Comparison of Image Quality of Low Voltage 64-slice Multidetector CT Angiography with the Standard Condition in Patients Suspected of Pulmonary Embolism

Abstract

Introduction: Reduction of peak kilovoltage (kV) setting has been a useful approach to d creating radiation dose; however, it may have varied effects on noise and the accuracy of diagnosis. Thus, we compared image quality between low (80 kV) and standard kilovoltage (100 kV) protocols. Material and Methods: This triple blind non-randomized parallel quasi-experimental study was conducted on 140 cases of questionable pulmonary embolism. Results: Image quality was twice as high as the standard protocol in the 80-kV group (odds ratio=2.08). Main, segmental, and subsegmental arteries showed significantly higher vascular enhancement (P

Keywords

• Image Enhancement
• Image Quality
• Computed Tomography Angiography
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Radiation Dosage