Multidetector-row computed tomographic angiography of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms: comparison of arterial enhancement with 3 different doses of contrast material.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the quality of multidetector-row computed tomographic angiography in patients with and without aortic aneurysms by 3 different amounts of contrast media (CM).

METHODS: A total of 115 patients with aortic aneurysms were divided into 3 groups: group A, 100 mL CM; group B, 75 mL CM with 20 mL saline flush (SF); and group C, 50 mL CM with 20 mL SF. Twenty-five patients without aortic aneurysms were also enrolled (group D, 50 mL CM with 20 mL SF). Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed by measuring attenuation in thoracoabdominal/aortoiliac lumen, aneurysmal lumen, and superior vena cava.

RESULTS: In group C, attenuation was lower in distal than those in proximal and middle areas (P < 0.05). Contrast enhancement in abdominal aneurysmal lumen was more inhomogeneous in group C (P = 0.003). Visual analysis showed contrast enhancement was more nonuniform in group C (P = 0.004), and perivenous artifacts were more conspicuous in group A (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: Seventy-five milliliters CM followed by 20 mL SF can produce optimal contrast enhancement at systemic multidetector-row computed tomographic angiography in patients with aortic aneurysms.