diagnostics Review Dual-Energy Computed Tomography of the Liver: Uses in Clinical Practices and Applications Masakatsu Tsurusaki 1,* , Keitaro Sofue 2 , Masatoshi Hori 2 , Kosuke Sasaki 3, Kazunari Ishii 1 , Takamichi Murakami 2 and Masatoshi Kudo 4 1 Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osakasayama 589-8511, Japan;
[email protected] 2 Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe 650-0017, Japan;
[email protected] (K.S.);
[email protected] (M.H.);
[email protected] (T.M.) 3 CT Research Group, GE Healthcare Japan, Hino 191-8503, Japan;
[email protected] 4 Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University, Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama 589-8511, Japan;
[email protected] * Correspondence:
[email protected]; Tel.: +81-72-366-0221 (ext. 3133); Fax: +81-72-367-1685 Abstract: Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is an imaging technique based on data acqui- sition at two different energy settings. Recent advances in CT have allowed data acquisitions and simultaneous analyses of X-rays at two energy levels, and have resulted in novel developments in the field of abdominal imaging. The use of low and high X-ray tube voltages in DECT provide fused images that improve the detection of liver tumors owing to the higher contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the tumor compared with the liver. The use of contrast agents in CT scanning improves image quality by enhancing the CNR and signal-to-noise ratio while reducing beam-hardening artifacts. DECT can improve detection and characterization of hepatic abnormalities, including mass lesions.