Dual-Energy CT as a Well-Established CT Modality to Reduce Contrast Media Amount: A Systematic Review from the Computed Tomography Subspecialty Section of the Italian Society of Radiology
Abstract
Background: Our study aims to provide an overview of existing evidence regarding the image quality of dual-energy CT (DECT) employing reduced contrast media (CM) volumes, in comparison to single-energy CT (SECT) with standard CM loads. The advantages, indications, and possible applications of DECT were investigated from the perspective of providing better patient care, minimizing CM volume and managing CM shortage. Methods: In this systematic review (PRISMA methodology), PubMed and WOS were searched from January 2010 to January 2023 by two independent reviewers. The scan and CM characteristics, radiation dose, and results of quantitative (contrast to noise ratio, CNR, and signal to noise ratio, SNR) and qualitative assessment of image quality were collected. Sixty non-duplicated records eligible for full-text screening were examined. Results: Finally, 22 articles (1818 patients) were included. The average CM reduction with DECT ranged between 43.4 ± 11%. Despite the wide variability in CT scan protocols, no differences were found in radiation doses between DECT and SECT. Conclusions: DECT scanners allow the employment of lower CM volumes with equal or better image quality evaluated by quantitative and qualitative analyses and similar dose radiation compared to SECT. Using image reconstructions at low monochromatic energy levels, DECT increases iodine conspicuity and attenuation contributing to CM containment measures.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,818 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Chaos and quantum thermalization
- The Dalton quantum chemistry program system
- Cord Blood Leptin and Adiponectin as Predictors of Adiposity in Children at 3 Years of Age: A Prospective Cohort Study
- Quantitative metabolomics by H-NMR and LC-MS/MS confirms altered metabolic pathways in diabetes
- Stable adiabatic quantum batteries
- A novel self-lipid antigen targets human T cells against CD1c(+) leukemias
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.