PURPOSE
Increasing use of radiation for medical imaging is a growing concern. Recently a new angiographic imaging platform has become available that can result in a considerable reduction in radiation dose without compromising image quality. The potential of this novel technique for reducing patient radiation exposure was studied in relation to the clinical image quality in digital subtraction angiography (DSA).
The objective of this study was to establish the degree of patient dose reduction, while preserving equivalent image quality.
METHOD AND MATERIALS
In 50 Prospective patients scheduled for iliac intervention two angiographic runs were performed at the start of the procedure. One run was acquired using the conventional imaging platform (Allura Xper, Philips Healthcare); the other run was acquired using the new imaging platform (AlluraClarity, Philips Healthcare) at lower X-ray dose. The conventional-dose and low-dose acquisitions were performed in random order. Air Kerma and Dose Area Product values were recorded in all acquisitions and at the
end of the procedure. In the second part of the study, qualitative image quality assessment of both runs was performed by five experienced interventional radiologists. The readers were blinded to the imaging parameters and imaging platform.
RESULTS
50 patients were prospectively included. Evaluation of the radiation dose in all procedures showed a mean reduction of radiation dose in iliac DSA of 83%. In all patients the new imaging technology was used in the remainder of the procedure, as image quality was considered sufficient for performing the intervention. Likewise, the qualitative image quality assessment revealed equivalence in image quality between the two paired runs.
CONCLUSION
With the new imaging technology, a reduction in radiation dose of 83% is possible without a compromise in image quality.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION
Revolutionary and substantial dose reduction in interventional radiology without compromise of image quality.
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)