Image Quality and Dose Comparison of Single-Energy CT (SECT) and Dual-Energy CT (DECT)

Abstract

CT and its comprehensive usage have become one of the most indispensable components in medical field especially in the diagnosis of several diseases. SECT and DECT have developed CT diagnostic potentials in several means. In this review article we have discussed the basic principles of single-energy and dual-energy computed tomography and their important physical differences which can cause better diagnostic evaluation. Moreover, different organs diagnostic evaluations through single-energy and dual-energy computed tomography have been discussed. Conventional or single-energy CT (SECT) uses a single polychromatic X-ray beam (ranging from 70 to 140 kVp with a standard of 120 kVp) emitted from a single source and received by a single detector. The concept of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is almost as old as the CT technology itself; DECT initially required substantially higher radiation doses (nearly two times higher than those employed in single-energy CT) and presented problems associated with spatial misregistration of the two different kV image datasets between the two separate acquisitions. The basic principles of single-energy and dual-energy computed tomography and their important physical differences can cause better diagnostic evaluation. Moreover, different organs diagnostic evaluations through single-energy and dual-energy computed tomography have been discussed. According to diverse data and statistics it is controversial to definitely indicate the accurate comparison of image quality and dose amount.

Single- and Dual-Source CT Myelography: Comparison of Radiation Exposure and Establishment of Diagnostic Reference Levels

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Dual-energy CT: minimal essentials for radiologists

“…For accurate dual-energy analysis, images acquired with two different energies (voltages) should be temporally and spatially matched. The following are common requirements for dual-energy CT scanning [ 9 ].…”

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Health-Related Life Quality Assessment Through Head and Neck, Prostate, Breast, Lung, and Skin Cancer in Adults

“…The head and neck are two of the most significant vital diagnostic parts of the body of their complex structure and many physical procedures (24). Head and Neck cancer (HNC) references a group associated with tumors of the nasal cavity, oral cavity, throat, larynx, middle ear, and sinuses (25).…”