Keywords:
Multicentre study, Observational, Prospective, Haemodynamics / Flow dynamics, Drugs / Reactions, Diagnostic procedure, Contrast agent-intravenous, CT, Radiographers, Liver, Contrast agents
Authors:
R. M. S. C. Pereira1, A. D. Gomes1, M. C. Couto1, M. A. SANTOS2, R. C. M. C. R. Gaspar3, R. M. Cardoso1, N. M. F. Campos3, N. M. M. Neves1, M. Santos1; 1Aveiro/PT, 2ARAZEDE/PT, 3Coimbra/PT
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2020/C-14682
Purpose
The iodinated contrast media (ICM) use in hepatic CT studies is affected by multiple factors like those related to the clinical situation to be clarified [1], the patient's characteristics such as weight [2], age [3], and comorbidities [4] but also factors related with ICM administration techniques, namely when using fixed delays, test bolus strategies [5][6] or bolus tracking systems [7].
Therefore, there is a multiplicity of strategies when using ICM in the context of performing CT studies, namely different volumes, contrast media flow and scan delay times, along with the use of different contrast media doses [2] with repercussions on hepatic enhancement [8]. Accordingly, this made it pertinent to look at the result of these procedures, seek eventual evidence to support procedures normalization processes which could contribute to a continuous healthcare provision improvement, namely in the context of the use of ICM in hepatic CT studies.
This study aimed to analyse the variability in structures enhancement in multiphase hepatic CT studies due to different injection protocols, to find opportunities for practice improvement, but also good practices dissemination.