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[Spiral CT of the thorax with double table feed in relation to slice thickness]
J Link1, J Brossmann, F Schubert
1Klinik für Radiologische Diagnostik, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel.
Purpose:
The aim of the study was to reduce investigation time, radiation dose, and contrast material when performing spiral-CT of the thorax.
Methods:
50 patients with different clinical diagnoses underwent spiral-CT of the thorax with double table feed and 45 ml contrast material (lopentol) were injected. Density measurements were performed as follows: main pulmonary artery without contrast injection, carotid artery, subclavian artery, ascending and descending aorta, aortic arch, main pulmonary artery and thoracic aorta after contrast injection.
Results:
In comparison to the density of the main pulmonary artery without contrast injection there was an increase of density of 134 HU. 45 ml of the contrast agent were sufficient in all cases for delineation of the mediastinal vessels. Investigation time was 16-18 s and all patients were able to hold their breath during this time, so no artifacts were seen. Radiation dose was cut in half.
Conclusion:
Spiral-CT with double table feed enables investigations of the thorax in less than 20s. 45 ml of a contrast agent are sufficient for performing this examination. There are no essential diagnostic deficits with this technique.