Clinical abdominal dual-energy CT: 15 years later

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Computed Tomography

Background:

• Dual-energy CT (DECT) has been clinically available for nearly 15 years.
• Numerous DECT applications offer advantages over conventional CT.
• Clinical adoption of DECT remains slower than anticipated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and discuss the impediments hindering widespread DECT adoption in clinical practice.
• To provide insights gathered from discussions with radiologists nationwide.
• To encourage greater integration of DECT into routine CT workflows.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of radiologist feedback and encountered challenges.
• Literature review of DECT applications and adoption barriers.
• Synthesis of expert opinions on DECT implementation.

Main Results:

• Identified key barriers to DECT adoption, including cost, workflow integration, and training.
• Highlighted specific clinical scenarios where DECT provides unique diagnostic value.
• Documented a gap between DECT's potential and its current clinical utilization.

Conclusions:

• Addressing identified impediments is crucial for increasing DECT utilization.
• Further education and demonstration of DECT's clinical and economic benefits are needed.
• Facilitating DECT adoption can enhance diagnostic capabilities in radiology practices.