Contrast-enhanced CT angiography of the infrarenal aorta and peripheral vasculature: better opacification with higher iodine concentration

Introduction

Multidetector CT angiography is an accurate imaging modality for the diagnosis of occlusive arterial disease of the lower extremities. Since 2001, several studies have compared the diagnostic accuracy of CT angiography, performed using two or more detector rows, to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the assessment of the lower vasculature. A meta-analysis of 12 such studies reported a pooled sensitivity of 92% and a pooled specificity of 93% for stenoses of 50% or more. Since the contrast media and iodine doses varied among the studies, the meta-analysis did not provide information on which contrast protocol is best.