OPTIMAL TIMING OF ABDOMINAL CT IN CHILDREN - RELATIONSHIP TO INJECTION RATE

PURPOSE: To study computed tomographic (CT) scanning technique in rela tionship to rate of injection of contrast material for imaging of the liver and other abdominal organs in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The time from start of injection of 2 mL/kg iohexol to peak o pacification in the aorta, hepatic vein, liver, and kidney was determi ned for injection rates of 0-0.99, 1.00-1.99, 2.00-2.99, 3.00-3.99, an d 4.00 mL/kg or more per minute in 77 pediatric patients. RESULTS: Pea k liver opacification varied only slightly with different injection ra tes, but the time from start of injection to peak opacification in the aorta, hepatic vein, liver, and kidney did vary with injection rate. CONCLUSION: Data provided by this study should allow CT scanning to be timed in relation to injection rate to ensure that maximal organ opac ification is achieved as the middle of the organ is being scanned, tha t adequate hepatic and portal vein opacification is achieved, and that streaking from the renal pelvis is minimized.