Purpose

This study aimed to assess vascular contrast opacification and homogeneity using single-bolus contrast administration with hybrid thoracic and abdominopelvic computed tomographic angiography in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis.

Materials and methods

Combination electrocardiogram-gated thoracic and dual-source, high-pitch abdominopelvic computed tomographic angiography examinations of 50 patients with severe aortic stenosis between December 2013 and March 2014 were reviewed. Contrast administration was individualized to patient-specific physiology. Image analysis of vascular opacification was obtained and interdependencies of vascular contrast and homogeneity of contrast distribution were assessed.

Results

The mean volume of contrast administered was 106 ± 11.7 mL. Mean attenuation was 371 ± 90.7 Hounsfield units (HU) in the thoracic aorta and 388 ± 95.9 HU in the abdominal aorta. Homogeneous opacification was obtained throughout with coefficient of variation of 11%.

Conclusions

Procedural planning for transcatheter aortic valve replacement can be achieved using a single-injection bolus contrast protocol in combination with a 2-part multidetector computed tomographic image acquisition technique with optimal opacification of major arterial structures.