Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

Novel In Vivo Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging Techniques for Assessing the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Published on: March 24, 2023
Toward biphasic computed tomography (CT) enteric contrast: material classification of luminal bismuth and mural
Mingliang Qu1, Eric Ehman, Joel G Fletcher
1Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
Objective:
To develop dual-energy computed tomography methods for identification of hyperenhancing, hypoenhancing, and nonenhancing small-bowel pathologies.
Methods:
Small-bowel phantoms simulating varying patient sizes and polyp types (hyperenhancing, hypoenhancing, and nonenhancing) contained bismuth suspension in the lumen. Dual-energy CT was performed at 80/140 kV and 100/140 kV. Computed tomographic number ratios (CT numbers at low/high kilovoltage) were calculated. Two radiologists evaluated polyp detection and conspicuity using bismuth-only, iodine-only, iodine-overlay, and mixed-kilovoltage displays.
Results:
Computed tomographic ratios for bismuth and iodine did not overlap. For hyperenhancing and nonenhancing polyps at 80/140 kV, iodine-overlay display yielded higher detection rate (96%, 94%) and conspicuity score (3.5, 3.1) than mixed-kilovoltage images (88%, 68%; 1.5, 2.7). Mixed-kV images performed slightly better for hypoenhancing polyps (92%, 3.4 vs. <80%, <2.9). Similar results were observed at 100/140kV.
Conclusions:
Dual-energy CT and a bismuth-containing enteric contrast permitted simultaneous identification of hyperenhancing, hypoenhancing, and nonenhancing polyps over a range of patient sizes.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Fundamental Principles of PET

