Dual-Energy Computed Tomography of the Neck: A Pictorial Review of Normal Anatomy, Variants, and Pathologic Entities Using Different Energy Reconstructions and Material Decomposition Maps

Abstract

There is increasing use of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) for the evaluation of head and neck pathologic entities. Optimal DECT utilization requires familiarity with the appearance of normal tissues variants, and pathologic entities on different DECT reconstructions that may be used in clinical practice. The purpose of this article is to provide a practical, pictorial review of the appearance of normal anatomic structures and different neoplastic and nonneoplastic head and neck pathologic entities on commonly used DECT reconstructions.

Keywords: Dual-energy CT; Head and neck cancer; Head and neck imaging; Iodine overlay maps; Material decomposition maps; Pictorial review; Virtual monochromatic images; Virtual unenhanced or noncontrast images.