[Dual-energy CT: new diagnostic possibilities]

Dual-energy CT (DECT) provides more information than a conventional CT scan. This new technique does not only provide morphological information, but also provides information about the chemical composition of tissues and substances, e.g. uric acid or calcium, based on material-specific differences in X-ray attenuation, leading to diagnostic improvement. Other benefits include reduced radiation dose, reduced use of contrast fluids due to better iodine detection and improved image quality. DECT fulfils a need in patients with a hypersensitivity to contrast agents, leads to less kidney damage, and avoids the necessity of more invasive diagnostic methods such as lumbar punctures. There are clinical applications in the fields of cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine, urology and musculoskeletal diagnostics. For example, DECT can display monosodium urate depositions in a non-invasive manner, so that the effectiveness of gout treatment can be monitored. Kidney stones, coronary plaques and pulmonary emboli can also be displayed on the basis of their material-specific X-ray attenuation.