RSNA 2003 

Abstract Archives of the RSNA, 2003


385-p

Effect of Contrast Material Pushed with Saline Solution Using a Dual Injector on Enhancement of Abdominal Aorta, Portal Vein and Liver Parenchyma in Multislice CT of the Liver

Scientific Posters

Presented on December 3, 2003
Presented as part of L05: Gastrointestinal Liver: Perfusion CT, Transplant Evaluation (MR), Contrast Medium Administration

Participants

Fuminari Tatsugami MD, PRESENTER: Nothing to Disclose

Abstract: HTML Purpose: Our objective was to evaluate the effect of enhancement of abdominal aorta, portal vein, and liver parenchyma, and to evaluate the visualization of images obtained by CT arteriography and portography using the saline flush technique. Methods and Materials: One hundred eight patients who underwent multislice CT of the liver were examined (0.5 sec/rot., collimation of 2 mm, and a HP of 4.5). The contrast material and saline solution were administered using a dual injector at a rate of 5 ml/sec. Double arterial phases and portal venous phase images were scanned. The injection patterns were randomly divided into four groups: 100 ml of contrast material (300 mgI/ml) only (Group A) or 100 ml of contrast material (300 mgI/ml) flushed with 50 ml of saline solution (Group B) or 100 ml of contrast material (350 mgI/ml) only (Group C) or 100 ml of contrast material (350mgI/ml) flushed with 50ml of saline solution (Group D). Raw data were reconstructed at 1-mm intervals and transmitted to a workstation. 3D angiographic images of hepatic artery during the first arterial phase and those of the portal vein during the second arterial phase were reconstructed using the volume rendering technique. The items examined were as follows: 1) CT values of the abdominal aorta measured during the first arterial phase were compared among the four groups. 2) CT values of the portal vein measured during the second arterial phase and those of the liver parenchyma measured during the portal phase were compared among the four groups. 3) The 3D-angiographic images of the hepatic artery and portal vein were visually compared among the four groups. Results: 1) There was no statistically significant difference in the mean enhancement of the abdominal aorta between group A and group B, and between group C and group D. However, the mean enhancement in group B was greater by 27.8 HU than that in group A, and that in group D was greater by 23.1 HU than that in group C. 2) The enhancement of portal vein was demonstrated to be statistically significantly greater using the saline flush technique. The enhancement of the liver parenchyma demonstrated no significant difference among the four groups. 3) 3D angiography demonstrated the hepatic artery and portal vein in more detail using the saline flush. Conclusion: CT arteriography and portography were improved using the saline flush; however, the enhancement of the liver parenchyma was not affected. Therefore, we consider that the contrast material volume and concentration are difficult to decrease using the saline flush.      

Cite This Abstract

Tatsugami MD, F, Effect of Contrast Material Pushed with Saline Solution Using a Dual Injector on Enhancement of Abdominal Aorta, Portal Vein and Liver Parenchyma in Multislice CT of the Liver.  Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3105827.html