[Exposed dose comparison between coronary computed tomographic angiography and coronary angiography: basic examination by phantom].

The new type of coronary angiography(CAG)that uses 40 mm volumetric computed tomography(VCT)has great potential for cardiac disease. However, it is still necessary to be cognizant of exposure dose. We measured doses of CAG by both VCT and cardiovascular X-ray using a body phantom within 170 glass dosimeters. VCT protocols were 120 kV, 570 mA, and 0.35 sec/rot with and without the dose-reduction features(small cardiac X-ray beam filter and ECG mA modulation). The cardiovascular X-ray protocol was Auto(65 - 77 kV)kV, Auto(41 - 46 mA)mA, 5 secx11 shots+11 min fluoroscopy(minimum protocol for screening). VCT with and without the dose-reduction features has the same dose distribution, however, the dose-reduction features reduced the amount of dose by about 40-50%. For VCT with those features, measured dose was about 70 mGy in the cardiac area and 60 mGy at the skin of the back, whereas those of cardiovascular X-ray were 10 mGy and 30 mGy. We measured detailed dose distributions and variations in the phantom, and we also demonstrated the possibility of VCT's dose-reduction features. The CT dose was still higher than that of cardiovascular X-ray, however, there were advantages of CT scanning, for instance, information about calcification, soft plaque, and 3D visualization. We think it is important to use both systems with an understanding of their advantages and limitations.