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Contrast material injection for hepatic helical computed tomography. Comparative study of five protocols
C Hoeffel1, P Legmann, C Girardot
1Department of Radiology, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France.
Investigative Radiology
|August 1, 1996
Summary
A new contrast material injection protocol significantly improves liver enhancement during computed tomography (CT) scans. This optimized protocol ensures better visualization of the liver parenchyma and major blood vessels for diagnostic accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is crucial for liver imaging.
- Optimizing contrast material injection protocols is essential for diagnostic quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and compare contrast material injection protocols for hepatic helical CT.
- To identify a protocol that maximizes liver parenchyma enhancement while ensuring adequate vascular opacification.
Main Methods:
- 121 patients undergoing contrast-enhanced liver CT with spiral imaging were randomized into five protocols.
- Protocols varied in flow rate, contrast volume, and scan delay using iohexol.
- Liver parenchyma, aorta, and portal vein enhancement were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Protocol 5 demonstrated statistically significant higher mean parenchymal contrast enhancement.
- Protocol 5 involved a biphasic injection (100 mL at 1.5 mL/s, then 25 mL at 2 mL/s) with a 70-second delay.
- This protocol also yielded the highest aortic and second-highest portal vein enhancement.
Conclusions:
- An easily tolerated injection protocol was identified for optimal hepatic CT.
- This protocol ensures high liver parenchymal enhancement and satisfactory vascular enhancement.
- Key features include a 70-second scan delay, biphasic low flow injection, and a moderate iodine load.