Lower Contrast Agent Dose Possible Using 320-Row CT Angiography

The study revealed, “this is not necessary, and the extra contrast means unnecessary costs and increased risk of contrast-induced nephropathy [CIN] to the patients.”

The risk of CIN is of distinct concern for these patients because they commonly have a renal insufficiency, which is known major risk factor for CIN, Dr. Rybicki added. “We analyzed larger patients only [those with a body mass index of more than 30] and found that 92% of coronary segments had sufficient enhancement,” said Dr. Rybicki. “These results support the general use of 60 mL of iopamidol for CT angiography done on 320-detector row CT scanners,” he said.

The study was published in the October 2011 issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

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