Does Dual-Energy CT of Lower-Extremity Tendons Incur Penalties in Patient Radiation Exposure or Reduced Multiplanar Reconstruction Image Quality?

Abstract

Dual-energy CT of lower-extremity tendons, irrespective of the reconstruction tube voltage chosen, yields multiplanar reformations inferior to those of single-energy CT with regard to signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios while involving significantly escalated patient exposure to ionizing radiation. Whether the tissue-differentiating promise of dual-energy CT is realized in future studies and warrants such concessions remains to be seen.