Contrast Volume for Preoperative CT Angiography of the Aorta Based on Patient Heart Rate and Body Surface Area: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE: To evaluate contrast agent dose reduction using an algorithm based on heart rate and body surface area. METHODS: A prospective study with 55 patients undergoing aortic CT was performed. Contrast agent dose, enhancement and image quality between three study groups were compared. Group 1: a fixed, standard dose of 120 ml, group 2: contrast agent dose calculated based on heart rate and body surface area, group 3: additional dilution of 50% of the calculated dose based on heart rate and body surface area. RESULTS: The mean contrast agent dose in group 2 was reduced by 15% (P < 0.01) with unchanged high visual scoring in comparison to group 1. In group 3, contrast agent dose reduction was 60% (P < 0.01); average image quality dropped 19% (P < 0.01) compared to group 1, but was still sufficient, except for two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Contrast agent dose was significantly reduced without compromising diagnostic efficacy using the proposed algorithm.