Abstract W P163: Could CT Angiogram be the Next Screening Test for Carotid Disease? Ultralow Radiation for Neck CT Angiography

Introduction: CTA is a high resolution technique, used to confirm carotid and vertebral artery stenosis suspected on carotid ultrasound or MRA. However, this technique rightfully so has not been used as a screening technique given concerns regarding radiation dose, particularly on young patients and repeat examinations, with special consideration of anatomic proximity to the thyroid, a radiosensitive organ. Our objective is to significantly reduce the effective radiation dose of this exam, without reducing diagnostic accuracy. Methodology: A new reduced radiation dose scanning protocol for neck CTA (100 Kv, 140 Ma, pitch 0.5, rot time 0.5 sec) was developed at our institution and applied on 10 patients who underwent the exam with indication of vascular disease. The exams were reviewed by 2 staff radiologists who assessed image quality and diagnostic accuracy, both on standard thin slice (0.625 mm) images, orthogonal views and dedicated high resolution individual vessel reconstructions. Total radiation dos...