Feasibility study of low tube voltage computer tomography angiography (CTA) for bronchial artery imaging in patients with hemoptysis

Objective To investigate the application of low tube voltage computer tomography angiography (CTA) in bronchial artery (BA) imaging in hemoptysis patients. Methods Between January 2017 and December 2021, 119 patients were studied, including 31 in the 80-kV group, 39 in the 100-kV group and 49 in the control group (120 kV). The CT dose index-volume (CTDI_vol) (mGy) and effective dose (ED) (mSv) of each group were comparatively analysed. Image quality evaluation included the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and subjective 5-scores. Results Statistically significant differences were noted in CTDI_vol, ED, SNR, CNR and image quality scores of the groups (P < 0.05). Comparative analysis showed no statistical difference in CTDI_vol, ED and image quality scores between the 80- and 100-kV groups. Conclusion Low tube voltage CTA is useful in BA imaging for hemoptysis patients. Tube voltages of 100 kV have better image quality and lower radiation dose. (authors)