Application of Dual-Energy Spectral Computed Tomography to Thoracic Oncology Imaging

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) is an important imaging modality in evaluating thoracic malignancies. The clinical utility of dual-energy spectral computed tomography (DESCT) has recently been realized. DESCT allows for virtual monoenergetic or monochromatic imaging, virtual non-contrast or unenhanced imaging, iodine concentration measurement, and effective atomic number (Zeff map). The application of information gained using this technique in the field of thoracic oncology is important, and therefore many studies have been conducted to explore the use of DESCT in the evaluation and management of thoracic malignancies. Here we summarize and review recent DESCT studies on clinical applications related to thoracic oncology.

Quantitative parameters of enhanced dual-energy computed tomography for differentiating lung cancers from benign lesions in solid pulmonary nodules

“…We found the lung cancers accumulated more iodine than benign solid nodules, which was consistent with previous reports (15,(17)(18)(19). Zeff quantitatively represents the composite atom for a compound or mixture of various materials (32). Gonzaĺez-Peŕez et al found lower Zeff correlated with malignant pulmonary lesions, which was contrary to our result (38).…”

“…In recent years, DECT is an emerging diagnostic technology with various clinical applications, especially in thoracic imaging (31)(32)(33). IC, the most commonly used quantitative parameter of DECT, is considered to be equivalent to the actual value of enhancement.…”

“…We found the lung cancers accumulated more iodine than benign solid nodules, which was consistent with previous reports ( 15 , 17 – 19 ). Zeff quantitatively represents the composite atom for a compound or mixture of various materials ( 32 ). González-Pérez et al.…”

Dual-Energy CT, Virtual Non-Calcium Bone Marrow Imaging of the Spine: An AI-Assisted, Volumetric Evaluation of a Reference Cohort with 500 CT Scans

“…Abdullayev et al also made use of the identical SDCT scanner to successfully identify metastatic spine disease on contrast-enhanced VNCa images, which might serve as well as a practical proof of concept [12]. Several further authors consider this approach promising and warrant further investigation [13,14].…”

“…By now, dual-energy CT (DECT) is a widely available technology, which holds the potential to narrow the diagnostic uncertainty of conventional CT concerning metastatic spine disease [12][13][14]. DECT exploits the physical phenomenon that the interaction of an X-ray beam with any absorbing material depends on a material-specific combination of the photoelectric effect and Compton scattering.…”