Low dose computed tomography pulmonary angiography protocol for imaging pregnant patients: Can dose reduction be achieved without reducing image quality?

Publication date: Available online 7 April 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging
Author(s): Darragh Halpenny, Brian Park, Jeffrey Alpert, Larry Latson, Nancy Kim, James Babb, Maria Shiau, Jane Ko
ObjectiveTo assess the effect of low dose computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) on radiation dose in pregnant patients.Materials and methodsAn old CTPA protocol for pregnant patients was compared to a new protocol. Protocol changes included: decreased kVp; increased contrast injection rate; imaging after shallow inspiration. Patients undergoing CTPA before (phase 1 group) or after (phase 2 group) the protocol change, were assessed.ResultsEffective dose was lower in the phase 2 group (0.95 v 1.66 mSv; p<0.001). Quantitative noise was lower in the phase 1 group (p<0.001).ConclusionLow dose CTPA tailored for pregnancy reduces dose in pregnant patients.



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