Abstract：Objective: To assess visualization of the peripheral pulmonary arteries under different concentration of contrast medium, flow injected rate of iodine and different collimation with MSCT. Methods: One hundred patients who met the inclusion criteria were detected by thoracic enhanced CT scan from February to October 2011 in our hospital. These people were divided into 4 groups（Groups A, B, C, D） according to different concentration contrast medium, flow injected rate of iodine and 2 groups of different collimation(Group D 0.6 mm, Group E 1.5 mm). And statistical analysis of the CT values of pulmonary trunk, left and right pulmonary arteris and the fourth- order arteries. The visualization of the fifth- and sixth- order arteries were measured. Results: The differences of CT values of pulmonary trunk, left and right pulmonary arteries and the fourth- order arteries were statistical significance(P<0.05) and there was no statistically significant in the total number of the fourth- order arteries(P=0.19) in the five groups. There were statistical significance in the visualization of fifth- order arteries in lower lobe and sixth- order arteries in each lobe. There was no statistical significance in the visualization of fifth- order arteries(P=0.48) and the opposite conclusion in sixth- order arteries(P=0.00) in group D and group E. Conclusion: Using 0.6 mm collimation, 350 mgI/mL concentration contrast medium and 5 mL/s flow injected rate of iodine in MSCT angiography of the pulmonary arteries can significantly increase visualization of the peripheral pulmonary arteries.
2012, Vol. 23 
