Pros and Cons of Dual-Energy CT Systems: “One Does Not Fit All”
Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) uses different energy spectrum x-ray beams for differentiating materials with similar attenuation at a certain energy. Compared with single-energy CT, it provides images with better diagnostic performance and a potential reduction of contrast agent and radiatio...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-01-01
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| Series: | Tomography |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2379-139X/9/1/17 |
| _version_ | 1797617972837089280 |
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| author | Ana P. Borges Célia Antunes Luís Curvo-Semedo |
| author_facet | Ana P. Borges Célia Antunes Luís Curvo-Semedo |
| author_sort | Ana P. Borges |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) uses different energy spectrum x-ray beams for differentiating materials with similar attenuation at a certain energy. Compared with single-energy CT, it provides images with better diagnostic performance and a potential reduction of contrast agent and radiation doses. There are different commercially available DECT technologies, with machines that may display two x-ray sources and two detectors, a single source capable of fast switching between two energy levels, a specialized detector capable of acquiring high- and low-energy data sets, and a filter splitting the beam into high- and low-energy beams at the output. Sequential acquisition at different tube voltages is an alternative approach. This narrative review describes the DECT technique using a Q&A format and visual representations. Physical concepts, parameters influencing image quality, postprocessing methods, applicability in daily routine workflow, and radiation considerations are discussed. Differences between scanners are described, regarding design, image quality variabilities, and their advantages and limitations. Additionally, current clinical applications are listed, and future perspectives for spectral CT imaging are addressed. Acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of different DECT scanners is important, as these could be adapted to each patient, clinical scenario, and financial capability. This technology is undoubtedly valuable and will certainly keep improving. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-11T08:03:35Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-29a88362e47641999b693b8a8d31d327 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2379-1381 2379-139X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-11T08:03:35Z |
| publishDate | 2023-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Tomography |
| spelling | doaj.art-29a88362e47641999b693b8a8d31d3272023-11-16T23:36:30ZengMDPI AGTomography2379-13812379-139X2023-01-019119521610.3390/tomography9010017Pros and Cons of Dual-Energy CT Systems: “One Does Not Fit All”Ana P. Borges0Célia Antunes1Luís Curvo-Semedo2Medical Imaging Department, Coimbra University Hospitals, 3004-561 Coimbra, PortugalMedical Imaging Department, Coimbra University Hospitals, 3004-561 Coimbra, PortugalMedical Imaging Department, Coimbra University Hospitals, 3004-561 Coimbra, PortugalDual-energy computed tomography (DECT) uses different energy spectrum x-ray beams for differentiating materials with similar attenuation at a certain energy. Compared with single-energy CT, it provides images with better diagnostic performance and a potential reduction of contrast agent and radiation doses. There are different commercially available DECT technologies, with machines that may display two x-ray sources and two detectors, a single source capable of fast switching between two energy levels, a specialized detector capable of acquiring high- and low-energy data sets, and a filter splitting the beam into high- and low-energy beams at the output. Sequential acquisition at different tube voltages is an alternative approach. This narrative review describes the DECT technique using a Q&A format and visual representations. Physical concepts, parameters influencing image quality, postprocessing methods, applicability in daily routine workflow, and radiation considerations are discussed. Differences between scanners are described, regarding design, image quality variabilities, and their advantages and limitations. Additionally, current clinical applications are listed, and future perspectives for spectral CT imaging are addressed. Acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of different DECT scanners is important, as these could be adapted to each patient, clinical scenario, and financial capability. This technology is undoubtedly valuable and will certainly keep improving.https://www.mdpi.com/2379-139X/9/1/17dual-energy CTspectral CTdual-source CTfast kVp switchingdual-layer detector CTsplit-filter |
| spellingShingle | Ana P. Borges Célia Antunes Luís Curvo-Semedo Pros and Cons of Dual-Energy CT Systems: “One Does Not Fit All” Tomography dual-energy CT spectral CT dual-source CT fast kVp switching dual-layer detector CT split-filter |
| title | Pros and Cons of Dual-Energy CT Systems: “One Does Not Fit All” |
| title_full | Pros and Cons of Dual-Energy CT Systems: “One Does Not Fit All” |
| title_fullStr | Pros and Cons of Dual-Energy CT Systems: “One Does Not Fit All” |
| title_full_unstemmed | Pros and Cons of Dual-Energy CT Systems: “One Does Not Fit All” |
| title_short | Pros and Cons of Dual-Energy CT Systems: “One Does Not Fit All” |
| title_sort | pros and cons of dual energy ct systems one does not fit all |
| topic | dual-energy CT spectral CT dual-source CT fast kVp switching dual-layer detector CT split-filter |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2379-139X/9/1/17 |
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