Pulmonary embolism: Low dose contrast MSCT pulmonary angiography with modified test bolus technique

Abstract

Highlights Test bolus technique increase the diagnostic quality score of the scans performed. Provides better evaluation of the pulmonary arteries and its subsegmental branches. Increase the main pulmonary artery average density, decrease average density of the aorta and pulmonary veins. Increase the confidence and accuracy rate of diagnostic examinations. Volume of IV contrast decreased by 40 % than in bolus tracking.

A comparison of bolus track and test bolus computed tomography pulmonary angiography and the implications on pulmonary and aortic vessel enhancement, effective dose and suboptimal scan rate

“…found no significant differences in pulmonary artery enhancement between both techniques. The results from this study are in contrast with Kamr et al 11 . who performed a large prospective study on 600 patients comparing both techniques.…”

“…research demonstrated that bolus track resulted in a higher mean enhancement of the pulmonary artery. These findings differ from research by Kamr et al 11 . who recommend the test bolus protocol and Kerl et al 12 .…”

“…who performed a large prospective study on 600 patients comparing both techniques. In Kamr et al 11 . study, the average HU density in the main pulmonary artery was 260.5 HU in the bolus track group and increased to 320 HU in the test bolus group ( P < 0.002).…”

“…study, the average HU density in the main pulmonary artery was 260.5 HU in the bolus track group and increased to 320 HU in the test bolus group ( P < 0.002). However, unique to Kamr et al 11 . study, an extra step was added to the routine bolus track technique.…”

“…and Rodrigues et al 9 . Kamr et al 11 . analysed area's including the ascending and descending aorta however a test bolus protocol unique to their study was used.…”