HRCT C+

HIGH-RESOLUTION CHEST CT C+

(last updated 7/9/2019, last reviewed 01/14/2026)

INDICATION: Same as for HRCT C-, when IV contrast is specifically requested. In the setting of sarcoidosis, IV contrast is preferred for accurate evaluation of hilar adenopathy.

SERIES

3mm Axial Soft Tissue
1mm Axial Lung
1mm Axial Hi-Res Lung
1mm Axial Expiratory Lung

3mm Coronal Lung
3mm Coronal Mediastinal
3mm Sagittal Lung
Coronal MIP lung

TECHNICAL PARAMETERS

POSITIONING/MODE: supine / helical (+/- prone series)

kV/mA/rotation time: per scanner protocol, CareDose/iDose/ASIR, Care kV; <1 sec

PITCH: 0.6 to 1.2

SINGLE COLLIMATION WIDTH: 0.625 mm

SLICE THICKNESS: 1 mm / 3 mm

KERNAL: std soft tissue and lung

SFOV: large

COVERAGE: thoracic inlet/apices -> posterior costophrenic sulci

ACQUISITION: craniocaudal

IV CONTRAST: yes

INJECTION RATE: 2.5 mL/sec

SCAN DELAY: 40 sec

RESPIRATION: Inspiration

IV CONTRAST DOSE: 75 to 100 mL

RESPIRATION: Inspiration and end-expiration

POSTPROCESSING: 3 mm coronal, 3 mm sagittal, coronal slab MIP

NOTES:

Expiratory scans should be obtained routinely 3 axial end-expiratory 1mm thick images (level of aortic arch, carina, and just above dome of diaphragm)

Prone position when needed and if possible (differentiate dependent atelectasis from fibrosis or asbestosis).

If dependent densities are present, consider prone hi-res images. Consider prone position for evaluation of asbestosis. Check with radiologist if there is a question.