Virtual non-contrast imaging
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
At the time the article was created Andrew Murphy had no recorded disclosures.
View Andrew Murphy's current disclosuresAt the time the article was last revised Tariq Walizai had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.
View Tariq Walizai's current disclosures- VNC
- Virtual unenhanced
- Virtual non-contrast
Virtual non-contrast imaging is an image post-processing technique used to create 'non-contrast' images of contrast-enhanced scans via the subtraction of iodine. It is an imaging technique unique to dual energy CT.
Virtual non-contrast imaging allows reduction in the radiation dose to the patient 3.
Clinical applications
Virtual non-contrast imaging has the potential to replace the traditional non-contrast CT scan in multiphasic imaging 1, yet the application suitability varies from study to study. Attenuation values are found to yield 'similar readings' to traditional non-contrast studies 1,2; the clinical relevance of these discrepancies is an ongoing area of research.
References
- 1. Sauter A, Muenzel D, Dangelmaier J et al. Dual-Layer Spectral Computed Tomography: Virtual Non-Contrast in Comparison to True Non-Contrast Images. Eur J Radiol. 2018;104:108-14. doi:10.1016/j.ejrad.2018.05.007 - Pubmed
- 2. Ananthakrishnan L, Rajiah P, Ahn R et al. Spectral Detector CT-Derived Virtual Non-Contrast Images: Comparison of Attenuation Values with Unenhanced CT. Abdom Radiol (NY). 2017;42(3):702-9. doi:10.1007/s00261-016-1036-9 - Pubmed
- 3. Borges A, Antunes C, Curvo-Semedo L. Pros and Cons of Dual-Energy CT Systems: “One Does Not Fit All”. Tomography. 2023;9(1):195-216. doi:10.3390/tomography9010017 - Pubmed
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