Neuroradiology Applications of Dual and Multi-energy Computed Tomography

Radiol Clin North Am. 2023 Nov;61(6):973-985. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2023.05.009. Epub 2023 Jun 29.

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) imaging has become an essential diagnostic tool for most emergent clinical conditions, owing to its speed, accuracy, cost, and few contraindications, compared with MR imaging cross-sectional imaging. Spectral CT, which includes dual, multienergy, and photon-counting CT, is superior to conventional single-energy CT (SECT) in many respects. Spectral information enables differentiation between materials with similar Hounsfield Unit attenuations on SECT; examples include but are not limited to "virtual noncontrast," "virtual noncalcium," and most notably for neuro applications, "hemorrhage versus iodine." This article expands on the many possible benefits of spectral CT in neuroimaging.

Keywords: Dual-energy CT; Head and neck imaging; Material decomposition; Multispectral CT; Neuroimaging; Spectral imaging; Stroke; Virtual monochromatic.

Publication types

  • Review