Computer Modeling Approach to Contrast Medium Administration and Scan Timing for Multislice Computed Tomography

Abstract

Proper scan timing after contrast medium administration has always been important for computed tomography (CT). With the introduction of multislice CT, the need for proper scan timing has become even more critical because of the very short acquisition time for multislice examinations. Studies that took 20–30 s to acquire with single slice CT now can be acquired in less than io s. If scan timing is not optimized, the appropriate phase of contrast medium enhancement can be missed. Computer modeling can serve as the basis for a completely automated CT scanning optimization system for multislice examinations when it is integrated with a low-dose prescanning technique for contrast medium bolus monitoring.