Julian Lukas Wichmann MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Pawel Majenka, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Martin Beeres MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Wolfgang Kromen, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Boris Schulz MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Stefan Wesarg MS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ralf W. Bauer MD, Abstract Co-Author: Research Consultant, Siemens AG Speakers Bureau, Siemens AG

Josef Matthias Kerl MD, Abstract Co-Author: Research Consultant, Siemens AG Speakers Bureau, Siemens AG

Tatjana Gruber-Rouh, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Renate Maria Hammerstingl MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Thomas Josef Vogl MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Thomas Lehnert MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To intra-individually compare a single-portal-phase low-tube-voltage 100-kVp abdominal computed tomography (CT) technique with standard 120-kVp acquisition for short-term follow-up assessment of acute pancreatitis regarding CT severity index (CTSI), interobserver agreement and radiation dose.

We retrospectively analyzed 66 patients with diagnosed acute pancreatitis who underwent initial dual-phase abdominal CT (unenhanced, arterial, portal phase) at hospital admission and short-term (mean interval, 11.4 days) follow-up dual-phase dual-energy abdominal CT. All dual-phase 100-kVp and standard blended 120-kVp (M_0.6) short-term follow-up CT image series were independently evaluated by three radiologists using a modified CTSI system assessing pancreatic inflammation, necrosis, and extrapancreatic complications. Scores from the various image series were compared with paired t-test, interobserver agreement was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Mean scores of CTSI for unenhanced, portal- and dual-phase follow-up scans were 4.9, 6.1, 6.2 (120-kVp) and 5.0, 6.0, 6.1 (100-kVp), respectively. Contrast-enhanced series consistently showed a higher CTSI compared to unenhanced scans (P<0.05) but differences between single- and dual-phase series did not reach statistical significance (P>0.7). CTSI scores for corresponding 100-kVp and 120-kVp image series were alike without significant differences (P>0.05). Interobserver agreement was substantial to almost perfect for all evaluated image series and subcategories (ICC: 0.67–0.93). The average dose-length-product of the single-portal-phase scans was reduced by 41% with 100-kVp acquisition compared to 120-kVp imaging (363.8 vs. 615.9 mGy•cm, P<0.001).

Low-tube-voltage 100-kVp single-portal-phase abdominal CT provides sufficient information and image quality for short-term follow-up evaluation of acute pancreatitis and detection of extrapancreatic complications while simultaneously allowing for a significant reduction of radiation exposure.

Low-tube-voltage single-portal-phase CT is sufficient for short-term follow-up of acute pancreatitis and is recommended to reduce cumulative radiation exposure during hospitalization.

Wichmann, J, Majenka, P, Beeres, M, Kromen, W, Schulz, B, Wesarg, S, Bauer, R, Kerl, J, Gruber-Rouh, T, Hammerstingl, R, Vogl, T, Lehnert, T, Low-Tube-Voltage 100-kVp Single-Portal-Phase Abdominal CT for Short-Term Follow-up of Acute Pancreatitis: Evaluation of CT Severity Index, Interobserver Agreement and Radiation Dose.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14003566.html