Homogeneous enhancement in pediatric thoracic CT aortography using a novel and reproducible method: contrast-covering time.

OBJECTIVE. This study compares the empiric setting and contrast-covering time (CCT) concept for IV contrast injection in pediatric thoracic CT aortography.SUBJECTS AND METHODS. A total of 113 pediatric patients referred for thoracic CT aortography were classified into four groups: group 1 (1-5 years old, CCT), group 2A (6-10 years old, CCT), group 2B (6-10 years old, empiric setting), and group 3 (11-15 years old, CCT). The CT attenuation values from the left common carotid artery to the descending aorta were recorded every 0.5 second. The quantitative bolus geometric analysis of each group included average enhancement, SD within the patient, and slope of enhancement. Groups 2A and 2B were compared to determine whether better bolus geometry could be obtained with the CCT concept than with the traditional empiric setting. Groups 1, 2A, and 3 were compared to determine whether homogeneous bolus geometry could be obtained in different age groups.RESULTS. More homogeneous enhancement was obtained with the CCT...