Dual-Energy CT Arthrography: Advanced Muscolo-Skelatal Applications in Clinical Practice
Giovanni Foti,
Christian Booz,
Giuseppe Mauro Buculo,
Eugenio Oliboni,
Chiara Longo,
Paolo Avanzi,
Antonio Campacci,
Claudio Zorzi
Affiliations
Giovanni Foti
Department of Radiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Hospital, Via Don A. Sempreboni 10, 37042 Negrar, Verona, Italy
Christian Booz
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Division of Experimental Imaging, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Giuseppe Mauro Buculo
Department of Radiology, Messina University, 98122 Messina, Sicily, Italy
Eugenio Oliboni
Department of Radiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Hospital, Via Don A. Sempreboni 10, 37042 Negrar, Verona, Italy
Chiara Longo
Department of Radiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Hospital, Via Don A. Sempreboni 10, 37042 Negrar, Verona, Italy
Paolo Avanzi
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Hospital, 37042 Negrar, Verona, Italy
Antonio Campacci
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Hospital, 37042 Negrar, Verona, Italy
Claudio Zorzi
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Hospital, 37042 Negrar, Verona, Italy
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the potential applications of dual-energy CT (DECT) in improving image quality and the diagnostic capabilities of CT arthrography (CTA) in clinical practice. The paper covers the use of virtual non-contrast (VNC) images, in which the injected contrast medium is subtracted from the articular cavity in order to better analyze 2D and 3D images of the bone. Moreover, virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) applications and their potential use for the reduction of metal artifacts and improving image contrast are reviewed. The role of virtual non-calcium (VNCa) in detecting bone marrow edema surrounding the imaged joint will be discussed. Furthermore, the role of iodine maps in enhancing the contrast between soft tissues, optimizing the visualization of contrast material, and distinguishing contrast material from calcifications is described. Finally, a case series including different joints is provided to underline the additional advantages of high-spatial-resolution dual-energy CT reconstructed images.
