Coronary computed tomography angiography – Tolerability of β-blockers and contrast media, and temporal changes in radiation dose. (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pedersen, Charlotte; Thomsen, Camilla F.; Hosbond, Susanne E.; Thomassen, Anders; Mickley, Hans; Diederichsen, Axel C. P.
• Is Part Of: Scandinavian cardiovascular journal. Volume 48:Number 5(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: 271
• Page End: 277
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 617.41
• DOI: 10.3109/14017431.2014.951958
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1401-7431

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objective.</italic> To determine the risk in administering β-blockers, contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and the trend in X-ray use, during coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). <italic>Methods.</italic> A total of 416 patients were referred for elective CCTA. To achieve a resting heart rate below 60 beats per minute, oral and/or intravenous β-blockers were administered. Using questionnaires, information on the adverse effects of β-blockers was collected from the patients. The levels of s-creatinine and estimated GFR (eGFR) were measured before and after contrast enhanced CCTA. Radiation exposure was compared with the exposure 3 years earlier. <italic>Results.</italic> There was no significant difference in the symptoms (dizziness, lipothymia and palpitations) between patients with and patients without β-blocker pretreatment. Compared to baseline values, the decrease in s-creatinine was not significant (75.2 vs. 74.6 μmol/L, <italic>p</italic> = 0.09), while the increase in eGFR was not significant (78 vs. 79 mL/min, <italic>p</italic> = 0.17). Also, subgroups of patients with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes or pre-existing slight impairment in renal function did not develop CIN. The mean radiation exposure decreased from 17.5 to 6.7 mSv, <italic>p</italic> < 0.0001. <italic>Conclusions.</italic> In terms of the side effects of β-blockers and contrast media, there were no short term complications to CCTA. Furthermore, the radiation dose has been dramatically diminished over the last three years.</p> </abstract>