Does delayed phase imaging in CT angiography provide additional information in patients with suspected active...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Multiphasic CT angiography (CTA) is crucial for diagnosing active bleeding.
• The utility of delayed phase imaging in this context requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if delayed phase imaging provides additional diagnostic information in multiphasic CTA for suspected active bleeding.
• To assess the impact of delayed phase imaging on examination time and radiation exposure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 104 patients undergoing multiphasic CTA for suspected acute bleeding.
• Independent review of CTA images by general, interventional, and body imaging radiologists.
• Evaluation of whether delayed phase images altered the final impression and assessment of additional findings, time, and radiation dose.

Main Results:

• Delayed phase imaging provided no significant additional diagnostic information in 96.1% of cases.
• The mean additional time for delayed phase acquisition was 3.61 minutes.
• Delayed imaging increased radiation dose by a mean of 847.75 mGy.cm.

Conclusions:

• Delayed phase imaging in multiphasic CTA for suspected active bleeding offers minimal additional diagnostic value.
• Routine use of delayed phase imaging in this setting is not supported due to increased time and radiation exposure.
• Further research may explore specific select cases where delayed imaging could be beneficial.