Svensson A, Cederlund K, Aspelin P, Nyman U, Brismar TB. The effect of arm positioning on timing and enhancement of
intravenous contrast media at coronary computed tomography angiography.
Acta Radiol 2016;
57:1049-55. [PMID:
26567961 DOI:
10.1177/0284185115615004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Adequate intravenous contrast media (CM) enhancement is crucial for evaluation of the coronary arteries.
PURPOSE
To compare the timing and enhancement of intravenous CM at coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) when positioning the arms in the traditional superior direction with that of positioning them in the ventral direction during the CM injection.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
One hundred patients were randomized into two groups. Group A (n = 50) had their arms positioned in the superior direction, resting on a head and arm support. Group B (n = 50) held their arms resting on the front panel of the computer tomography (CT) scanner. Scanning delay time was defined by test bolus technique. A total of 60 mL iodixanol, 320 mg/mL, was followed by a 50 mL saline flush at 6 mL/s. Cardiac output (CO) and heart rate (HR) were obtained before scanning. The attenuation was calculated by placing regions of interest (ROI) in ascending aorta, left atrium, and inferior vena cava.
RESULTS
More patients in group A compared with group B (26 versus 14) showed a higher attenuation of the left atrium in comparison to the ascending aorta (P < 0.05). Body weight (BW) and CO were significantly related to the attenuation of ascending aorta (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
By placing the arms in a ventral, instead of superior position the frequency of too early imaging at CCTA can be reduced.
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