Table 1 Types of images from the detector-based spectral CT scanner
From: Detector-based spectral CT with a novel dual-layer technology: principles and applications
Image type | Mechanism of generation | Clinical uses |
|---|---|---|
Conventional (Polyenergetic/routine diagnostic) | Data from both layers considered as a single detector | Routine diagnostic use for all cases |
Iodine density (iodine map) | Material decomposition with pixels representing iodine | Visualisation and quantification of iodine in vessels and organs of interest |
Virtual non-contrast | Material decomposition and removal of iodine containing pixels | -Characterisation of lesions such as renal cysts/masses, adrenal nodules, lung nodules, etc. -Radiation dose saving by eliminating need for true non contrast |
Uric acid pair | Material decomposition; depiction of pixels containing uric acid | Urinary calculus characterisation |
Effective atomic number | Material decomposition; colour coding depending on atomic number | Tissue characterisation |
Virtual monoenergetic | Linear combination of basis pair images (40–200 keV) | -Low monoenergetic: enhanced vascular contrast -High monoenergetic: decreased artefacts |
Equivalent monoenergetic | Linear combination of basis pair, with attenuation values equivalent to conventional images | Higher image quality, with lower noise |