Computed tomography numbers obtained for varying iodine contrast concentrations by different-generation dual-energy computed tomography scanners.

Abstract

We compared the computed tomography (CT) numbers from monochromatic images obtained using the first-generation (Discovery CT750 HD: GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI) and second-generation (Revolution CT: GE HealthCare) dual-energy CT (first and second DECT) scanners in phantom and clinical studies. In a polypropylene phantom, eight polypropylene tubes containing iodine at various concentrations (0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 12, 20, 30 mg I per ml) were arranged in an outer circle. The iodine densities and CT numbers obtained after imaging with different-generation DECT scanners were analyzed. The CT numbers from images obtained from 61 consecutive patients with aortic disease who underwent CT with different-generation DECT scanners were compared during the arterial and delayed phases. The iodine concentration obtained from second DECT was more accurate than that from the first DECT in the phantom study. A significantly higher contrast enhancement was observed with the second DECT compared with the first DECT during the arterial phase in the clinical study. Contrast enhancement was higher with the second DECT than with the first DECT, and the second DECT was effective in minimizing the use of contrast materials.