Study on Sex-specific, Individualized Dose Calculation of Contrast Agent in CT Examinations

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AUGSBURG · May 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how to better calculate the amount of contrast agent used during CT scans, specifically focusing on differences between men and women. Currently, the amount of contrast is determined mainly by body weight, but previous studies have shown that women may respond differently to the same amount due to differences in blood volume. The researchers want to see if adjusting the contrast dose based on blood volume instead of just weight can lead to more equal results for both sexes during the scans.

To participate in this study, individuals aged 18 and older who need a CT scan of the thorax or abdomen with contrast may be eligible. However, certain conditions, such as serious heart or breathing issues, pregnancy, or specific allergies to iodine-based contrast agents, would disqualify someone from participating. If eligible, participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive the standard weight-based dose, while the other will receive a dose adjusted for blood volume. The goal is to see if this new method provides more consistent results for everyone, regardless of gender.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Presence of a justifying indication for a CT scan of the thorax and abdomen with application of intravenous contrast medium and a start delay corresponding to the portal venous contrast medium phase
• • Ability to give informed consent, as well as written and verbal consent to participate in the study available
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Cardiorespiratory instability (as assessed by the attending physician)
• • Age \<18 years
• • Existing or suspected pregnancy
• • Known post hepatectomy and/or splenectomy
• • Lack of current height (in the same inpatient/outpatient hospital stay) or lack of possibility of height measurement
• • Lack of current daily body weight or inability to measure body weight
• • Height under 140 cm or over 220 cm
• • Body weight under 50 kg or over 120 kg
• • Contraindication to iodine-containing contrast medium (Allergy to contrast media containing iodine, Severe renal insufficiency (eGFR \< 30 ml/min), Hyperthyroidism)