Marco Francone MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Elisabetta Di Castro, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ilaria Iacucci, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Federica Vasselli, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Carlo Catalano MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Roberto Passariello MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

to evaluate dose reduction and image quality in 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (64-MDCT) of the coronary arteries using an automatic exposure control system (AECs) at two different quality-reference mAs comparing results with non-adapted current technique.

101 patients scheduled for coronary 64-MDCT were divided into 4 groups. Tube current was 600 and 800mAs in groups A-B and adapted respectively at 600 and 800 quality-reference mAs using an AECs, in groups C-D. An evaluation of risk related with this technique was made in terms of effective dose and organ-equivalent dose. Image noise was quantified as standard deviation of air-space attenuation. Two observers assessed technical adequacy and image quality using a 4-point scale.

Effective dose ranged from 8.6 mSv for group C to 15 mSv for group B with significant dose reduction of 21.7% and 29.4% for examinations performed at 600mAs (p0.1); regardless of acquisition protocol, lower scores (p<0.0003) were obtained in exams with sufficient technical adequacy

Compared to non-adapted tube current, AECs provides images of diagnostic quality with substantial dose reduction. In patients for whom a technically adequate study is expected dose may be reasonably reduced by the routine use of a tube-current adaptation

In 64-MDCT of the coronary arteries, radiation dose may be reasonably reduced by means of fully automated tube current modulation systems without affecting image quality.

Francone, M, Di Castro, E, Iacucci, I, Vasselli, F, Catalano, C, Passariello, R, Dose Reduction and Image Quality Optimization in Cardiac Imaging with Multidetector Row Computed Tomography Using an Automatic Exposure Control System.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5015109.html