Optimal concentration of contrast material in chest enhanced CT. A comparative study

To assess the optimal iodo-concentration for chest enhanced CT, 100 examinations were performed after administering intravenously of iohexol 300 mgI/ml or 240 mgI/ml dose of 100 ml. CT values of aorta were measured in both plain and enhanced CT to evaluate the degree of enhancement. Two radiologists judged the image quality by four degree scores. Artifacts around superior caval vein due to the contrast material were shown in only a few cases. In comparison with enhancement units, iohexol 300 mgI/ml was superior to iohexol 240 mgI/ml. The smaller the patient's weight, the higher the aorta was opacified. On image quality, in small patients weighing less than 60 kg, iohexol 240 mgI/ml was equal to iohexol 300 mgI/ml. Besides, in those weighing more than 60 kg, iohexol 300 mgI/ml was superior to iohexol 240 mgI/ml. (author)