64 or 128 slice multiple detector ct scanners

The CT scans were performed using 64 or 128-slice multiple-detector CT scanners (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). All scans were reconstructed using a high spatial frequency, B70F kernel. All patients were scanned from lung apices to bases, at full inspiration at peak voltage of 120 kVp with tube current modulation (range, 30 to 140mA), without intravenous contrast at baseline. The standard parameters of 1.4 pitch and 0.5 second rotation time were used. At follow-up, 66 patients (n=66/81) had non-contrast enhanced volumetric CT chest and 15 patients (n=15/81) had CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA). The CTPA examinations were carried out post injection of 90 ml of intravenous contrast agent (lopromide/Ultravist 300, (300 mg/ml iodine), Bayer Schering, Berlin, Germany) at 4-5 ml/s with Siemens proprietary software bolus tracking used to trigger CT acquisition. Contiguous images of 1 mm thickness were viewed at lung window settings (width l500HU; level - 500HU).

The CT scans were performed using 64 or 128-slice multiple-detector CT scanners (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). All scans were reconstructed using a high spatial frequency, B70F kernel. All patients were scanned from lung apices to bases, at full inspiration at peak voltage of 120 kVp with tube current modulation (range, 30 to 140mA), without intravenous contrast at baseline. The standard parameters of 1.4 pitch and 0.5 second rotation time were used. At follow-up, 66 patients (n=66/81) had non-contrast enhanced volumetric CT chest and 15 patients (n=15/81) had CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA). The CTPA examinations were carried out post injection of 90 ml of intravenous contrast agent (lopromide/Ultravist 300, (300 mg/ml iodine), Bayer Schering, Berlin, Germany) at 4-5 ml/s with Siemens proprietary software bolus tracking used to trigger CT acquisition. Contiguous images of 1 mm thickness were viewed at lung window settings (width l500HU; level - 500HU).