[Usefulness of Trapezoidal Cross-injection in Aortic 3D-CTA]

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Imaging
• Cardiovascular Imaging

Background:

• Optimizing contrast delivery is crucial for diagnostic accuracy in three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D-CTA).
• Different injection techniques can influence contrast opacification in various vascular structures during 3D-CTA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the contrast effects of one-step injection versus trapezoidal cross-injection methods in aortic 3D-CTA.
• To evaluate contrast opacification in the subclavian vein, superior vena cava, right ventricle, and aorta using these two injection techniques.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-six patients undergoing aortic 3D-CTA were included.
• Contrast medium was administered using either a one-step injection or a trapezoidal cross-injection method.
• Computed tomography (CT) values were measured in the subclavian vein, superior vena cava, right ventricle, and aorta.

Main Results:

• The trapezoidal cross-injection method resulted in significantly lower CT values in the subclavian vein and right ventricle compared to the one-step injection method (p<0.01).
• No significant differences in CT values were observed in the superior vena cava and aorta between the two injection methods.

Conclusions:

• The trapezoidal cross-injection method yields lower contrast opacification in venous pathways during aortic 3D-CTA compared to the one-step injection method.
• Aortic CT values remained comparable between the techniques, suggesting the trapezoidal method's utility and safety for aortic 3D-CTA.