Clinical Applications of Dual‐Energy Computed Tomography for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Acute ischemic stroke is a leading cause for neurological disability worldwide, and treatment strategies are rapidly evolving. Patient selection for recanalization therapy and postintervention management relies heavily on diagnostic imaging. In this narrative review, we searched the existing literature for clinical applications of dual‐energy computed tomography for acute ischemic stroke. We summarized the current clinical evidence on the use of dual‐energy computed tomography for identifying early cerebral ischemia, detecting and predicting hemorrhagic transformations, and characterizing clots and stenotic plaques. We also highlight future opportunities for dual‐energy computed tomography to be used to address important diagnostic challenges during acute stroke triage and postintervention management. Dual‐energy computed tomography is a powerful tool that can be used to improve the diagnostic accuracy of ischemia, hemorrhage, and vascular lesions in the context of acute ischemic stroke.

Keywords

• carotid stenosis
• clot composition
• computed tomography
• contrast
• hemorrhage
• stroke