Techniques in Vascular & Interventional Radiology
Volume 9, Issue 4 , Pages 134-142, December 2006

Tools of the Trade for CTA: MDCT Scanners and Contrast Medium Injection Protocols

  • Richard L. Hallett, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Radiology, Cardiovascular Imaging Sections, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA.
    • Northwest Radiology Network, Indianapolis, IN.
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress reprint requests to Richard L. Hallett, MD, Department of Radiology, Cardiovascular Imaging Section, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room S-072, Stanford, CA 94305-5105.
    • ,
  • Dominik Fleischmann, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Radiology, Cardiovascular Imaging Sections, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA.

The introduction of multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) scanners in 1998 ushered in new advances in CT angiography (CTA). The subsequent expansion of MDCT scanner capabilities, coupled with advances in understanding of contrast medium (CM) dynamics, has further improved the clinical availability and consistency of CTA. We will review recent advances in CT scanner technology and discuss early CM dynamics. Specifically, we describe an approach tailored to the available scanner technology and to patient size aimed at providing consistently robust CTA studies across all vascular territories. A rational method to design combined CTA scan/injection protocols to facilitate this goal will be described. Our current experience with a simplified protocol for CTA with 64-MDCT will also be explained.

Keywords: CT angiography, contrast medium administration, CT scanner technology, CTA scan protocols

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PII: S1089-2516(07)00019-4

doi:10.1053/j.tvir.2007.02.006

Techniques in Vascular & Interventional Radiology
Volume 9, Issue 4 , Pages 134-142, December 2006

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