Applications of spectral CT in emergency department imaging, with a focus on neuroimaging

Multi-energy detector spectral CT is a specialized form of dual-energy CT, an imaging technique that takes full advantage of the entire X-ray spectrum applied during CT scans, enabling superior differentiation of materials that may be indistinguishable on traditional CT. Contrary to source-based dual-energy CT, the benefits of detector-based spectral CT are always available with every scan, without needing to preemptively manually select dual source technique at the time of scanning. In cases of questionable findings on conventional CT images that require enhanced material differentiation, "spectral" data collected alongside CT images scanned utilizing this technique can be instantly analyzed to improve diagnostic confidence, without needing to re-scan the patient. While applicable to various patient populations and clinical scenarios, spectral CT is particularly useful for neuroradiology in the often fast-paced emergency department. The authors' facility uses the Philips Healthcare IQon Spectral CT in its own emergency department. This paper strives to briefly introduce some ways that spectral CT can be utilized to improve patient care in this setting.