Hand Exercise During Contrast Medium Delivery at Thoracic Helical CT: A Simple Method to Minimize Perivenous Artifact

Purpose The purpose of this work was to assess the effects of hand exercise on perivenous artifact caused by undiluted venous contrast material at thoracic helical CT. Method Eighty patients were prospectively and randomly assigned to thoracic helical CT with (n = 42) or without (n = 38) intermittent squeezing of a hand-sized ball during delivery of a contrast material. Two radiologists graded perivenous artifact and arterial enhancement in a blind fashion. CT attenuation values were obtained by region-of-interest measurements from arteries and veins. Results Both qualitative and quantitative analyses showed statistically significant differences in the assessment of perivenous artifact (p < 0.01). Perivenous artifact from the subclavian vein was significantly reduced in patients subjected to thoracic helical CT by using a hand exercise method. Conclusion Hand exercise during contrast material delivery at thoracic helical CT minimizes perivenous artifact and improves image quality.