Monitoring Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Healthcare Effluent Wastewater Samples and the Effectiveness of Drug Removal in Wastewater Treatment Plants Using the UHPLC-MS/MS Method.

A multi-residue UHPLC-MS/MS analytical method, previously developed for monitoring 52 pharmaceuticals in drinking water, was used to analyse these pharmaceuticals in wastewater originating from healthcare facilities in the Czech Republic. Furthermore, the methodology was expanded to include the evaluation of the effectiveness of drug removal in Czech wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Of the 18 wastewater samples analysed by the validated UHPLC-MS/MS, each sample contained at least one quantifiable analyte. This study reveals the prevalence of several different drugs; mean concentrations of 702 µg L-1 of iomeprol, 48.8 µg L-1 of iopromide, 29.9 µg L-1 of gabapentin, 42.0 µg L-1 of caffeine and 82.5 µg L-1 of paracetamol were present. An analysis of 20 samples from ten WWTPs revealed different removal efficiencies for different analytes. Paracetamol was present in the inflow samples of all ten WWTPs and its removal efficiency was 100%. Analytes such as caffeine, ketoprofen, naproxen or atenolol showed high removal efficiencies exceeding 80%. On the other hand, pharmaceuticals like furosemide, metoprolol, iomeprol, zolpidem and tramadol showed lower removal efficiencies. Four pharmaceuticals exhibited higher concentrations in WWTP effluents than in the influents, resulting in negative removal efficiencies: warfarin at -9.5%, indomethacin at -53%, trimethoprim at -54% and metronidazole at -110%. These comprehensive findings contribute valuable insights to the pharmaceutical landscape of wastewater from healthcare facilities and the varied removal efficiencies of Czech WWTPs, which together with the already published literature, gives a more complete picture of the burden on the aquatic environment.

Streak artefacts in Computed Tomography Urography: Comparative evaluation between two different iodinated contrast media.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to compare the frequency and entity, in computed tomography (CT) urography, of streak artefacts on the urinary tract generated by two contrast agents with a different iodine concentration and osmolarity. METHODS: Computed tomography scans including an excretory renal phase, performed on adult subjects in the period May-July 2020, were retrospectively evaluated in consensus by three expert radiologists, to detect any streak artefacts located in the urinary tract. Patients were administered either 1.6 mL/kg of Iodixanol 320 mgI/mL or 1.3 mL/kg of Iomeprol 400 mgI/mL. RESULTS: In total, 144 CT scans were analysed, subdivided into two groups administered either Iodixanol (71/144 (49.3%) patients) or Iomeprol (73/144 (50.7%) patients). In 41% cases, no beam hardening artefacts were found; among these, 12/59 (20.3%) patients had received Iodixanol and 47/59 (79.7%) Iomeprol. In the Iodixanol group, the mean contrast density on the renal pelvis was 2565.6 HU and streak artefacts occurred in 59/71 cases (83.1%); in 33/59 (55.9%) cases, the artefacts were marked, and in 26/59 (44.1%) minimal. In the Iomeprol group, the mean contrast density on the renal pelvis was 1666 HU and streak artefacts occurred in 26/73 cases (35.6%); in 7/26 (27%) cases, the artefacts were marked and in 19/26 (73%) minimal. CONCLUSION: The study data demonstrate a significant difference in the attenuation values of iodine urine in the excretory system between the Iodixanol and Iomeprol group. Iodixanol induced a higher frequency and burden of artefacts, compared to Iomeprol.

Dual-Energy CT Perfusion of Invasive Tumor Front in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers.

Background Active endothelial cell proliferation occurs at the tumor edge, known as the invading-tumor front. This study focused on perfusion analysis of non-small cell lung cancers. Purpose To analyze dual-phase, dual-energy CT perfusion according to the degree of tumor hypoxia. Materials and Methods This prospective study was performed 2016-2017. A two-phase dual-energy CT protocol was obtained for consecutive participants with operable non-small cell lung cancer. The first pass and delayed iodine concentration within the tumor and normalized iodine uptake, corresponding to the iodine concentration within the tumor normalized to iodine concentration within the aorta, were calculated for the entire tumor and within three peripheral layers automatically segmented (ie, 2-mm-thick concentric subvolumes). The expression of the membranous carbonic anhydrase (mCA) IX, a marker of tumor hypoxia, was assessed in tumor specimens. Comparative analyses according to the histologic subtypes, type of resected tumors, and mCA IX expression were performed. Results There were 33 mCA IX-positive tumors and 16 mCA IX-negative tumors. In the entire tumor, the mean normalized iodine uptake was higher on delayed than on first-pass acquisitions (0.35 ± 0.17 vs 0.13 ± 0.15, respectively; P < .001). A single layer, located at the edge of the tumor, showed higher values of the iodine concentration (median, 0.53 mg/mL vs 0.21 mg/mL, respectively; P = .03) and normalized iodine uptake (0.04 vs 0.02, respectively; P = .03) at first pass in mCA IX-positive versus mCA IX-negative tumors. Within this layer, a functional profile of neovascularization was found in 23 of 33 (70%) of mCA IX-positive tumors, and the median mCA IX score of these tumors was higher than in tumors with a nonfunctional profile of neovascularization (median mCA IX score, 20 vs 2, respectively; P = .03). Conclusion A two-phase dual-energy CT examination depicted higher perfusion between the tumor edge and lung parenchyma in hypoxic tumors. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Murphy and Ryan in this issue.

Detection of Perfusion Deficits in Multiphase Computed Tomography Angiography-A Stroke Imaging Technique Based on Iodine Mapping on Spectral Computed Tomography: Initial Findings.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore a novel method for brain tissue differentiation using quantitative analysis of multiphase computed tomography (CT) angiography (MP-CTA) on spectral CT, to assess whether it can distinguish underperfused from normal tissue, using CT perfusion (CTP) as reference. METHODS: Noncontrast CT and MP-CTA images from 10 patients were analyzed in vascular regions through measurements of Hounsfield unit (HU) at 120 kV, HU at 40 keV, and iodine density. Regions were categorized as normal or ischemic according to CTP. Hounsfield unit and iodine density were compared regarding ability to separate normal and ischemic tissue, the difference in maximum time derivative of the right over left hemisphere ratio. RESULTS: Iodine density had the highest maximum time derivatives and generated the largest mean separation between normal and ischemic tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The method can be used to categorize tissue as normal or underperfused. Using iodine quantification seems to give a more distinct differentiation of perfusion defects compared with conventional HU.

Can dynamic imaging, using 18F-FDG PET/CT and CT perfusion differentiate between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to derive and compare metabolic parameters relating to benign and malignant pulmonary nodules using dynamic 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT, and nodule perfusion parameters derived through perfusion computed tomography (CT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with 21 pulmonary nodules incidentally detected on CT underwent a dynamic 18F-FDG PET/CT and a perfusion CT. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was measured on conventional 18F-FDG PET/CT images. The influx constant (Ki ) was calculated from the dynamic 18F-FDG PET/CT data using Patlak model. Arterial flow (AF) using the maximum slope model and blood volume (BV) using the Patlak plot method for each nodule were calculated from the perfusion CT data. All nodules were characterized as malignant or benign based on histopathology or 2 year follow up CT. All parameters were statistically compared between the two groups using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Twelve malignant and 9 benign lung nodules were analysed (median size 20.1 mm, 9-29 mm) in 21 patients (male/female = 11/9; mean age ± SD: 65.3 ± 7.4; age range: 50-76 years). The average SUVmax values ± SD of the benign and malignant nodules were 2.2 ± 1.7 vs. 7.0 ± 4.5, respectively (p = 0.0148). Average Ki values in benign and malignant nodules were 0.0057 ± 0.0071 and 0.0230 ± 0.0155 min-1, respectively (p = 0.0311). Average BV for the benign and malignant nodules were 11.6857 ± 6.7347 and 28.3400 ± 15.9672 ml/100 ml, respectively (p = 0.0250). Average AF for the benign and malignant nodules were 74.4571 ± 89.0321 and 89.200 ± 49.8883 ml/100g/min, respectively (p = 0.1613). CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic 18F-FDG PET/CT and perfusion CT derived blood volume had similar capability to differentiate benign from malignant lung nodules.

Case 290: Intravascular Cystic Synovial Sarcoma.

History A 26-year-old man presented with a 1-month history of chest pain, a palpable and painful right inguinal mass, and edema in the right lower extremity. One month earlier, he started to experience left chest pain with no cough. Pulmonary CT angiography (CTA) revealed a left lower lobe segmental pulmonary embolus. The local hospital made a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. He received anticoagulants, and his chest pain was gradually relieved. At the time of current presentation, the patient was experiencing right lower extremity swelling and pain. Physical examination revealed a 4 × 3 cm palpable right inguinal mass with no redness. His medical history and family history were negative. The results of laboratory work-up were normal, with a d-dimer level of 0.16 mg/L fibrinogen equivalent units (reference range, <0.46 mg/L) and an international normalized ratio of 2.45 (therapeutic range, 2.0-3.0 for a patient taking warfarin), except the prothrombin time was 28.2 seconds (reference range, 9.6-12.8 seconds) and the activated partial thromboplastin time was 52.2 seconds (reference range, 24.8-33.8 seconds). Echocardiography, chest radiography, chest CT, and contrast-enhanced (CE) CT revealed no abnormalities. The patient underwent right lower extremity vascular conventional US (Philips IU22; Philips) with an L9-3 probe (3-9 MHz, venous condition) and contrast-enhanced US (1.5-2.0 mL, SonoVue; Bracco) with an intravenous bolus injection at the initial evaluation. Two days later, noncontrast and contrast-enhanced CT images of the lower abdomen (1.5 mL per kilogram of body weight, 300 mg/mL iomeprol, Iomeron; Bracco) were acquired for further evaluation.

MR imaging of cerebral involvement of Rosai-Dorfman disease: a single-centre experience with review of the literature.

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare, benign, non-Langerhans cells histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy of uncertain aetiology. It is commonly characterized by massive, painless, non-tender, bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. Extra-nodal involvement is usually seen in 50% of patients, with the brain being affected in only 5% of cases, usually as dural-based lesions. Clinical presentation is heterogeneous and strongly dependent on the localization of the lesions. Although the histopathological findings are essential for the final diagnosis, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) currently represents the first-line strategy for the detection of the lesions across the central nervous system (CNS); moreover, it may provide additional elements for the differential diagnosis versus other more common lesions. We performed a case-based literature review to highlight possible aetiologic and pathogenetic theories of this disease, along with imaging features of RDD, with a particular focus on the MRI characteristics of the CNS involvement (CNS-RDD). Finally, we provided a novel insight on the current therapeutic approaches, either surgical or medical.

Standardization of conventional chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) has several limitations due to the lack of standardization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical and physical characteristics and behaviors over time of emulsions for cTACE and to assess intra- and inter-operator variabilities in the preparation processes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro study involved evaluation of emulsions for cTACE prepared using two methods: water-in-oil (WiO) and chemotherapeutic-in-oil (CiO). Three emulsions were prepared with each method and obtained after 20, 50, and 100 pumping exchanges. A drop from each final mixture was analyzed via light microscopy (time 1) and after 5, 10, 15, and 20min since the end of preparation. After 20min, all preparations were re-mixed and new drops were re-evaluated. The intra- and inter-operator variabilities were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean droplet diameter decreased non-significantly when the number of pumping exchanges increased and increased significantly over time for both WiO and CiO. The droplets returned to their initial diameters after re-mixing. There were no significant differences in the intra- and inter-operator variabilities (P>0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Any interventional radiologist, regardless of their experience, may prepare these emulsions. These data may represent a set of instructions to standardize cTACE.

Do we really need the arterial phase on CT in pelvic trauma patients?

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether an arterial phase scan improves the diagnostic performance of computed tomography to identify pelvic trauma patients who received angiographic intervention on demand of the trauma surgeon. METHODS: This retrospective single-center study was performed at an academic Scandinavian trauma center with approximately 2000 trauma admissions annually. Pelvic trauma patients with arterial and portal venous phase CT from 2009 to 2015 were included. The patients were identified from the institutional trauma registry. Images were interpreted by two radiologists with more than 10 years of trauma radiology experience. Positive findings for extravasation on portal venous phase alone or on both arterial and portal venous phase were compared, with angiographic intervention as clinical outcome. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-seven patients (54 females, 103 males) with a median age of 45 years were enrolled. Sixteen patients received angiographic intervention. Positive CT findings on portal venous phase only had a sensitivity and specificity of 62% and 86%, vs. 56% and 93% for simultaneous findings on arterial and portal venous phase. Specificity was significantly higher for positive findings in both phases compared with portal venous phase only. Applying a threshold > 0.9 cm of extravasation diameter to portal venous phase only resulted in sensitivity and specificity identical to those of both phases. CONCLUSION: Arterial phase scan in addition to portal venous phase scan did not improve patient selection for angiography. Portal venous phase extravasation size alone may be used as an imaging-based biomarker of the need for angiographic intervention.

Me2SO perfusion time for whole-organ cryopreservation can be shortened: Results of micro-computed tomography monitoring during Me2SO perfusion of rat hearts.

Cryopreservation of whole organs and specific tissues is an important and continually expanding field of medicine. The protocols currently used for organ preservation do not ensure survivability and functionality; the protocols for ovarian tissue lead to acceptable outcomes, but these are still capable of further improvement. In general, cryopreservation protocols need to be optimized. One important approach to improving cryopreservation protocols in general involves reducing exposure to cytotoxic cryoprotective agents prior to freezing. This study, therefore, evaluated the real-time tissue penetration of dimethyl sulfoxide, a cryoprotective agent that is widely used in cryopreservation. Dimethyl sulfoxide penetration in rat hearts perfused with a 15% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide solution was examined in real-time using dynamic contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography imaging. Viability of cardiomyocytes was not significantly affected by the dimethyl sulfoxide perfusion procedure. Two different perfusion rates were evaluated and compared with perfusion using a common iodine-based contrast agent (iomeprol). The dynamic contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography imaging data showed that dimethyl sulfoxide flushes both the extracellular and intracellular spaces in rat heart tissue to 95% equilibration after ≈ 35 s via perfusion. Subsequent wash-out via perfusion is completed to 95% within ≈ 49 s. The equilibration duration routinely used in dimethyl sulfoxide-based protocols for cryopreservation should therefore be questioned. Shorter incubation duration would perhaps be sufficient, as well as being beneficial in relation to cell survivability. It would be helpful to have techniques for non-invasive real-time monitoring of the penetration of cryoprotective agents and such techniques should be used to revise cryopreservation protocols. Switching to perfusion-based equilibration procedures might be beneficial, if feasible.

Multimodal validation of focal enhancement in intracranial aneurysms as a surrogate marker for aneurysm instability.

PURPOSE: Circumferential enhancement on MR vessel wall imaging has been proposed as a biomarker of a higher risk of rupture in intracranial aneurysms. Focal enhancement is frequently encountered in unruptured aneurysms, but its implication for risk stratification and patient management remains unclear. This study investigates the association of focal wall enhancement with hemodynamic and morphological risk factors and histologic markers of wall inflammation and degeneration. METHODS: Patients with an unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm who underwent 3D rotational angiography and 3T MR vessel wall imaging showing focal wall enhancement were included. Hemodynamic parameters were calculated based on flow simulations and compared between enhanced regions and the entire aneurysm surface. Morphological parameters were semiautomatically extracted and quantitatively associated with wall enhancement. Histological analysis included detection of vasa vasorum, CD34, and myeloperoxidase staining in a subset of patients. RESULTS: Twenty-two aneurysms were analyzed. Enhanced regions were significantly associated with lower AWSS, lower maxOSI, and increased LSA. In multivariate analysis, higher ellipticity index was an independent predictor of wall enhancement. Histologic signs of inflammation and degeneration and higher PHASES score were significantly associated with focal enhancement. CONCLUSION: Focal wall enhancement is colocalized with hemodynamic factors that have been related to a higher rupture risk. It is correlated with morphological factors linked to rupture risk, higher PHASES score, and histologic markers of wall destabilization. The results support the hypothesis that focal enhancement could serve as a surrogate marker for aneurysm instability.

Contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography of articular cartilage morphology with ioversol and iomeprol.

Non-ionic, low-osmolar contrast agents (CAs) used for computed tomography, such as Optiray (ioversol) and Iomeron (iomeprol), are associated with the reduced risk of adverse reactions and toxicity in comparison with ionic CAs, such as Hexabrix. Hexabrix has previously been used for imaging articular cartilage but has been commercially discontinued. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Optiray and Iomeron as alternatives for visualisation of articular cartilage in small animal joints using contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography (CECT). For this purpose, mouse femora were immersed in different concentrations (20%-50%) of Optiray 350 or Iomeron 350 for periods of time starting at five minutes. The femoral condyles were scanned ex vivo using CECT, and regions of articular cartilage manually contoured to calculate mean attenuation at each time point and concentration. For both CAs, a 30% CA concentration produced a mean cartilage attenuation optimally distinct from both bone and background signal, whilst 5-min immersion times were sufficient for equilibration of CA absorption. Additionally, plugs of bovine articular cartilage were digested by chondroitinase ABC to produce a spectrum of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content. These samples were immersed in CA and assessed for any correlation between mean attenuation and GAG content. No significant correlation was found between attenuation and cartilage GAG content for either CAs. In conclusion, Optiray and Iomeron enable high-resolution morphological assessment of articular cartilage in small animals using CECT; however, they are not indicative of GAG content.

Dual-energy CT angiography in suspected pulmonary embolism: influence of injection protocols on image quality and perfused blood volume.

To compare intravenous contrast material (CM) injection protocols for dual-energy CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism with regard to image quality and pulmonary perfused blood volume (PBV) values. A total of 198 studies performed with four CM injection protocols varying in CM volume and iodine delivery rates (IDR) were retrospectively included: (A) 60 ml at 5 ml/s (IDR = 1.75gI/s), (B) 50 ml at 5 ml/s (IDR = 1.75gI/s), (C) 50 ml at 4 ml/s (IDR = 1.40gI/s), (D) 40 ml at 3 ml/s (IDR = 1.05gI/s). Image quality and PBV values at different resolution settings were compared. Pulmonary arterial tract attenuation was highest for protocol A (397 ± 110 HU; p vs. B = 0.13; vs. C = 0.02; vs. D < 0.001). CTPA image quality of protocol A was rated superior compared to protocols B and D by reader 1 (p = 0.01; < 0.001), and superior to protocols B, C and D by reader 2 (p < 0.001; 0.02; < 0.001). Otherwise, there were no significant differences in CTPA quality ratings. Subjective iodine map ratings did not vary significantly between protocols A, B, and C. Both readers rated protocol D inferior to all other protocols (p < 0.05). PBV values did not vary significantly between protocols A and B at resolution settings of 1, 4 and 10 (p = 0.10; 0.10; 0.09), while otherwise PBV values displayed a decreasing trend from protocol A to D (p < 0.05). Higher CM volume and IDR are associated with superior CTPA and iodine map quality and higher absolute PBV values.

Safety of CT-guided cervical nerve root infiltrations using a dorsal approach.

Cervical nerve root infiltrations are frequently performed in patients with radiculopathy, and computed tomography (CT) is commonly used for image guidance. With the traditional anterolateral approach, catastrophic side events due to spinal ischemia have been reported. To minimize risk, a dorsal approach has been advised, but the safety of this dorsal approach has not been studied systematically. In a 5-year period, 137 cervical nerve root infiltrations using a dorsal approach were performed on 109 patients and retrospectively reviewed. In our series, no major complications like spinal ischemia, spondylodiscitis, large hematomas with the need for surgery or severe allergic reactions occurred. In conclusion, using a dorsal approach, CT-guided cervical nerve root infiltrations with an extraforaminal needle position seem to be a safe intervention.

MDCT in the Setting of Suspected Colonic Diverticulitis: Prevalence and Diagnostic Yield for Diverticulitis and Alternative Diagnoses.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and demographic distribution of colonic diverticulitis (CD) and alternative diagnoses (AD), as well as the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT in patients with suspected CD. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This study retrospectively included 1069 patients (560 women) undergoing MDCT for the evaluation of suspected CD. The prevalence of CD and AD was determined and the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT calculated. The final clinical diagnosis derived from the discharge report served as the standard of reference. Prevalence of diagnoses by age, sex, and admission status were compared using Cochran-Armitage, chi-square, and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS. Prevalence of CD was 52.5% (561/1069) and of AD was 39.9% (427/1069). In the remaining 7.6% (81/1069) no final clinical diagnosis was established. The most frequent AD were appendicitis (12.6%, 54/427), infectious colitis (10.5%, 45/427), infectious gastroenteritis (8.2%, 35/427), urolithiasis (6.1%, 26/427), and pyelonephritis (4.9%, 21/427). The prevalence of diverticulitis and AD varied statistically significantly according to both age (p < 0.001) and admission status (p < 0.001). Also, the prevalence of the 10 most frequent specific AD varied statistically significantly according to sex (p = 0.022). CT had a sensitivity and specificity of 99.1% and 99.8% for diagnosing CD and 92.7% and 98.8% for AD, respectively. CONCLUSION. In about 40% of patients with suspected diverticulitis a broad spectrum of AD is causative for symptoms. MDCT provides high diagnostic accuracy in the diagnosis of diverticulitis and AD. The prevalence of diagnoses is related to admission status and demographic data; in particular age-related AD have to be considered in patients with clinically suspected diverticulitis.

Effect of Different Iodine Concentrations on Patient-Reported Discomfort in Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography: A Prospective Comparative Trial.

PURPOSE: Reducing contrast media injection speed while maintaining iodine flux is a promising workaround to lower or avoid contrast media-related discomfort during CT examinations. This approach demands contrast media with a higher concentration to guarantee excellent image quality. It remains unclear whether these concentration changes affect the patient's experience. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different concentrations of intravenous iodinated contrast media on patient discomfort during and after contrast media delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive either Iomeprol 400 mg/ml (group A) or 300 mg/ml (group B) during routinely scheduled CT examinations at our department. The iodine delivery rate and injection time were kept constant in both groups. After examination, study subjects completed a digital questionnaire on different CM-related sensation items using digital visual analogue scales. RESULTS: 253 consecutive patients were enrolled in a 6-month period. Most of the patients reported heat sensation in both groups (mean VAS: 5.3 mm in group A vs. 5.0 mm in group B, p = 0.5). Taste sensation also did not differ significantly between both groups (2.4 mm vs. 2.0 mm, p = 0.08). Pain sensation was reported to be significantly lower in group B patients (1.3 mm vs. 1.0 mm, p = 0.005), even though pain sensation in general was reported on a very low level. Other injection-related sensations were rarely reported. CONCLUSION: Patient-reported discomfort during intravenous injection of high-concentration contrast media (400 mg/ml) was low and only marginally different when compared to the injection of contrast media with a lower concentration. The injection of highly concentrated contrast media showed comparable overall patient acceptance, allowing a reduction of the injection speed and volume during examinations. KEY POINTS: · Patient-reported, contrast-related discomfort was very low in this study.. · High-concentration contrast media (HCCM) showed comparable overall patient acceptance.. · HCCM allow a reduction of injection speeds while keeping iodine flux constant.. CITATION FORMAT: · Vahldiek JL, Schaafs LA, Niehues BK et al. Effect of Different Iodine Concentrations on Patient-Reported Discomfort in Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography: A Prospective Comparative Trial. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2020; 192: 945 - 951.

Impact of CT Injector Technology and Contrast Media Viscosity on Vascular Enhancement: Evaluation in a Circulation Phantom.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of piston-based vs peristaltic injection system technology and contrast media viscosity on achievable iodine delivery rates (IDRs) and vascular enhancement in a pre-clinical study. METHODS: Four injectors were tested: MEDRAD® Centargo, MEDRAD® Stellant, CT Exprès®, and CT motion™ using five contrast media [iopromide (300 and 370 mgI ml-1), iodixanol 320 mgI ml-1, iohexol 350 mgI ml-1, iomeprol 400 mgI ml-1]. Three experiments were performed evaluating achievable IDR and corresponding enhancement in a circulation phantom. RESULTS: Experiment I: Centargo provided the highest achievable IDRs with all tested contrast media (p < 0.05). Iopromide 370 yielded the highest IDR with an 18G catheter (3.15 gI/s); iopromide 300 yielded the highest IDR with 20G (2.70 gI/s) and 22G (1.65 gI/s) catheters (p < 0.05).Experiment II: with higher achievable IDRs, piston-based injectors provided significantly higher peak vascular enhancement (up to 48% increase) than the peristaltic injectors with programmed IDRs from 1.8 to 2.4 gI/s (p < 0.05).Experiment III: with programmed IDRs (e.g. 1.5 gI/s) achievable by all injection systems, Centargo, with sharper measured bolus shape, provided significant increases in enhancement of 34-73 HU in the pulmonary artery with iopromide 370 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The tested piston-based injection systems combined with low viscosity contrast media provide higher achievable IDRs and higher peak vascular enhancement than the tested peristaltic-based injectors. With equivalent IDRs, Centargo provides higher peak vascular enhancement due to improved bolus shape. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This paper introduces a new parameter to compare expected performance among contrast media: the concentration/viscosity ratio. Additionally, it demonstrates previously unexplored impacts of bolus shape on vascular enhancement.