TU-D-BRB-01: Dual-Energy CT: Techniques in Acquisition and Image Processing.

Dual-energy CT technology is becoming increasingly available to the medical imaging community. In addition, several models of CT simulators sold for use in radiation therapy departments now feature dual-energy technology. The images provided by dual-energy CT scanners add new information to the radiation treatment planning process; multiple spectral components can be used to separate and identify material composition as well as generate virtual monoenergetic images. In turn, this information could be used to investigate pathologic processes, separate the properties of contrast agents from soft tissues, assess tissue response to therapy, and other applications of therapeutic interest. Additionally, the decomposition of materials in images could directly integrate with and impact the accuracy of dose calculation algorithms. This symposium will explore methods of generating dual-energy CT images, spectral and image analysis algorithms, current and future applications of interest in oncologic imaging, and unique considerations when using dualenergy CT images in the radiation treatment planning process.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Understand acquisition techniques and processing algorithms used in dual-energy CT imaging. 2. Discover current and future applications of dual-energy CT images in the radiological oncology setting. 3. Introduce some of the unique considerations and QA requirements when integrating a dual-energy CT scanner into the radiation therapy environment. N. Pelc: GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, Sony; U. Schoepf: Consultant for and / or research support from Astellas, Bayer,;Bracco, GE, Guerbet, Medrad, Siemens.