Intra-individual comparison of different contrast media concentrations (300 mg, 370 mg and 400 mg iodine) in MDCT.

OBJECTIVE: To compare intra-individual contrast enhancement in multi-detector-row computed tomography (MDCT) using contrast media (CM) containing 300, 370 and 400 mg iodine per ml (mgI/ml). METHODS: Six pigs underwent repeated chest MDCT using three different CM (iopromide 300, iopromide 370, iomeprol 400). An identical iodine delivery (IDR) rate of 1.5 gI/s and a constant total iodine dose of 300 mg/kg body weight were used. Dynamic CT were acquired at the level of the pulmonary artery, and the ascending and descending aorta. After the time enhancement curves were computed, the pulmonary and aortic peak enhancement, time to peak and plateau time above 300 HU were calculated. RESULTS: Intra-individual peak contrast enhancement was significantly higher for the 300 mgI/ml contrast medium compared with the 370 and 400 mgI/ml media: pulmonary trunk 595 HU vs 516 HU (p = 0.0093) vs 472 HU (p = 0.0005), and aorta 505 HU vs 454 HU (p = 0.0008) vs 439 HU (p = 0.0001), respectively. Comparison of time to peaks showed no significant difference. Plateau times were significantly longer for the 300 mgI/ml than for the 370 and 400 mgI/ml CM at all anatomical sites. CONCLUSION: Given normalised IDR and total iodine burden, the use of CM with a standard concentration with 300 mg iodine/ml provides improved contrast enhancement compared with highly concentrated CM in the chest.

Semiautomated versus manual evaluation of liver metastases treated by radiofrequency ablation.

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of semiautomated volume and density measurements of liver metastases from colorectal and breast cancer before and after radiofrequency (RF) ablation compared with manual evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients (mean age, 63.2 years +/- 10.7) with 50 known liver metastases from underlying primary breast (n = 15) or colorectal cancer (n = 35) underwent triphasic contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (CT) to evaluate hepatic tumor load and localization before RF ablation and for postinterventional follow-up. Each lesion was quantified in terms of volume and CT value (in HU) with a semiautomated software tool and manually by an experienced radiologist before and 4 months after RF ablation. RESULTS: Before RF ablation, all 50 liver metastases, and after ablation, 49 of 50 ablation zones (98%), were correctly evaluated by the software. Mean lesion volumes before and after the intervention were 5.5 cm(3) and 22.4 cm(3), respectively. Corresponding concordance correlation coefficients between measurement techniques were 0.98 and 0.99, respectively, for volume; and 0.90 and 0.76, respectively, for CT value. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with manual measurements, semiautomated volumetric assessment of liver metastases before and after RF ablation demonstrated a high degree of correlation. Agreement of attenuation was slightly worse, particularly when assessing the postinterventional multidetector CT examination, probably because of the different regions of interest used for manual and semiautomated assessment of CT values.

Automated measurement of lymph nodes: a phantom study.

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of automated nodal quantification in a phantom. MDCT of a phantom with 17 synthetic lymph nodes of different sizes (diameter 6.0-30.0 mm) was performed at varying tube currents, reconstruction kernels and slice thicknesses. RECIST diameter and volume were measured using an automated software tool. Results were compared with the reference diameter and volume by calculating the absolute percentage error (APE). Degree of agreement between software and reference measurements was evaluated by computing corresponding concordance correlation coefficients (CCC). Under varying tube currents the mean APE (CCC) varied between 5.18% and 10.12% (0.95-0.99) for RECIST diameter and between 7.22% and 16.21% (0.94-1.00) for the volume. At different reconstruction kernels the mean APE values ranged between 7.20% and 7.55% (0.99) (RECIST) and between 8.96% and 14.42% (1.00) (volume). With different slice thicknesses the mean APE values differed from 5.81% to 9.20% (0.97-0.99) (RECIST) and from 8.16% to 22.66% (0.99-1.00) (volume). Regarding RECIST criteria and volume, automated evaluation of lymph nodes in a phantom demonstrated a high accuracy under varying MDCT parameters.

Assessment of global right ventricular function on 64-MDCT compared with MRI.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare ECG-gated 64-MDCT with MRI for the assessment of global right ventricular (RV) function from coronary CT angiography data. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients (25 men, 13 women; mean age +/- SD, 55.0 +/- 8.8 years) with suspected coronary artery disease underwent contrast-enhanced 64-MDCT (64 x 0.6 mm, 120 kV, 770 mAs(eff)) and 1.5-T MRI (balanced fast-field echo; TR/TE, 3.3/1.6; flip angle, 60 degrees ; 50 phases). Double oblique short-axis MDCT and MR images were used for further analysis. End-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV), and ejection fraction (EF) were computed from manually drawn endocardial contours of the right ventricle. For statistical analysis, repeated-measures analysis of variance and Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated. Bland-Altman plots were computed. RESULTS: In general, RV volumes calculated from 64-MDCT agreed well with those calculated from MRI. The mean EF (+/- SD) calculated from MDCT and MRI was 51.0% +/- 7.8% and 51.4% +/- 7.3%, respectively. An excellent correlation was observed for EDV (r = 0.99), ESV (r = 0.98), SV (r = 0.98), and EF (r = 0.97). Bland-Altman plots showed no systematic variation between MDCT and MRI data. No statistically significant differences (p < or = 0.05) between the techniques were found. CONCLUSION: Although contrast injection is optimized for visualization of the coronary arteries, retrospectively ECG-gated 64-MDCT permits reliable assessment of global RV function.

Contrast-enhanced MRI predicts local recurrence of osteoid osteoma after radiofrequency ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoid osteoma is a painful benign tumour, which is commonly treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The goal of this study is to assess the value of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting clinical success after RFA of osteoid osteoma. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients (14 male, 6 female; mean age 23.3 ± 13.4 years) suffering from osteoid osteoma underwent unenhanced and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI the day after RFA. Post-interventional contrast enhancement of the nidus was analyzed by comparing signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of the nidus before and after contrast administration. The SNR between pre- and post-contrast scans was computed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in SNR between pre- and post-contrast scans in the area of ablation (P = 0.1583), while the SNR exceeded one in four patients, indicating residual contrast enhancement. In three of these patients clinical symptoms recurred, requiring re-ablation, while one patient remained free from symptoms during follow-up. In patients with a pre- and post-contrast SNR of ≤ 1.18 no local recurrence was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Contrast enhancement on T1-weighted MRI imaging seems to be predictive of clinically unsuccessful RFA in osteoid osteoma. Patients with a SNR increase of ≥ 20% after contrast administration might be considered for re-ablation to avoid symptomatic tumour recurrence.

High pressure versus standard port system: comparison of implantation and complications.

INTRODUCTION: Completely implantable access ports for high pressure contrast media injection have been in use in clinical routine for a relatively short time. The purpose of our study was to compare a high pressure port system with a standard port system with regard to implantation and complications. METHODS: In 94 oncological patients a completely implantable access port was implanted. Patients (n = 49) planned for oncological follow-up computed tomography (CT) received a high pressure port system. Other patients (n = 45) received a standard port system. Intrainterventional pain perception, postinterventional catheter tip migration and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: No major periinterventional complications occurred. Intrainterventional pain perception was not significantly different between the two groups. A significantly lower rate of tip migration was observed in the high pressure port group (P = 0.03) and when the port system was implanted on the right side (P = 0.03). In the standard port group catheter occlusion occurred in three patients (7%) and a catheter loop in one patient (2%) whereas no such complications occurred within the high pressure port group. Venous thrombosis was detected in one patient (2%) with a high pressure port; this did not occur in the standard port group. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation and use of a high pressure port device is safe and reliable: the complications are comparable to those of a standard port device. High pressure port systems should be considered for implantation, especially in patients who will require frequent CTs.

Jugular versus subclavian totally implantable access ports: catheter position, complications and intrainterventional pain perception.

PURPOSE: To determine the safest and most tolerable method for totally implantable access ports (TIAPs) particularly in regard to patient's pain perception and catheter-related complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2007 to October 2008 a subcutaneous TIAP (Bardport, Bard Access System, UT, USA) was implanted in 138 oncological patients (60 male, 78 female; 18-85 years old; mean age of 56 ± 6 years) by experienced interventional radiologists. 94 TIAP were implanted through the subclavian vein (subclavian group) and 44 TIAP were implanted through the internal jugular vein (jugular group). Intrainterventional pain perception (visual analogue scale from 1 to 10), postinterventional catheter tip migration and radiation dose were documented for each method and implantation side and differences were compared with Wilcoxon t-test. For ordinal variables, comparison of two groups was performed with the Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: No severe periinterventional complication occurred. Inadvertent arterial punctures without serious consequences were reported in one case for the jugular group versus four cases in the subclavian group. Significantly (p<0.05) lower pain perception, radiation dose and tip migration rate were observed in the jugular group. Catheter occlusions occurred in 4% (n=4) of the subclavian group versus 2% (n=1) of the jugular group. The corresponding values for vein thrombosis and catheter dislocation were 3% (n=3) and 1% (n=1) in the subclavian group, while none of those complications occurred in the jugular group. CONCLUSION: Both techniques, the TIAP implantation via fluoroscopy-guided subclavian vein puncture and via ultrasound-guided jugular vein puncture, are feasible and safe. Regarding intrainterventional pain perception, radiation dose, postinterventional catheter tip position and port function the jugular vein puncture under ultrasound guidance seems to be advantageous.

Central vein dilatation prior to concomitant port implantation.

Implantation of subcutaneous port systems is routinely performed in patients requiring repeated long-term infusion therapy. Ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided implantation under local anesthesia is broadly established in interventional radiology and has decreased the rate of complications compared to the surgical approach. In addition, interventional radiology offers the unique possibility of simultaneous management of venous occlusion. We present a technique for recanalization of central venous occlusion and angioplasty combined with port placement in a single intervention which we performed in two patients. Surgical port placement was impossible owing to occlusion of the superior vena cava following placement of a cardiac pacemaker and occlusion of multiple central veins due to paraneoplastic coagulopathy, respectively. In both cases the affected vessel segments were dilated with balloon catheters and the port systems were placed thereafter. After successful dilatation, the venous access was secured with a 25-cm-long, 8-Fr introducer sheath, a subcutaneous pocket prepared, and the port catheter tunneled to the venipuncture site. The port catheter was introduced through the sheath with the proximal end connected to a 5-Fr catheter. This catheter was pulled through the tunnel in order to preserve the tunnel and, at the same time, allow safe removal of the long sheath over the wire. The port system functioned well in both cases. The combination of recanalization and port placement in a single intervention is a straightforward alternative for patients with central venous occlusion that can only be offered by interventional radiology.

Effect of different saline chaser volumes and flow rates on intravascular contrast enhancement in CT using a circulation phantom.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of different saline chaser volumes and different saline chaser flow rates on the intravascular contrast enhancement in MDCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a physiological flow phantom contrast medium (120 ml, 300 mgI/ml, Ultravist 300) was administered at a flow rate of 6 ml/s followed by different saline chaser volumes (0, 30, 60 and 90 ml) at the same injection rate or followed by a 30-ml saline chaser at different injection rates (2, 4, 6 and 8 ml/s). Serial CT-scans at a level covering the pulmonary artery, the ascending and the descending aorta replica were obtained. Time-enhancement curves were computed and both pulmonary and aortic peak enhancement and peak time were determined. RESULTS: Compared to contrast medium injection without a saline chaser the pushing with a saline chaser (30, 60, and 90 ml) resulted in a statistically significant increased pulmonary peak enhancement (all p=0.008) and prolonged peak time (p=0.032, p=0.024 and p=0.008, respectively). Highest aortic peak enhancement values were detected for a saline chaser volume of 30 ml. A saline chaser flow rate of 8 ml/s resulted in the highest pulmonary peak enhancement values compared to flow rates of 2, 4 and 6 ml/s (all p=0.008). Aortic peak enhancement showed the highest values for a flow rate of 6 ml/s. CONCLUSION: A saline chaser volume of 30 ml and an injection rate of 6 ml/s are sufficient to best improve vascular contrast enhancement in the pulmonary artery and the aorta in MDCT.

Dose reduction for semi-automated volumetry of hepatic metastasis in MDCT studies.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the performance of semi-automated measurements (RECIST, volume) of hepatic metastases in multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) under normal-dose- and simulated low-dose-protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients (67 +/- 13 years) with a total of 79 hepatic metastases underwent 16-MDCT (120 kv, 160 mAseff, pitch 1, 3 mm slice thickness, 2 mm reconstruction increment, B30f standard soft tissue kernel) for either initial staging or therapy monitoring. Corresponding raw data from these standard-dose scans were simulated at lower radiation doses of 80/60/40 mAseff (Somatom Noise Vers.6.1 beta, Siemens Healthcare, Forchheim, Germany). A semi-automated software tool (SyngoCT Oncology, Siemens Healthcare, Forchheim, Germany) was applied to each dose setting to evaluate size parameters (RECIST, volume). These measurements were compared by applying repeated-measures analysis of variance and displayed graphically. RESULTS: For RECIST measurements no statistically significant differences were found between standard dose (Mean RECIST diameter: 20.46 +/- 8.37 mm) and different simulated low radiation doses (80 mAseff: 20.95 +/- 8.20 mm/60 mAseff: 20.50 +/- 8.35 mm/40 mAseff: 19.95 +/- 8.16 mm): P = 0.0774.Statistically significant differences of volume quantification (P < 0.05) could be found between standard-(3.60 +/- 4.63 mL) and simulated lowest dose of 40 mAseff (3.17 +/- 4.08 mL), whereas there was no difference (P > 0.05) between 160 mAseff- and either 80 mAseff-(3.46 +/- 4.31 mL) or 60 mAseff-protocols (3.44 +/- 4.35 mL). CONCLUSIONS: Software-assisted assessment of RECIST criteria and volume demonstrated valid performances under different dose-settings in MDCT; therefore, substantial radiation dose reduction could be possible with the use of semi-automated measurements in follow-up studies.

Hypoxia and myocardial remodeling in human cardiac allografts: a time-course study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac allografts are known to develop myocardial fibrosis, which may be a cause of progressive cardiac dysfunction. Apart from the renin-angiotensin and transforming growth factor-beta system, hypoxia has been proposed as an important player in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, but its significance remains unclear. This study examines the degree of myocardial fibrosis, cellular remodeling and hypoxic signaling over a time-course of 10 years after human cardiac allograft transplantation. METHODS: Serial right ventricular biopsies of 57 patients were collected in 6-month intervals after cardiac transplant surgery for a total of 10 years to allow a retrospective longitudinal analysis. Over this period, tissue remodeling, including interstitial fibrosis and cellular changes, were determined morphometrically. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to analyze expression of the following hypoxia-related proteins: hypoxia-induced factor 1-alpha (HIF1alpha); the oxygen sensor prolyl hydroxylase 3 (PHD3); and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). RESULTS: Fibrosis increased significantly from 12.6 +/- 6.5% at the point of transplantation throughout follow-up to 28.8 +/- 7.7% at 10 years. The DNA content and number of nuclei changed over the period of follow-up, displaying signs of cellular hypertrophy and a loss of myocytes. Whereas HIF1alpha expression revealed a U-shaped pattern with both early and late elevation during fibrogenesis, PHD3 and VEGF expression patterns showed a gradual increase with PHD3 decreasing again in later fibrogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: In cardiac allografts, extensive and progressive tissue remodeling is present. Hypoxia may play a role in this process by up-regulating HIF1alpha and leading to differential regulation of pro-angiogenic signals.

Comparison of manual, semi- and fully automated heart segmentation for assessing global left ventricular function in multidetector computed tomography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reliability of global left ventricular (LV) function and mass measurements with the aid of a semi-automated (Circulation; Siemens, Forchheim, Germany) and a new fully automated software (Philips Research Europe, Aachen, Germany) versus an established manual segmentation method (Argus; Siemens). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-one patients (31 men, 10 women; mean age: 62 +/- 5 years) with known or suspected coronary heart disease underwent contrast-enhanced Dual-Source computed tomography of the heart (120 kV, 410 mAs/rotation, collimation 2 x 32 x 0.6 mm, gantry rotation time 0.33 milliseconds). Global LV function measurements of end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume, ejection fraction (EF), and LV mass were each assessed with a manual, a semi- and fully automated method. The latter were compared with the manual contour tracing method, which was considered as standard of reference. Postprocessing time for each method was recorded. For statistical analysis, repeated-measures analysis of variance, post hoc t test, and concordance correlation coefficients were calculated. Bland-Altman plots were generated. RESULTS: In general, ESV and EF assessed with the semi-automated and with the fully automated prototype version agreed well with the manual contour tracing method. The mean ESV (+/-SD) calculated from the manual, the semi-automated, and the fully automated method was 67 +/- 43 mL, 74 +/- 54 mL, and 75 +/- 48 mL, respectively. No statistically significant differences between the methods were found for ESV and EF. In contrast, significant variations (P < 0.05) among the different segmentation methods were shown for EDV, stroke volume, and LV mass. This variation was predominantly due to variation in endocardial delineations among the different techniques. Concordance correlation coefficients demonstrated a better accuracy for the fully automated method than for the semi-automated technique when compared with the manual drawing method. Furthermore, fully automated postprocessing heart segmentation yielded time savings of approximately 80% compared with the manual segmentation tool and 63% compared with the semi-automated technique. Mean postprocessing time (+/-SD) for the manual, the semi-automated, and the fully automated method was 345 +/- 75 seconds, 192 +/- 58 seconds, and 72 +/- 58 seconds, respectively. CONCLUSION: LV function and mass analyses using semi- or fully automated segmentation algorithms are feasible even if significant differences in EDV assessment are observed. The fully automated method results in better accuracy and time savings when compared with manual and semi-automated data analysis.

Contrast enhancement in chest multidetector computed tomography: intraindividual comparison of 300 mg/ml versus 400 mg/ml iodinated contrast medium.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We sought to intraindividually compare intravascular contrast enhancement in multidector computed tomography (MDCT) of the chest using contrast media (CM) containing 300 and 400 mg iodine/ml. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients underwent repeated MDCT scanning of the chest at baseline and follow-up. CM with standard iodine (protocol A: 300 mg iodine/ml; Iopromide 300) and high iodine concentration (protocol B: 400 mg iodine/ml; Iomeprol 400) were used. The iodine delivery rate (1.29 g iodine/s) and total iodine load (37 g iodine) were identical for the two protocols. Contrast enhancement was measured in the right and left ventricles, pulmonary trunk, right and left pulmonary arteries, and ascending and descending aortas. Results were compared using paired t-tests; P values were adjusted using Bonferroni correction (P .005). In the right ventricle, pulmonary trunk, and right and left pulmonary arteries, higher attenuation values for protocol A were detected compared to protocol B (379.0 +/- 110.5 vs. 349.8 +/- 117.6, 354.5 +/- 112.2 vs 330.9 +/- 118.3, 348.6 +/- 106.0 vs. 321.8 +/- 109.9, and 347.9 +/- 102.4 vs. 321.0 +/- 104.9 HU, respectively). After the lung circulation (left ventricle, ascending aorta, and descending aorta), attenuation values were marginally higher for protocol B. Using both protocols resulted in suitable contrast enhancement with a mean pulmonary attenuation higher than 300 HU. CONCLUSIONS: Using an adapted injection protocol, the administration of 300 and 400 mg iodine CM resulted in a suitable intravascular contrast enhancement in the chest. The use of 400 mg iodine CM does not lead to a statistically significant improvement in contrast enhancement compared to the 300 mg iodine CM.

Semi-automated quantification of hepatic lesions in a phantom.

PURPOSE: Accurate measurement is crucial for the assessment of tumor dimensions to allow accurate evaluation of tumor response. Thus, the purpose of our study was to assess the accuracy of semi-automated RECIST and volumetric measurements of liver lesions in a liver phantom with different CT acquisition parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phantom of the upper abdomen with 14 hepatic lesions of different sizes (diameter: 12.0-40.0 mm), densities (45/180 HU at 120 kV), or alignment (vertical/transverse) was scanned with a 16-slice multidetector row computed tomography using varying tube currents (40/60/80/100/120/165mAs eff), reconstruction kernels (Siemens B20/30/40/50/70s), or slice thicknesses (1/2/3/4/5 mm). Longest axial diameter and volume of the 14 lesions were quantified using a semi-automated software tool (SyngoOncology, Siemens Medical Solutions, Forchheim, Germany) and compared with the known real longest axial diameter and volume values of the lesions. Absolute percentage errors (APE) were calculated. Degree of agreement in longest axial diameter and volume between software and real measurements was represented graphically in Bland-Altman plots and by corresponding concordance correlation coefficient. RESULTS: At standard soft tissue reconstruction kernel (Siemens B30s) and slice thickness (3 mm) mean absolute percentage error APE (concordance correlation coefficients) ranged between 6.93 and 14.27 (0.96 and 0.99) for longest axial diameter and between 4.98 and 10.85 (0.99 and 1.00) for volume. At varying reconstruction kernels, APE values (concordance correlation coefficients) ranged between 7.92 and 8.31 (0.98 and 0.99) for longest axial diameter and between 4.95 and 6.93 (1.00) for volume. Applying different slice sections APE values (concordance correlation coefficients) differed from 6.54 to 11.82 (0.97 and 0.99) for longest axial diameter and from 6.93 to 9.17 (1.00) for volume. CONCLUSIONS: Software quantification of longest axial diameter and volume of hepatic lesions in a phantom demonstrated a high correlation and accuracy under varying multidetector row computed tomography parameter.

Impact of different vein catheter sizes for mechanical power injection in CT: in vitro evaluation with use of a circulation phantom.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different peripheral vein catheter sizes on the injection pressure, flow rate, injection duration, and intravascular contrast enhancement. A flow phantom with a low-pressure venous compartment and a high-pressure arterial compartment simulating physiological circulation parameters was used. High-iodine-concentration contrast medium (370 mg iodine/ml; Ultravist 370) was administered in the venous compartment through peripheral vein catheters of different sizes (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 G) using a double-head power injector with a pressure limit of 325 psi. The flow rate was set to 5 ml/s, with a total iodine load of 36 g for all protocols. Serial CT scans at the level of the pulmonary artery and the ascending and the descending aorta replica were obtained. The true injection flow rate, injection pressure, injection duration, true contrast material volume, and pressure in the phantom during and after injection were continuously monitored. Time enhancement curves were computed and both pulmonary and aortic peak time and peak enhancement were determined. Using peripheral vein catheters with sizes of 14-20 G, flow rates of approximately 5 ml/s were obtained. During injection through a 22-G catheter the pressure limit was reached and the flow rate was decreased, with a consecutive decreased pulmonary and aortic contrast enhancement compared to the 14- to 20-G catheters. Injection through a 24-G peripheral vein catheter was not possible because of disconnection of the canula due to the high flow rate and pressure. In summary, intravenous catheters with sizes of 14-20 G are suitable for CT angiography using an injection protocol with a high flow rate and a high-iodine-concentration contrast medium.

Image fusion in dual energy computed tomography: effect on contrast enhancement, signal-to-noise ratio and image quality in computed tomography angiography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different weighting factors on contrast enhancement, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and image quality in image fusion in dual energy computed tomography (DECT) angiography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients underwent a CT angiography of the aorta with a SOMATOM Definition Dual Source CT (DSCT; Siemens, Forchheim, Germany) in dual energy mode (DECT) (tube voltage: 80 and 140 kVp; tube current: 297 eff. mA and 70 eff. mA; collimation, 14 x 1.2 mm). Raw data were reconstructed using a soft convolution kernel (D30f). Fused images were calculated using a spectrum of weighting factors (0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, and 1.0) generating different ratios between the 80- and 140-kVp images (eg, factor 0.5 corresponds to 50% image information from the 140- and the 80-kVp image). Both CT values and SNR were measured in the descending aorta (levels of celiac trunk, renal arteries, and aortic bifurcation), in the right and left common iliac artery and in paraaortal fat. Image quality was evaluated using a 5-point grading scale. Results were compared using paired t-tests and nonparametric paired Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: Statistically significant increases in mean CT values were seen in vessels when increasing weighting factors were used (all P

Introduction of a dedicated circulation phantom for comprehensive in vitro analysis of intravascular contrast material application.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a circulation phantom with physiologic circulation parameters, including a pulmonary and a body circulation for the evaluation of intravascular contrast material (CM) application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The circulation phantom consists of a low-pressure venous system into which CM is injected, a pulmonary circulation, and high-pressure body circulation with an anthropometric aorta and coronary arteries. The phantom is driven by a pulsatile Harvard heart pump. Venous and arterial pressure were set to physiologic values with heart rate (60 beats/min), stroke volume (60 mL), and ratio of diastole to systole (60/40) also were within physiologic limits. CM with different iodine concentrations (300, 370, and 400 mg iodine/mL) were injected at a flow rate of 4 mL/s (iodine delivery rate: 1.2 g, 1.48 g, and 1.6 g iodine/s, respectively; total iodine load for all protocols: 36 g). Serial computed tomography scans at the level of the pulmonary artery, the ascending and the descending aorta replica were obtained. Dynamic pressure in the phantom and true injection system parameters (flow rate, injection pressure, and CM volume) was continuously monitored. Time-enhancement curves were calculated, and pulmonary and aortic peak time and enhancement were determined. Results were compared using nonparametric unpaired Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: The pressure in the phantom showed physiologic values for the low (mean pressure: 15 mm Hg) and high pressure part (125/75 mm Hg). Programmed injection values (flow rate, pressure, and volume) were reached for all injections. Using CM with 400 mg iodine/mL, the shortest pulmonary and aortic peak times and the highest pulmonary and aortic peak enhancement values were obtained compared with CM with 300 and 370 mg iodine/mL. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a flow phantom with physiologic circulation parameters for measurement of contrast enhancement. The phantom is suitable for further evaluation of CM injection protocols for pulmonary and aortic enhancement.