Enhancing Radiation Dose Efficiency in Prospective ECG-Triggered Coronary CT Angiography Using Calcium-Scoring CT
Muhammad Taha Hagar,
Martin Soschynski,
Matthias Benndorf,
Thomas Stein,
Jana Taron,
Christopher L. Schlett,
Fabian Bamberg,
Tobias Krauss
Affiliations
Muhammad Taha Hagar
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg, Germany
Martin Soschynski
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg, Germany
Matthias Benndorf
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg, Germany
Thomas Stein
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg, Germany
Jana Taron
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg, Germany
Christopher L. Schlett
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg, Germany
Fabian Bamberg
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg, Germany
Tobias Krauss
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg, Germany
Background: This study investigates whether the scan length adjustment of prospectively ECG-triggered coronary CT angiography (CCTA) using calcium-scoring CT (CAS-CT) images can reduce overall radiation doses. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 182 patients who underwent CAS-CT and prospectively ECG-triggered CCTA using a second-generation Dual-Source CT scanner. CCTA planning was based on CAS-CT images, for which simulated scout view planning was performed for comparison. Effective doses were compared between two scenarios: Scenario 1—CAS-CT-derived CCTA + CAS-CT and Scenario 2—scout-view-derived CCTA without CAS-CT. Dose differences were further analyzed with respect to scan mode and body mass index. Results: Planning CCTA using CAS-CT led to a shorter scan length than planning via scout view (114.3 ± 9.7 mm vs. 133.7 ± 13.2 mm, p p n = 182). Notably, Scenario 1 resulted in a significantly lower radiation dose for sequential scans and obese patients. Only high-pitch spiral CCTA showed dose reduction in Scenario 2. Conclusions: Using CAS-CT for planning prospectively ECG-triggered CCTA reduced the overall radiation dose administered compared to scout view planning without CAS-CT, except for high-pitch spiral CCTA, where a slightly opposite effect was observed.
