cm ± 34.1 and 7.0 mSv ± 0.6 for dual-energy CTPA, both P = .709). We use a collimation of 1.25 mm with a beam pitch of 1.35 (slice pitch 10.8; US Mode) and 0.5 sec. Retrospective audit was performed using the PACS com-puter information system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24 consecutive patients suspected PE underwent CTPAs using a 64-detector MDCT. The role of diagnostic imaging in PE is being increasingly undertaken by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). For CTPA at our institution, we use a 16 or 64-detector CT scanner. Schembri GP, Miller AE, Smart R. Radiation dosimetry and safety issues in the investigation of pulmonary embolism. Mandatory adherence to diagnostic protocol increases the yield of CTPA for pulmonary embolism. Methods: We will search PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from inception to October 1, 2018. As documented in the Royal College of Radiologists referral guidelines (Ref. Radiology Trainee Research Survey. Epub 2016 Jul 22. The diagnosis is made by a positive PCR test, which is highly specific. 1), CTPA is the investigation of choice in patients with a high clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolus and in those with pre-existing pulmonary disease. Semin Nucl Med 2010;40:442–54. Results Of 250 scans, 74 were positive (29.6 % [95 % CI, 24.3-35.5 %]) and 175 were negative (70 %). The reference lists of the retrieved articles are also consulted. Mean effective dose was 2.8±2.6 mSv and 13.5±7.8 mSv for CTPA and triple rule-out protocols, respectively. Current data for absolute quantification of dose reduction is limited, although studies propose 30-75% reductions in effective dose with these techniques. Although this protocol optimized for imaging pregnant patients significantly improved pulmonary CTA image quality, two of the 20 patients in group B had nondiagnostic studies. Although the split-bolus injection protocols may appear sophisticated and complex in theory, in practice it can be stored on the injector system and selected from the menu of the stored protocol. A short survey targeted at UK radiology trainees, that aims to characterise the current research experience. CTPA Post-Test. + Learn More. Although our experience is anecdotal, this is an uncommon artifact with empiric timing delay; it is likely due to the wider temporal window of contrast injection that occurs with empiric timing delay compared with other techniques (Fig. 1,2 Since the 1990s, CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) has become the method of choice for imaging in suspected PE. Mandatory adherence to diagnostic protocol increases the yield of CTPA for pulmonary embolism Insights Imaging. As documented in the Royal College of Radiologists referral guidelines (Ref. 11 The typical effective doses from CTPA are approximately around 8 mSv, 12 although a recent study has shown a possible dose reduction to an average of 3–4 mSv when the appropriate imaging parameters are chosen. In addition, dose models in the literature do not account for state-of-the-art low dose CT protocols utilizing tube current modulation of mA and kV, which significantly lower the dose of CTPA while preserving diagnostic accuracy. CTPA examinations were obtained in a multidetector CT scanner (Discovery CT750 HD, GE Healthcare) by using a dual-energy CTPA protocol (Gemstone Spectral Imaging GSI), with the following parameters: tube voltage 80–140 kV, 340 mA, pitch = 0.984, rotation time = 0.5 s, field of view = 512 mm × 512 mm, 64 × 0.625-mm detector configuration, and slice thickness = 1.25 mm. Author information: (1)Department of Pulmonology, Isala, Dr. van Heesweg 2, 8025 AB, Zwolle, The Netherlands. Inclusion criterion was patients getting CTPA exam to rule out PE. CT attenuation coefficients were measured in Hounsfield Units (HU) using regions of interest at the level of the pulmonary trunk. Question 2: The A1 segment of the RUL is the _____ segment. Transient interruption of the contrast bolus by unopacified blood from the IVC was a causative factor in one case and the second nondiagnostic study was caused by poor peak arterial enhancement. Br J Radiol 2006;79:441–44. Technique used for CTPA. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay is the preferred method of diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. Further imaging may be necessary, either repeating CTPA with an increased delay or pulmonary angiography. RESULTS: Effective dose was lower in the phase 2 group (0.95 v 1.66 mSv; p<0.001). Radiology Tutorials; Radiology Department; School Of Medicine; CT Pulmonary Angiography > Quiz. Correspondence afp@racgp.org.au. 1), CTPA is the investigation of choice in patients with a high clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolus and in those with pre-existing pulmonary disease. Protocol changes included: decreased kVp; increased contrast injection rate; imaging after shallow inspiration. Insights Imaging 2014;5(2):231–236). 50 patients with acute/chronic renal failure were examined on a 3 rd generation dual-source CT with an optimized DE CTPA protocol and a low CM injection protocol (5.4 g iodine). Downloads. Anterior Apical Apicoposterior Posterior . Each protocol was started with a 3.5ml/sec.-injection of 100ml of CM (300mgI/ml) via vein in upper limb. RECIST 1.1 - examples; RECIST 1.1 - and more; RECIST 1.1 - the basics; COVID-19 Imaging findings . A total of 160 CTPA examinations (80 using each protocol) performed between January 2010 and February 2011 were assessed retrospectively. 2016 Oct;7(5):727-34. doi: 10.1007/s13244-016-0509-2. A CTPA is performed in the radiology department scanning room, with the patient lying flat (supine) ... A CTPA scan is a useful investigation for those patients with a moderate to high probablity of pulmonary embolism. gantry rotation time. Charbel is also an Adjunct Professor of Medical Imaging at the university of Canberra, Australia as well as editor in chief in the international journal of medical imaging and editorial board member at the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences. Yet, chest CT is often used in patients with known or suspected COVID-19 due to regional preferences, lack of … This article discusses a hot topic on double low-dose protocol of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, with a special focus on a recent paper published in the British Journal of Radiology about the feasibility of this technique. This study shows that CTPA has high diagnostic yield in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, hence justifying its appropriateness as a routine imaging modality. CTPA exposes patients to a small, but not negligible, amount of radiation, which has recently raised concern in view of the increasing demand in CTPA performances. CT contrast injection and protocols; RECIST 1.1. Utilisation of CTPA in PE. Survey Results. Radiology Tutorials; Radiology Department; School Of Medicine; CT Pulmonary Angiography > Pulmonary Embolus > Technique. 2A , 2B ). Since CTPA is the first imaging modality in detecting PE in susceptible patients, ... All images were obtained using a 128-section multi-detector CT scanner based on the standard CTPA protocol for PE (detector width 40 mm, section thickness 0.625, rotation time 0.4 sec, 120 kVp, and 380 mAs) and 20 s after administration of 100 ml contrast media at a rate of 5 ml/sec. CTPA, DECT, MRI, V/Q Scan, and SPECT ... (CTEPH) patients via a protocol for systemic review and network meta-analysis. Adherence to local Hospital protocol. CTPA is fast and generally well tolerated ... Matthews S. Imaging pulmonary embolism in pregnancy: what is the most appropriate imaging protocol? • Mandatory adherence to diagnostic protocol increases the yield of CTPA for PE • Previous DVT and signs of DVT were associated with a higher yield • No patients with a low Wells score and a low D-dimer had PE. 13 Insights Imaging. Analysis of CTPA studies in PCR positive patients, correlation with results of other investigations. Protocol released - please contact your local representative or TPD. Odds ratios were calculated as a measure of association between dichotomous variables and CTPA findings. Quantitative noise was lower in the phase 1 group (p<0.001). The average pixel value, standard deviation (SD), maximum, and minimum were recorded. CTPA diagnostic yield in terms of PE & alternative Dx. 73 Patients who had a CTPA over a two-month period (February & March 2015) were identi-fied from the radiology records . Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common condition with high mortality and morbidity. 2–4 CTPA is a standard procedure that obtains a CT volume while intravenously injected iodinated contrast media (CM) opacifies the pulmonary arteries. 100 further patients were either examined with a standard CTPA protocol or a standard DE CTPA (32 g iodine). Question 1: CTPA is considered (Pick incorrect answer) Minimally invasive Highly sensitive for PE Highly specific for PE Low radiation dose . Protocols for CTPA and for lung scintigraphy should be aimed at minimizing radiation exposure to mother and fetus while maintaining the diagnostic quality of the exam. COVID-19 CXR. General Information General Protocoling Information Intravascular Contrast Guidelines Oral Contrast Guidelines CT Scanners & Modes CT Contrast Timing Comprehensive Protocol Guides Body CT Body MR Cardiac CT Cardiac MR Fluoroscopy Interventional Radiology Musculoskeletal Neuro CT Neuro MR Nuclear Medicine Pediatric CT Pediatric MR Thoracic CT Thoracic MR VA COVID-19 CTPA. 2016 Oct;7(5):727-34. doi: 10.1007/s13244-016-0509-2. Patients undergoing CTPA before (phase 1 group) or after (phase 2 group) the protocol change, were assessed. The model was scanned with 128-slice dual-source CT with slice thickness of 1 and 0.5 mm reconstruction interval. CT Protocols. The role of diagnostic imaging in PE is being increasingly undertaken by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has upended the world with over 6.6 million infections and over 391,000 deaths worldwide. COVID-19 is a viral disease also known as SARS-CoV-2 or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. CTPA PROTOCOL OPTIMISATION AUDIT: CHALLENGES OF DOSE REDUCTION WITH MAINTAINED IMAGE QUALITY Alberto Nania, MD 1, Avril Weir, MSc 2, Nick Weir, MSc PhD 2, Gillian Ritchie, MB ChB MRCP FRCR 1, Christopher Rofe, FRCR 3, Edwin Van Beek, MD PhD FRCR 4 1Department of Radiology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK In conclusion, the split-bolus MDCT is a novel and emerging injection protocol technique in the radiology setting that could be considered even for CTPA. 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