Dual-energy computed tomography in crystalline arthritis

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.

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Early Prediction of Cardiac Complications in Acute Myocarditis by Means of Extracellular Volume Quantification With the Use of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography

JACC Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1016/j.jcmg.2021.04.008 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Salim A. Si-Mohamed ◽

Anaelle Congi ◽

Arthur Ziegler ◽

Danka Tomasevic ◽

Valerie Tatard-Leitman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Acute Myocarditis ◽

Extracellular Volume ◽

Dual Energy ◽

Cardiac Complications ◽

Early Prediction ◽

Dual Energy Computed Tomography

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Dual-Energy Computed Tomography of the Lung in COVID-19 Patients: Mismatch of Perfusion Defects and Pulmonary Opacities

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics10110870 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 870

Author(s):

Saif Afat ◽

Ahmed E. Othman ◽

Konstantin Nikolaou ◽

Sebastian Gassenmaier

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Dual Energy ◽

Lung Damage ◽

Rating System ◽

Pulmonary Perfusion ◽

Imaging Studies ◽

Dual Energy Computed Tomography ◽

Contrast Enhanced ◽

Perfusion Defects

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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