Kristopher W. Cummings MD, Presenter: Research Consultant, Biomedical Systems Research Consultant, Medtronic, Inc

1) Describe the two most common methods for contrast timing to the pulmonary arterial system. 2) List two important factors affecting the degree of contrast enhancement during CTPA.

CT pulmonary angiography has largely replaced catheter based angiography for evaluation for acute pulmonary embolism. In order to detect acute or chronic emboli, adequate opacification of the pulmonary arterial system must be achieved. With advanced MDCT allowing rapid imaging of the entire chest, modifications to contrast administration protocols are required to assure diagnostic scans. A brief review of current techniques and approaches to contrast administration for fast multidetector CTPA will be given.

Cummings, K, Optimizing CTPA: Contrast Dynamics and Administration.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14000780.html