1) To comprehend the basic physical principles of dual-energy CT (DECT). 2) To review the current clinical potential applications of DECT in thoracic imaging.
There are different methods by which dual-energy CT images can be generated. The advantages of DECT technique are twofold: 1) Low kilovoltage imaging with increased iodine conspicuity (based on increased photoelectric interactions) is especially useful for evaluation of vascular structures. 2) Material specific post-processing allows material differentiation (based on the differential CT attenuation of selected substances at two different energies), which can be tailored for each particular clinical indication, for example to evaluate for contrast enhancement in pulmonary nodules. The current potential clinical applications of DECT in thoracic imaging include evaluation of pulmonary arteries, aorta, pulmonary nodules, pleural masses and airways disease.
Godoy, M,
Dual-Energy CT: Thoracic Applications. Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2014/13011411.html
