Low dose CTPA using a low kV technique combined with high IR: A clinical study

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Radiation Dose Optimization

Background:

• Computerised tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) scans are crucial for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.
• Optimizing CTPA protocols is essential to minimize radiation exposure and maintain diagnostic image quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the optimization of CTPA scan protocols using a low kV technique combined with high iterative reconstruction (IR) parameters.
• To assess the impact of this optimized protocol on radiation dose and image quality in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 64 patients divided into control (100 kV, 50% IR) and experimental (80 kV, 60% IR) groups.
• Radiation dose indices (CTDIvol, DLP, SSDE, ED) were recorded.
• Objective (CNR, SNR) and subjective (VGA, VGC) image quality were evaluated.

Main Results:

• The optimized protocol led to significant reductions in CTDIvol (-49%), DLP (-48%), SSDE (-52%), and ED (-49%).
• Objective image quality improved significantly with increased CNR (32%) and SNR (13%).
• Subjective image quality scores showed no significant variation between protocols.

Conclusions:

• Combining low kV technique with high IR parameters significantly reduces radiation dose in CTPA.
• Diagnostic image quality is maintained with this optimized protocol.
• This technique is easily implementable for CTPA protocols.