RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 ECG-Synchronized DSA Exposure Control: Improved Cervicothoracic Image Quality
JF American Journal of Neuroradiology
JO Am. J. Neuroradiol.
FD American Society of Neuroradiology
SP 429
OP 432
VO 5
IS 4
A1 Kelly, William M.
A1 Gould, Robert
A1 Norman, David
A1 Brant-Zawadzki, Michael
A1 Cox, Lauranne
YR 1984
UL http://www.ajnr.org/content/5/4/429.abstract
AB An electrocardiogram (ECG)-synchronized x-ray exposure sequence was used to acquire digital subtraction angiographic (DSA) images during 13 arterial injection studies of the aortic arch or carotid bifurcations. These “gated” images were compared with matched “ungated” DSA images acquired using the same technical factors, contrast material volume, and patient positioning. Subjective assessments by five experienced observers of edge definition, vessel conspicuousness, and overall diagnostic quality showed overall preference for one of the two acquisition methods in 69% of cases studied. Of these, the ECG-synchronized exposure series were rated superior in 76%. Linear intensity gradients across vessel margins generally showed improved or unchanged edge definition in the gated subtraction images as compared with their ungated pairs. These results, as well as the relatively simple and inexpensive modifications required, suggest that routine use of ECG exposure control can facilitate improved arterial DSA evaluations of suspected cervicothoracic vascular disease.