ObjectiveTo assess the image quality and radiation dose of gemstone CT coronary angiography (CCTA) with low tube voltage and low concentration contrast medium. MethodsSixty-nine patients who underwent CCTA from January to March 2014 were randomly divided into group A and B. CCTA was performed in thirty-four patients in group A with tube voltage of 100 kV and concentration of contrast medium of 300 mgI/mL. And thirty-five patients in group B underwent CCTA with 120 kV and 370 mgI/mL. According to upgrading American Heart Association standard all segments and all vessels were evaluated. We measured the CT value of ascending aortic root, left main coronary artery, and the initial segment of left anterior descending branch, left circumflex, right coronary artery, and also adjacent tissues. Besides, we recorded CT dose volume index (CTDIvol) and the dose length product (DLP) and calculated effective radiation dose. ResultsThe image quality scores were not significantly different between two groups (P>0.05). The density in the contrast enhanced vessel lumens in group A were signifcantly higher than that in group B (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in signal to noise ratio and carrier to noise ratio between the two groups (P>0.05). Noise in group A was higher than that in group B (P<0.05). The CTDIvol and effective radiation dose in group A were significantly lower than those in group B (P<0.05). ConclusionThe combination of 100 kV with low concentration contrast medium (300 mgI/mL) still maintains the image quality, as well as significantly lowers the radiation dose and the dose of iodine.
ObjectiveTo analyze the diagnostic value of gemstone spectral CT-imaging for urate crystal in joints and circum-tissues in patients with gout. MethodsBetween June 2013 and March 2014, 28 patients with gout confirmed by clinical and laboratory examination were reviewed retrospectively. The patients with peripheral joints suspected urate crystal due to gout underwent gemstone spectral CT scan on spectrum scanning gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) mode. Images were processed with GSI Viewer software. The visualization and distribution of urate crystal were noted. ResultsUrate crystal deposition in peripheral joints, tendon and ligaments of 28 patients were clearly displayed in uric acid (calcium) base images with gemstone spectral CT. The density of urate crystal in uric acid (calcium) base image was higher than that in calcium (uric acid) base image. The position of urate crystal deposition included metatarsophalangeal joint in 23 cases (82%), ankle joint in 4 cases (14%), and knee joint in 2 cases (8%), respectively, in which multi-locum suffered in 1 case. ConclusionUrate crystal deposition can be well depicted by gemstone spectral CT-imaging, which provides a new diagnosing method for gout without trauma. Gemstone spectral CT-imaging was greatly helpful for differential diagnosis of single joint sore pain.