Intra-patient variability of iodine quantification across different dual-energy CT platforms: assessment of normalization techniques.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate intra-patient variability of iodine concentration (IC) between three different dual-energy CT (DECT) platforms and to test different normalization approaches. METHODS: Forty-four patients who underwent portal venous phase abdominal DECT on a dual-source (dsDECT), a rapid kVp switching (rsDECT), and a dual-layer detector platform (dlDECT) during cancer follow-up were retrospectively included. IC in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys and different normalized ICs (NICPV:portal vein; NICAA:abdominal aorta; NICALL:overall iodine load) were compared between the three DECT scanners for each patient. A longitudinal mixed effects analysis was conducted to elucidate the effect of the scanner type, scan order, inter-scan time, and contrast media amount on normalized iodine concentration. RESULTS: Variability of IC was highest in the liver (dsDECT vs. dlDECT 28.96 (14.28-46.87) %, dsDECT vs. rsDECT 29.08 (16.59-62.55) %, rsDECT vs. dlDECT 22.85 (7.52-33.49) %), and lowest in the kidneys (dsDECT vs. dlDECT 15.76 (7.03-26.1) %, dsDECT vs. rsDECT 15.67 (8.86-25.56) %, rsDECT vs. dlDECT 10.92 (4.92-22.79) %). NICALL yielded the best reduction of IC variability throughout all tissues and inter-scanner comparisons, yet did not reduce the variability between dsDECT vs. dlDECT and rsDECT, respectively, in the liver. The scanner type remained a significant determinant for NICALL in the pancreas and the liver (F-values, 12.26 and 23.78; both, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We found tissue-specific intra-patient variability of IC across different DECT scanner types. Normalization mitigated variability by reducing physiological fluctuations in iodine distribution. After normalization, the scanner type still had a significant effect on iodine variability in the pancreas and liver. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Differences in iodine quantification between dual-energy CT scanners can partly be mitigated by normalization, yet remain relevant for specific tissues and inter-scanner comparisons, which should be taken into account at clinical routine imaging. KEY POINTS: • Iodine concentration showed the least variability between scanner types in the kidneys (range 10.92-15.76%) and highest variability in the liver (range 22.85-29.08%). • Normalizing tissue-specific iodine concentrations against the overall iodine load yielded the greatest reduction of variability between scanner types for 2/3 inter-scanner comparisons in the liver and for all (3/3) inter-scanner comparisons in the kidneys and pancreas, respectively. • However, even after normalization, the dual-energy CT scanner type was found to be the factor significantly influencing variability of iodine concentration in the liver and pancreas.

Diagnostic performance and feasibility of dual-layer detector dual-energy CT for characterization of urinary stones in patients of different sizes.

BACKGROUND: Urinary stones are frequently encountered in urology and are typically identified using non-contrast CT scans. Dual-energy CT (DECT) is a valuable imaging technique that produces material-specific images and allows for precise assessment of stone composition by estimating the effective atomic number (Zeff), a capability not achievable with the conventional single-energy CT's attenuation measurement method. PURPOSE: To investigate the diagnostic performance and image quality of dual-layer detector DECT (dlDECT) in characterizing urinary stones in patients of different sizes. METHODS: All consecutive dlDECT examinations with stone protocol and presence of urinary stones between July 2018 and November 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Two radiologists independently reviewed 120 kVp and color-overlay Zeff images to determine stone composition (reference standard = crystallography) and image quality. The objective analysis included image noise and Zeff values measurement. RESULTS: A total of 739 urinary stones (median size 3.7 mm, range 1-35 mm) were identified on 177 CT examinations from 155 adults (mean age, 57 ± 15 years, 80 men, median weight 82.6 kg, range 42.6-186.9 kg). Using color-overlay Zeff images, the radiologists could subjectively interpret the composition in all stones ≥ 3 mm (n = 491). For stones with available reference standards (n = 74), dlDECT yielded a sensitivity of 80% (95%CI 44-98%) and a specificity of 98% (95%CI 92-100%) in visually discriminating uric acid from non-uric acid stones. Patients weighing > 90 kg and ≤ 90 kg had similar stone characterizability (p = 0.20), with 86% of stones characterized in the > 90 kg group and 87% in the ≤ 90 kg group. All examinations throughout various patients' weights revealed acceptable image quality. A Zeff cutoff of 7.66 accurately distinguished uric acid from non-uric acid stones (AUC = 1.00). Zeff analysis revealed AUCs of 0.78 and 0.91 for differentiating calcium-based stones from other non-uric stones and all stone types, respectively. CONCLUSION: dlDECT allowed accurate differentiation of uric acid and non-uric acid stones among patients with different body sizes with acceptable image quality. CLINICAL IMPACT: The ability to accurately differentiate uric acid stones from non-uric acid stones using color-overlay Zeff images allows for better tailored treatment strategies, helping to choose appropriate interventions and prevent potential complications related to urinary stones in patient care.

Dual-Energy Computed Tomography: Technological Considerations.

Compared to conventional single-energy CT (SECT), dual-energy CT (DECT) provides additional information to better characterize imaged tissues. Approaches to DECT acquisition vary by vendor and include source-based and detector-based systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Despite the different approaches to DECT acquisition, the most utilized DECT images include routine SECT equivalent, virtual monoenergetic, material density (eg, iodine map), and virtual non-contrast images. These images are generated either through reconstructions in the projection or image domains. Designing and implementing an optimal DECT workflow into routine clinical practice depends on radiologist and technologist input with special considerations including appropriate patient and protocol selection and workflow automation. In addition to better tissue characterization, DECT provides numerous advantages over SECT such as the characterization of incidental findings and dose reduction in radiation and iodinated contrast.

Optimal Abdominal CT Image Quality in Non-Lean Patients: Customization of CM Injection Protocols and Low-Energy Acquisitions.

We compared the image quality of abdominopelvic single-energy CT with 100 kVp (SECT-100 kVp) and dual-energy CT with 65 keV (DECT-65 keV) obtained with customized injection protocols to standard abdominopelvic CT scans (SECT-120 kVp) with fixed volumes of contrast media (CM). We retrospectively included 91 patients (mean age, 60.7 ± 15.8 years) with SECT-100 kVp and 83 (mean age, 60.3 ± 11.7 years) patients with DECT-65 keV in portovenous phase. Total body weight-based customized injection protocols were generated by a software using the following formula: patient weight (kg) × 0.40/contrast concentration (mgI/mL) × 1000. Patients had a prior abdominopelvic SECT-120 kVp with fixed injection. Iopamidol-370 was administered for all examinations. Quantitative and qualitative image quality comparisons were made between customized and fixed injection protocols. Compared to SECT-120 kVp, customized injection yielded a significant reduction in CM volume (mean difference = 9-12 mL; p ≤ 0.001) and injection rate (mean differences = 0.2-0.4 mL/s; p ≤ 0.001) in all weight categories. Improvements in attenuation, noise, signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios were observed for both SECT-100 kVp and DECT-65 keV compared to SECT-120 kVp in all weight categories (e.g., pancreas DECT-65 keV, 1.2-attenuation-fold increase vs. SECT-120 kVp; p < 0.001). Qualitative scores were ≥4 in 172 cases (98.8.4%) with customized injections and in all cases with fixed injections (100%). These findings suggest that customized CM injection protocols may substantially reduce iodine dose while yielding higher image quality in SECT-100 kVp and DECT-65 keV abdominopelvic scans compared to SECT-120 kVp using fixed CM volumes.

The why, who, how, and what of communicating CT radiation risks to patients and healthcare providers.

Computed tomography (CT) has witnessed tremendous growth in utilization. Despite its immense benefits, there is a growing concern from the general public and the medical community about the detrimental consequences of ionizing radiation from CT. Anxiety from the perceived risks associated with CT can deter referring physicians from ordering clinically indicated CT scans and patients from undergoing medically necessary exams. This article discusses various strategies for educating patients and healthcare providers on the benefits and risks of CT scanning and salient techniques for effective communication.

Renal lesion characterization: clinical utility of single-phase dual-energy CT compared to MRI and dual-phase single-energy CT.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of dual-energy CT (DECT) utilization in practice by measuring the readers' confidence, the need for additional image requests, and diagnostic performance in renal lesion assessment, compared to single-energy CT (SECT) using contrast-enhanced MRI to establish the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine patients (M/F = 47/22) who underwent a dual-phase renal SECT (n = 34) or DECT (n = 35) and had a contrast-enhanced MRI within 180 days were retrospectively collected. Three radiologists assessed images on different sessions (SECT, DECT, and MRI) for (1) likely diagnosis (enhancing/non-enhancing); (2) diagnostic confidence (5-point Likert scale); (3) need for additional imaging test (yes/no); and (4) need for follow-up imaging (yes/no). Diagnostic accuracy was compared using AUC; p value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-six lesions consisting of 18% enhancing (n = 28/156, mean size: 30.37 mm, range: 9.9-94 mm) and 82% non-enhancing (n = 128/156, mean size: 23.91 mm, range: 5.0-94.2 mm) were included. The confidence level was significantly lower for SECT than their MRI (4.50 vs. 4.80, p value < 0.05) but not significantly different for DECT and the corresponding MRI (4.78 vs. 4.78, p > 0.05). There were significantly more requests for additional imaging in the SECT session than the corresponding MRI (20% vs. 4%), which was not significantly different between DECT and their MRI counterpart session (5.7% vs. 4.9%). Inter-reader agreement was almost perfect for DECT and MRI (kappa: 0.8-1) and substantial in SECT sessions (kappa: 0.6-0.8) with comparable diagnostic accuracy between SECT, DECT, and MRI (p value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Single-phase DECT allows confident and reproducible characterization of renal masses with fewer recommendation for additional and follow-up imaging tests than dual-phase SECT and a performance similar to MRI. KEY POINTS: • DECT utilization leads to similar additional image requests to MRI (5.7% vs. 4.9%, p value > 0.05), whereas single-energy CT utilization leads to significantly higher image requests (20% vs. 4%, p value < 0.05). • DECT and MRI utilization bring highly reproducible results with almost perfect inter-reader agreement (kappa: 0.8-1), better than the inter-reader agreement in SECT utilization (kappa: 0.6-0.8). • Readers' confidence was not significantly altered between DECT and their MRI readout session (p value > 0.05). In contrast, confidence in the diagnosis was significantly lower in the SECT session than their MRI readout (p value < 0.05).

Comparison of Four Dual-Energy CT Scanner Technologies for Determining Renal Stone Composition: A Phantom Approach.

Background Studies have investigated the value of various dual-energy CT (DECT) technologies for determining renal stone composition. However, sparse multivendor comparison data exist. Purpose To compare the performance of four DECT technologies in determining renal stone composition at standard- and low-dose acquisitions. Materials and Methods This was an in vitro phantom study. Seventy-one urinary stones (size: 2.7-14.1 mm) of known chemical composition (51 calcium, four struvite, four cystine, and 12 urate) were placed in a custom-made cylindrical phantom. Consecutive scans with manufacturer-recommended protocols and dose-optimized institutional protocols (up to 80% reduction in volumetric CT dose index) were obtained with rapid kilovolt peak switching DECT (rsDECT) (n = 2), dual-source DECT (n = 2), twin-beam DECT (tbDECT) (n = 1), and dual-layer detector-based CT (dlDECT) (n = 1) scanners. The image data sets were analyzed using effective atomic number and dual-energy ratio indexes of maximally available and comparable spectra. The performance of each combination of scanner technology, method, and acquisition was assessed. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results After image analysis, all scanners except tbDECT had an AUC greater than 0.95 in at least one acquisition in distinguishing urate from other stones. All DECT techniques were able to help differentiate calcium oxalate monohydrate stones with moderate accuracy (AUC: 0.70-0.83), and brushite was differentiated from urate with AUC greater than 0.99. There was no correlation between performance and acquisition with dose-optimized and/or vendor-recommended settings. Conclusion All four dual-energy CT (DECT) technologies enabled accurate determination of stone composition at standard- and low-dose acquisitions; however, performance varied based on the scanner parameters, DECT technique, and stone type. © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Ringl and Apfaltrer in this issue.

Renal Lesion Characterization by Dual-Layer Dual-Energy CT: Comparison of Virtual and True Unenhanced Images.

BACKGROUND. Prior studies have provided mixed results for the ability to replace true unenhanced (TUE) images with virtual unenhanced (VUE) images when characterizing renal lesions by dual-energy CT (DECT). Detector-based dual-layer DECT (dlDECT) systems may optimize performance of VUE images for this purpose. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article was to compare dual-phase dlDECT examinations evaluated using VUE and TUE images in differentiating cystic and solid renal masses. METHODS. This retrospective study included 110 patients (mean age, 64.3 ± 11.8 years; 46 women, 64 men) who underwent renal-mass protocol dlDECT between July 2018 and February 2022. TUE, VUE, and nephrographic phase image sets were reconstructed. Lesions were diagnosed as solid masses by histopathology or MRI. Lesions were diagnosed as cysts by composite criteria reflecting findings from MRI, ultrasound, and the TUE and nephrographic phase images of the dlDECT examinations. One radiologist measured lesions' attenuation on all dlDECT image sets. Lesion characterization was compared between use of VUE and TUE images, including when considering enhancement of 20 HU or greater to indicate presence of a solid mass. RESULTS. The analysis included 219 lesions (33 solid masses; 186 cysts [132 simple, 20 septate, 34 hyperattenuating]). TUE and VUE attenuation were significantly different for solid masses (33.4 ± 7.1 HU vs 35.4 ± 8.6 HU, p = .002), simple cysts (10.8 ± 5.6 HU vs 7.1 ± 8.1 HU, p < .001), and hyperattenuating cysts (56.3 ± 21.0 HU vs 47.6 ± 16.3 HU, p < .001), but not septate cysts (13.6 ± 8.1 HU vs 14.0 ± 6.8 HU, p = .79). Frequency of enhancement 20 HU or greater when using TUE and VUE images was 90.9% and 90.9% in solid masses, 0.0% and 9.1% in simple cysts, 15.0% and 10.0% in septate cysts, and 11.8% and 38.2% in hyperattenuating cysts. All solid lesions were concordant in terms of enhancement 20 HU or greater when using TUE and VUE images. Twelve simple cysts and nine hyperattenuating cysts showed enhancement of 20 HU or greater when using VUE but not TUE images. CONCLUSION. Use of VUE images reliably detected enhancement in solid masses. However, VUE images underestimated attenuation of simple and hyperattenuating cysts, leading to false-positive findings of enhancement by such lesions. CLINICAL IMPACT. The findings do not support replacement of TUE acquisitions with VUE images when characterizing renal lesions by dlDECT.

Quantitative dual-energy CT techniques in the abdomen.

Advances in dual-energy CT (DECT) technology and spectral techniques are catalyzing the widespread implementation of this technology across multiple radiology subspecialties. The inclusion of energy- and material-specific datasets has ushered overall improvements in CT image contrast and noise as well as artifacts reduction, leading to considerable progress in radiologists' ability to detect and characterize pathologies in the abdomen. The scope of this article is to provide an overview of various quantitative clinical DECT applications in the abdomen and pelvis. Several of the reviewed applications have not reached mainstream clinical use and are considered investigational. Nonetheless awareness of such applications is critical to having a fully comprehensive knowledge base to DECT and fostering future clinical implementation.

Virtual Unenhanced Images: Qualitative and Quantitative Comparison Between Different Dual-Energy CT Scanners in a Patient and Phantom Study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients with clinical contrast-enhanced abdominal examinations on each of the 3 DECT scanner types and a phantom scanned with the same protocols were included in this retrospective study. Qualitative and quantitative assessment was performed on VUE images. Quantitative evaluation included measurement of attenuation and image noise for various tissues and the phantom. Virtual unenhanced image attenuation and noise were compared between scanner types, and intrapatient interscanner reproducibility of virtual unenhanced image attenuation was calculated as the percentage of measurement pairs with an interscanner difference ≤ 10 HU. Image quality, noise, sharpness, and iodine elimination were assessed qualitatively by 2 radiologists. RESULTS: Significant interscanner differences in VUE attenuation and noise were found in all tissues. dlDECT and rsDECT showed significantly higher VUE attenuation than dsDECT in the aorta, portal vein, and kidneys (P < 0.05). Conversely, VUE attenuation in dsDECT was significantly higher than in dlDECT/rsDECT for subcutaneous and retroperitoneal fat (both P < 0.05). A total of 91.9% (385/419) of measurements were reproducible between rsDECT and dlDECT, 70.9% (297/419) between dsDECT and rsDECT, and 66.8% (280/419) between dsDECT and dlDECT. Virtual unenhanced image attenuation in the contrast media-filled phantom cavity was 12.7 ± 4.7 HU in dlDECT, -5.3 ± 4.2 HU in rsDECT, and -4.0 ± 10.7 HU in dsDECT with significant differences between dlDECT and rsDECT/dsDECT, respectively (P < 0.05), between which attenuation was comparable in the unenhanced extraluminal phantom component (P = 0.11-0.62). Qualitatively, dsDECT yielded best iodine elimination, whereas sharpness, image noise, and overall image quality were rated higher in dlDECT and rsDECT. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant interscanner differences in the attenuation measurements and qualitative assessment of VUE images, which should be acknowledged when using these images in patients that are being scanned on different DECT scanner types during imaging follow-up.

The clinical utility of inpatient MRI following an abdominopelvic CT.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic yield of abdomen magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the inpatient setting following a computed tomography (CT). METHODS: All inpatient abdominopelvic MRIs performed on patients for a 1-year period were identified and medical records were retrospectively reviewed for the following information. Only MRIs with a preceding CT were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 221 MRIs were included. Forty exams were deemed technically inadequate due to motion, while 9 more patients did not tolerate a full examination. The most common indications were focal liver lesion (n = 101), pancreaticobiliary ductal dilatation (n = 39), abnormal liver function tests (n = 26), acute pancreatitis (n = 14), abdominal pain (n = 10), and fever/sepsis (n = 10). 83 MRIs were recommended on CT and 138 were requests from the care team. In 63 cases, MRI offered new information over CT. Thirty-two MRIs recommended by radiologists affected patient management, while only 31 MRIs recommended by the care team affected management. Of these 63 MRIs, 29 cases changed immediate inpatient management, requiring further intervention. In these cases, MRI identified abscesses, choledocholithiasis, or made other diagnoses such as cholecystitis, which were not diagnosed on CT. Patient LOS increased in 24 patients in order to receive an MRI. Average costs of outpatient CTs and MRIs are typically 20% less than inpatient costs. CONCLUSION: Inpatient abdomen MRIs have limited impact on patient care following a CECT and entail higher cost, utilize more resources, scanner time, and increase patient LOS. Therefore, it should be reserved for select clinical indications.

Point-of-Care Virtual Radiology Consultations in Primary Care: A Feasibility Study of a New Model for Patient-Centered Care in Radiology.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study is to assess the value of point-of-care virtual consultations in radiology. METHODS: We conducted an institutional review board-approved feasibility study of video-based radiology consultations in an internal medicine primary care clinic at a quaternary academic medical center. The study included 3 primary care providers (PCPs) and enrolled 43 patients. Inclusion criteria consisted of the following: age > 18 years, English speaking, recent radiology examination at our institution, and patient consenting to participate. Patients completed a pre- and postvisit survey. PCPs completed a postvisit survey. Primary study end points included the effect on patient and provider satisfaction, effect on patient experience and understanding of medical condition, and impact on PCP's management decisions. Statistical significance was assessed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of the enrolled patients, 93% (n = 40 of 43) indicated that they were satisfied with the virtual consultation visit. The PCPs were satisfied with the virtual consultation in 97% of consultations (n = 42 of 43). In addition, 88% (n = 38 of 43) of patients indicated improved understanding of their medical condition as a result of the virtual consultation, and 91% of patients (n = 39 of 43) were interested in similar consultations in the future. The participating PCPs indicated that the consultation was helpful in their management decisions in 83% of visits. Patient's interest in receiving their imaging results from radiologist increased from 56% to 88% when comparing pre- and post-virtual consultation survey results (P = .03). CONCLUSION: Initial experience with virtual radiology consultations show high rates of patient and provider satisfaction. Virtual radiology consultations have the potential to advance radiology's value in care delivery.

Society of Abdominal Radiology Disease Focused Panel Survey on Clinical Utilization of Incidental Pancreatic Cyst Management Recommendations and Template Reporting.

OBJECTIVE: To assess current practice patterns with respect to protocols used for incidental pancreatic cyst follow-up, management guidelines, and template reporting. METHODS: The Society of Abdominal Radiology Disease Focused Panel on intraductal pancreatic neoplasms distributed an anonymous 14-question survey to its members in June 2018 that focused on current utilization of incidental pancreatic cyst guidelines, protocols, and template reporting. RESULTS: Among the 1,390 email invitations, 323 responded, and 94.7% (306 of 323) completed all questions. Respondents were mainly radiologists (93.8%, 303 of 323) from academic institutions (74.7%, 227 of 304) in North America (93.7%, 286 of 305). Of respondents, 42.5% (136 of 320) preferred 2017 ACR recommendations, 17.8% (57 of 320) homegrown systems, 15.0% (48 of 320) Fukuoka guidelines, and 7.8% (25 of 320) American Gastroenterological Association guidelines. The majority (68.7%, 222 of 323) agreed or strongly agreed that developing a single international consensus recommendation for management was important, and most radiologists preferred to include them in reports (231 of 322, 71.7%); yet only half included recommendations in >75% of reports (161 of 321). MR cholangiopancreatography was the modality of choice for follow-up of <2.5 cm cysts. Intravenous contrast was routinely used by 69.7% (212 of 304). Standardized reporting templates were rarely used in practice (12.8% 39 of 306). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 7 of 10 radiologists desire a unified international consensus recommendation for management of incidental cystic pancreatic lesions; ACR 2017 recommendations are most commonly used, followed by homegrown systems and Fukuoka guidelines. The majority of radiologists routinely use MR cholangiopancreatography with intravenous contrast for follow-up of incidental cystic lesions, but template reporting is rarely used.

Dual-layer dual-energy CT for characterization of adrenal nodules: can virtual unenhanced images replace true unenhanced acquisitions?

PURPOSE: To investigate the diagnostic performance of dual-layer dual-energy CT (dlDECT) in the evaluation of adrenal nodules. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 66 patients with triphasic dlDECT (unenhanced, venous phase (VP), delayed phase (DP)) for suspected adrenal lesions were included. Virtual unenhanced images (VUE) were derived from VP acquisitions. Reference diagnoses were established with true unenhanced (TUE) attenuation, absolute washout, follow-up imaging and pathological data. Attenuation for adrenal lesions and abdominal tissues was acquired on TUE, VUE, VP and DP images. VUE and TUE attenuation were compared in all included tissues. Characterization of adrenal nodules based on TUE and VUE attenuation was investigated. ROC analysis was used to determine an adjusted threshold for diagnosing lipid-rich adenomas. RESULTS: Seventy-three adrenal nodules (mean size: 18.9 ± 8.9 mm) were identified in 66 patients (38 females, 28 males; age: 61 ± 13 years) including adenoma (n = 65), metastases (n = 2), pheochromocytoma (n = 3), adrenocortical carcinoma (n = 1) and myelolipoma (n = 2). Mean attenuation of all included tissues except for the abdominal aorta (p = 0.11) was significantly higher in VUE compared to TUE images, including the attenuation of adrenal nodules (20.0 ± 17.2 vs. 7.1 ± 19.8; p < 0.05). Classification of adrenal adenomas as lipid-rich based on VUE attenuation ≤ 10 HU yielded a sensitivity/specificity of 0.2/1.0, while an adjusted threshold of ≤ 22 HU yielded a sensitivity/specificity of 0.82/0.85. CONCLUSION: dlDECT-derived VUE images overestimated attenuation in adrenal nodules, resulting in low sensitivity for diagnosis of lipid-rich adenomas using the established 10 HU threshold. Based on an adjusted threshold (≤ 22 HU) a higher sensitivity was attained, yet at the expense of a lower specificity, warranting further validation.

Recognizing and Minimizing Artifacts at Dual-Energy CT.

Dual-energy CT (DECT) is an exciting innovation in CT technology with profound capabilities to improve diagnosis and add value to patient care. Significant advances in this technology over the past decade have improved our ability to successfully adopt DECT into the clinical routine. To enable effective use of DECT, one must be aware of the pitfalls and artifacts related to this technology. Understanding the underlying technical basis of artifacts and the strategies to mitigate them requires optimization of scan protocols and parameters. The ability of radiologists and technologists to anticipate their occurrence and provide recommendations for proper selection of patients, intravenous and oral contrast media, and scan acquisition parameters is key to obtaining good-quality DECT images. In addition, choosing appropriate reconstruction algorithms such as image kernel, postprocessing parameters, and appropriate display settings is critical for preventing quantitative and qualitative interpretive errors. Therefore, knowledge of the appearances of these artifacts is essential to prevent errors and allows maximization of the potential of DECT. In this review article, the authors aim to provide a comprehensive and practical overview of possible artifacts that may be encountered at DECT across all currently available commercial clinical platforms. They also provide a pictorial overview of the diagnostic pitfalls and outline strategies for mitigating or preventing the occurrence of artifacts, when possible. The broadening scope of DECT applications necessitates up-to-date familiarity with these technologies to realize their full diagnostic potential.

Dual-Energy CT Images: Pearls and Pitfalls.

Dual-energy CT (DECT) is a tremendous innovation in CT technology that allows creation of numerous imaging datasets by enabling discrete acquisitions at more than one energy level. The wide range of images generated from a single DECT acquisition provides several benefits such as improved lesion detection and characterization, superior determination of material composition, reduction in the dose of iodine, and more robust quantification. Technological advances and the proliferation of various processing methods have led to the availability of diverse vendor-based DECT approaches, each with a different acquisition and image reconstruction process. The images generated from various DECT scanners differ from those from conventional single-energy CT because of differences in their acquisition techniques, material decomposition methods, image reconstruction algorithms, and postprocessing methods. DECT images such as virtual monochromatic images, material density images, and virtual unenhanced images have different imaging appearances, texture features, and quantitative capabilities. This heterogeneity creates challenges in their routine interpretation and has certain associated pitfalls. Some artifacts such as residual iodine on virtual unenhanced images and an appearance of pseudopneumatosis in a gas-distended bowel loop on material-density iodine images are specific to DECT, while others such as pseudoenhancement seen on virtual monochromatic images are also observed at single-energy CT. Recognizing the potential pitfalls associated with DECT is necessary for appropriate and accurate interpretation of the results of this increasingly important imaging tool. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2021.