Spectral CT adds a new dimension to radiological evaluation, beyond assessment of anatomical abnormalities. Spectral data allows for detection of specific materials, improves image quality while at the same time reducing radiation doses and contrast media doses, and decreases the need for follow up evaluation of indeterminate lesions. We review the different acquisition techniques of spectral images, mainly dual-source, rapid kV switching and dual-layer detector, and discuss the main spectral results available. We also discuss the use of spectral imaging in abdominal pathologies, emphasizing the strengths and pitfalls of the technique and its main applications in general and in specific organs.

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality after kidney transplantation. Metabolic syndrome is common in renal transplant recipients and is associated with increased CVD risk in those patients. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered to be the hepatic manifestation of a multi-system disorder, including CVD and metabolic syndrome. The data about prevalence of NAFLD before kidney transplantation and its consequences following transplantation are scarce. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective study of metabolic parameters and sonographic evidence of NAFLD, and an analysis of its metabolic outcomes, was performed in 341 consecutive kidney transplant recipients. <b><i>Results:</i></b> One-hundred twenty-four (36.4%) kidney recipients had NAFLD before transplantation. The risk of NAFLD before kidney transplantation was independently and significantly related to diabetes (OR = 1.8), male gender (OR = 1.4), older age (every year of age increased the risk by 4%), higher BMI (every increase of 1 kg/m² increased the risk by 15%), and higher triglycerides level. Mean levels of liver enzymes were similar in patients with and without NAFLD. Recipients with NAFLD before transplantation had a higher prevalence of new onset diabetes, even after adjustment to covariables. In addition, they had a higher increase in liver enzymes, triglycerides, and FIB-4 score, as an indication of liver fibrosis, after transplantation. Furthermore, NAFLD pre-transplantation was independently associated with cardiovascular mortality (HR = 4.4) following kidney transplantation. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Sonographic evidence of NAFLD before kidney transplantation is associated with significant metabolic outcomes including de novo diabetes and cardiovascular mortality following transplantation and should be included as part of the assessment of kidney transplant candidate.

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