BACKGROUND/AIMS: The objective of this study was to compare the degree of hepatic enhancement and image quality using contrast media of different iodine concentrations with the same iodine dose. METHODS: From July 2011 to June 2013, 50 patients with chronic liver disease who underwent baseline and follow-up 128-slice multidetector computed tomography(MDCT) using contrast media with 350 mg I/mL (group A) and 400 mg I/mL (group B) iodine concentrations were included in this prospective study. The patients were randomly allocated to one of two protocols: 350 mg I/mL initially and then 400 mg I/mL; and 400 mg I/mL initially and then 350 mg I/mL. The bolus tracking technique was used to initiate the arterial phase scan. The computed tomography values of hepatic parenchyma, abdominal aorta and portal vein were measured. The degrees of hepatic and vascular enhancement were rated on a 4-point scale for qualitative assessment. The paired Student t test was used to compare outcome variables. RESULTS: The mean hepatic enhancement was significantly higher in group B than in group A during the portal (p = 0.025) and equilibrium phases (p = 0.021). In all phases, group B had significantly higher mean liver-to-aorta contrast (p < 0.05) and mean visual scores for hepatic and vascular enhancement (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that a higher iodine concentration (400 mg I/mL) in contrast media was more effective at improving hepatic enhancement in portal and equilibrium phase images and overall image quality using 128-slice MDCT in chronic liver disease patients.
Aorta, Abdominal ; Contrast Media ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Iodine* ; Liver Diseases* ; Liver* ; Multidetector Computed Tomography* ; Portal Vein ; Prospective Studies

By virtus of the development of monitoring system and increasing tendency of critically ill patients. We have performed cannulation of radial artery after Allen's test for the continuous monitoring of arterial pressure. It is very important to measure blood pressure, it gives un many informations in the poor risk patients. During monitoring of blood pressure for several years, we have had much troubles because of damping of arteiral pressure waved due to air bubbles. In this study, we used P25Db pressure tranducer and Spaculab Alpha System for monitering of blood pressure, following cannulation of radial artery. Air bubbles of 0.5ml, 1.0ml, 1.5ml and 2.0ml were inserted into monitering system, i.e. fluid filled catheter respectively. The statistical analysis by paired student T-test showed following results. 1) Systolic blood pressure were decreased significantly from 140+/-14.4 torr of control group to 105+/-15.9 torr, 102 +/-16.1 torr, 99+/-16.2 torr and 99+/-15.2 torr in 0.5ml, 1.0ml, 1.5ml and 2.0 ml air groups respectively. 2) Diastolic blood pressure were increased from 70+/-12.4 torr of control group to 72+/-13.8 torr, 76+/-13.9 torr, 78+/-14.3 torr and 81 +/-13.1 torr in each cases respectively. 3) Pulse pressure were decreased from 40+/-13.3 torr of control group to 33+/-15.4 torr, 26 +/-13.6 torr, 22+/-13.0 torr and 18+/-12.0 torr in each cases respectively. 4) But mean arterial pressure showed no significant changes except in 2.0ml air group. Where showed slight change.