Reducing Radiation Dose with Low-kV and CARE Dose 4D in Dual-Source CT Aorta Angiography

Objective To evaluate radiation dose and image quality of dual-source CT aorta angiography with careDose4D technology and low kV.Materials and Methods Fifty three patients clinically suspected of aortic dissection were performed dual-source CT aorta angiography(CTAA).They were randomly divided into three groups.Group A(17 patients) underwent CTAA with 120 kV,group B(18 patients) with 120 kV and careDose4D,group C(18 patients) with 100 kV and careDose4D.The other scan and reconstruction parameters were the same.The imaging noise of 3 groups at bifureation of trachea and hepatic hilar level were recorded and compared.The scores of imaging quality were evaluated by two reviewers and CTDIvol,DLP,ED,SD,SNR,CNR were calculated among the groups,respectively.Results The mean score of imaging quality in group A,group B and group C were 2.94±0.24,2.89±0.32,2.94±0.23,respectively.No significant difference of the mean score was found between group A and group B,group B and group C,respectively(P0.05).The value of CTDIvol in group A,group B and group C was(7.2±1.8)mGy,(6.1±1.4)mGy and(3.7±1.0)mGy,respectively.ED was(6.0±0.4)mGy,(5.0±1.0)mGy and(3.2±0.9mSv,respectively.SNR was 37.1±15.7,27.4±8.2,31.7±10.4.CNR was 32.1±14.6,23.7±7.1,28.3±9.9.The value of CTDIvol,DLP,and ED in group C were significant lower than those in group A or group B(P0.05).Conclusion The application of low kV and careDose4D in dual-source CT aorta angiography can significantly reduce radiation dose,without significant loss of image quality.