LAUSR

AIM To prospectively assess whether bolus shaping to exponentially decrease the contrast medium injection rate leads to alteration in image validity or renal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this prospective study, patients alternatively received 100 ml contrast medium versus 75 ml via bolus shaping. Image quality was assessed via measurement of attenuation values in the aorta, liver, and spleen and also blinded subjective assessment of image sharpness, low contrast detectability, image noise, and overall quality. Renal function was assessed by change in creatinine levels up to 72 hours post-contrast medium administration. RESULTS Of 190 abdominal computed tomography (CT) studies performed in the 3-month period, 98 received the 75 ml dose. There was no significant difference in renal function or objective image quality with a significant improvement in image sharpness in the 100 ml group. CONCLUSIONS By using bolus-shaping software, it is possible to maintain objective image quality while reducing the contrast medium load to the patient. This has significant implications regarding clinical practice in decreasing cost and risks associated with iodinated contrast media.