Dual source abdominal computed tomography: the effect of reduced X-ray tube voltage and intravenous contrast media dosage in patients with reduced renal function.

Background X-ray tube voltage (kVp) reduction increases intravenous contrast medium (CM) attenuation at computed tomography (CT), but tube output limits its use in large patients. Purpose To evaluate the feasibility and image quality of reducing CM dose by low kVp and using dual X-ray source at liver CT. Material and Methods Patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 45 mL/min (n = 43) aged 60-91 years (75 ± 7.7), weighing 42-114 kg (75 ± 15) were prospectively scanned using a reduced CM dose of 0.25 or 0.3 g iodine (I)/kg with 70 or 80 kVp respectively, using either single-source or dual-source CT depending on patient size. Liver contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), liver noise, and muscle noise were quantitatively compared with those of 43 consecutive patients aged > 65 years with eGFR > 45 mL/min scanned using a standard abdominal protocol at 120 kVp after receiving 0.5 gI/kg. Results There was no statistically significant difference in CNR, liver noise, or muscle noise at reduced CM protocols compared to the standard protocol: CNR was 4.6 (95% CI = 4.2-5.0) vs. 5.0 (95% CI = 4.5-5.5), liver noise was 11.1 (95% CI = 10.7-11.6) vs. 11.0 (95% CI = 10.5-11.6), muscle noise was 11.7 (95% CI = 11.2-12.1) vs. 10.8 (95% CI = 10.1-11.4). The mean SSDE was 70% higher with the reduced CM protocol. Conclusion CM dosage can be reduced by 40-50% with maintained measured noise and CNR in patients with BMIs of 15-36 kg/m by lowering the tube voltage and dual-source CT scanning of the liver.