The introduction of simultaneous dual-source/dual-energy computed tomography (CT) scanning is one of the recent technological advances in CT imaging.

摘要

The introduction of simultaneous dual-source/dual-energy computed tomography (CT) scanning is one of the recent technological advances in CT imaging. Dual-source scanners consist of 2 separate CT scanning systems mounted at a 90-degree angle to each other. Each system is composed of an x-ray tube and a corresponding detector. These 2 tubes operate independently of each other with regard to peak tube voltage and tube current. This technique allows the acquisition of multidetector CT data either at a single energy level or at 2 different photon energy levels during a single acquisition. When running both tubes at the same voltage, a high temporal resolution is achieved that is used primarily for the evaluation of coronary arteries. When operating the x-ray tubes at different tube voltages, 2 different x-ray spectra are simultaneously produced resulting in improved characterization and differentiation of various tissues. The dual-energy data can be manipulated in several ways to generate clinically useful information.