Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) is the core imaging modality for the evaluation of thoracic
disorders. With the recently developed dual-energy CT (DECT) technique, the clinical
utility of CT in the management of pulmonary diseases can be expanded. The most actively
investigated principle of dual energy is material decomposition based on attenuation
differences at different energy levels. This technique provides two key insights into
lung physiology, that is, regional perfusion and ventilation. This functional information
is obtained in addition to morphologic information because high-resolution thoracic
anatomy is entirely preserved on dual-energy thoracic CT. The second major possibility
offered by DECT is virtual monochromatic imaging that represents a new option for
standard chest CT in daily routine. In this review, imaging principles and clinical
applications of dual-energy thoracic CT are described. Knowledge of the applications
of DECT may lead to wider use of this technique in the field of respiratory disorders.
Keywords
dual-energy computed tomography - chest - perfusion - ventilation
