[Computed tomography of the upper mediastinum. Optimized contrast media application by the use of an infusion pump]

The aim of this study is to show the advantages of a power injector for contrast media application in comparison to manual bolus injection. The evaluation of 144 studies showed significant improvements for the examinations using the power injector based on densitometry in selected vessels (average enhancement 348 vs 280%) as well as subjective evaluation of contrast quality (3.4 pts vs 2.3 pts on a subjective scale) and contrast-induced artifacts (1.8 vs 2.3 on a subjective intensity scale). All parameters show that an increased, more reliable, and homogeneous enhancement can be obtained by application of the power injector compared to manual bolus injection technique using the same amount of contrast media (100 cc). Due to the possible standardisation of this technique, the results are reproducible. Increased reliability in expected diagnostic gain can be obtained using our technique for intravenous contrast application. This introduced technique requires no additional monetary or time expense and is therefore applicable for clinical routine work.