Distribution and Detection of Radiopaque Beads after Hepatic Transarterial Embolization in Swine: Cone-Beam CT versus MicroCT

The full ROB distribution was more extensive than was apparent on cone-beam CT. Quantitative measures of embolic distribution demonstrated significantly better correlation with microCT with decreasing kVp. Similarly, qualitative analysis of MIPs showed improved visualization of beads with decreasing kVp. These findings demonstrate the clinical value of 80 kVp and 100 kVp protocols in the imaging of radiopaque embolizations compared with 120 kVp. However, considerations on X-ray penetration and dose may favor use of 100 kVp imaging over 80 kVp.