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

Korean J Radiol. 2020 Jul;21(7):838-850. doi: 10.3348/kjr.2019.0711.

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.

Keywords: Dual-energy CT; Lung cancer; Oncology; Spectral CT.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Adenoma / pathology
  • Artifacts
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging
  • Signal-To-Noise Ratio
  • Thoracic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thoracic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*