Dual Energy Computed Tomography in Musculoskeletal Imaging, with Focus on Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis

2017 ◽  
Vol 155 (06) ◽  
pp. 708-715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carsten Hackenbroch ◽  
Hans-Joachim Riesner ◽  
Patricia Lang ◽  
Fabian Stuby ◽  
Meinrad Beer ◽  
...  

AbstractDual energy computed tomography (DECT) is a constantly evolving technology, which opens up new diagnostic possibilities. It is particularly valuable for musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging. Due to the lack of recognition and availability of dual energy scanners, routine use is only established in a few centres. The intention of this review is to show the possibilities and fields of applications of the DECT in MSK imaging, as well as to describe technical principles and typical indications. We mainly focus on the use of DECT in the context of fragility fractures of the pelvis. The use of the DECT in pelvic fractures of the elderly could combine the advantages of CT diagnostics – fast and continuous availability, lower costs by dispensing with a supplementary MRI examination – and the high sensitivity of MRI to oedema in fragility fractures. Furthermore, the latest DECT scanners are dose neutral, so that these examinations can also be carried out without increased radiation exposure.

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sachin Khanduri ◽  
Aakshit Goyal ◽  
Bhumika Singh ◽  
Mriganki Chaudhary ◽  
Tushar Sabharwal ◽  
...  

The objective of this article is to review the mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages of dual energy computed tomography (DECT) over conventional tomography (CT) in musculoskeletal imaging as DECT provides additional information about tissue composition and artifact reduction. This provides clinical utility in detection of urate crystals, bone marrow edema, reduction of beam hardening metallic artifact, and ligament and tendon analysis.


2018 ◽  
Vol 59 (12) ◽  
pp. 1475-1481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyunsik Jang ◽  
Jin Hur ◽  
Byoung Wook Choi ◽  
Dong Jin Im ◽  
Yoo Jin Hong ◽  
...  

Background Although the bismuth breast shield can reduce radiation exposure to the breast during dual-energy computed tomography (DECT), it can potentially affect material quantification on DECT due to artifacts. Purpose To evaluate the effects of bismuth breast shielding on iodine quantification and radiation exposure in DECT. Material and Methods Small balloons were made with 0.2%, 0.6% and 1.0% blended iodinated contrast (370 mg/mL of iodine) with water. The balloons were located at both anterior and posterior lungs in an adult anthropomorphic chest phantom. DECT was performed with and without breast shielding. Afterwards, iodine concentration values were measured for each balloon on the iodine maps. Absorbed radiation doses in the breast were measured with the optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter. Results After shielding, we obtained significantly decreased iodine quantification for all three concentrations with 0.78 ± 0.13 to 0.46 ± 0.13 mg/mL, 2.31 ± 0.17 to 1.68 ± 0.19 mg/mL, and 3.82 ± 0.10 to 2.84 ± 0.20 mg/mL at the anterior location, and 0.72 ± 0.11 to 0.48 ± 0.09 mg/mL, 2.24 ± 0.13 to 1.87 ± 0.21 mg/mL, and 3.75 ± 0.16 to 3.15 ± 0.14 mg/mL at the posterior location for the 0.2%, 0.6%, and 1.0% balloons, respectively ( P = 0.001 for all). After shielding, absorbed radiation doses to the breast significantly decreased by 14.8% (4.32 ± 0.33 to 3.68 ± 0.30 mGy; P = 0.005). Conclusion Although using the bismuth breast shield may decrease radiation exposure to the breast on DECT, it may also significantly affect iodine quantification.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torsten Diekhoff ◽  
Michael Fuchs ◽  
Nils Engelhard ◽  
Kay-Geert Hermann ◽  
Michael Putzier ◽  
...  

2011 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Henzler ◽  
Steffen Diehl ◽  
Susanne Jochum ◽  
Tim Sueselbeck ◽  
Stefan O Schoenberg ◽  
...  

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
Masakatsu Tsurusaki ◽  
Keitaro Sofue ◽  
Masatoshi Hori ◽  
Kosuke Sasaki ◽  
Kazunari Ishii ◽  
...  

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is an imaging technique based on data acquisition at two different energy settings. Recent advances in CT have allowed data acquisitions and simultaneous analyses of X-rays at two energy levels, and have resulted in novel developments in the field of abdominal imaging. The use of low and high X-ray tube voltages in DECT provide fused images that improve the detection of liver tumors owing to the higher contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the tumor compared with the liver. The use of contrast agents in CT scanning improves image quality by enhancing the CNR and signal-to-noise ratio while reducing beam-hardening artifacts. DECT can improve detection and characterization of hepatic abnormalities, including mass lesions. The technique can also be used for the diagnosis of steatosis and iron overload. This article reviews and illustrates the different applications of DECT in liver imaging.


Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 870
Author(s):  
Saif Afat ◽  
Ahmed E. Othman ◽  
Konstantin Nikolaou ◽  
Sebastian Gassenmaier

To evaluate contrast-enhanced dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) chest examinations regarding pulmonary perfusion patterns and pulmonary opacities in patients with confirmed COVID-19 disease. Fourteen patients with 24 DECT examinations performed between April and May 2020 were included in this retrospective study. DECT studies were assessed independently by two radiologists regarding pulmonary perfusion defects, using a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 4. Furthermore, in all imaging studies the extent of pulmonary opacities was quantified using the same rating system as for perfusion defects. The main pulmonary findings were ground glass opacities (GGO) in all 24 examinations and pulmonary consolidations in 22 examinations. The total lung scores after the addition of the scores of the single lobes showed significantly higher values of opacities compared to perfusion defects, with a median of 12 (9–18) for perfusion defects and a median of 17 (15–19) for pulmonary opacities (p = 0.002). Furthermore, mosaic perfusion patterns were found in 19 examinations in areas with and without GGO. Further studies will be necessary to investigate the pathophysiological background of GGO with maintained perfusion compared to GGO with reduced perfusion, especially regarding long-term lung damage and prognosis.


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