Simplified split-bolus intravenous contrast injection technique for pediatric abdominal CT

Clin Imaging. 2017 Nov-Dec:46:28-32. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2017.06.002. Epub 2017 Jun 12.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate pediatric abdominal CT using a simplified split-bolus (Split group) contrast injection compared with a single bolus (Control group).

Methods: Radiation dose, image quality and diagnostic accuracy were compared.

Results: Split group demonstrated lower effective dose (2.46 vs. 2.85mSv, p=0.002) and noise levels in aorta, liver and portal vein (p<0.001). There was one false-negative case of portal vein obliteration in the Split group.

Conclusions: A simple method of split-bolus intravenous contrast injection technique can provide adequate and homogeneous enhancement in pediatric abdominal CT.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Contrast materials; Image quality enhancement; Pediatrics.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adolescent
  • Aorta / diagnostic imaging
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Injections, Intravenous / methods
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Portal Vein / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*

Substances

  • Contrast Media