Published online Feb 28, 2023. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v15.i2.32
Peer-review started: May 29, 2022
First decision: August 22, 2022
Revised: September 23, 2022
Accepted: February 13, 2023
Article in press: February 13, 2023
Published online: February 28, 2023
Processing time: 270 Days and 6.3 Hours
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is considered to be an ideal non-invasive test for coronary heart disease (CHD). Nevertheless, as more people become aware of the dangers associated with radiation, the issue of computed tomography radiation has emerged as a major concern.
The present study aimed to explore the value of multiple dose reduction techniques on CCTA.
A consecutive sample of individuals with clinically suspected CHD was screened for inclusion in the current research. The inclusion criteria were: ≥ 18-years-old; heart rate less than 70 beats/min; and body mass index of 18.0 to 29.9 kg/m2. Patients having pacemakers, significant respiratory artifacts, metallic implants located within the scanning range, an allergy to contrast agents or Betaloc, or patients who had undergone cardiac surgery or had a history of cardiac tumors were not eligible for treatment.
Consecutive normal and overweight patients were prospectively divided into two groups: Group A1, patients who received multiple dose reduction scans (n = 82); and group A2, patients who received conventional scans (n = 39). The scan parameters for group A1 consisted of the following: An isocentric scan, a tube voltage of 80 kV, and an 80% smart milliampere for tube current control. The scan parameters for group A2 were as follows: Normal position, tube voltage = 100 kV, and smart mill
The average effective doses (EDs) for groups A1 and A2 were 1.13 ± 0.35 and 3.36 ± 1.30 mSv, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of ED (P < 0.01). The signal-to-noise ratio as well as contrast signal-to-noise ratio of group A2 were significantly higher than those of group A1, in addition to having less noise. Moreover, the subjective image quality (IQ) scores were excellent in both groups, and the subjective IQ scores of the two groups did not differ significantly (P = 0.12).
Multiple dose reduction scan techniques can significantly decrease the ED of patients receiving CCTA examinations for clinical diagnosis.
This study supports the application of the multiple dose reduction scan techniques in patients receiving CCTA.