The study included twenty-three vessel measurements in 11 patients. The default dose for 3D rotational images of 360 nGy per frame was reduced up to 72% without the effect of the accuracy of vessel measurement.

As expected, decreasing the radiation dose per frame reduced the signal to noise ratio and compromised resolution. Still, it did not change overall vascular measurements and therefore did not change the procedural assistance expected of 3D rotational angiograms.

The authors also state that reducing dose per frame appears to be more valuable than reducing the total number of frames to preserve image quality while reducing radiation dose.

All editors: Holly Bauser-Heaton, MD, PhD, FSCAI