CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

During a CT examination of the chest, saline flush after iodinated IV contrast injection helps alleviate artifacts from dense contrast in the?

1. Superior vena cava

2. Descending aorta

3. Ascending aorta

4. Inferior vena cava

The correct answer is: Superior vena cava

The correct response highlights the importance of alleviating artifacts caused by the dense concentration of iodinated contrast, particularly relating to the anatomy involved. During a CT examination of the chest, when iodinated contrast is injected, it can lead to high-density areas where the contrast accumulates, notably in large vessels such as the superior vena cava. Performing a saline flush after the contrast injection serves to dilute and wash out the residual high-density contrast in the vessel. This dilution helps in minimizing beam hardening artifacts and other image quality issues associated with the dense contrast material. The superior vena cava is especially relevant here, as it can quickly fill with contrast during the injection process. Without adequate flushing, the dense contrast can obscure or distort the surrounding anatomy, making it more challenging for radiologists to interpret the images accurately. The other options, while related to important anatomical structures, do not primarily represent the same level of artifact concerns as it pertains to saline flushing and minimizing contrast-related artifacts during a chest CT. Understanding this context emphasizes the importance of vascular structures in imaging processes and the specific need for techniques that enhance image quality.