Comparison of test bolus and bolus tracking techniques for dual-energy CT lung perfusion scan

Abstract

Objective To compare the test bolus technique with the bolus tracking technique for dual-energy CT pulmonary angiography in patients suspected of pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods A total of 60 patients were randomized into 2 groups:bolus tracking technique group (group B,n=30) and test bolus technique group (group T,n=30).A standard dual-energy CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) was performed after injection of 60 ml contrast medium followed by 35ml saline chaser at a speed of 4 ml/s.Attenuation profiles of different vascular segments (the subclavian vein,superior vena cava,left atrium,pulmonary trunk,S1 and S10 pulmonary artery) and enhancement value of lung parenchyma were measured to evaluate the timing techniques.The overall image quality Key words: Pulmonary embolism; Tomography,X-ray computed; Angiography; Contrast media