Lower Contrast Agent Dose Feasible In 320 Row CT Angiography

An analysis of 180 computerised tomography angiography studies done using a 320-detector row CT scanner reveals that a contrast media protocol based on 60 milliliters of Isovue (iopamidol injection), from Bracco, provided sufficient enhancement in more than 96% of coronary segments. With many studies using a higher iodine load comparable or equal to 80 milliliters of Isovue, the ability to use a reduced volume of contrast agent means lower costs and reduced risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), which is a special concern for patients with renal insufficiency, a known major risk factor for CIN. The study is published in the October, 2011 American Journal of Roentgenology (October 2011 vol. 197 no. 4 844-850).