First Clinical Evaluation of High-Pitch Dual-Source Computed Tomographic Angiography Comparing Automated Tube Potential Selection With Automated Tube Current Modulation

Publication

First Clinical Evaluation of High-Pitch Dual-Source Computed Tomographic Angiography Comparing Automated Tube Potential Selection With Automated Tube Current Modulation

Journal Paper/Review - Jul 1, 2015

Beeres Martin, Kerl Josef Matthias, Vogl Thomas J, Nour-Eldin Nour-Eldin A, Frellesen Claudia, Wichmann Julian L, Lee Clara, Gruber-Rouh Tatjana, Kaup Moritz, Scholtz Jan, Bauer Ralf, Williams Kimberly, Bodelle Boris

Citation

Beeres M, Kerl J, Vogl T, Nour-Eldin N, Frellesen C, Wichmann J, Lee C, Gruber-Rouh T, Kaup M, Scholtz J, Bauer R, Williams K, Bodelle B. First Clinical Evaluation of High-Pitch Dual-Source Computed Tomographic Angiography Comparing Automated Tube Potential Selection With Automated Tube Current Modulation. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2015; 39:624-8.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

J Comput Assist Tomogr 2015; 39

Publication Date

Jul 1, 2015

Issn Electronic

1532-3145

Pages

624-8

Brief description/objective

OBJECTIVE
To investigate and compare the use of automated tube potential selection (ATPS) with automated tube current modulation (ATCM) in high-pitch dual-source computed tomographic angiography (CTA) for imaging the whole aorta without electrocardiogram synchronization.

METHODS
Two groups of 60 patients underwent CTA on a dual-source computed tomographic device in high-pitch mode: ATCM (with 100-kV fixed tube potential) was used in group 1 and ATPS (with the same image quality options) in group 2. For the evaluation of radiation exposure, CT dose index and dose-length product were analyzed. Contrast and image quality were assessed by 2 independent observers.

RESULTS
The ATPS group received a higher radiation dose than the ATCM group (P < 0.001) because in 80% of patients, the software switched to use of a 120-kV tube potential. In all cases, images of the aorta were of sufficient quality.

CONCLUSIONS
High-pitch dual-source CTA of the aorta using ATPS is feasible in clinical routine, but is associated with higher radiation exposure than the ATCM protocol. This finding contradicts previously evaluations of ATPS based on single-source techniques.