Augmented Quadruple-Phase Contrast Media Administration and Triphasic Scan Protocol Increases Image Quality at...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Urology

Background:

• Computed tomography urography (CTU) is crucial for diagnosing urinary tract abnormalities.
• Optimizing contrast media protocols is essential for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the opacification of renal vasculature and urogenital system in CTU.
• To compare a quadruple-phase contrast media with a triphasic scan protocol against a conventional quadruple-phase protocol.

Main Methods:

• Two hundred patients with suspected urinary tract abnormalities were divided into two groups.
• Protocol A: Conventional quadruple-phase CTU (pre, arterial, venous, delayed).
• Protocol B: Quadruple-phase contrast media with a triphasic scan protocol (pre, arterial, combined venous, delayed).

Main Results:

• Protocol B demonstrated significantly reduced venous opacification compared to Protocol A (P < 0.001).
• Protocol B achieved a higher contrast-to-noise ratio (22.68 ± 13.72 vs. 14.75 ± 5.76; P < 0.001).
• Protocol B significantly reduced radiation dose (7.38 ± 2.22 mSv vs. 12.28 ± 2.72 mSv; P < 0.001), with superior visual grading and ROC analyses.

Conclusions:

• The combination of augmented quadruple-phase contrast media and a triphasic scan protocol enhances CTU image quality.
• This optimized protocol leads to improved visualization and a significant reduction in radiation exposure for patients.