Dynamics of myocardial contrast enhancement: an in vivo computed-tomographic study

Radiology. 1981 Sep;140(3):823-6. doi: 10.1148/radiology.140.3.7280253.

Abstract

Enhancement of normal functioning myocardium was quantitated in 15 dogs by serial computed transmission tomographic (CT) images during the bolus (10 ml/sec.) or slow (1 ml/sec.) intravenous injection of diatrizoate contrast media (1 ml/kg body weight) in concentrations of 37, 18.5, or 9.25 g iodine (I)/dl. Homogenous images of myocardial enhancement were obtained. However, major streak artifacts were observed frequently when contrast material was injected as a bolus, and myocardial edges were not defined clearly when contrast material with a concentration of 9.25 g I/dl was injected slowly. Time-attenuation curves of normal myocardial enhancement constructed from serial CT images demonstrated a peak in contrast enhancement (delta Hounsfield units, 22-45) followed by a period of deterioration that lasted two to three minutes. These results can be applied to make optimal use of both single (static) and serial (dynamic) myocardial CT images.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diatrizoate / administration & dosage
  • Dogs
  • Heart / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart / physiology
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Diatrizoate