Dual-energy computed tomographic virtual noncalcium algorithm for detection of bone marrow edema in acute fractures: early experiences

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2014 Sep-Oct;38(5):802-5. doi: 10.1097/RCT.0000000000000107.

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) is often used to assess the presence of occult fractures when plain radiographs are equivocal in the acute traumatic setting. While providing increased spatial resolution, conventional computed tomography is limited in the assessment of bone marrow edema, a finding that is readily detectable on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Dual-energy CT has recently been shown to demonstrate patterns of bone marrow edema similar to corresponding MRI studies. Dual-energy CT may therefore provide a convenient modality for further characterizing acute bony injury when MRI is not readily available. We report our initial experiences of 4 cases with imaging and clinical correlation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Algorithms*
  • Bone Marrow Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bone Marrow Diseases / etiology
  • Edema / diagnostic imaging*
  • Edema / etiology
  • Female
  • Fractures, Bone / complications
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / methods
  • Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Radiography, Dual-Energy Scanned Projection / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • User-Computer Interface