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Dual energy CT: preliminary observations and potential clinical applications in the abdomen

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Abstract

Dual energy CT (DECT) is a new technique that allows differentiation of materials and tissues based on CT density values derived from two synchronous CT acquisitions at different tube potentials. With the introduction of a new dual source CT system, this technique can now be used routinely in abdominal imaging. Potential clinical applications include evaluation of renal masses, liver lesions, urinary calculi, small bowel, pancreas, and adrenal glands. In CT angiography of abdominal aortic aneurysms, dual energy CT techniques can be used to remove bones from the datasets, and virtual unenhanced images allow differentiation of contrast agent from calcifying thrombus in patients with endovascular stents. This review describes potential applications, practical guidelines, and limitations of dual energy CT in the abdomen.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich – Grosshadern Campus, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany

    Anno Graser & Thorsten R. C. Johnson

  2. Department of Radiology, New York University Medical Center, 560 1st Ave, New York, NY, 10016, USA

    Anno Graser, Hersh Chandarana & Michael Macari

  3. Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich – Grosshadern Hospitals, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany

    Anno Graser

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  1. Anno Graser
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  2. Thorsten R. C. Johnson
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  3. Hersh Chandarana
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  4. Michael Macari
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Correspondence to Anno Graser.

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Graser, A., Johnson, T.R.C., Chandarana, H. et al. Dual energy CT: preliminary observations and potential clinical applications in the abdomen. Eur Radiol 19, 13–23 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-008-1122-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-008-1122-7

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