Application of 80-kVp scan and raw data-based iterative reconstruction for reduced iodine load abdominal–pelvic CT in patients at risk of contrast-induced nephropathy referred for oncological assessment: effects on radiation dose, image quality and renal function

Objective:To evaluate the image quality, radiation dose, and renal safety of contrast medium (CM)-reduced abdominal–pelvic CT combining 80-kVp and sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) in patients with renal dysfunction for oncological assessment.Methods:We included 45 patients with renal dysfunction (estimated glomerular filtration rate 60 ml per lmin per 1.73 m2) who underwent standard oncological abdominal–pelvic CT (600 mgI kg–1, 120-kVp, filtered-back projection) were included as controls. CT attenuation, image noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were compared. Two observers performed subjective image analysis on a 4-point scale. Size-specific dose estimate and renal function 1–3 months after CT were measured.Results:The size-specific dose estimate and iodine load of ...