Contrast volume reduction using third generation dual source computed tomography for the evaluation of patients prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Objectives: Chronic renal failure is common in patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). CT angiography is recommended and provides crucial information prior to TAVI. We evaluated the feasibility of a reduced contrast volume protocol for pre-procedural CT imaging.

Patient-specific predictors of image noise in coronary CT angiography.

Background: Coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography can be associated with high radiation exposure. Reduction of tube voltage from 120 kV to 100 kV can reduce the dose by up to 40%, but it also increases image noise.

Objective: We aimed to find a patient-specific predictor of image noise to determine the use of reduced tube voltage.

Image quality of ultra-low radiation exposure coronary CT angiography with an effective dose <0.1 mSv using high-pitch spiral acquisition and raw data-based iterative reconstruction.

Objectives: We evaluated the potential of prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral acquisition with low tube voltage and current in combination with iterative reconstruction to achieve coronary CT angiography with sufficient image quality at an effective dose below 0.1 mSv.

Methods: Contrast-enhanced coronary dual source CT angiography (2 × 128 × 0.