Split-bolus CT urography with synchronous nephrographic and excretory phase in dogs: comparison of image quality with three-phase CT urography and optimal allocation ratio of contrast medium

Background: Computed tomography urography (CTU), based on the excretion of contrast medium after its injection, allows visualization of the renal parenchyma and the renal collecting system. Objectives: To determine the optimal contrast medium dose allocation ratio to apply in split-bolus CTU in dogs. Methods: This prospective, experimental, exploratory study used 8 beagles. In 3-phase CTU, unenhanced-, nephrographic-, and excretory-phase images were obtained with a single injection of 600 mg iodine/kg iohexol. In split-bolus CTU, two different contrast medium allocation ratios (30% and 70% for split CTU 1; 50% and 50% for split CTU 2) were used. Unenhanced phase image and a synchronous nephrographic-excretory phase image were acquired. Results: Although the attenuation of the renal parenchyma was significantly lower when using both split CTUs than the 3-phase CTU, based on qualitative evaluation, the visualization score of the renal parenchyma of split CTU 1 was as high as that of the 3-phase CTU, whereas the split CTU 2 score was significantly lower than those of the two others. Artifacts were not apparent, regardless of CTU protocol. The diameter and opacification of the ureter in both split CTUs were not significantly different from those using 3-phase CTU. Conclusions: Split-bolus CTU with a contrast medium allocation ratio of 30% and 70% is feasible for evaluating the urinary system and allows sufficient enhancement of the renal parenchyma and appropriate distention and opacification of the ureter, with similar image quality to 3-phase CTU in healthy dogs. Split-bolus CTU has the advantages of reducing radiation exposure and the number of CT images needed for interpretation.