Tailoring Contrast Media Protocols to Varying Tube Voltages in Vascular and Parenchymal CT Imaging: The 10-to-10 Rule

Bibi Martens*, Babs M. F. Hendriks, Casper Mihl, Joachim E. Wildberger

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

The latest technical developments in CT have created the possibility for individualized scan protocols at variable kV settings. Lowering tube voltages closer to the K-edge of iodine increases attenuation. However, the latter is also influenced by patient characteristics such as total body weight. To maintain a robust contrast enhancement throughout the patient population in both vascular and parenchymal CT scans, one must adapt the contrast media administration protocols to both the selected kV setting and patient body habitus. This article proposes a simple rule of thumb for how to adapt the contrast media protocol to any kV setting: the 10-to-10 rule.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)673-676
Number of pages4
JournalInvestigative Radiology
Volume55
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2020

Keywords

  • computed tomography
  • contrast media
  • radiation dosage
  • abdomen
  • pulmonary artery
  • coronary vessels
  • aorta
  • BODY-WEIGHT
  • PATIENT WEIGHT
  • ENHANCEMENT
  • ANGIOGRAPHY
  • INJECTION
  • REDUCTION
  • SELECTION

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