1 Department of Health Science, Palestine Ahliya University, Bethlehem, Palestine
2 Nuclear Medicine Department, Al-Ahli Hospital, Hebron, Palestine
3 Beit Jala Governmental Hospital (Al-Hussein), Bethlehem, Palestine
4 Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
This literature review is a general overview about the most important factors affecting timing, volume and flow rate of contrast media (CM) during CT examination especially regarding image quality, sensitivity of diagnosis and patient safety. The review covers the effects of the bolus timing methods, injection settings and patient-related factors on enhancement of the contrast and radiologic outcomes. In automated bolus tracking, test bolus strategies, and consideration of patient habitus have been noted as top priority in the optimization efforts of CM delivery. Much emphasis is put on the relationship between rate of injection and contrast time and effects of incorrect loading of the contrast such as ineffective vascular visualization or unwarranted radiations. The characteristics of the action of contrast media in the physicochemical aspect, the impact of the size of cannulae and the point of administration and their effect on the dynamics of contrast are also covered by the review. The brief discussion of new technologies in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in CT contrast administration is presented. New tools are promising to individualize the protocols and improve similarity between various imaging centers. Further studies should work to confirm the effectiveness of AI-based bolus monitoring systems, in addition to defining patient-oriented standards that will help guarantee the best achievable image quality and reduce contrast dose and side-effects.
Keywords: Contrast media, CT, AI, CT examinations, health services accessibility.
How to cite this article: Thwieb H, Ahmad MS, Sarhan N, Rumman M, Daamsa D, Alzeer A, Shameh RA, Etmezeh A, Syameera NA. A Comprehensive Literature Review on Factors Affecting Timing, Contrast Media Volume, and Flow Rate in Cardiovascular CT Imaging. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(5): 348-363. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.5.37
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None