Dual energy computed tomography for the head

• Published in: Japanese journal of radiology Vol. 36; no. 2; pp. 69 - 80
• Main Authors: Naruto, Norihito, Itoh, Toshihide, Noguchi, Kyo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tokyo Springer Japan 01.02.2018; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Algorithms; Brain; Calcification; Computed tomography; Data processing; Decomposition; Diagnostic systems; Hemorrhage; Image acquisition; Image contrast; Imaging; Invited Review; Iodine; Ischemia; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Neuroimaging; Nuclear Medicine; Radiology; Radiotherapy; Head; Dual energy CT; Monoenergetic image; Dual source CT; X-Map; Brain hemorrhage; Bone removal
• ISSN: 1867-1071; 1867-108X; 1867-108X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11604-017-0701-4

Dual energy CT (DECT) is a promising technology that provides better diagnostic accuracy in several brain diseases. DECT can generate various types of CT images from a single acquisition data set at high kV and low kV based on material decomposition algorithms. The two-material decomposition algorithm can separate bone/calcification from iodine accurately. The three-material decomposition algorithm can generate a virtual non-contrast image, which helps to identify conditions such as brain hemorrhage. A virtual monochromatic image has the potential to eliminate metal artifacts by reducing beam-hardening effects. DECT also enables exploration of advanced imaging to make diagnosis easier. One such novel application of DECT is the X-Map, which helps to visualize ischemic stroke in the brain without using iodine contrast medium.