Evaluation of hepatic steatosis using dual-energy CT with MR comparison

In this study, we aimed to explore the potential of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in evaluating liver fat; we also compared the diagnostic performance of DECT, T1-weighted dual-echo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and 1H-MR spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in assessing hepatic steatosis in a fatty liver rat model. Fat (water) concentration measurements by DECT spectral imaging, MR findings, and 1H-MRS measurements of hepatic fat showed similar correlations with the histopathologic results. Furthermore, a good correlation was observed between the fat (water) concentration and 1H-MRS measurements (r = 0.800 and P less than 0.001). The discriminant accuracies of the fat (water) concentration, MR findings, and 1H-MRS measurements were 66.7, 64, and 56 percent, respectively. Therefore, we conclude that the findings of DECT spectral CT imaging are strongly correlated with histopathologic findings in cases of steatosis; in addition, DECT can allow rapid, accurate evaluations of hepatic steatosis that are as effective as those obtained using T1-weighted dual-echo MR imaging and 1H-MRS.