Dual-energy coronary angiography in pigs using a Gd contrast agent

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility Medical Research Beamline is now fully operational. One of the primary programs is the development of dual-energy transvenous coronary angiography for in vivo human research protocols. Previous work at this and other synchrotrons has been entirely devoted to the use of the dual-energy digital subtraction technique at the iodine k-absorption edge at 33.17 keV. The images are recorded in a line scan mode following venous injection of the contrast agent. Considerations of the patient dose, the dilution of the contrast agent in the pulmonary system and the arteries overlying the filled ventricles have limited the image quality. The ESRF facility was designed to allow dual-energy imaging at higher energies, for example at the gadolinium k-absorption edge at 50.24 keV. The advantages have been theoretically known for many years, with the higher energy promising higher image quality with less radiation dose. During the commissioning phase of the ESRF angiography program, the opportunity presented itself to image adult pigs in vivo with Gd contrast agent. This paper presents some initial results of the image quality in the Gd studies in comparison with iodine contrast agent studies, also carried out in adult pigs at the ESRF.