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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
958
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.
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.
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.
University Hospital Augsburg
Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany
Parameters of Objective Image Quality
Measured as signal, image noise and modulation transfer function equivalent parameters
Time frame: 1 year
Parameters of Radiation Dose
measured as x-ray tube parameters such as dose length product (DLP)
Time frame: 1 year
Subjective Image Quality Evaluation (entire cohort and for individual disease groups)
measured by blinded evaluation by radiologists
Time frame: 1 year
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