Spectral Computed Tomography Angiography in Visceral Artery Aneurysms: Technical Principles and Clinical Applications

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Imaging
• Vascular Surgery
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) are rare, potentially fatal vascular conditions often detected incidentally.
• Advanced imaging increases VAA detection, necessitating improved diagnostic tools.
• Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Angiography (DECTA) shows potential for VAA management but requires further definition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on DECTA applications in the diagnosis and management of VAAs.
• To explore DECTA's role in emergency evaluation and post-treatment follow-up of VAAs.
• To assess DECTA's advantages over conventional CT in VAA care.

Main Methods:

• A non-systematic literature search of PubMed and Embase up to June 2025.
• Inclusion of peer-reviewed original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.
• Exclusion of case reports without technical data and non-English articles.

Main Results:

• DECTA enhances VAA diagnosis via virtual monoenergetic images, iodine maps, and material decomposition.
• DECTA aids post-endovascular treatment assessment, reducing metal artifacts and detecting endoleaks.
• Virtual Non-Contrast images may lower radiation exposure without compromising diagnostic confidence.

Conclusions:

• DECTA is a versatile tool for VAA diagnosis, emergency evaluation, and post-treatment follow-up.
• Evidence suggests DECTA's growing clinical relevance in VAA management, though many applications are adapted from other vascular diseases.
• Further VAA-specific studies are needed to solidify DECTA's role in clinical decision-making.