Neal C. Chhaya MBBS, FRCR, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Brathaban Rajayogeswaran MBBCh, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Paul Ian Mallinson MBChB, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Peter L. Munk MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Dual-energy computed tomography – how does it work Recognizing hardware or soft tissue complications such as fracture or loosening Optimize acquisition and reconstruction parameters to minimize artifact whilst maximizing soft tissue resolution Help problem solve by identifying vertebral marrow edema in trauma and perivertebral urate deposition in gout Tips and tricks for using the monoenergetic spectrum to your advantage    

The advent of dual-energy technology is changing the way we utilize computed tomography. A variety of conditions affecting the spine may present themselves on CT such as traumatic or osteoporotic vertebral fracture, spondylo-lysis/listhesis or even gout. This exhibit demonstrates how to evaluate accurately and effectively using dedicated algorithms. However a big challenge for the Radiologist remains when evaluating the spine in the presence of high atomic number (high-Z) materials. Traditionally CT imaging has proved inadequate in these situations due to excessive spray and streak artifact resulting from a variety of factors including beam hardening, detector photon starvation and inherent quantum noise. With our ability to manipulate the parameters of the dataset acquired as well as apply specific reconstruction algorithms, comes more accurate evaluation of both the osseous and soft tissue structures.  

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14008936/14008936_gecf.pdf

Chhaya, N, Rajayogeswaran, B, Mallinson, P, Munk, P, “Bending over Backwards”: Dual-Energy CT Assessment of the Spine.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14008936.html