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Optimization of the amount of iodine contrast agent (ICU) in CT scan examinations on a multislice CT scanner (64-detector row)
KRAJÍČEK, Ondřej
In my work, I focused on the optimization of the amount of iodine contrast agent during CT scan examinations by comparing various amounts of the contrast agent per kilogram of a patient{\crq}s body weight. I compared three groups of weight amounts: 1 mL/kg vs. 1.25 mL/kg vs. 1.5 mL/kg. I measured the differences in the enhancement of organs and blood vessels of the abdominal cavity. Their enhancement levels were compared quantitatively in the areas of interest by determining Hounsfield units in the aorta and parenchyma of the abdominal organs, and qualitatively by using an independent evaluation by a radiologist. Measurements were made on the GE Lightspeed 64-detector row CT scanner with pressure injector. No parameters were changed during the entire study, enabling the maintenance of standard conditions for high-quality comparisons in all examinations. Patients with any significant lesion in the organ to be measured were excluded from the study measurements, and patients at risk of circulation disorder (patients with severe conditions, such as heart failure, shock, and others) were also not enrolled. A contrast agent with a constant amount of iodine amounting to 300 mg/mL was used for the measurements. The study population comprised 120 patients, of which 51 were women and 69 men. The following data were recorded for each measurement: examination number, age, sex, body weight, HU values, and radiologist{\crq}s evaluation. The data were recorded in tables and further analyzed. Various HU enhancement levels were compared and evaluated and subsequently correlated with the radiologist{\crq}s evaluation. Optimal values of the amount of contrast agent were also compared with those routinely used at the facility concerned. This work provided optimal values of the amount of contrast agent for the examination of abdominal organs and adjusted standards for a CT scan facility. I believe my bachelor{\crq}s thesis contributed to a more precise dosing of the contrast agent during CT scan examinations.
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