Aortic Stenosis, Lung Cancer, Pneumonia, Pulmonary Disease, Pulmonary Embolism
Conditions
Keywords
Spectral CT, Computed Tomography, Dose efficiency
Brief summary
CT scans of the chest / thorax are of great importance both in the initial diagnosis and in the follow-up of pulmonary or thoracic diseases. As an example, CT angiography of the pulmonary arteries (CTPA) is worldwide considered to be gold standard test in patients with a suspicion for pulmonary embolism. The aim of this study is to measure and compare dose efficiency of modern CT scanners for unenhanced and contrast-enhanced scan protocols of the chest/thorax. Patients who are referred for a CT of the chest/thorax will be randomly assigned to one of the three CT scanners currently in use at our institution.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTImaging on Scanner with Spectral Imaging Capabilities
Patients will undergo imaging on a modern CT scanner with spectral imaging capabilities. A dose neutral spectral acquisition mode will routinely be used. Contrast material protocol and scan ranges are similar in all three arms.
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTCT Scan using an Energy-Integrating Detector CT (128 slice MDCT)
Patients will undergo imaging on a modern 128-slice CT scanner (Siemens Healthineers) with energy-integrating detector and without spectral acquisition mode. Contrast material protocol and scan ranges are similar in all three arms.
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTCT Scan using an Energy-Integrating Detector CT (20-slice MDCT)
Patients will undergo imaging on a modern 20-slice CT scanner (Siemens Healthineers) with energy-integrating detector and without spectral acquisition mode. Contrast material protocol and scan ranges are similar in all three arms.
Sponsors
University Hospital Augsburg
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Masking description
no masking required
Intervention model description
Randomization of patients referred for a CT scan of the thorax on one of three CT scanners routinely used for this purpose in our department
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* patient is referred for an unenhanced CT OR contrast-enhanced CT of the chest/thorax confirmed by a board-certified radiologist ('justifying indication' according to German/European radiation protection law) AND * patient is at least 18 years of age AND * patient (is able to give informed consent and) has given informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
* high degree of medical urgency (i.e. patient cannot be consented for iv contrast according to routine procedures) * known or suspected pregnancy, or lactating . contraindications for contrast agent (renal failure, allergy, hyperthyroidism)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Parameters of Objective Image Quality | 1 year | Measured as signal, image noise and modulation transfer function equivalent parameters |
| Parameters of Radiation Dose | 1 year | measured as x-ray tube parameters such as dose length product (DLP) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Subjective Image Quality Evaluation (entire cohort and for individual disease groups) | 1 year | measured by blinded evaluation by radiologists |
Countries
Germany
Outcome results
None listed