Comparison of Blood Pressure Variation among Patients Undergoing CECT Thorax and NCCT Thorax: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Advancements in Computed Tomography (CT) have been continuously updated with the intravenous administration of contrast media, which enhances the visibility of internal organs and structures in CT scans. Contrast media administration often alters blood pressure. Aim: To observe the blood pressure variations among patients undergoing Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) thorax and Non Contrast Computed Tomography (NCCT) thorax. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Medical Imaging at Yenepoya Medical Hospital, Deralakatte, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India from February 2022 to August 2022. Patients who underwent examinations of NCCT thorax and CECT thorax within the age group of 20-80 years, involving 62 participants (31- CECT, 31- NCCT) were included. Intravascular contrast material was administered to the patient during a CECT thorax scan. One reader independently recorded the Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) five minutes before and five minutes after the venous phase in the CECT thorax and five minutes prior to and five minutes after in the NCCT thorax group.. A paired t-test was used for the comparison of SBP and DBP within the group. Results: The mean SBP before the scan was 120.7 mmHg {Standard Deviation (SD)=13.6} and after the scan was 130.7±12.1 mmHg. The mean DBP before the scan was 78.9±8.9 mmHg, and after the scan was 84.2±12.0 mmHg, respectively, before and after the injection of contrast. Therefore, a significant difference was found in the mean SBP and DBP before and after the injection of contrast within the CECT thorax group. Conclusion: There was an increase in blood pressure in patients who had undergone CECT thorax in both males and females. Hence, evaluating BP will provide awareness of different risk factors that can be caused due to the administration of contrast media