Value of dual energy CT in post resuscitation coma. Differentiating contrast retention and ischemic brain parenchyma

Abstract

Applications of dual-energy computed tomography and virtual non-contrast technique in neuroimaging are still emerging. While the role of DECT in differentiating parenchymal hemorrhage and contrast media after mechanical revascularization is well recognized, the value of DECT in evaluation of brain ischemia in post resuscitation patients who have received intravenous (IV) iodinated contrast is not well documented. We present a challenging case where DECT helped explain hyperattenuation in cortical grey matter and deep grey nuclei as well as cerebellar hemispheres in a comatose patient post cardiac arrest following massive pulmonary embolism.

Keywords

• Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT)
• Virtual non-contrast (VNC)
• Brain ischemia
• Contrast retention