scholarly journals Dual-Energy Computed Tomography of the Liver: Uses in Clinical Practices and Applications

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.

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-266
Author(s):  
Doris Dodig ◽  
Slavica Kovačić ◽  
Zrinka Matana Kaštelan ◽  
Iva Žuža ◽  
Filip Benić ◽  
...  

Purpose Weighted average dual-energy computed tomography (DE-CT) reconstructions are considered a proxy of standard CT images of the brain, recommended for routine clinical use and used as a reference standard in DE-CT research. However, their image quality has not been assessed, which was the aim of our study. Methods Images from 81 consecutive patients who underwent both non-contrast single-energy (SE)-CT and DE-CT of the brain on the same scanner were retrospectively evaluated. Attenuation values (HU) and SD of grey matter/white matter (GM/WM) pairs, along with SD in the posterior fossa and subcalvarial region were measured. Four readers evaluated image noise, GM/WM contrast, posterior fossa and subcalvarial artefacts, as well as overall image quality. Results Weighted average DE-CT GM and WM HU were significantly lower and noise higher compared to SE-CT (GM HU 36.46 v. 41.82; WM HU 28.18 v. 29.94; GM SD 2.93 v. 2.49; and WM SD 3.16 v. 2.44, all p < 0.0001). After correcting the measured SE-CT noise for 37% higher acquisition dose, DE-CT GM noise became significantly lower (2.93 v. 3.11, p = 0.0121). Measured and dose corrected SE-CT GM/WM contrast-to-noise ratio was superior to weighted average DE-CT (3.42 and 2.74 v. 1.95, both p < 0.0001). Weighted average DE-CT had significantly less artifacts on qualitative analysis. Conclusion Weighted average DE-CT images of the brain yield less artefacts at 37% dose reduction and lower noise at SE-CT equivalent dose. Dose-adjusted GM/WM contrast-to-noise ratio of weighted average DE-CT with 0.4 weighting factor remains inferior to SE-CT images.


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 ◽  
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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. S85
Author(s):  
V. Rudenko ◽  
N. Serova ◽  
L. Kapanadze ◽  
M. Taratkin ◽  
Z. Okhunov ◽  
...  

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