ARYA Atherosclerosis Journal

Evaluation of image quality and radiation dose in low tube voltage coronary computed tomography angiography

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

Seyedeh Shokoofeh Mousavi-Gazafroudi 1
Amirreza Sajjadieh-Khajouei 2
Maryam Moradi 3
Seyedeh Shabnam Mousavi-Gazafroudi 4
Ghasem Yadegarfar 5
Mohammad Bagher Tavakoli 6

1 Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

4 Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

5 Associate Professor, Heart Failure Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute AND Department of Epidemiology and Biostat, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

6 Professor, Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22122/arya.v15i5.1406
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is an important modality in diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Owing to the fact that computed tomography (CT) examinations are performed using ionizing radiation; applying radiation dose-reduction strategies seems to be necessary. Lowering tube voltage (in kV) according to the patient’s body mass index (BMI) or weight is an approach that is investigated by many researchers. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of low tube voltage CCTA on radiation dose and image quality in order to decrease radiation dose in selected patients who meet inclusion criteria of the introduced protocol.METHODS: Patients with clinical indications of CCTA who met inclusion criteria were classified in two groups randomly. Imaging of two groups was performed using 120 kV and 100 kV, respectively. Subjective and objective parameters of image quality and radiation dose of two groups were measured. Afterward, data were analyzed by appropriate statistical tests using SPSS software.RESULTS: While differences in image quality between two groups were not significant, radiation dose of patients who underwent 100 kV CCTA was significantly lower than the other group. Effective doses (EDs) of first and second groups were 22.30 ± 5.48 mSv and 13.82 ± 2.00 mSv, respectively (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Lowering tube voltage in non-obese patients is an effective and practical approach to radiation dose reduction without missing image quality that should be considered especially for female patients.

Keywords

Coronary Angiography
Computed Tomography Angiography
Radiation Dosage
Contrast Agent
X-Rays
Image Enhancement
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ARYA Atherosclerosis Journal
Volume 15, Issue 5 - Serial Number 5
September and October 2019
Pages 205-210

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