Miscellaneous and Emerging Applications of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography for the Evaluation of Intracranial Pathology

Dual-energy computed tomography (CT) has the potential to improve detection of abnormalities and increase diagnostic confidence in the evaluation of a variety of neurologic conditions by using different x-ray energy-dependent absorption behaviors of different materials. This article reviews the virtual monochromatic imaging applications of dual-energy CT, particularly material decomposition algorithms to improve lesion conspicuity, define lesion-normal tissue interface using different reconstruction techniques, and discuss miscellaneous emerging applications of dual-energy CT for neuroimaging, with an emphasis on their potential clinical utility.