SOMATOM Definition Dual Energy scanning

Authors: Satoru Kitano MD, Junko Takahama MD, Toshiaki Taoka PhD MD, Kimihiko Kichikawa PhD MD
Department of Radiology, Nara Medical University, Nara / Japan

History

An 80 year-old man with intermittent claudication was referred to a Dual Source CT for a peripheral run-off after he complained of severe pain in his right leg. A CTA of the lower extremities was performed on the SOMATOM Definition using spiral Dual Energy evaluation.

Diagnosis

The Dual Energy scan images revealed calcifications in the abdominal aorta and iliac artery. The leg pain originated from an occlusion of the right common iliac artery where a thrombus could be unambiguously identified. The corresponding collateral vessels were also clearly visible.

Comments

In the Dual Energy mode, two x-ray sources can be operated simultaneously at different kV levels. The results are two spiral data sets acquired in a single scan providing diverse information that allows one to differentiate, characterize, isolate, and distinguish the imaged tissue and material. With the hardplaque application in particular, thrombus, calcification and contrast media (blood vessels) can be clearly distinguished.

Examination Protocol