Optimizing Reduced-Flow, Low-Volume Contrast Protocols for Cerebral Angiography in Unruptured Aneurysms

Summary

Over the past two decades, interventional neuroradiology (INR) has seen significant advances in terms of safety and radiation protection. However, the management of iodinated contrast media (ICM) administered to the patients remains problematic. There is currently no reference for applying the ALADA (As Low As Diagnostically Acceptable) principle to ICM. In this context, optimising injection parameters seems essential to limit patient risks while maintaining sufficient diagnostic quality. To achieve this, it is necessary to work on a standardised procedure: the most frequently performed being diagnostic cerebral angiography for initial assessment or follow-up of intracranial aneurysms (IA). The aim of this project is to demonstrate that the use of injection protocols with reduced flow rates and volumes would enable non-inferior results compared to the empirical protocol (used in our department) in terms of image quality for the assessment of ICA, while improving examination comfort for patients.

A Randomised controlled non-inferiority study involving a four-arm factorial design to evaluate the impact of different ICM injection strategies in diagnostic cerebral angiography. Four groups will be compared: three experimental groups evaluating reductions in injection volumes and/or flow rates, and a control group following the standard protocol currently used in Strasbourg University Hospitals. Each subject will be randomly assigned to a group, and all images will be acquired using the same protocol. By following the standard care pathway and implementing safety procedures to ensure diagnostic quality, patients will not undergo any changes to their usual care and will not run any increased risk of diagnostic error.

Conditions

• Interventional Neuroradiology

Interventions

RADIATION

Standard (Reference)

Selection visit (D-40 to D-7): Patient information on cerebral angiography (standard consultation) and study objectives. Delivery of the information document and reflection period. Verification of eligibility criteria. Inclusion visit (D0): Review of study objectives and Q\&A. Final verification of eligibility criteria. Obtaining of free and informed consent. Randomisation and assignment to an injection protocol. Angiography performed according to standard practice, with image acquisition using the assigned injection protocol. Assessment of patient discomfort (EVS) and satisfaction (SAPS). Data collection: ICM volume injected/consumed, radiation dose, and examination duration. Image handling: Archiving and pseudonymisation of images for later analysis. End of participation: Patient participation ends after this visit.

RADIATION

Reduced volume - standard flow rate

Selection visit (D-40 to D-7): Patient information on cerebral angiography (standard consultation) and study objectives. Delivery of the information document and reflection period. Verification of eligibility criteria. Inclusion visit (D0): Review of study objectives and Q\&A. Final verification of eligibility criteria. Obtaining of free and informed consent. Randomisation and assignment to an injection protocol. Angiography performed according to standard practice, with image acquisition using the assigned injection protocol. Assessment of patient discomfort (EVS) and satisfaction (SAPS). Data collection: ICM volume injected/consumed, radiation dose, and examination duration. Image handling: Archiving and pseudonymisation of images for later analysis. End of participation: Patient participation ends after this visit.

RADIATION

Standard volume - Reduced flow rate

Selection visit (D-40 to D-7): Patient information on cerebral angiography (standard consultation) and study objectives. Delivery of the information document and reflection period. Verification of eligibility criteria. Inclusion visit (D0): Review of study objectives and Q\&A. Final verification of eligibility criteria. Obtaining of free and informed consent. Randomisation and assignment to an injection protocol. Angiography performed according to standard practice, with image acquisition using the assigned injection protocol. Assessment of patient discomfort (EVS) and satisfaction (SAPS). Data collection: ICM volume injected/consumed, radiation dose, and examination duration. Image handling: Archiving and pseudonymisation of images for later analysis. End of participation: Patient participation ends after this visit.

RADIATION

Reduced volume and flow rate

Selection visit (D-40 to D-7): Patient information on cerebral angiography (standard consultation) and study objectives. Delivery of the information document and reflection period. Verification of eligibility criteria. Inclusion visit (D0): Review of study objectives and Q\&A. Final verification of eligibility criteria. Obtaining of free and informed consent. Randomisation and assignment to an injection protocol. Angiography performed according to standard practice, with image acquisition using the assigned injection protocol. Assessment of patient discomfort (EVS) and satisfaction (SAPS). Data collection: ICM volume injected/consumed, radiation dose, and examination duration. Image handling: Archiving and pseudonymisation of images for later analysis. End of participation: Patient participation ends after this visit.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University Hospital, Strasbourg, France

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Model

FACTORIAL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-03-01

Primary Completion

2026-03-01

Completion

2028-03-02

Countries

• France

Study Locations