What is the effect of IV contrast on dosimetry for thoracic RT planning?
If a non-contrast CT is not performed at CT simulation or otherwise not useable, can you plan on the contrast CT or must you re-simulate for cancers near the heart (e.g., esophageal)? Is it acceptable/advisable to substitute normal vessel density in the areas of contrast?
1 Answer
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Radiation Oncology · Washington University School of Medicine
Answered on
The requirement for a non-contrast CT or manual region overrides of HU prior to calculation for lung IMRT was the subject of much debate when I came to Wash U. So, we ran a simple prospective trial where we scanned 8 patients with and without contrast.
Intuitively, contrast scans provided better targ...
Join for free or sign in to see the full answer