise diagnostic confidence without the need of multiple acquisitions.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

We think that this CT protocol might also be a promising alternative in lung cancer staging, where combined contrast-enhanced CT of the chest and abdomen is indicated. We therefore suggest to further evaluate its diagnostic utility in this setting, in particular in comparison with a late delayed chest-upper abdominal CT imaging protocol.

Contrast media injection protocol for portovenous phase abdominal CT: does a fixed injection duration improve hepatic enhancement over a fixed injection rate?

PURPOSE

To assess whether a fixed contrast media (CM) injection duration improves the magnitude and inter-patient variability in hepatic enhancement over a fixed injection rate.

METHODS

Outpatients who underwent portovenous phase abdominal CT (fixed duration, February-November 2018; fixed rate, January-July 2020) with 1.22 mL/kg iohexol 350 were included. Subjects with liver, kidney or heart disease were excluded. The number of subjects and injection protocols were as follows: fixed duration arm, 56 women, 60 men, 35 s injection duration; fixed rate arm, 66 women, 62 men, 3 mL/s injection rate. Liver attenuation measurements were obtained from regions of interest on pre- and post-contrast images. Mean hepatic enhancement (MHE) and MHE normalized to iodine dose (MHE/I) were compared (unpaired t-tests and F-tests).

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in age, weight, body mass index or CM dosing (p > 0.05). Enhancement indices were significantly lower in the fixed rate group as compared to the fixed duration group, as follows: MHE, 50.0 ± 12 vs. 54.8 ± 11 HU (p = 0.001); and MHE/I, 1.53 ± 0.43 vs. 1.66 ± 0.51 HU/g, (p = 0.04). However, there was no significant difference in the variances of MHE (p = 0.51) and MHE/I (p = 0.08).

CONCLUSION

A fixed CM injection duration yields a greater magnitude in hepatic enhancement indices than a fixed injection rate. Inter-patient variability in hepatic enhancement indices do not significantly differ between the two injection protocols.

CT based radiomic approach on first line pembrolizumab in lung cancer

Clinical evaluation poorly predicts outcomes in lung cancer treated with immunotherapy. The aim of the study is to assess whether CT-derived texture parameters can predict overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with first line Pembrolizumab. Twenty-one patients with NSLC were prospectively enrolled; they underwent contrast enhanced CT (CECT) at baseline and during Pembrolizumab treatment. Response to therapy was assessed both with clinical and iRECIST criteria. Two radiologists drew a volume of interest of the tumor at baseline CECT, extracting several texture parameters. ROC curves, a univariate Kaplan-Meyer analysis and Cox proportional analysis were performed to evaluate the prognostic value of texture analysis. Twelve (57%) patients showed partial response to therapy while nine (43%) had confirmed progressive disease. Among texture parameters, mean value of positive pixels (MPP) at fine and medium filters showed an AUC of 72% and 74% respectively (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meyer analysis showed that MPP < 56.2 were significantly associated with lower OS and PFS (P < 0.0035). Cox proportional analysis showed a significant correlation between MPP4 and OS (P = 0.0038; HR = 0.89[CI 95%:0.83,0.96]). In conclusion, MPP could be used as predictive imaging biomarkers of OS and PFS in patients with NSLC with first line immune treatment.

Optimization of contrast medium volume for abdominal CT in oncologic patients: prospective comparison between fixed and lean body weight-adapted dosing protocols

Background

Patient body size represents the main determinant of parenchymal enhancement and by adjusting the contrast media (CM) dose to patient weight may be a more appropriate approach to avoid a patient over dosage of CM. To compare the performance of fixed-dose and lean body weight (LBW)-adapted contrast media dosing protocols, in terms of image quality and parenchymal enhancement.

Results

One-hundred cancer patients undergoing multiphasic abdominal CT were prospectively enrolled in this multicentric study and randomly divided in two groups: patients in fixed-dose group (n = 50) received 120 mL of CM while in LBW group (n = 50) the amount of CM was computed according to the patient’s LBW. LBW protocol group received a significantly lower amount of CM (103.47 ± 17.65 mL vs. 120.00 ± 0.00 mL, p < 0.001). Arterial kidney signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and pancreatic CNR were significantly higher in LBW group (all p ≤ 0.004). LBW group provided significantly higher arterial liver, kidney, and pancreatic contrast enhancement index (CEI) and portal venous phase kidney CEI (all p ≤ 0.002). Significantly lower portal vein SNR and CNR were observed in LBW-Group (all p ≤ 0.020).

Conclusions

LBW-adapted CM administration for abdominal CT reduces the volume of injected CM and improves both image quality and parenchymal enhancement.

LI-RADS technical requirements for CT, MRI, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound

Accurate detection and characterization of liver observations to enable HCC diagnosis and staging using LI-RADS requires a technically adequate imaging exam. To help achieve this objective, LI-RADS has proposed technical requirements for CT, MR, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound of liver. This article reviews the technical requirements for liver imaging, including the description of minimum acceptable technical standards, such as the scanner hardware requirements, recommended dynamic imaging phases, and common technical challenges of liver imaging.

Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Abdominal and Pelvic CT Image Quality Using Iopromide With Different Concentrations of Iodine (300 and 370 mg I/mL)

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the quality of MDCT images obtained using iopromide with two different concentrations of iodine (300 and 370 mg I/mL) in daily clinical settings.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Patients from 38 hospitals in China undergoing abdominal or pelvic CT with iopromide were prospectively recruited. MDCT was performed using iopromide with an iodine concentration of 300 or 370 mg I/mL. CT quality image was graded as excellent, good, adequate, and poor. Objective indicators were the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Outcomes were compared according to organ studied, tumor type (benign vs malignant), saline usage, and type of MDCT (16-MDCT vs 64-MDCT).

RESULTS

A total of 4506 patients (63.7% men) with a mean (± SD) age of 56.3 ± 14.1 years and mean body mass index (weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) of 23.2 ± 3.3 were included. Iopromide with 300 mg I/mL was used for 3042 patients (67.5%), and 370 mg I/mL was used for 1464 patients (32.2%). A total of 1847 scans (41.0%) had excellent image quality, 2454 (54.5%) had good quality, 176 (3.9%) had adequate quality, and 29 (0.6%) had poor quality. No differences were noted between CT scans that did or did not use saline, 16-MDCT versus 64-MDCT scans, and 300 versus 370 mg I/mL iopromide. Variations in the CNR and SNR were noted between the two iodine concentrations with respect to other parameters examined.

CONCLUSION

Iopromide with both concentrations of iodine provided acceptable image quality, though according to CNR and SNR, one or the other may provide better quality in different situations.