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Can computed tomography identify patients with anaemia?
A J Collins1, S Gillespie, B E Kelly
1Department of Radiology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The Ulster Medical Journal
|January 25, 2002
Summary
Radiologists may identify probable anemia during non-contrast CT scans. A significant correlation exists between hemoglobin levels and aortic attenuation values in computed tomography (CT) imaging.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) is frequently used for chest and abdominal imaging.
- Assessing patient blood profiles, including hemoglobin, is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between hemoglobin levels and attenuation values in the aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) on non-contrast CT scans.
- To explore the potential of CT imaging for indicating the presence of anemia.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-three in-patients underwent non-contrast CT of the chest and/or abdomen.
- Regions of interest (ROIs) were placed in the aorta and IVC.
- Mean attenuation values were calculated and correlated with full blood profile hemoglobin measurements.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was found between hemoglobin levels and aortic attenuation values (r = 0.64) and IVC attenuation values (r = 0.57).
- Higher aortic attenuation values ( >50 HU for males, >45 HU for females) were associated with the absence of anemia in the study group.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant correlation between hemoglobin levels and aortic attenuation values in non-contrast CT.
- While not a precise measurement tool, CT imaging may help radiologists identify patients with probable anemia.