Virtual Unenhanced Images of the Abdomen With Second-Generation Dual-Source Dual-Energy Computed Tomography

Abstract

1. Second-generation abdominal VU data sets yield excellent image quality but are still slightly lower than that of CU. 2. More small hypodense liver lesions were detected in VU images than in CU images; however, a significant number of small calcified lesions were not identified in VU images. 3. Second-generation abdominal VU images are still not ready to replace CU images in clinical practice. Implications for Patient Care: 1. Using VU images in abdominal studies makes it possible to reduce the total radiation dose delivered to patients who need multiphasic acquisition by avoiding precontrast scan. 2. Erroneous material subtraction and incomplete abdominal coverage represent a limit in VU data set application in clinical routine.