Dose levels at coronary CT angiography--a comparison of Dual Energy-, Dual Source- and 16-slice CT

Publication

Dose levels at coronary CT angiography--a comparison of Dual Energy-, Dual Source- and 16-slice CT

Journal Paper/Review - Sep 23, 2010

Kerl J Matthias, Bauer Ralf, Maurer Tobias B, Aschenbach Rene, Korkusuz Huedayi, Lehnert Thomas, Deseive Simon, Ackermann Hanns, Vogl Thomas J

Citation

Kerl J, Bauer R, Maurer T, Aschenbach R, Korkusuz H, Lehnert T, Deseive S, Ackermann H, Vogl T. Dose levels at coronary CT angiography--a comparison of Dual Energy-, Dual Source- and 16-slice CT. Eur Radiol 2010; 21:530-7.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Eur Radiol 2010; 21

Publication Date

Sep 23, 2010

Issn Electronic

1432-1084

Pages

530-7

Brief description/objective

PURPOSE
To compare the dose estimates and image quality of Dual Energy CT (DECT), Dual Source CT (DSCT) and 16-slice CT for coronary CT angiography (cCTA).

METHODS
Sixty-eight patients were examined with 16 - slice MDCT (group 1), 68 patients with DSCT (group 2) and 68 patients using DSCT in dual energy mode (DECT group 3). CT dose index volume, dose length product, effective dose, signal-to-noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio were compared. Subjective image quality was rated by two observers, blinded to technique.

RESULTS
The mean estimated radiation dose of all patients investigated on a 16 - slice MDCT was 12 ± 3.59 mSv, for DSCT in single energy 9.8 ± 4.77 mSv and for DECT 4.54 ± 1.87 mSv. Dose for CTA was significantly lower in group 3 compared to group 1 and 2. The image noise was significantly lower in Group 2 in comparison to group 1 and group 3. There was no significant difference in diagnostic image quality comparing DECT and DSCT.

CONCLUSION
cCTA shows better dose levels at both DECT and DSCT compared to 16-slice CT. Further, DECT delivers significantly less dose than regular DSCT or single source single energy cCTA while maintaining diagnostic image quality.