Dose estimation and risk assessment in computed tomography angiography for carotid arteries: a comparative analysis

This study evaluates radiation dose and risk in computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the carotid arteries by comparing a low-dose protocol with conventional settings. A total of 100 patients were included and equally divided into two groups: 50 underwent scanning with 100 kV and 30 ml of contrast, and 50 with 120 kV and 100 ml. The low-dose protocol significantly reduced the effective dose and the estimated risk of exposure-induced death. Risk prediction was modelled using multiple linear regression: a pre-procedure model based on tube voltage, age, and sex, and a post-procedure model incorporating the volume CT air kerma index, which showed higher precision. These models enable individual risk estimation with or without dosimetric data. The findings support low-dose CTA for carotid imaging to minimize radiation risk while maintaining objective image-quality parameters, and they provide a practical approach to personalized risk assessment in stroke patients.