Pediatric Applications of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography

Valeria Peña-Trujillo; Sebastian Gallo-Bernal; Erik L Tung; Michael S Gee

doi:10.1016/j.rcl.2023.05.006

Pediatric Applications of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography

Radiol Clin North Am. 2023 Nov;61(6):1069-1083. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2023.05.006. Epub 2023 Jun 17.

Authors

Valeria Peña-Trujillo¹, Sebastian Gallo-Bernal², Erik L Tung³, Michael S Gee⁴

Affiliations

¹ Division of Pediatric Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. Electronic address: https://twitter.com/valeria_pt22.
² Division of Pediatric Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. Electronic address: https://twitter.com/SebGal1230.
³ Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. Electronic address: https://twitter.com/ErikTungMD.
⁴ Division of Pediatric Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. Electronic address: msgee@mgh.harvard.edu.

PMID: 37758357
DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2023.05.006

Abstract

There is renewed interest in novel pediatric dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) applications that can image awake patients faster and at low radiation doses. DECT enables the simultaneous acquisition of 2 data sets at different energy levels, allowing for better material characterization and unique image reconstructions that enhance image analysis and provide quantitative and qualitative information about tissue composition. Pediatric DECT reduces radiation doses further while accelerating image acquisition and improving motion robustness. Current applications include the improved evaluation of congenital and acquired cardiovascular anomalies, lung perfusion and ventilation, renal stone composition, tumor extension and treatment response, and gastrointestinal diseases.

Keywords: Dual-energy CT (DECT); High-pitch CT; Pediatrics; Radiation dose.

Publication types

Review